NFL draft preview: Top five wide receivers

So far, we have covered quarterbacks and running backs entering the NFL draft, and now we will cover what should be one of the most exciting groups of wide receivers to enter the draft in years.

1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech

Last week, I said that running back Adrian Peterson would have been the top overall prospect if he hadn't had a history of injuries. However, Calvin Johnson has now taken the role of top prospect. This man's size and speed combination is incredible (6'5", 238 lbs., 4.35 40-yard dash) and has been making big time catches throughout his college career. This past season he had 1,202 yards and 15 touchdowns, which is incredible considering how bad his quarterback was. He has Randy Moss/Terrell Owens ability with a Marvin Harrison work ethic and attitude. There aren't many things that you can pick out to critique; he runs great routes, uses his body well and runs well after the catch. He has great hands to catch the ball and is a playmaker. There were some games where he did not make much of an impact, but part of that could be due to the quarterback. Overall, he is currently the number one pro prospect in this draft, even though he will most likely fall past the top two picks due to team needs.

Draft projection: Top five pick.



2. Dwayne Jarrett, Southern California

Standing at 6'5", 215 lbs., Jarrett is another beast of a receiver. He arguably has the best hands in the draft and is incredibly consistent. He caught at least 12 touchdown passes in each of his three seasons as a Trojan and over 1,000 yards the past two seasons. Not as special of a specimen as Johnson, he lacks top-end speed. However, he does have deceptive speed and runs fantastic routes. He had a career game vs. Michigan in which he had 11 catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns (he was matched up against one of the best pro cornerback prospects in the draft, Leon Hall). He can be arrogant at times and benefited greatly from the talent around him. Overall, he is a great receiver and would be an upgrade for a lot of teams.

Draft projection: Top 15 pick.



3. Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State

The speedster from Cleveland has seen his stock rise solely because of the impact Devin Hester made with the Bears this year. Although a very raw receiver (he started playing receiver only in college), his speed is the best of anyone in this draft. He can make plays in all aspects of the game and said he would like to also play cornerback at the next level. On special teams alone, he has recorded six punt return touchdowns and two kick return touchdowns in his career. He also ran back two more that were called back due to penalty. Not the best route runner, he hardly goes over the middle because of his slender frame (6'0", 175 lbs.). Ginn could end up being the second receiver taken in the draft because of his speed, but would be more of a gamble because of his rawness at the position.

Draft projection: Mid to late first round.



4. Robert Meachem, Tennessee

Meachem is another great specimen when it comes to size/speed combination (6'3", 210 lbs., ran in the 4.3 range of the 40-yd. dash). This young man really turned it on this past season. He had nearly 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns, which surpassed his previous career totals for both with ease. He played against tough teams and for the most part rose to the occasion during huge games (never had less than four catches in every single game this season). Not the greatest at running routes, relies more on his physical and athletic ability to make plays. He will occasionally drop a few easy ones, most likely because he is more focused to make a play after the catch. He is very similar to Braylon Edwards of the Cleveland Browns.

Draft projection: Late first round.



5. Sidney Rice, South Carolina

Another big, physical receiver (6'4", 202 lbs.), Rice has the athletic ability to really become a top receiver in the NFL. He has great body control, and makes unbelievable plays, especially in when in the red zone. He also has fantastic hands and will win most jump balls that are thrown his way. He was extremely productive, even dominant, against a difficult schedule. He only played two years of college ball and is extremely raw. Speed is a concern, as he is not very explosive off the line. He also needs to get stronger to battle larger defensive backs. Durability is also a concern, as he has battled many minor injuries throughout his career. Overall, he is somewhat of a mixed bag, but has the potential to be a fantastic pro.

Draft projection: Late first round, early second round.



That's it for this week, hope you all have a fun, and safe, spring break!