Ranking the 2012 Draft Prospects by Position - Wide Receiver
by seton hall and steelers on Jan 19, 2012 8:00 AM EST
in 2012 NFL Draft
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This class has 33 draftable WRs but the facts of past drafts tell you that 18 to 23 WRs will be drafted. That means their will be 10 or more UDFA WRs that will be worthy of making a roster.
1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State – Blackmon has emerged as the clear #1 WR in this draft and should be a top 5 draft pick come April. The Vikings, Rams, and Browns will target him from 2 through 4.
2. Mohammed Sanu, Rutgers – I have Sanu over Jeffery and Floyd and that will draw a lot of criticism. However, Sanu clearly performed better than both of them this year, and by a wide margin. He has better hands than both. Runs better routes than both. Has more speed than both and is a smarter player than both. Just because he doesn’t have 6’4″ size does not matter to me. He is 6’2″ 215 pounds and has the potential to be stud in this league. He just broke Big East WR records that Larry Fitzgerald held with out a QB that should have been starting on any other Big 6 conference team.
3. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina – Jeffery is fantastic player that suffered from awful QB play. He should still be a top 15 to top 20 pick but if he had good QB play, he could have been a top 5 pick. The team that lands him is going to get him a fantastic player that could be a top 5 WR in the NFL.
4. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame – Floyd came into the year with tons of character questions but he straitened out his act this year and performed fantastically. He should be a mid first round pick and provides a special player with 6’4″ height and 4.4 speed.
5. Kendall Wright, Baylor – Wright is a burner that can also be a dangerous kick returner. Because of his speed and route running along with his value as a KR, I see him as a late first round pick this year to a team in need of a #2 WR and KR prowess. I think he will end up at Houston or New England come April.
See the rest of the incredibly deep and talented WR class after the jump.
6. Nick Toon, Wisconsin
7. Dwight Jones, UNC
8. Marvin McNutt, Iowa
9. Tommy Streeter, Miami
10. Rueben Randle, LSU
11. T.Y. Hilton, Florida International
12. Jordan White, Western Michigan
13. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
14. Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
15. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
16. Joe Adams, Arkansas
17. A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
18. Juron Criner, Arizona
19. Jarius Wright, Arkansas
20. DeVier Posey, Ohio State
21. B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
22. Jarret Boykin, Virginia Tech
23. Marquis Maze, Alabama
24. Jermaine Kearse, Washington
25. Chris Owusu, Stanford
26. Tavarres King, Georgia
27. Greg Childs, Arkansas
28. Lance Lewis, East Carolina
29. Risard Matthews, Nevada
30. Derek Moye, Penn State
31. Conner Vernon, Duke
32. Marvin Jones, California
33. Travis Benjamin, Miami
Originally published on draftdatabase.wordpress.com
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Sanu is a very good prospect, and I can see him fighting with Dwight Jones for 4th...but I can't put him over Jeffrey or Floyd.
Being in NJ, I suffered (yes, I’m not a Rutgers fan) through several Rutgers games, and while he has great hands…he has his fair share of drops. He doesn’t have the athleticism to be the featured WR on a team, I think. While he is an amazing route runner, his speed is somewhat overrated. He’s struggled to get off press coverage at times and couldn’t separate from the CB at the LOS. No breakaway speed, either and isn’t physical. I wouldn’t trust him to win a jump ball.
I’d compare him more to a pre-injury Steve Smith (circa 2009 NYG) more than Brandon Marshall (which a lot of people want to compare him to)
Jeffrey isn’t fast, but what he does better than any WR in this draft class is use his big body to shield the defenders from the ball. His body control is extremely good, and it looks to me like he has a good vertical. He’s solid in and out of his cuts for such a big dude. If he had better hands, HE’D be the better Brandon Marshall comparison.
Floyd…is just a physical mismatch anyway….6’4 4.4. If you have a good WR corps already in place, he’d basically have the Julio Jones effect.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 19, 2012 8:16 AM EST reply actions
Sanu
He seems to be slower than he was as a freshman. I think he added bulk and it slowed him down. He is interesting in that he was used as a slot WR at his size, and he does not have elite quickness. But he is able to find holes and get open. I think Steve Smith and Victor Cruz have proved that intelligence can trump athleticism.
The one area I’d disagree with you is physicality. The games I watched he made strong catches in traffic. His TD against Louisville comes to mind. That was the game Jefferson (TE) finally got some throws as well – I’m hoping the Giants nab him next year.
2012 NYG mock - 1: Chase Minnifield CB, 2: Kevin Zeitler G, 3: A.J. Jenkins, WR, 4: Neiko Thorpe S, 5: Brandon Bolden RB, 6: Rishard Matthews WR, 6: some random LB, 7: BPA
I don't know...for his size, he hasn't had that consistent physicality.
He’d probably be able to beat off coverage, but if someone jams him, I could see him screwing up his route. To use a basketball term, I’ve seen some of the greats, like Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson, be able to consistently “box out” defenders to get the ball.
Honestly, I don’t see a huge difference between him and someone like Jeff Fuller with better route running.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 19, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
What Mohamed Sanu have you been watching?
“He doesn’t have the athleticism to be the featured WR on a team, I think. While he is an amazing route runner, his speed is somewhat overrated. He’s struggled to get off press coverage at times and couldn’t separate from the CB at the LOS. No breakaway speed, either and isn’t physical. I wouldn’t trust him to win a jump ball.”
I completely disagree with you on all of those points except the breakaway speed. But it’s not like he’s a plodder. One might say he has “adequate” speed.
Personally, I think his route running is still a work in progress. He’s not clean off the line, and sometimes takes a negative initial step. That, not his speed, is the reason he struggles to separate at the LOS. He needs to learn to become more consistent with his route running in the NFL, and cut that initial wasted motion out of his game. Once he gets in the open field though, he has an awareness for getting open and looks like a pro running post routes and over the middle stuff.
He has great range to catch the ball. He has an imposing frame and can make the crazy athletic catches. His hands are a bit inconsistent, but they’re also huge (think Hakeem Nicks). He can make one-handed grabs.
I think he’s going to be a starter in the NFL. His game needs some refinement, but overall, with his physical tools I think he has good chance.
"It's not a lie, if you believe it" - George Costanza
"Silence is only golden when you can't think of a good answer" - Muhammad Ali
I don't understand how you disagree with me...
I said he doesn’t have the athleticism, that is, speed, balance, and physicality, to be a “featured” WR…by that I meant, I don’t think he has the upside of Hakeem Nicks (who, as a prospect, wasn’t fast or tall, but did have the size, body control, and balance…that one catch in his bowl game that year showed all of that) or AJ Green or Larry Fitzgerald or Calvin Johnson…
He is a good route runner, I don’t think he’s going to have a problem finding holes in the zone and running sharp routes. But he does struggle off the line, doesn’t have that initial explosion and doesn’t have good enough strength (or at least, I haven’t seen it) to beat the defender off the line, whereas I’ve seen that with Floyd and Blackmon.
I never called him a bust, nor did I call him a bad prospect. I said he’d be in a fight with Dwight Jones for 4th best in this class. I think he’s a great prospect thats a borderline first. I just completely disagreed the notion that he’s ahead of Jeffrey and Floyd and I detailed my reasoning as to why.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 19, 2012 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Don't think you understand
I never even thought to compare him to Blackmon, and would probably take Floyd over him as well. Jeffery I’m still uneasy about, but I suppose his gigantic frame and physicality could make up for his lack for breakaway speed. I just can’t stop seeing Mike Williams (USC) every time I watch him though.
But my issues weren’t with you ranking those three over Sanu, it was the part of your analysis that I quoted in my comment above.
My apologies if you weren’t attributing your thoughts that “He’s struggled to get off press coverage at times and couldn’t separate from the CB at the LOS.” to his lack of speed. In the context though, it certainly sounded that way to me.
That said, I think he has plenty “athleticism”. He’s not a work out warrior by any means, but his flaws are coachable and I think he can improve himself to the degree that he’ll be a “featured” WR in the NFL at some point. I’ll go watch some more tape, but I think I’ll stand by that assessment until I’m proven wrong.
"It's not a lie, if you believe it" - George Costanza
"Silence is only golden when you can't think of a good answer" - Muhammad Ali
ah, then it was a simple misunderstanding.
I think if coached up, Sanu has the tools to become a very successful WR, I just don’t see the same upside as Jeffery or Floyd. is all. I think the whole press coverage thing is a part of that…I did say that he’d be good if going up against off coverage, and speed isn’t necessarily an issue…my point was, if you are ranked the 2nd best WR in a draft class…you should have the athleticism to match that. I think that Floyd has that, as well as Jeffrey to a lesser extent.
I can see why people would rank him highly, and I certainly would rank him as a late 1st rounder…I just wouldn’t rank him above Floyd and Jeffery (who is still an elite talent for the reasons I mentioned at least IMO, and part of the problem was the QB throwing him the ball)
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 19, 2012 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
I have to disagree.
He has certainly displayed toughness and amazing hands are some of his strengths. If you watched him consistently, you would definitely notice that he was always taking 2 or 3 defenders to drag him down.
RIP Nick Adenhart
when its all said and done
Do you think sanu will be better than blackmon a couple years down the road?
The top 7 of this draft are really, really good
and while I’d disagree with the order, I’d have no problem if the Giants drafted one of them. Sanu, Jones or Floyd seem likely to fall to them and all would really be perfect fits. And if Jeffrey miraculously falls to the Giants I’ll develop a priaprism
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
So WR is a Giants need?
i would think theyd feel pretty set with Nicks and Cruz
Rectum!? Damn near killed 'em!!!
by theSpaceCityKid on Jan 19, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
One thing the Giants tend to do
Is keep restocking positions of strength. I wouldn’t be surprised if drafted both a D-End and a WR earlyish. Plus Mario Manningham is a free agent, and I wouldn’t expect the Giants to overpay for him.
I wouldn’t mind if the Giants drafted Dwight Jones somewhere in the 2nd round. But that’s only if Mario Manningham leaves in FA. Since the Giants are in the final 3 of the playoffs, they can’t sign free agents unless one of their’s leaves, and that might be the case with Mario.
by IrishPride187 on Jan 19, 2012 8:20 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
you used the "N" word
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 19, 2012 6:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
for using priaprism in a football thread, those things are dangerous!
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Jan 19, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
I feel bad for whoever's gotta get rid of 'em. Stick a needle in it and start draining!
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 19, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
The only way I can see Floyd at 4
is if you take into account his character concerns, and I fully understand that. However, talent wise, this guy produced in a system with sub par QB play, almost as bad as Jefferies’. Blackmon rightfully deserves the top spot in this class, but after him I don’t see anyone better then Floyd
C'mon, join us, there's plenty of koolaid on the Broncos bandwagon for everyone!
"Yea, well, you know, that’s just like, uh, your opinion, man"
-The Big Lebowski
I agree with these comments
The size + speed + hands combo of Floyd is scary. He put up big numbers without ND having to force the ball to him. Some of the games I watched they went several series without throwing him the ball. Or Eifert. Who the hell is running that offense?
I see him as similar to Green last year in that there is nothing he lacks. He can go deep or take a screen and do something with it.
New York would be a great fit for him – one of the easiest places to live where you don’t have to drive.
2012 NYG mock - 1: Chase Minnifield CB, 2: Kevin Zeitler G, 3: A.J. Jenkins, WR, 4: Neiko Thorpe S, 5: Brandon Bolden RB, 6: Rishard Matthews WR, 6: some random LB, 7: BPA
by ct17 on Jan 19, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think he'll fall like Dez Bryant
only there’s other options so he’ll probably fall farther. I really hope the Giants look past his problems cuz if he was with us, Nicks, Cruz and Floyd would be even more of an unstoppable trio then we already ahve
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I like Floyd
But comparing him to Green is taking it too far. There is no one in this draft class that approaches Green or Jones. That’s not to say that this isn’t a very talented and deep group, but those two were elite can’t miss prospects.
Floyd is comparable to Dez Bryant and should become a solid top 15 WR in the league. I would love to see him end up as the #1 option in Chicago with Cutler throwing the ball to him. Could really bring a new dimension to that offense.
by invisibulman on Jan 19, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
and if he was 6 inches taller they would be right…
by invisibulman on Jan 19, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Will be fixed in the next rankings
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
by seton hall and steelers on Jan 19, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty Decent Class
I think Ryan Broyles will be a steal in the late rounds, he’s great in finding holes against the zone, and is very strong after the catch, would be great in New England’s system
I 110% agree with Sanu over Floyd and Jeffery
Next to Blackmon he is easily the most pro ready WR in this draft. The other two may have more upside, but they also have more downside.
by Joeb'n777 on Jan 19, 2012 11:38 AM EST via mobile reply actions
That's a ton of first round caliber WR
When was the last time 5 wide outs went in the first round?
by average joe blow on Jan 19, 2012 11:40 AM EST reply actions
2009...
DHB, Crabtree, Maclin, Harvin, Nicks, Britt.
by invisibulman on Jan 19, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
2009
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland (7th pick – Oakland) Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (10th pick – San Francisco)
Jeremy Maclin, Missouri (19th pick – Philadelphia)
Percy Harvin, Florida (22nd pick – Minnesota)
Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina (29th pick – NY Giants)
Kenny Britt, Rutgers (30th pick – Tennessee)
2007
Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (2nd pick – Detroit)
Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio State (9th pick – Miami)
Dwayne Bowe, LSU (23rd pick – Kansas City)
Robert Meachem, Tennessee (27th pick – New Orleans)
Craig Davis, LSU (30th pick – San Diego)
Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State (32nd pick- Indianapolis)
2005
Braylon Edwards, Michigan (3rd pick – Cleveland)
Troy Williamson, South Carolina (7th pick – Minnesota)
Mike Williams, USC (10th pick – Detroit)
Matt Jones, Arkansas (21st pick – Jacksonville)
Mark Clayton, Oklahoma (22nd pick – Baltimore)
Roddy White, UAB (27th pick – Atlanta)
2004
Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh (3rd pick – Arizona)
Roy Williams, Texas (7th pick – Detroit)
Reggie Williams, Washington (9th pick – Jacksonville)
Michael Jenkins, Ohio State (29th pick – Atlanta)
Rashaun Woods, Oklahoma State (31st pick – San Francisco)
So all the time...
But to the point, I think the strength of this draft class is not necessarily at the top. There is no AJ Green, Calvin Johnson or Andre Johnson in this class.
Why this class is so good, is that you can look 10 players down the list and still have a guy might be a WR1 in the NFL some day.
by invisibulman on Jan 19, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
I feel the 1st round class is a little overrated, nobody is as good AJ and Julio, but it is deep
If I wanted a huge WR, I would rather get Dwight Jones at the top of the second round (if he lasts that long) than Alshon Jeffery as a top 15 pick.
I am not seeing that much difference between Jarius Wright (3rd or 4th round) and Kendall Wright (1st round)
If I was looking for a slot, I would love Broyles
Jeff Fuller has fallen too far, him and Toon are excellent #2 WRs
Blackmon is on par with AJ and Julio
maybe more so Julio Jones, but he’s definitely worthy of a top 5 pick.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
?
how is he even close to being on par with them?
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
how is he not?
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 19, 2012 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
These explain my view on Blackmon
http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2012/1/17/2713736/most-overrated-draft-prospect-justin-blackmon
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
by Josh Wehrle on Jan 19, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
and didn't read, not even clicked
Blackmon no doubt is at that level. Production is on thing, looking like he’s a man playing against boys is another. He just looks like a terminator out there. Those sorts of players are rare, rare players are top 3 picks.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 19, 2012 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
okay if you won't even take the time to read a short article or two
about why I think you’re wrong, I’m not even gonna argue with you. Peace.
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
by Josh Wehrle on Jan 19, 2012 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
alright since I can't sleep and am drunk I obliged
so basically its either Matt Kalil is a better spect, being a LT and all, or that other WRs have busted in the past. Those are the two arguments. I can’t agree with either.
The Rams have Saffold and Smith, two high picks that if healthy are talented and should be good with proper coaching which hopefully will be there with Fisher now. Kalil is good, but is he really that good that you’d move Saffold to RT and get rid of Smith altogether? I don’t think so.
And who cares if other WRs have busted in the past? Blackmon is much, much better then Dez Bryant and if Sam Bradford is any good at all he’ll take a weapon like that and make him an All pro caliber wideout.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 20, 2012 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Smith has concussion issues and should retire
and Saffold was drafted to be Right Tackle or even a guard. When I think of elite receivers, I think of guys like Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, etc. They all have elite skills (jumping, size, speed, route running blah blah blah) that puts them in that upper-echleon of receivers. When I watch Blackmon, I don’t see any “elite” skill like those guys possess. I see a top 15 pick, but I don’t see any specific skill or combination of skills that is going to put him in the same category as those guys.
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
by Josh Wehrle on Jan 20, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
he's not 6"3
but he’s probably faster then all of those guys, as strong or stronger then any of them and he does have Fitzgerald’s body control. He’s got those big mitts you look for as well. Other then his height, I don’t see anything there that’s not elite. He’s a lot like a young, fast Anquan Boldin, and that was an elite WR even running a 4.8.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I don't think he's faster than Calvin Johnson
I guess we’re just going to have to agree to disagree, because I just don’t see any of those “elite” skills that you’re seeing.
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
by Josh Wehrle on Jan 20, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
and I'll wonder if you've seen an OSU game all year, and not the buckeyes
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I have
but thanks for wondering!
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
Blackmon
Is definately the same caliber prospect as Jones and Green. He might be 3rd on that list but he’s definately ON that list, no doubt about it. He’s a physical specimen, has great hands, is a good route runner, has adequate speed, strength, body control, leaping ability. He’s everything you could look for in a WR prospect. Definately see him evolving into a WR1 with hard work and good coaching.
by cgcardzfan on Jan 23, 2012 2:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I really like Floyd, probably the height.
I actually have him sitting second behind Blackmon, but that’s just me.
Me too.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 19, 2012 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
Im with you
But honestly, the top 5 are all really good
Straight Cash Homey
by MOSScomeBACK2vikes on Jan 19, 2012 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with most of these, ecspecially the top ten.
The only thing I think is Michael Floyd should be even higher. Sanu and him are very alike, I’m not sure who I’d give the edge, but Jeffrey is so slow that I think his stock will only drop as the draft gets nearer. Floyd posses both physicality and speed, probably better than anybody.
I think Dwight Jones should be a littler higher
he projects well in the NFL. Juron Criner and Ryan Broyles I think could be great system WRs – very dangerous running simple routes
wheres Brian Quick?
Anyone interested in making money easy and quick on the interne, let me know through twitter or facebook(preferably facebook).
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