Thread: Ranking the WR's in the 2012 Draft Class...................

NFL Draft: Ranking the WR class by Tiers

Who are the prospects to look for throughout the first couple rounds… Wes Bunting

March 19, 2012 Share

Breaking down the tiers of wide out prospects…

Tier 1

Justin Blackmon: Oklahoma State (6-1, 215)
The lack of play speed will limit him at bit. Nevertheless, he's got the skill set to line-up all over an NFL offense and make plays on all levels of the field.

Tier 2
ICONFloyd will likely come off the board in round one.

Michael Floyd: Notre Dame (6-3, 224)
Looked more sudden, explosive and showcased the ability to separate quickly as a senior. Is one of the draft's top receiving prospects.

Kendall Wright: Baylor (5-10, 190)
In the same mold as a number of Pittsburgh Steelers receivers (Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders) and can be effective both inside and out making plays down the field at the next level.

Tier 3

Stephen Hill: Georgia Tech (6-5, 206)
Has a unique skill set, can pluck off his frame, track the football and is the next big time talent from the Georgia Tech program. Is going to need some time to develop, but can come in and track football vertically early on. Has a lot of upside to his game and skill set says he's an NFL starter.

Mohamed Sanu: Rutgers (6-2, 215)
Physically reminds me some of Hakeem Nicks. Isn't as NFL ready, but can go get the football, breakdown and separate on all levels of the field. Looks like a future NFL starter who might need some time, but the talent is most definitely there.

Tier 4

Devon Wylie: Fresno State (5-9, 185)
Is limited a bit by his size, but is the kind of cat-quick slot guy with great ball skills who can make a living in the NFL. The major positive with him is that he also has very good speed as well.

Joe Adams: Arkansas (5-11, 190)
An explosive athlete who can go get the football down the field and has some savvy to his game setting up routes. However, is inconsistent catching the football and as a route runner. Nevertheless, does enough well to make a roster and see early playing time inside and outside. An ideal fit for Philadelphia running the deep crossers.

Jarius Wright: Arkansas (5-10, 180)
A coordinated athlete who is sharp as a route runner, tough over the middle and knows how to get open vs. man and zone. Will get re-routed vs. press at times and looks more like an inside player at the next level, but has the skill set to make a roster and carve out a big niche early.

Tier 5
ICONJones showcases the ability to run the entire route tree.

Marvin Jones: California (6-3, 202)
Possesses good size, good body control and hand eye coordination, and for his size is a pretty fluid athlete as well. Isn't a dynamic athlete, but should be able to find a way to make and earn playing time on an NFL roster.

Rueben Randle: Louisiana State (6-4, 208)
Possesses that sneaky strider speed down the field and has some savvy to his game. However, lacks great burst out of his breaks and isn't going to be effective running sharply breaking routes. Looks like a potential NFL starter only.

Nick Toon: Wisconsin (6-3, 220)
I like his size, short area quickness and ability to adjust to the football. Isn't a guy who is going to create consistently down the field, but knows how to gain enough separation, pluck and create after the catch. Looks like a guy who can play on the outside as a legit number two wide out running the inward breaking routes with some time, but isn't ever going to be a dynamic playmaker.

Alshon Jeffery: South Carolina (6-4, 229)
Jeffery looks like a more dynamic version of Seahawks wide out Mike Williams who will be limited in the routes he can run (fade, slant, post, corner) at the next level. But can still be successful as the "Z" receiver where he will be put in motion and used a lot in two man routes with the tight end running vertical and adjusting to the throw. However, he's never going to be overly productive due to his inability to separate consistently of his breaks.

Marvin McNutt: Iowa (6-4, 215)
A tall, long armed receiver who can win off the line and use his big frame to box and go get the football. A big target who looks capable of fighting for a starting role now at the next level. However, is never going to be a guy who separates a ton in any area of the game.