Without question, this year’s WR class is astounding. I can’t
remember a richer group of fine, young and humble receivers, the Bengal’s group
excluded. The harsh reality is, with so many receivers all vying for a shot at
being a first round pick, it’s very doubtful that all of them will achieve that
goal. In hindsight, I think Jeff Samardzija knew that. He couldn’t have picked a
worst time to conclude his outstanding collegiate career as a senior. Wanting to
be a two-sport guy actually hurt his stock to the point where scouts were
questioning whether he was first round material, so he resigned himself to
focusing on his first love; Baseball.
As for the rest of the receivers, senior or not, they all look set to be
playmakers at the next level, and four-five years down the line, we could be
praising the 2007 draft class as “The Receiver draft”. The question is which of
the 32 teams in the NFL are in such a rut in the passing game that they would
make use of their premiere pick by taking a receiver, or which teams drafting
late with the mentality of “Best player on the board” could see a stud ball
catcher fall to them? First of all, a quick ranking of the possible 1st round
receiver class from a layman’s perspective:
There’s little doubt among the experts that Johnson is the consensus No.1
receiver of the class and his blend of immense size and deceptive speed has many
proclaiming him the most talented player of the entire draft.
Dwayne Jarrett, USC, 6’5”, 210lbs (Junior)
I think it’s safe to the say Jarrett will be off the board by pick 12 at least,
and if he does fall, I wouldn’t put it beyond any team to pass up on someone of
his talent, regardless of need.
Dwayne Bowe, LSU, 6’3”, 217lbs (Senior)
This is where the situation seems to get a bit blurry, as it comes down to
general opinion. Dwayne Bowe has had an outstanding senior bowl and has
certainly cemented himself a spot in the first round, and I think he could jump
ahead of guys like Ted Ginn Jr and Sidney Rice with good workouts at the
combine.
Ted Ginn Jr, Ohio State, 6’0”, 180lbs (Junior)
Despite the fact that he is still a little raw with regards to his route running
and willingness to go over the middle, it’s hard to ignore Ginn’s explosiveness
and has a lot of potential with the right tutelage.
I see Rice in the same mould as Ginn. He’s not overly physical, especially at
the line, but his speed is top level and he, unlike Ginn, has demonstrated the
ability and willingness to make the touch catch.
Robert Meachem, Texas, 6’3”, 210 lbs (Junior)
After an outstanding junior season, Meachem did the right thing and cashed in on
his recent success by declaring for the draft. He’ll likely end up being a late
first-round pick at the least.
So those are the receivers I see capable of makings the first round, now for the
teams looking for them.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Cleveland Browns (3rd/4th Pick) – With the Raiders and the
Lions almost certainly drafting a lineman or quarterback, it falls to the
Buccaneers or the Browns (Subject to a coin flip) to make the difficult decision
on whether to draft or pass on a guy like Calvin Johnson. For the Bucs, Joey
Galloway is nearing the end of his tenure in the NFL, despite strong production
in recent years and Michael Clayton has never lived up to expectations. A guy
like Calvin Johnson could provide Chris Simms a go to guy for years to come. The
same could be said for Charlie Frye of the Browns who would have a field day
with Calvin Johnson creating tons of space for his top target last year Kellen
Winslow (89 Receptions).
Minnesota Vikings (7th Pick) – After having some rather unsavory experiences
drafting WR’s It’s become apparent that they may not want to take another risk
by drafting another possible bust. However, a guy like Dwayne Jarrett is far
from a bust, as he has performed consistently throughout his entire college
tenure and isn’t just a burner like Troy Williamson. Some may think Jarrett
would be a reach here as he’s not talented enough to warrant such a pick. If the
shoe fits, draft it. The Vikings need a playmaker, and Jarrett can be that guy.
I doubt they’ll like another receiver enough to pass on Jarrett, but stranger
things have happened. Ginn’s immense speed may attract possible suitors to reach
for him. At this point however, it would seem too much of a reach.
Atlanta Falcons (10th Pick) – Dropped passes plagued the Falcons offense last
year, and could ultimately have meant the difference between playoff berth and
the 10th pick they currently harbor. Whispers from the Falcons front office
suggest they will go the safety route come the first round on draft day, but
it’s a little early to be certain. With the combine workouts and interviews
still to come, there’s plenty of time for the Falcons to become enamored with a
guy like Jarrett, Bowe or Ginn Jr. If Jarrett is still available here, he’d be
hard to pass up. Dwayne Bowe and Ted Ginn will almost certainly be available
here, and I think Bowe would be great fit for
them as his size allows him to create separation not only to get open himself,
but also to clear passing lanes to Vick’s favorite target Alge Crumpler and even
running lanes for Vick when he aborts out of the pocket. He also has the ideal
frame to become an exceptional downfield blocker on Vick’s rollouts. Ginn Jr
could also provide a great deep threat to take advantage of Vick’s great arm
strength.
San Francisco 49ers (11th Pick) – The 49ers really showed a spark on the
offensive side of the ball this year, but there’s only so much Frank Gore can
do. Last year they took arguable the most physically gifted athlete in the draft
since Randy Moss in Vernon Davis, the TE out of Maryland. Adding a top notch
receiver would compliment their offense well and continue in the progression of
Alex Smith. Again, any combination of the aforementioned receivers will be
available at this point, so they could probably have their pick from at least
two of them if they got the receiver route in the 1st.
Jacksonville Jaguars (17th Pick) – This one is more of a sleeper possibility.
The Jaguars have invested high picks in receiver in recent years, to limited
success. However, if a guy like Bowe or Ginn Jr were to fall to them, they may
find it hard to resist.
Tennessee Titans (19th Pick) – Who on earth thought the Titans would be sitting
with the 19th pick some late April? Be honest. They have to avoid resting on
their laurels here, and should draft for need instead of best player available.
With Drew Bennett a free agent, the Titans will be severely lacking a receiving
threat and giving Vince Young a top rookie receiver could put the Titans well on
track to making a run at the playoffs next year. One of my Top 4 receivers may
survive to this pick, but if not, a guy like Sidney Rice could permit
consideration here.
Kansas City Chiefs (23rd Pick) – I can’t have been the only one surprised that
the Chiefs didn’t take either Santonio Holmes or Chad Jackson in the first round
last year. Saying that, Tamba Hali played well regardless and has become a fan
favorite amongst fans for his consummate attitude. They can’t ignore the
receiver position again, can they? I know they have high hopes next year for
their late-round rookie WR whose name escapes me at the time of writing this,
but there’s little chance he’ll produce like Marques Colston. Sidney Rice would
be a good pick here, but if each and every one of the receivers besides Meachem
is already drafted, the Texas receiver could see consideration here.
New England Patriots (24th and 28th Pick) – Two first round picks for the
Patriots not only gives them the chance to address the receiver and other
positions, but they could also trade up. The combined pick value of both 1st
round pick could help them move up to pick 8 and if a guy like Calvin Johnson
fell out of the Top 5 (Doubtful, but you never know) the Patriots could make a
huge move and trade up high enough to take him. However, Bill Belichick and
Scott Pioli are renowned for drafting well and will probably not like the idea
of sacrificing multiple picks for one guy, when other positions might be of
greater need. As for the need at receiver, Brady had a great year considering
the receiving corps he had surrounding him, and a young stud at wideout could
develop into somewhat of a go to guy for Brady
(If such a thing exists). Rice and Meachem could fall to them at either pick,
but I think if they really liked a guy, they would use their first one for fear
that the Eagles might be eyeing one of them up. I think the Pats have greater
needs however, so they could be safe waiting until their second first rounder to
snap up a wideout like Meachem.
San Diego Chargers (30th Pick) – I can only imagine what a receiver from this
class could add to the already explosive offense of the Chargers. Gates,
Tomlinson and a guy like Meachem or Rice would be one of the best trio of skill
position players for years to come.
Chicago Bears (31st/32nd Pick) – The bears already have one of the best defenses
in the league and it’s their offense that can prove to be a reliability at
times. Rex Grossman still has some vital things to learn about the game and his
education will simply blossom further if the Bears add a wideout of Rice or
Meachem’s ability.
So that is 11 possible suitors for 7 potential 1st round receivers. I’ll go out
on a limb and say that not one of the 7 receivers I gave 1st round grades to
will fall past the Bears with their pick. That means we could see a lot of
potential offensive players of the year at wideout come next season.
