NFL Draft – Wide Receiver Rankings
Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
With the NFL draft a little less than a month away, I thought it was about time I posted my position rankings. The Bears have far fewer holes than they did at the beginning of the off-season, so it’s feasible that they could really draft any position. You can see what positions I think they will target in my latest mock draft, but Emery has been very unpredictable in his short time running the Bears so your guess is probably as good as mine. Throughout the next month I will list my rankings at each position with some analysis of the players and occasional commentary on whether they would be a good fit for the Bears. If you think my rankings are way off or if I forgot anybody, let me know about it in the comments.
Positions: QB | RB | WR | TE | T | G | C | DT | DE | ILB | OLB | CB | SS | FS
WR Rankings:
1.) Sammy Watkins, Clemson (6’1, 200): In a tier by himself at the wide receiver position, Watkins can do it all and has the potential to be a true #1 WR. He is the most explosive offensive player in this draft and also the most NFL ready skill player. Watkins has few if any flaws on paper and should be able to step in and be a starter from day 1 for whatever team is lucky enough to draft him. Draft Projection: 1st round
2.) Mike Evans, Texas A&M (6’5, 225): Evans has great size, surprising straight-line speed, sticky hands, and he adjusts very well to the ball. He is going to be a mismatch against almost any corner in the NFL and if Evans is paired with a QB who can throw an accurate deep ball, look out. Draft Projection: 1st round
3.) Brandin Cooks, Oregon St (5’10, 186): Very explosive after the catch, great hands, and runs crisp routes. Cooks will be best utilized in a west coast offense that will give him the ball on short-to-intermediate routes and let him go to work. His size is less than ideal, but he was unstoppable as a junior (128 catches, 1730 yards, 16 TDs). He’s a poor man’s Steve Smith right now, but has the potential to be more. Draft Projection: 1st round
4.) Marquise Lee, USC (6’0, 190): Lee struggled in 2013 due to a combination of injuries and bad QB play, but was dominant in both 2011 (73, 1143, 11) and 2012 (118!, 1721, 14). Lee is a little smaller than teams would like for a classic #1, but he has all the tools to be one. Draft Projection: 1st round
5.) Odell Beckham, LSU (6’0, 187): Beckham is a polished receiver with exceptional quickness, hands, and route-running ability. He should be able to step in right away and be productive. Draft Projection: 1st round