The wide receiver position is among the most hazardous to navigate on the draft board. You need only look at the Seahawks’ recent signings of Mike Williams and Reggie Williams to remind you of the risks.
Pundits focus on the "diva" factor among wideouts. Since I like to be entertained, I have no issue so long as they get their work done between the white lines (read: Chad Ochocinco is just fine by me). I’m more interested in how the players react to the big learning curve, the discipline required at the next level and the other shifts from the college game.
The top player on the board certainly has some questions swirling off the field, but his athletic skills are off the charts.
1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Forget about timed speeds and workout numbers. Put this guy on the field and watch him fly around. Bryant has the size and strength to outwork defenders and the hands to snag difficult throws.
All questions surrounding Bryant focus on his upbringing and discipline. The fact that he missed all but three games last season because of his relationship with Deion Sanders will weigh heavily on the minds of those in NFL war rooms. That is, it’ll weigh heavily until they watch the game tape again. Bryant certainly carries some risk, but the potential for him to develop into a true No. 1 option is there.
2. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Thomas has the size and speed to become an immediate impact player in the right system (or to be the guy that the quarterback targets frequently as the lone option in a bad one). He was running in the low 4.3s (reportedly) before breaking his foot and has the leaping ability to go up-and-over defenders to make big plays. Thomas averaged 25 yards per reception for Georgia Tech in 2009. I’m envisioning a first-year red zone monster with tremendous upside.
3. Golden Tate, Notre Dame
Tate’s stature is seen as somewhat of a negative, but more than a few smaller receivers have excelled in the current pass-happy NFL. He has the burst and quickness to get open and could be absolutely deadly on quick slant routes. Just get the ball in his hands, however possible, and let him make plays. Tate will make an immediate impact as a return man while growing into a No. 2 receiving option.
4. Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Benn’s numbers don’t leap off of the page, but remember that he was part of a very inconsistent offense and played hurt in 2009. He’s not afraid to mix it up with defenders and aggressively works to the ball, though his technique needs refinement. On some level, I can see Benn sliding into an Anquan Boldin-like role in the NFL. That is to say, Benn could excel at going over the middle with an occasional big pop downfield.
5. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
Gilyard posted back-to-back 80-reception, 11-touchdown seasons for the Bearcats while causing nightmares for defensive back coaches and special teams coordinators. He has breakaway speed, but also isn’t afraid to work over the middle despite a smallish frame (needs to add some mass). Gilyard’s fearless nature was also exhibited in his brilliant return efforts. He’ll definitely boost a team’s punt-return unit and has the ability to settle in as an outstanding PPR option.
6. Brandon LaFell, LSU
LaFell possesses the size and physicality to excel on the next level. At nearly 6-3 and 215 pounds, he has the frame to take a pounding over the middle and to create separation on the edges. Most importantly, LaFell is aggressive to the ball and has great hands, having proven his stock in the rough-and-tumble SEC.
7. Damian Williams, USC
Williams comes out of the high-octane USC offense having excelled as both a receiver and return man. He’s schooled in the fundamentals, is a pure route-runner with good hands and has an ability to find his spot in a zone. Williams can contribute as a returner immediately and figures to find a role as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in the NFL.
8. Jordan Shipley, Texas
Shipley probably needs to bulk up a bit at the next level, but his pure football skills are well-developed. He’s a tremendous route-runner with good hands that helped contribute to Colt McCoy’s high completion percentage (you have to give the receivers some of the credit, right?). Shipley figures to play in the NFL as a possession receiver (8.3 catches per game in 2009) that works the middle of the field.
9. Eric Decker, Minnesota
Decker possesses the prototypical receiver body. At 6-3 and 217 pounds, he has the physicality to battle defenders off of the line and has superb hands to snag balls in space. The biggest issue affecting Decker is his extensive injury history (he appeared in nine games in 2009).
10. Riley Cooper, Florida
Cooper is a bit of a gamble on the board given the decision he has to make regarding his future. Will he choose baseball or football?
Cooper has great size (6-3), solid speed (around a 4.5 40-yard dash) and adapts his route well during the play. With Tebow under center, Cooper didn’t have much of a choice. His athleticism is intriguing, but there is some risk.
