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WR Draft Prospects
by N Barnett Dec. 9, 2006
1) *Calvin Johnson, 6'4" 235 lbs, Georgia Tech
Far atop the WR rankings is Calvin Johnson. One of the most highly regarded WRs to come out in a long time. While Johnson is still just a junior, he is very likely to go pro because of his top 5 projection. Great size, hands, speed, and character, Johnson will be a great pro and a #1 WR for years to come.
NFL pro comparison: Randy Moss
2) *Ted Ginn Jr, 6'0" 182 lbs, Ohio State
A very explosive threat and a homerun threat. Ted Ginn Jr is a very talented player who has potential to become even better. Still learning a bit at WR, his assets in the return game make him an attractive canidate for any team. Look for Ginn Jr to run extremely well at the combine as possibly jump into the top 10.
NFL pro comparison: Steve Smith
3) Jeff Samardzija, 6'5" 215 lbs, Notre Dame
Samardzija has the big frame that QBs like. Easy to spot in coverage and with his height he can easily win jump balls. Doesn't have top end speed but has enough to get the job done. The biggest downfault to Samardzija is that he wants to play in the NFL and pitch in the minors in 2007. That could scare a few teams away and he would be wise to make a full time commitment to one sport.
NFL pro comparison: Anquan Boldin
4) *Dwayne Jarrett, 6'5" 210 lbs, USC
Jarrett has the ability to be a special player in the NFL. He has excellent size and runs very good routes. He can go up and grab the ball out of the air which easily helps him win jump balls. A step slow in the speed department but has that natural ability to be a #1 WR in the NFL.
NFL pro comparison: Reggie Wayne
5) *Sidney Rice, 6'4" 197 lbs, South Carolina
A bit more of a possesion WR, Rice has the potential to be an above average NFL player. Rice has excellent hands and will catch most anything thrown his way. Still learning the position, he needs work on his route running and ball awareness. The potential might not be there to be a great player but overall he should have a solid pro career. Rice is a sophomore but has been out of High School for 3 years, which makes his eligable for the draft. Though its presumed that he may return to school.
NFL pro comparison: Michael Clayton
6) Steve Smith, 5'11" 195 lbs, USC
A small but productive WR, Smith has the potential to be like the guy with his namesake in the NFL, the Panthers WR Steve Smith. Though not nearly as fast, Smith has the same kind of deceptiveness. Good hands and route runner. If he runs well at the combine you could see him move into the 1st round.
NFL pro comparison: Donald Driver
7) Jason Hill, 6'1" 210 lbs, Washington State
A very productive WR who is a very good deep threat. Hill's main reason for his success is that he runs great routes and he rarely will drop balls. Lacks timed speed but has game speed. Hard to deny his production though. Might be a better #2 WR in the NFL.
NFL pro comparison: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
8) Johnnie Lee Higgins, 6'0" 190 lbs, U.T.E.P.
Higgins has been the go to guy for QB Jordan Palmer at U.T.E.P. A solid speedster, Higgins is a homerun threat. Great after the catch but he does need to learn to catch the balls first, run second. Might have some return skills in the NFL but hasn't returned kicks on the collegiate level. Look for him to go midway through the 1st day.
NFL pro comparison: Lee Evans
9) Dwayne Bowe, 6'3" 215 lbs, LSU
Bowe has the size that teams look for and has been a very reliable target. Lacks average timed speed but is a suprisingly good athlete. A really good developmental prospect who has alot of potential. Well coached guy who has the ability to make it in the NFL. Look for Bowe to go in the mid 3rd round.
NFL pro comparison: Hines Ward
10) Paul Williams , 6'1" 210 lbs, Fresno State
A true sleeper pick right here. Williams is an astounding athlete with elite speed. He has all the tools to become a very good pro WR. Not as polished but probaly has the most potential out of every WR in the draft. A good leaper who has descent hands. Look for Williams to test out well at the combine and dramatically improve his stock come April.
NFL pro comparison: Tory Holt
* Underclassmen eligible for 2007 NFL draft