NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Wide Receiver Prospects

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver

(6). Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

TIER THREE

14. Paul Richardson, Colorado: 6-0, 175 (4.40)

I may have Richardson ranked too low, but it is tough to gauge where he fits among the top talent in this receiving class. Richardson is a speedy, downfield threat that can do a lot at the position.

A knee injury in 2012 has hurt his draft stock some, but a monster 2013 season (83 rec, 1343 yards, 10 TDs) has laid to rest doubts about his game and his durability.

Richardson has a wiry frame and needs to add bulk to beat press coverage at the next level, but Richardson is an explosive athlete who’s upside is too good to pass up.

(Draft Projection: Round 3)

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Mike Davis (1) makes a catch against Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon (26). Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

15. Mike Davis, Texas: 6-0, 197 

Davis’ receiving numbers dipped a bit in his senior season, but three productive years at Texas show Davis’ consistency as a receiver.

Unfortunately, the depth of this receiving class has forced talented receivers, like Davis, down draft boards and will probably lead to him being drafted later than expected.

Davis is the receiver in this class that is solid and consistent, but not great at any one facet of the game. He has average size, mediocre speed, and is a decent route runner.

However, Davis has strong hands and can do a little bit of everything at the position, whether that is going deep, working the middle of the field, or lining up in the slot and making defenders miss in the open field.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Brandon Coleman (17) makes reception against Arkansas Razorbacks cornerback Tevin Mitchel (8). USA Today-Sports photograph

16. Brandon Coleman, Rutgers: 6-6, 225 (4.56)

Coleman is one of the most overlooked receivers in this draft. He has tremendous size and his potential as a vertical threat at the next level makes him an intriguing early-to-mid round prospect.

Last year, many saw Coleman as a potential first-round talent, but he struggled a bit in 2013 after returning from knee surgery and having to deal with inconsistent quarterback play at Rutgers.

This has significantly hurt Coleman’s draft stock, but the exciting player of the 2012 seasons is still there. Coleman is excellent at using his size and length to high-point the ball and be a legitimate redzone target.

Coleman offers mismatch problems for defenses, and plays in the mold of Chicago’s Brandon Marshall. Coleman could be a big time player in the NFL with some time to develop.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Bruce Ellington (23) is brought down by Florida Gators defensive back Brian Poole (24). Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

17. Bruce Ellington, South Carolina: 5-9, 195 (4.45)

Ellington is a dynamic player who’s shifty and can make defenders miss in the open field. He’s quick off the line and in and out of his breaks, which helps him create separation.

Ellington lacks the elite speed or size to be a reliable vertical threat, but he offers an offense a lot as a dynamic slot receiver and return specialist.

He reminds some of Devin Hester and could have that potential impact in the NFL as a returner.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis (4). Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

18. Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin: 6-1, 195 (4.50)

Abbrederis has decent size and speed as a wideout at the next level, but he also is a guy who plays fearless and will sellout for a catch.

Abbrederis is not much of a vertical threat and may have a low ceiling at the next level, but he’s also not much of a risk and seems like a safe pick in the late-third or early-fourth round.

At best, Abbrederis may only be a third or fourth receiver on a roster in the NFL, but he still offers a consistent, reliable target for his quarterback.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Josh Huff (1). Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

19. Josh Huff, Oregon: 5-11, 206 (4.47)

Huff is one of the better slot receivers in this year’s draft. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can break tackles and gain yards after the catch.

Huff is a tough receiver who isn’t afraid to go over the middle and take a hit. He’s productive on the field, catching 62 passes for 1104 yards and 12 TDs last season.

Huff does lack that second gear necessary to be a true vertical threat, but the Oregon prospect possesses a lot of upside and could be a solid second or third receiving option in an NFL offense.

(Draft Projection: Round 4)

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Kevin Norwood (83) carries the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks cornerback Jared Collins (29). John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

20. Kevin Norwood, Alabama: 6-2, 198 (4.48)

Norwood has some of the best hands in this year’s crop of receivers. He’s a natural pass-catcher and does a great job using his body to position himself against the defender to make a catch.

Norwood has good speed, but isn’t considered an explosive athlete who will get easy separation from defenders at the next level. Norwood also isn’t considered a vertical threat, which affects his draft stock.

However, Norwood has good length and is a savvy receiver with short-area burst that allows him to get open underneath coverage.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Devin Street (15). Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

21. Devin Street, Pittsburgh – 6-3, 198 (4.50)

Street has a nice balance of size, speed, and athleticism. He’s a longer receiver who can high-point the ball and make catches above smaller defensive backs.

Street has a good hands and is great at working the middle of the field and finding soft spots in coverage to take advantage of.

Street just lacks top-end burst we see with some of the other receivers in this class. This may limit Street from being a true downfield threat in the NFL.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)