Fbkid's 2010 Draft Rankings: Wide Receiver

Last year’s wide receiver class was a very strong group that had many players who look like they will make an impact for years to come. Michael Crabtree held out into the regular season but it looks like he will breakout in his second year. Jeremy Maclin showed his big play ability and is another weapon for Kevin Kolb to throw to. Hakeem Nicks looks like the number one receiver the Giants have been looking for and should improve on his solid rookie campaign. Percy Harvin and Mike Wallace didn’t have the immediate expectations the other receivers had, but they both played very well and should continue to develop this year.

This year’s wide receiver class doesn’t lack the depth of last year’s, but there are plenty of guys who are certain to make an impact at the next level.

1. Dez Bryant Oklahoma State: Bryant has been involved in a lot of drama during the draft process but when you turn on the tape, you see why he is the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson. He is a big strong receiver who has terrific concentration when the ball is in the air and makes plenty of acrobatic catches. To top it all off, he was an explosive return man as well. Bryant may not hear his name called where he would expect, but he is a top ten talent regardless of potential issues.

2. Demaryius Thomas Georgia Tech: Thomas was unable to participate at the combine due to a broken foot but that may have been a blessing in disguise. Even with all the drama surrounding Bryant, no receiver did enough to knock him the top spot. At 6’3 224 pounds, Thomas has the size you look for in a number one receiver and is also very effective after the catch. With all this being said, Thomas is still very raw after playing in a triple option at Georgia Tech. He needs to improve as a route runner but everything else is in place.

3. Golden Tate Notre Dame: Tate may not be the biggest or the fastest receiver, but he is a playmaker. He is excellent at picking up yards after the catch and has also proven that he can win jump balls against bigger defenders. Tate is also a more developed route runner then some of the other top receiver’s in the class and could come in right away and make a big impact.

4. Arrelious Benn Illinois: Benn was highly touted coming into Illinois but didn’t put up the numbers many expected. However, that was due to the inconsistent quarterback play he had all the three years he played. He has the ability to make defenders miss after the catch with his strength and also has experience as a returner. Benn will need to improve on catching the ball consistently with his hands and his route running. If he gets those in order, the potential to develop into a number one receiver is there.

5. Mardy Gilyard Cincinnati: While he doesn’t have the timed speed you would expect, Gilyard is an explosive player who is a deep threat and a very good return man. While it seems like he would be best suited to be a slot receiver, Gilyard is still very raw and if he continues to progress as a player and put on some weight, he could be a steal for a team in the 2nd round.

6. Brandon LaFell LSU: LaFell thought about the idea of declaring for the draft last year but had his best year as a senior. He has reliable hands and has the ability to make some big plays. LaFell is also an excellent blocker and could develop into a very good number two receiver at the next level.

7. Eric Decker Minnesota: Decker was having an All American type year before a very serious foot injury brought his season to an end. This may limit his ability to contribute to a team right away but he has very good ball skills and has already shown that he can put up numbers with average quarterback play. The injury could really hurt Decker’s draft stock so whatever team gets him could be getting a potential steal.

8. Dezmon Briscoe Kansas: Briscoe put up huge numbers during his time at Kansas and has the size that teams look for. He doesn’t have great speed but is tough to bring down after the catch and has the strength to go up and grab the ball away from the defender. The main problem for Briscoe has been consistency but if he figures it out, he could develop into a very effective receiver who would be heavily utilized in a west coast offense.

9. Taylor Price Ohio: Price started to receive some national attention after a 4.41 forty yard dash at the combine. He has good size and can separate from defenders. Price’s numbers in college got a little bit better every year so if he continues to improve he could end up being one of the better values in this year’s draft.

10. Emmanuel Sanders Southern Methodist: Sanders is similar to the Jaguars Mike Thomas who went in the 3rd round of last year’s draft. They were both sure handed, productive college players but with their size are best utilized in the slot. After playing under June Jones, Sanders will have to work on route running but he is also an explosive returner who will be able to contribute to a team immediately.

2010 class grade: B+

Fbkid's 2009 Draft Rankings: Wide Receiver

In terms of immediate impact, last year’s class of receivers wasn’t a very good one. Donnie Avery, Eddie Royal and DeSean Jackson showed flashes of brilliance in their rookie years but the rest of the class was a disappointment. Many people had high expectations for Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas and James Hardy but none of them showcased their potential in their rookie seasons. Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Mario Manningham could all have big impacts this year due to changes this offseason. With the loss of TJ Houshmandzadeh and the future of Chad Ocho Cinco up in the air, both Simpson and Caldwell should get more playing time. Manningham has a great opportunity in New York as the Giants are looking for a number one receiver after the release of the troubled Plaxico Burress. Here are my wide receiver rankings for this year’s class.

1. Michael Crabtree Texas Tech: Crabtree is arguably the best player in this entire draft. He has very good hands and excellent body control when going up for jump balls. While he doesn't have elite speed, Crabtree is very good after the catch and plays faster. If it wasn't for his ankle injury, Crabtree could have been a top five pick but if he falls past the top ten, whoever gets him has the possibility of getting a steal.

2. Jeremy Maclin Missouri: Maclin in full pads could be the fastest player in the class. He has the ability to score everytime he touches the ball and has lots of upside. The only problem is he didn't run many NFL type routes at Missouri and will need to bulk up at the next level. Maclin coming out right now is a more polished Ted Ginn who was a top ten pick in the 2007 draft.

3. Hakeem Nicks North Carolina: Nicks is a very physical receiver with great hands who is excellent after the catch. He doesn't have great timed speed but is very tough to bring down. Nicks isn't put in the same class as the Crabtree's and Maclin's but could be the best receiver in the class.

4. Darrius Heyward-Bey Maryland: Heyward-Bey hasn't put up the numbers that some others on the list have but it's not his fault. He was in a run first offense with quarterback play that was average at best. Heyward-Bey has excellent speed but needs to work on his route running and isn't as elusive as you would think. If he works on these things, he has a very good chance of turning into a great player.

5. Kenny Britt Rutgers: Britt is a very physical receiver who is willing to go up and battle with defenders for a jump ball. He doesn't have great speed but is very competitive and should become a very good possession receiver at the next level.

6. Brian Robiskie Ohio State: Robiskie is a very polished route runner with great hands. That can be attributed to his father Terry, who is currently the receivers coach for the Falcons. Robiskie might be the most NFL ready receiver in this class but that also limits his upside. He should be a very good number two receiver for the next decade.

7. Percy Harvin Florida: If this was based on playmaking ability, Harvin would be near the top of the list. But as a receiver, he has a lot to work on. At Florida he never really ran routes and it is essential for him to develop this ability at the next level. Both durability and character are major issues as it was very hard for him to stay on the field at Florida and he has a documented history of incidents with refs, teammates and coaches. If Harvin develops as a receiver he could end up as a Santana Moss type player. But for many teams, the risk isn't worth the reward.

8. Mike Wallace Mississippi: Wallace is one of the fastest receivers in this year's class and has the potential to be a very good player at the next level. He really impressed as a receiver at the Senior Bowl and also has the ability to help out a team in the return game.

9. Jarett Dillard Rice: While Michael Crabtree was clearly the best receiver in college football the best few years, Dillard was actually more productive. In the past three years, Dillard had 257 catches for 3614 yards and 55 touchdowns. He is a very good route runner and has excellent body control. Dillard is quicker than he is fast and has the potential to be this year's Greg Jennings.

10. Mike Thomas Arizona: Thomas, who is the Pac 10's all time receptions leader, is the best slot receiver in this class. He is a very good route runner and while he doesn't have elite speed, is very quick in and out of his cuts and has the ability to get away from tacklers. Look for Thomas to come in and have a rookie season like Davone Bess of the Dolphins where he makes an immediate impact as a sure handed receiver.