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+
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