Small, Speed Wide Receivers

Emmanuel Sanders (SMU)-6’0” 191 lbs

Sanders projects as a very solid slot receiver in the NFL. He is 6’0” 183 lbs, but he has worked with Kennan McCardell at SMU. McCardell just happened to be 6’0” 191 and he played more than 15 solid years in the NFL. He runs crisp routes and has a strong burst up the field. Smaller, good route-runners can have very successful NFL careers.

David Reed (Utah)-6’0” 183 lbs

At just 6’0” 183, Reed is also working with Keenan McCardel at the Shrine game practices, and McCardell loves what he sees. Reed has better hands than Sanders, but is not as quick off the line. Both project as solid slot men in the NFL.

Jordan Shipley (Texas)-5’11”-190 lbs

Will be a good slot receiver in the NFL. Looks a lot like Anthony Gonzalez, and even more like Brandon Stokely. Either way, Shipley should have a strong NFL career because of his motor and study of the game. What he lacks in physical gifts he makes up with precise route running and smarts. He has great hands, and brings the ball into his body before trying to turn up field, something young receivers have troubled with in the NFL. He also can return kicks. If he hits his ceiling, he could be the next Wes Welker.

Jacoby Ford (Clemson)-5’8”-182 lbs

This guy is a clone of Ted Ginn, Jr. However, he is much stringer, which will make him much more effective in the NFL because he can escape the press of the more physical corners. Ginn struggles because of the fact that he cannot get off the line and run his routes effectively. Ford will be able to. The reason he may fall out of the top rounds is because of his lack of route running skills. He went deep on nearly every play at Clemson, so he never had to learn routes. Because of his quickness, elite speed (4.37 40 yard dash), and strength for his small size, he may very well turn out to be a steal in the draft.

Brandon Banks (Kansas State)-5’7”-149 lbs

Brandon Banks will only be considered for the NFL based on his blazing speed, as he is said to have been clocked at a 4.26 in the 40 yard dash. He doesn’t run routes well, nor does he have the greatest knowledge of the game, but I think someone will snatch him in rounds 6-7 because of his amazing speed. He is also a great kick returner, so he will get drafted based on that, too, as special teams is a growing fad in the NFL.

Mardy Gilyad (Cincinatti)-6’0”-187 lbs

Many people saw this guy play this year because of Cincinatti’s string year, and you saw that he can ball. He is not the speediest guy, but he is quick, and can maneuver well in tight holes in the zones. He also has long arms to keep the press block away from him. Can jump out of the building, but his hands are not super consistent. With the right team and quarterback, he could develop into a strong #2 receiver, but he is fairly raw at this point.