hagan714

For the most part, the top five possess good size with all but Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. measuring at least 6-foot-2, but it could be interesting to see how teams favor this group. There is a solid foundation of prospects that could go anywhere between late in the first round all the way down to the third or fourth rounds.
Last season, the NFL Rookie of the Week honors went to a wide receiver on seven different occasions with seventh-round pick Marques Colston and undrafted free agent Hank Baskett accounting for four of those awards. Therefore, expect an early run on receivers.
However, a straying away from the position will allow several high-profile names to still be on the board come the second day of the draft.

TOP WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Calvin Johnson, WR, 6050, 239, 4.35, GT

Potentially the best pound-for-pound athlete in the draft. Calvin allow defenders to get into his body or use their hands to knock him off routes. He is very flexible and has a fluid stride that allows him to separate from defenders. Once in the open field he has great moves that can take a short screen or slant route and deliver big yardage after the catch. Footwork is good as to keeping or getting himself inbounds along the sideline or in the end zone. Very effective as a blocker as he looks for players downfield to block and was able to cut-block defenders with the best of them in college. Very smart and grounded without the ego you see from a lot of wideouts these days.

Will have lapses in concentration and drop balls he shouldn't and has disappeared from some games. He still has some work to do as a route runner and needs to master the finer points. One aspect he could improve upon is breaking off his routes and coming back to the ball, although he needs to do a better job of locating the ball when it is in the air, especially when going to out-jump opposing defenders

Johnson is simply one of the best wide receiver prospects to come along in quite some time and can be a matchup nightmare for defenses. Inconsistent QB play kept him from developing properly. That is a scarry thought. He matches that athleticism with playmaker ability on the field and a quiet unassuming presence off of it. Think Terrell Owens without the attitude
Has been timed in the 4.35 with vertical leap between 42 and 45 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet at 6-5, 239 is scary.

2. Dwayne Bowe Sr., WR, 6022, 221, 4.40, LSU

Bowe primarily lined up at the flanker (Z) receiver spot in order to take advantage of his size. Has very good size with a solid frame and a vast wingspan thus most defenders were unable to get up and jam or press him. With his long arms and big, strong hands to disengage and quickly get into his routes. A long-strider who plays faster than he times that is an excellent leaper with good body control and ball skills. The eye surgery helped him see the ball quicker and catch the majority of passes with his hands outstretched from his body. He breaks most of his tackles with power as opposed to making defenders miss with speed. He is physical and runs pretty well after the catch making him a force in the red zone who has made a lot of big plays during his career. He is an excellent blocker.

Corrective Lasik eye surgery in the offseason helped him produce but he will still juggle or secure a few balls against his body, though. Needs to show better concentration. He is better on intermediate or post routes as opposed to corner or go patterns, and he has ideal size and leaping ability on fade routes. However, he has struggled at times to adjust to the ball, with it falling incomplete or just out of his reach. It takes him time to build up to full speed and needs to become a better route runner. His awareness on the field is not there yet when it comes to identifying coverages.

Did not play football until his junior year of high school and is still raw. Seems to be getting better every year and still has a lot of upside

3. Robert Meachem, WR, 6020, 214, 4.39, Tennesse

This youngster came on this past season thanks to a move from "X" to flanker, where he became the Volunteers' new go-to receiver. He used a combination of size, speed and slippery moves to elevate himself to the upper echelon of receivers. He has a pretty solid build and the frame to bulk up further and he knows how to use it.... Shows some power and he'll break tackles. Robert has long arms, big hands and will snatch the ball out of the air. He catches the ball with his hands and has terrific balance and agility in the open field, where he'll accelerate without losing any of his top-end speed making him a big play threat in the vertical passing game. He had a few drops when trying to adjust to the ball, but he has good leaping skills and sticks his landings along the sideline. Meachem is a red-zone threat especially along the back line of the end zone. He's also a willing blocker and was recognized by teammates as being well-liked and mature.

Drops some balls due to a lack of concentration. Is not very tough or physical so he does not get off the line well versus the jam. Nor will he work across the middle much. He needs time to work on the technique and still has to master the nuances of his craft. Has some minor durability concerns.

The wild card among the receivers, coming off his best season and still has some upside.He's somewhat of a finesse player who has the physical tools you look for, maybe similar to Donte Stallworth

4. Dwayne Jarrett WR 6040, 219, 4.50, USC

A tremendous playmaker at the collegiate level, Jarrett is now being questioned about his ability to keep up that big-play style at the next level. However, there is no doubting his production, size and athletic ability to grab the ball at its highest point. More than willing to make the tough catch in traffic. He does well along the sidelines, looking to create space and tracking the ball well over his shoulder. Excells at coming back to the ball. Has always been clutch in big situations and a terror in the redzone. A solid blocker

Jarrett's has minor character concerns issues that revolve around his lack of ideal straight-line speed, questionable work habits and unwillingness to be coached. He has been accused of slacking off is when he is not the primary target. While his straight-line speed is average for his size and position, the failure to be overly flexible and to cut in and out on his routes is probably a more pressing issue. He needs to get stronger and be more physical because he may have made smaller defenders pay on a consistent basis, but many of those jump ball or fade routes will not be so easy to achieve against NFL defenders. May profile as more of a #2 target at the next level and not a true #1

He needs to be paired with the right type of scheme and position coach in order to get the most out of him. Jarrett is such an interesting prospect because he has produced and consistently made big plays in college. BUT other factors could cause him to slide toward the latter part of the first round. While Hughes' stock is plummeting with his poor showing, Jarrett didn't even attempt to run, instead electing to wait until his March 28 Pro Day. With all of the healthy top ranked receivers turning in impressive workouts in Indianapolis, Jarrett's lack of participation drew plenty of grumbles from NFL scouts. Some have him rated as high as the draft's No. 2 receiver. Others are not impressed by his potential impact in the pros and feel he will slide greatly on draft day.

5. Ted Ginn Jr., 5112, 178, 4.39, WR, Ohio State

The elevation of this versatile performer to a potential spot among the top 10 picks comes from the fact he possesses speed – and more speed. He is likely the fastest player in the draft in terms of straight-line 40-yard dash speed, and he also has the rare athleticism to change direction on a dime without losing any speed. Even rarer is his ability to gear right back up to full speed with a few steps. His fast reflexes and hand/eye coordination have made him the most feared return man in college football.

Ginn needs to learn to get free or create space for himself in the middle of the field. He must work to become more flexible as he can round off his routes at times, and he also needs to increase his bulk/strength in order to defeat press coverage in the pros.

Ginn has started to grow as a receiver, although he is still a bit thin-framed and has too many drops. Right now, he brings the dimension of speed, versatility and game-breaking return skills, but he is not a finished product at receiver. He has also speculated on several occasions that at some point in his pro career he would like to play cornerback, the position he prefers to play.

Not a true #1 target. He will at the very least be a top-notch return man in the pros but might ultimately be more of a #2 or #3 option as a receiver.