NFL Draft – Wide Receiver Rankings
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31.) Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma (5’9, 165): One of the quickest receivers in the draft who plays tougher than his 165 pounds. Saunders could develop into a dangerous slot receiver and return man. Draft Projection: 7th round
32.) John Brown, Pittsburgh St (5’10, 179): Little guy with blazing speed (4.34) who put up prolific stats during his career at Pitt St (185 catches, 3380 yards, 32 TDs) and can return punts. Brown is a bit of an unknown since he played against inferior competition in college, but his speed and agility in the receiver drills were one of the biggest surprises of the combine. Draft Projection: 7th round
33.) Tevin Reese, Baylor (5’10, 170): Slight, but very fast receiver who was on pace for a huge year before breaking his wrist early in the season. Reese has the potential to be a dangerous slot receiver and return man. Draft Projection: 7th round
34.) Damien Copeland (5’11, 184): Elite short-area quickness, Copeland had the best 3-cone time at the combine (6.53) by a full tenth of a second and had the 2nd best 20-yard shuttle & 60-yard shuttle times behind only Brandin Cooks. He has good hands and the ideal skill-set for a slot receiver, but is very thin so durability is a concern. Draft Projection: 7th round
35.) Jeremy Gallon, Michigan (5’7, 185): Short, quick, and elusive like the rest of the late round slot receivers (Saunders, Copeland, Brown) but what separates Gallon is that he has about 15 extra pounds of pure muscle on his frame. The extra muscle gives Gallon an edge in durability and strength to beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage. He was very productive as a senior (89, 1373, 9) at Michigan despite inconsistent quarterback play. Gallon has the toughness to make catches over the middle, break a tackle or two, and also return punts. Draft Projection: 7th round
36.) Quincy Enunwa, Nebraska (6’2, 225): A big receiver with great size & strength who surprised at the combine with a 4.46 40-time. Enunwa was a team captain as a 21-year old senior which shows a knack for leadership and football smarts. His hands aren’t great and his route running needs some work, but he has the physical attributes and intelligence to be a productive outside receiver in the NFL. Good upside for a guy who will probably be a UFA. Draft Projection: UFA
37.) Kain Colter, Northwestern (5’11, 200): Probably would have been higher in my rankings if not for a late season ankle injury that has kept him from working out for teams. Colter was a quarterback at Northwestern, so he’s a bit of an unknown as a receiver. He’s an excellent athlete with abnormally large hands for his size (10″). Colter could be a multi-dimensional threat as a slot receiver, punt returner, and wildcat QB. Draft Projection: UFA
I could go on… There are probably 10 other receiver prospects that have a shot in the NFL, but I have to draw the line somewhere. These guys just missed: Isaiah Burse, Chandler Jones, Bennie Fowler, Matt Hazel, Eric Lora, Shaq Evans.
Twitter: @MikeFlannery_