Contact: mharmon2570@gmail.com
  Backyard Banter
  • Home
  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fifteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fourteen NFL Preview
    • Week Thirteen NFL Preview
    • Week Twelve Picks
    • Week Eleven Picks
    • Week Ten Picks
    • Week Nine Picks
    • Week Eight Picks
    • Week Seven Picks
    • Week Six Picks
    • Week Five Picks
    • Week Four Picks
    • Week Three Picks
    • Week Two Picks
    • Week One Picks
  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
    • Week Seven in Review
    • Week Six in Review
    • Week Five in Review
    • Week Four in Review
    • Week Three in Review
    • Week Two in Review
    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Five
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Oakland Raiders
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • Detroit Lions
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Buffalo Bills
      • New York Jets
      • Tennessee Titans
      • San Diego Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
      • Week Twelve Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Eleven Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Ten Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Nine Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
      • Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 7
      • Week 6
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1
      • Season Preview Edition 8/18
    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
      • Super Bowl Pick
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17 Picks
      • Week 16 Picks
    • Week in Review (2012) >
      • The Super Bowl
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1

Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers

By: Matt Harmon
May 1st, 2015
Picture
Kevin White was among many talented wide receivers drafted on Thursday night (Image: Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press).
Hours of hard work goes into our pre-draft work and evaluations of players. However, it is oftentimes their fit and landing spots that determine the trajectory of their career, and their statistical outcomes. It is important, especially this early, to stay true to your scouting work, but this new piece of data given is paramount.

While I am still very much a believer in the talent of the players laid out in my wide receiver rankings, my feelings on their projections may have changed based on where, and to where, they were drafted. Here are some off the cuff reactions to the landing spots for the wide receivers drafted in the first round.

Oakland Raiders – Amari Cooper Drafted 4th Overall

While I like Kevin White better as a prospect, The Raiders selecting Amari Cooper over the West Virginia receiver makes complete sense. Cooper, while not an overwhelming physical specimen, has rareness with how polished he is early in his development. Relative to his peers, the Alabama receiver is incredibly advanced with how he can beat defenders as a route runner—using deception, technique and timing that is almost uncanny for a receiver coming out of school. He is a terrific fit as a short to intermediate dominator, in timing based offense.

As such, Amari Cooper is exactly what Derek Carr needs. Based on last year’s tape, it appears Oakland wants to run an offense based on quick-hitting, and high percentage passing attempts. While Bill Musgrave has a mediocre track record as an offensive play-caller, he did spend a year with Chip Kelly and could bring along an up-tempo philosophy to Oakland. An infusion of the two would signal the influx of a very interesting offense for the Raiders.

Much like the veteran Oakland recently added, Cooper offers Carr a player that will flash open early in his routes. His issues were not as pronounced as a rookie as they were in college, but Carr still is a below-average passer against pressure. Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper give him the young passer a one-two punch that should help him minimize this weakness in his game. They’re also reliable presences at a position that has been long filled with athletic, but volatile players. In Oakland, Cooper profiles as a player who will catch 80-plus passes for many seasons to come, provided Carr continues to develop. He could start putting up those gaudy stats as a soon as this season.

For more information on Amari Cooper, check out his Reception Perception evaluation.


Chicago Bears – Kevin White Drafted 7th Overall

On the field, Kevin White will make for a fine replacement of the departed Brandon Marshall. Many off the attributes that Jay Cutler so appreciated in Marshall’s game, he will find came with White to the NFL. The rookie receiver plays with a fire in his gut after the catch, and often requires multiple defenders to bring him down. Marshall is famous for being a tough out with the ball in his hands. White also thrives in contested situations, and winning those 50-50 balls that Cutler is so fond of throwing up. On those two abilities alone, Cutler and White should make for a sensible pairing.

However, this selection was not at all Jay Cutler-centered. It’s quite clear there is no love lost between the Bears new brass and the quarterback the decisions of others has stuck them with. As such, White’s capabilities to work in an offense beyond the “heave it up” styling of Cutler is the icing on the cake. While he was not asked to run many routes at West Virginia, he executed those he was with pristine proficiency. He showed every trait you’d need to see in order to conclude that he can win as a technician at every level of the field. Once Chicago does replace Cutler, White will have incorporated more nuance into his game, and will already have the skills to maximize his special abilities on the high-percentage routes he’s mastered.

 John Fox’s history of bringing rookies along slowly throws some cold water on the idea that White will come out swinging his rookie season. However, this is move with an excellent long-term ceiling. Alshon Jeffery is a very good player, and can shoulder the burden of the number-one duties as White comes along in the NFL. But it may not be too long before White relegates Jeffery back to the role of second fiddle in the Bears passing game. Expect the Kevin White to end up the lead receiver before too long.

For more information on Kevin White, check out his Reception Perception evaluation.


Miami Dolphins – DeVante Parker Drafted 14th Overall

This is the receiver pick I feel the most conflicted about in round one, which figured to be the case wherever DeVante Parker went. As a rookie, Parker may struggle to beat out the trio of Greg Jenning, Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry. That already felt like a well-rounded, and diverse group. Of course, Parker carries the ability and physical upside, that none of those three possess, to be the number one receiver for the Dolphins. In that sense, maybe the setup in Miami will help bring Parker along slowly. Throughout the process, it has appeared that would be best for Parker.


Ryan Tannehill ran a simplified offense last year. It will be interesting to see if Parker assimilates into that, or becomes the weapon that helps them break away into a more traditional NFL offense. The college style attack that Miami played with last season would help put Parker in positions to win based on his excellent athletic abilities. At least this would happen more often than it would on the majority of teams in the league. However, this may also keep him from getting the consistent reps he needs in a pro-style attack to get himself wrapped around the nuanced parts of the game. He needs those in order to reach his potential.

There is both good and bad to DeVante Parker landing with Miami. Personally, it would not be surprising to see his tenure there go either way. Yet, there is no doubt he fits the profile of the player that this passing game needed.


Philadelphia Eagles – Nelson Agholor Drafted 20th Overall

What a slam-dunk. Nelson Agholor was higher in my rankings than he was for many other analysts. What he brought to the table was a safe and reliable floor, but with plenty of excellent abilities to propel him to a very high-ceiling. A high-volume role with a smart offensive coordinator was the other ingredients he needed to make that a reality. Sure enough, Agholor received both when he landed in Philadelphia.

We’ve seen Chip Kelly craft utilization plans for both DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, give them bother career years, and let them go soon after. Now, it seems he has his long-term player for that spot in Agholor. The USC receiver brings fearlessness in traffic, and ability to thrive after the catch. Neither of which any of the other current Eagles’ receivers have. He also offers the reliability, and solid technique that Chip Kelly seems to prefer out of his passing game assets. Agholor appears to have everything you look for out of good route runners are the college level, and should develop further in the at area of the game.

Do not be surprised if Agholor, a player this team highly coveted, ends up being the most productive rookie this year. He’s tailor made for the role he’ll play in the Eagles passing game, and may be one of the two or three most talented players on their offense right now. Quite honestly, he’s a better version of Jeremy Maclin.


Baltimore Ravens – Breshad Perriman Drafted 26th Overall

If ever there was a perfect landing spot for a rookie receiver this year, it was Baltimore. Marc Trestman in town now, with fearless competent quarterback behind center, and a clear need for pass catchers. The Ravens’ new offensive coordinator needed a young, gifted player to build his passing game around. He may have just snagged one in Breshad Perriman.

Perriman is chronically criticized for drops, but he does not have bad hands. While he needs to work on timing, in relation to when he throws his mitts up, he tracks the ball well and makes routine catches with ease. The mishaps can be ironed out of his games, and are not “kiss of death” type of hands issues. Even so, the highs Perriman comes with can negate the errors. Clearly fast, he also brings quickness and fluidity to the table, which will help him develop as a route runner. I already saw signs that Perriman has good release technique, and understands how and when to utilize deception in-route. He is not nearly as raw as his reputation would suggest.

Early on in his career, Perriman can be the type of player that makes splash plays, and creates yards when given space. As a bonus, his vertical ability will help clear out room for the other less-than-impressive receivers in Baltimore’s offense. This player is an ideal fit with Joe Flacco, and could be his running mate for a very long time.


Indianapolis Colts – Phillip Dorsett Drafted 29th Overall

It took until the end of the round, but we finally had a receiver pick that I truly disliked. The Colts went with a small, speedy receiver in Phillip Dorsett, despite carrying a very similar player in T.Y. Hilton. Not that having two Hiltons is a bad thing, but I struggle to see Dorsett approaching that ceiling, due to his lack of in-air ability.

In the immediate sense, it’s hard to imagine Dorsett vaulting Andre Johnson in the pecking order, and Hilton is entrenched at the top. Can Dorsett beat out Moncrief? If so, that’s not a good sign for the latter’s development. It’s never a good sign when a pick is made that feels like a barrier for an investment made just the previous year. As a long-term asset, Dorsett lands in a nice landing spot, with a quarterback who should get him the ball down the field. Andrew Luck’s ball placement and timing may make it so that Dorsett can catch deep shots in stride, which will mask his struggles in the air. One way or another, Luck and Dorsett are going to make some beautiful music together on the highlight reels.

Despite the potential for splash plays, and being a supporter of the “you cannot overstock the cupboards for a franchise quarterback” philosophy, I just do not care for this pick. The Colts needed help in many other areas, outside of a pass catcher. If you are a supporter of forgoing need, and just taking quality players, there was a receiver who can do what Dorsett does but much better, in Devin Smith, available at he 29th pick. I struggle to envision a scenario in which Dorsett becomes an above average receiver, who regularly approaches 1,000 yards-a-season. 
Comment Form is loading comments...
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.