NFL Draft – Wide Receiver Rankings
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20.) Dri Archer, Kent St (5’8, 173): Archer is the best return man in the draft, but he is more than just a track star; Archer is a well-rounded football player who had 24 rushing touchdowns, 12 receiving touchdowns, and 4 kick return touchdowns in his career at Kent St. He is more Darren Sproles than Devin Hester and can be a dangerous weapon on reverses, draws, screens and other tricks plays. Archer is very small at 173 pounds, but he’s not fragile and very strong (20 reps of 225 pounds). He would be a weapon in the return game right away and can eventually contribute on offense. Draft Projection: 4th-5th round
21.) Robert Herron, Wyoming (5’9, 193): Quick, sure-handed slot receiver who can take a big hit over the middle and hold on to the ball. Herron is undersized, but should be a quality slot receiver in the NFL. Draft Projection: 4th-5th round
22.) Mike Davis, Texas (6’0, 197): Davis was hindered by inconsistent QB play at Texas, but showed off good hands and crisp route-running at the Senior Bowl. He is more quick than fast, but could be a solid possession receiver. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round
23.) Kevin Norwood, Alabama (6’2, 198): A late riser this off-season, Norwood was a long shot to get drafted after not being utilized much during his senior year at Alabama (38, 568, 7). Norwood’s route running skills stood out during the Senior Bowl practices and then again in the position drill portion of the combine. He earned a spot in the draft and has a shot to come in and contribute right away as a 3rd or 4th receiver. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round
24.) TJ Jones, Notre Dame (6’0, 188): Well-rounded receiver with excellent hands and good route-running ability. He had a good senior year despite shaky QB play and could blossom in a good offense. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round
25.) Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley St (6’3, 219): I was down on Janis after his disappointing Senior Bowl, but he had an impressive combine performance. At his size, a 4.42 40-time is excellent. His unofficial 10-yard split of 1.47 was the best of any receiver not named Dri Archer and translates to an elite burst on short routes. The rest of Janis’ workouts were outstanding as well; Janis finished 3rd in the bench press, 3rd in the 3-cone drill, 5th in the 20-yard shuttle, and in the top 7 in vertical leap and broad jump. He’s a good developmental prospect. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round
26.) Michael Campanero, Wake Forest (5’10, 191): Classic slot receiver with good hands, surprising strength and elusiveness on underneath routes. Has had injury issues, but if he can stay healthy he could make an impact in the slot. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round
27.) L’Damien Washington, Missouri (6’4, 205): He has a big frame with long arms and excellent straight-line speed. I don’t see Washington ever being much more than a deep threat, but he could provide a similar impact as Kenny Britt did for the Saints in 2013. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round
28.) Cody Hoffman, BYU (6’4, 223): Hoffman has great size though isn’t strong enough to use it effectively yet. His best assets are his long arms and great hands, he can catch anything close. He’ll need to get stronger to beat press coverage, but once he does could have a nice career as an outside possession receiver and red zone weapon. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round
29.) Ryan Grant, Tulane (6’0, 199): Might have the best hands in the draft, but choked at the combine dropping multiple passes in the receiver drills. Grant doesn’t have great speed or athleticism, but he’s strong and can catch anything near him. His combine performance dropped his stock a round or two but I still think he will be a solid possession receiver in the NFL. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round
30.) Austin Franklin, New Mexico St (5’11, 189): Franklin is very quick with good acceleration and elite elusiveness after the catch. He could develop into a weapon over the middle on short routes that he can turn into long gains. Draft Projection: 7th round