Draft: WR Rankings

Tier 1:

1) Limas Sweed

I almost put Sweed in his own category. He is a huge physical specimen(6'4 215), had a decently productive (though injury shortened) college career and has great triangle numbers (4.52 40).

What sets Sweed apart from the next group of wide outs is:

a) his ability to be a true number 1 WR

b) his lack of character/other issues that knock down the other prospects.

In the end, I couldn't justify Sweed being in a tier all by his own. However I think he will be one of the best values in this draft.

2) James Hardy

Hey, Plexiglass was once a bad character guy. Of course it's easy to compare the two, not many people are 6'6 while maintaining speed and agility. The reason I rank Hardy so high simple, potential. In a an underwhelming class of wide outs Hardy's star potential is mind blowing. However he is boom or bust. He's either going to be great or be Chris Henry.

3) Devin Thomas

If Kyle Boller were a WR he'd be Devin Thomas. Great size/speed, one productive college year and all of a sudden he's at the top of some peoples draft boards? I'm underwhelmed. Bust alert.

3) DeSean Jackson

Bust alert V 2.0. Valuable kick returner and slot receiver. Not going to be an every down wide out. Vastly, vastly, vastly overrated.


?) Maclom Kelly

An enigma. Just had his pro day and while he looked good in drills his timed speed was terrible. He is this years ultimate boom or bust, comparable to Dewayne Jarrett. It will be interesting to see where he's drafted.

Tier 2:

Early Doucet
Mario Manningham
Lavelle Hawkins

I like all three of these guys a lot. Manningham is probably the biggest name. He doesn't have ideal size or timed speed but just constantly was a play maker at Michigan. He lied about his pot use and it could cost him. Doucet is a big name prospect but probably projects as a slot type in the NFL. Hawkins was DeSean Jackson's counterpart at Cal and It wouldn't shock me if he was a better pro player. He had an amazing senior bowl and has be one of the big risers this off season.

Tier 3:

Jordy Nelson

Mark my words. Jordy Nelson will be a NFL starting WR. I don't know why people don't more highly of him. He's got ideal size/bulk (6'3 217) and his timed speed wasn't terrible (4.51)

Pop Quiz:

A) Who was second in all of college football in receptions last year?

B) Who was second in all of college football in receiving yards last year?

C) Who is Kansas States QB?

Answer Key:
A)Jordy Nelson
B)Jordy Nelson
C)Josh Freeman (my point exactly)

This is how Nelson did against top competition this year:

Against:

Auburn: 9 rec, 90 yds
Texas: 12 rec, 116 yds 1 TD
Colorado: 4 rec, 93 yds
Oklahoma State: 12 rec, 176 yds 3 TD

And most importantly:

Against Kansas: (and potential FIRST ROUND PICK AQIB TALIB)

10 rec, 137 yds 1TD

I don't see how you can ignore such production on the field. When you pair that with average combine numbers and a blue collar work ethic I think you get a great WR.

If he can become a better blocker (and with his size/work ethic, I think he will) your looking at the next Hines Ward.