Wide Receiver Prospects
This year’s class of wide outs, led by Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon, has pretty good depth at the top. We could see as many as seven receivers come off the board in the first two rounds of the draft.
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State – There really is not a lot of debate over Blackmon being the top pass catcher of the 2012 draft class, some even think he may be a better prospect than former teammate Dez Bryant. He has everything teams look for in a WR prospect except for elite top end speed. He is expected to run somewhere in the low 4.5s when he works out.
Potential Destinations: He could conceivably go as high as the Rams as they are desperate to get some more play-makers around Sam Bradford. However there will be some debate as to whether it is worthwhile spending that high of a pick on a WR who does not run sub 4.5 in the 40. The Vikings could also have an interest if they decide to give Christian Ponder another year or two at the helm. The Vikes are in desperate need of a legit #1 receiver as well. The Jaguars are also rebuilding around a young QB who has no real weapons to throw to either. The Browns, Dolphins, Redskins, and Panthers could all have an interest as well. With a glaring need for an elite pass catcher by almost every team in the top ten Blackmon will not last long.
Michael Floyd, Notre Dame – Floyd is the better looking physical specimen when compared to Blackmon, he is slightly taller and probably a bit stronger than Blackmon is. Blackmon probably has the slight edge when it comes to running routes and being able to separate himself from defenders. Two major strikes against Floyd which will ultimately keep him from going ahead of Blackmon are multiple alcohol related arrests in college as well as two seasons that were aborted prematurely due to injury.
Possible Destinations: The consensus seems to be that Floyd ends up somewhere in the middle of the first round. The Eagles would be a strong possibility if they decide to cut ties with the mercurial DeSean Jackson. The Bears also have a need for a legit #1 receiver for Jay Cutler to throw to. It is hard to imagine him slipping past the Titans.
Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina – Jeffery could challenge Floyd for the #2 WR spot. He is slightly bigger than Floyd and does not come with the off-field baggage or injury history that Floyd does. Playing the SEC could also help his readiness as he will have faced some of the best defensive backs in the country this season. The biggest knock on Jeffery will be his foot speed. He does not show that extra gear to be able to run away from defensive backs at the next level, but his size and strength will make him a tough one to bring down by decidedly smaller defensive backs.
Possible Destinations: See Michael Floyd, a lot will depend on which player impresses teams more than the other in the spring.
Kendall Wright, Baylor – Wright burst onto the scene this fall after largely flying under the NFL’s radar screen the previous three years at Baylor. He will gain the attention of teams looking for someone who can stretch the field, but his lack of consistency catching the ball and running routes will keep him from going higher in the draft than he possibly could have. Wright is largely seen as the best speed receiver prospect in this draft.
Possible Destinations: He could sneak into the back end of the first round to a team like San Francisco or New England who could be in the market for someone who can get down the field. The Rams, Vikings, Browns, and Jaguars could all have an interest at the top of the second round. The Eagles could also be in play for Wright if they decide to move on from DeSean Jackson.
Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers – Has the NFL body but not elite NFL speed which will likely keep him out of the first round. He has the look of being a #2 type or possession receiver at the next level.
Possible Destinations: The Jags, Redskins, Vikings, and Bills could all have an interest in the top half of the second round.
Nick Toon, Wisconsin – Has adequate size and speed to play at the next level, however, injuries and inconsistent play could keep him out of the first round. He could sneak into the first round if he works out well and shows he has fully recovered from injuries that slowed him this past fall.
Possible Destinations: He should be in the mix with the same teams who have an interest in Wright and Sanu.
Brian Quick, Appalachian State – Similar to Sanu in that he has the NFL body but does not have the NFL speed. He also received a medical redshirt due to a back injury and will be marked down because of the lack of speed and the fact that he played at the FCS level.
Possible Destinations: Where he ends up will depend in large part on how well he runs. As it stands he is probably looking at going somewhere in the 3rd round.
Dwight Jones, North Carolina – Jones may be the most intriguing wide receiver prospect in the 2012 draft. Has good size, expected to measure in at least 6′ 4″, but is a bit on the lean side. Also has good athleticism and has shown a knack for making the big play. Did not really excel at the college level until his senior year though due to academic and injury issues. He is also prone to dropping some catchable balls and is not the most disciplined of route runners.
Possible Destinations: If he runs and works out well he could sneak into the first round and challenge for the #2 or #3 receiver to come off the board. If he fails to impress with his workouts he will likely land somewhere in the second round based on his physical skillset alone.
