2012 NFL Draft: Receiver
This really is an excellent receiver class. I’ve never seen this many big, tall, and talented receivers in the same draft. Justin Blackmon’s a stud, will go top 6 and deserves it, I am worried a bit about his character though. People are hyping Michael Floyd too much for my liking. I think we’ll see 4 wideouts go in the first and at least 4 more in the 2nd. Immediate impact from Blackmon on the outside and Joe Adams as a punt returner. Remember the name Juron Criner.
1. Justin Blackmon—Okla St.—6’1”-207—Top Ten—98—Been following him ever since Dez Bryant got suspended and Blackmon blew up. 2 time Biletnikoff winner (Best WR), 17 yards per catch and averages nearly 2 td’s a game. The man defines productivity. Definitely plays much bigger than his frame, and has ability to box out defenders. Natural true hands. Excellent after the catch, think Anquan Boldin but faster. Attacks the football, a lot like Dez in the respect, just goes up and takes it. Tore apart Alonzo Dennard and Prince Amukamara and singlehandedly took over the Fiesta Bowl. He’s a gamer with some character issues (DUI in 2010) and can get pouty/angry. A slightly better prospect than Dez Bryant just because of better top speed, not as developed a receiver as A.J. Green i.e. route running. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVu1L7gJzkY
2. Michael Floyd—Notre Dame—6’3”-220—Top 15—93—Got a lot of double coverage this past year which saw his yards and ypr take a dip. Prototypical size for number 1 wideout, good physicality, 4.47 is good. Caught a lot of streaks from Jimmy Clausen, more slants and comebacks after he left. I see him as similar to a less physical Brandon Marshall. Some people are throwing out Larry Fitzgerald comparisons which is an embarrassment. Will be Vincent Jackson at best, gets open pretty well, but does not show exceptional separation or catch in traffic ability.
3. Rueben Randle—LSU—6’3”-210—2nd—88—Wasn’t super productive, but 53 for 917 and 8 scores isn’t too bad in an SEC running offense. 4.55 at the combine disappointed some but I think he plays at a 4.5. Surprisingly quick for a guy his size but equally surprising at his lack of physicality. Dude got absolutely shut down by Alabama twice this year but tore them apart last year. Reminds me of Arrelious Benn or Brandon Lafell, solid 2nd round prospect.
4. Juron Criner—Arizona—6’3”-224—2nd—87—Very interesting prospect. NFL size, NFL production (just shy of 100 per game). People are turned off by his 4.67, but I think he plays at a 4.55 and shows very good lateral movement, plus a 38” vert. Apparently some character issues, also saw a couple drops on film. Seems to be a bit of a complainer too. That being said this kid is sliding under the radar. If he ran a 4.55 he’s a late first rounder. My sleeper of this receiver class, think Vincent Jackson or Marques Colston. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WSAMN_k5gM&feature=relmfu
5. Kendall Wright—Baylor—5’10”-196—1st—86—Dude straight balled with RG3. 100 for 1600 and 14 TD’s, beast. He’s small, looks a lot like Percy Harvin, difference is I think Percy was more explosive. This guy got deep a lot for a 4.6 at the combine (4.41 at pro day). He probably plays around 4.5 which aint bad out of the slot. He’s further along in his route running than Percy, but Percy was a better athlete. I think this guy is a 2nd round prospect. 39” Vert shows good explosion, but I don’t see him running by a lot of people at the next level so anyone comparing him to Mike Wallace need to shut the hell up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkBtsOuM300
6. Alshon Jeffery—South Carolina—6’3”-216—1st-2nd—85—Jump ball specialist. At one time thought of as a top ten pick, slow running and character issues have derailed that possibility. Dude was like 240 pounds at the end of the year, but a 4.48 at the combine while tipping the scale at 216 made a lot of people shut up. Plays closer to a 4.6 which puts him in the 2nd round for me. Does not separate from defenders well, though he did get a lot of attention. Big strong hands (10.25”), can make catches in and above traffic. Dwanye Bowe at best, but someone’s gonna have to straighten out his head. Comparable to USC’s Mike Williams for the Seahawks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV0VbLqNLrU
7. Marvin McNutt—Iowa—6’3”-216—2nd-3rd day—83—Solid production of 80 for 1300 and 12 with a new QB. Makes spectacular catches but sometimes drops the bunnies. Very good size, good stride. Ran a surprising 4.54 but looks like a 4.6 on tape which may push him into the 3rd. A lot like Juron Criner, but McNutt seems stiffer and doesn’t have the YAC ability. Starvin Marvin got shutdown by Dennard which doesn’t bode well for his draft stock. He has serious ability though and could be a number one in the league. Comparable to a little slower Kenny Britt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzDog7j9ziE
8. Stephen Hill—Georgia Tech—6’4”-215—1st-2nd—82—Would someone please explain to me why these freak athlete receivers keep going to Georgia Tech where they run the option 9 outta 10 plays. Seriously Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas and now Stephen Hill. Big strong kid. 4.36 at the combine has him getting 1st round talk. He runs fluidly, but he doesn’t have turn the corner speed but more like you’re not gonna catch him from behind type speed. Has a couple nice catches downfield in traffic, but the guy basically runs quick screens or streaks. 2nd round for potential, he’s not as good as Demaryius Thomas was and it took him almost 2 years to make any impact. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VHFeehT0Ro
9. Chris Given—Wake Forest—5’11”-198—3rd round—80—Big year in 2011, 80 for 1300. Came out as a Junior. He’s a borderline 2nd round prospect despite slightly questionable hands. Ran a 4.41 and looks exactly that on film. Can get vertical and can catch underneath routes. Will take him a couple years but he’s an NFL receiver. Reminds me of Damien Williams.
10. Nick Toon—Wisconsin—6’2”-215—2nd day—80—Everytime I watched Wisconsin this guy seemed to make plays. Even though it was a running offense he still racked up 60 grabs for 1000 and 10 trips to the endzone. Ran a solid 4.55 and has good size. Made a lot of tough catches. A faster Austin Pettis. He’ll go in the third but has 2nd round potential. Father was a receiver drafted before Jerry Rice. Plays a lot like Eric Decker.
11. Rishard Matthews—Nevada—6’0”-217—3rd round/day—78—Getting a buzz lately after a solid pro-day. Let the WAC in catches and yards. Really really strong runner with the ball. Reminds me of Steve Smith of the Panthers a bit. More of an outside receiver than slot guy despite his height. Ran mid 4.4’s at his pro day but plays around 4.5. He’s a solid 3rd round pick, brings return ability too. Pretty close to Damien Williams on the Titans, though less polished. Stiff arm at the 1:05 mark http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DiCg-za-uA
12. Ryan Broyles--Oklahoma—5’10”-192—3rd day—75—Very productive at Oklahoma. Tore his ACL at the end of the season which is gonna put a serious dip his draft stock. NCAA all time leader in receptions. Has return ability too. Bulk isn’t terrible for someone his height. Not the fastest but good quickness and hands and toughness. Could be a steal. Wont be a factor this fall. I like him as a slot guy, or even a Deion Branch type. Sam Bradford and Landry Jones’ best friend.
13. Mohamed Sanu—Rutgers—6’2”-211—2nd—75—Good size, 4.67 is ugly, and he plays that speed too. Brutal tape against UConn. Looks like they’re designing plays for him but it aint working. Looks lost running in the open field. Big East career reception hold (210) after only playing 3 years. Will catch underneath routes pretty exclusively although he doesn’t consistently beat corners. West coast receiver. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lMqem_IgX4
14. Brian Quick—Appalachian St.—6’4”-220—3rd round/day—72—I see a lot of Marques Colston in his game. Plays out of the slot pretty often and can exploit the seem. Can’t win on the outside with his athleticism and does not show the ability to get the ball at the highest point. Will need to be in the right situation and will need to play in the slot. Consistently productive with about 1000 yards each of the last 3 years, smooth runner but ran a 4.55 and plays at a 4.6 without a killer instinct. 34” arms and 10” hands aka should be able to go get it, but doesn’t show it yet.
15. Joe Adams—Arkansas—5’11”-179—3rd round/day—70—Best return man in the draft. Will be a serviceable slot receiver in the pro’s, but his return ability is why he’ll get drafted. 4.55 at the combine, relies more on quickness anyway. Watch this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxW2mL8BbOA
16. A.J. Jenkins—Illinois—6’0”-190—3rd round/day—68—Smaller guy who could move to the slot or stay outside. 1250 yards last year is nice. Really slim guy is gonna want to put on some lbs but that could slow him down from 4.4. Looks like a fourth round prospect to me that may one day be an average 2nd receiver. Good burst and runs good routes though.
17. Jarius Wright—Arkansas—5’10”-182—3rd day—62—Absolutely loved watching this guy last fall. Seemed like he was always open and always making big plays. Ran a 4.41 at the combine but was reported to run a 4.27 while at school. He’s real tiny, like Desean Jackson small. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the burst that Desean or Titus Young has, that’s gonna push him to day 3. Johnny Knox at best. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz2uszgCxnE