2011 NFL Draft: Receiver

A.J. Green is a boy. These top 2 are Legit and have been dominating the SEC since they were freshman. After them there is a serious bunching of talent in the early to middle 2nd round. Because theres so many of those guys some of them are gonna fall into the late 2nd and even the 3rd. After that there are several deep threats in the middle rounds. I think this is a very good wideout class, somewhat comparable to 2009.

1.) A.J. Green—Georgia—6’4”-211—Top 10—99—He’s the real deal. This guy has the most natural hands I’ve ever seen coming into the draft. He has amazing balls skills, he makes plays outside the numbers, between the hashes, catches screens he does everything. Surprising ability after the catch. Last year I fell in love with Dez Bryant’s ball skills, this guy is a more complete player with at least as much upside. Good route runner, finds holes in the zone, sets up defenders, and really makes the game look easy, the Browns would be retarded not to take him at 6. 4.48 is pretty good, plays fast. Suspended for selling a jersey so prob no real character issues.

2.) Julio Jones—Alabama—6’3”-220—Top 15—95—Absolute freak. 4.39, more than 11 foot broad jump, 38.5” vert. I remember watching him play spring ball as a freshman and he was unstoppable. Problem with him is he doesn’t play as fast as advertised. But he gets great position, has goodish hands, and will instantly be one of the most physical receivers in the NFL. Catches a lot of hitches, slants, crosses, and outs. Doesn’t get downfield real often which is a big reason Aj’s ahead of him. Reminds me of Brandon Marshall in that he uses his body well, catches short passes and is real physical after the catch. Ideal receiver for west coast offense.

3.) Jonathan Baldwin—Pitt—6’4”-228—2nd—90—Enormous and athletic, at one point rumored to be a top 15 pick. Ran a 4.5 with a 42” vert, let me repeat 42” vert at 228lbs. His coach said he is the best he’s ever seen at adjusting to the football. Think Dwayne Bowe with hops. Not a real burst guy, but when he gets cooking downfield he can run by people. Would like to see him be more dangerous after the catch. Is gonna make a living on the deep in. I see him as a 1st round talent.

4.) Titus Young—Boise St.-5’11”-174—2nd day—87—I noticed him early this fall when Boise played Va Tech and I named him this year’s Mike Wallace/Johnny Knox/Desean Jackson. Then everyone noticed him and my 4th round sleeper became a 2nd round probable. I still think he warrants a 2nd round pick cuz he makes shit happen. A few character concerns too. Some people want him in the slot, but he’s gonna play exactly the way Mike Wallace does, just prob not quite as good. He adds value as a returner.

5.) Leonard Hankerson—Miami—6’2”-209—2nd day—87—Was very impressive this fall. In pads looks at least 6’3”. Really good natural huge hands (10.5” hands), good ball skills. Deceptively fast (4.43), but it’s a building speed like Jon Baldwin, not quick acceleration. He looks like a solid receiver, with a well rounded game, will need to work on route running. He’s just a really good solid player. Reminds me of Kenny Britt.

6.) Randall Cobb—Kentucky—5’10”-191-2nd-3rd—85—The guy is a football player pure and simple. He’s this class’s best slot receiver. I saw him play QB, RB, and multiple receiver spots in college. He breaks tackles, he makes tough/clutch catches, and he runs a 4.43. I feel like I should like him more, but he’s caught right in a talented group of wideouts so he might slip into the 3rd.

7.) Greg Little—UNC—6’3”-231—Round 3-5—84—Big MAN. Ran a 4.53 which coincidentally is what Dez Bryant ran. Sat out last year for illegal agent stuff. The man is big ripped and talented. Natural and strong hands, definitely a guy that’s gonna catch a lot over the middle. Runs with strength after the catch, reminds me of Anquan Boldin in that respect. 40” vert aka some serious explosiveness. He’s gonna slip further than his talent would dictate. Former RB, gonna be good in a west coast system cuz of YAC and size. Lot of value in the 3rd. Comparable to Arrelious Benn coming out last year

8.) Torrey Smith—Maryland—6’1”-204—2nd—83—Ran a 4.43 which is good but not amazing. Like his run after catch. I don’t see him as much as the deep threat everyone wants him to be. I see him as a mid 2nd round pick and someone that has the ability to play outside the numbers. Comparison would be Dante Stallworth. Ran a lotta hitches and screens. Real good hands, even though their small. Not a true route runner yet.

9.) Jerrel Jernigan—Troy—5’9”-185—3rd round—80—One of those small school spread offense guys like Emmanuel Sanders last year. This guy has serious value in the 4th. Was Mr. Everything for Troy. Great running with the ball. Runs in the 4.4’s I like him as a player, 2nd best slot man in the draft. Return ability.

10.) Austin Pettis—Boise State—6’3”-209—3rd round/day—76—Hugely productive in college, the 4.6 ain’t great. Big strong hands, catches just about everything. I think he’s a 3rd round prospect, in the same ballpark as Riley Cooper or Eric Decker last year. He uses his body well, and goes and gets the ball. West Coast offense receiver.

11.) Edmond Gates—ACU—6’0”-192—3rd round/day—70—Dude is an absolute burner (4.37). Gotta like the 40” vert. When Johnny Knox came from the same school he was a much less polished receiver than this guy is right now. Might jump into the 3rd because of his gamebreaker potential. Keep your eye on him.

12.) Terrence Tolliver—LSU—6’4”-212-3rd round/day—64—Lanky bastard. Pretty good 40 (4.53) but he doesn’t play fast, doesn’t come in and outta breaks well and is a pussy. Lit up Auburn this fall but is not really the type of guy that’s gonna make a big impact. 2nd receiver at best.

13.) Greg Salas—Hawaii—6’1”-210—3rd round/day—60—Caught a million balls at Hawaii. I don’t see NFL athleticism. Has real good hands and receiver instincts, but just doesn’t have anything that’s gonna garner separation from defenders. Maybe a 5th rounder.

14.) Ronald Johnson—USC—5’11”-199—3rd round/day—55—People compare him to Damien Williams from last year which is ridiculous. Has some return ability but ain’t polished as a receiver at all.