Wide Receiver

1) Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)- 9.2
The nearly season-long suspension handed down by the NCAA should not affect Bryant’s draft position and he should be the first receiver selected. A physical player with good size, Bryant is phenomenal while the ball is in the air. He has good hands and offers a solid target for his quarterback. May not become an elite number one receiver due to his lack of speed and a simply average ability to manufacture yards after the catch. Still very athletic and could be a good punt returner in the NFL, too.

2) Golden Tate (Notre Dame)- 8.9
Others have more upside than Tate because of his small size (5’11’’) and average burst but Tate has been dominant in Notre Dame’s West Coast offense. Does not possess Percy Harvin’s speed but is a better receiver and could emulate Harvin’s production and versatility at the next level in the right situation. Tate is very athletic and excellent with the ball in his hands. He adjusts well to the ball while it’s in the air and has produced more highlight-reel catches than any other receiver this year. May struggle to get off the line of scrimmage against physical corners but will be a playmaker in the NFL.

3) Damian Williams (USC)- 8.8
Most NFL-ready receiver in the draft because of his overall polish. Has very good hands and runs great routes. He is very shifty although not necessarily fast. Not a physical specimen but has good height and may add some additional strength. He won’t blow you away but the overall package makes him sneaky good and potentially great.

4) Arrelious Benn (Illinois)- 8.6
Terribly underwhelming junior year as Benn was hindered by nagging injuries and the floundering Illinois offense. He has all the tools but this season has struggled with simple tasks like, say, catching the ball. Only has seven touchdowns in three seasons at Illinois but his athleticism, size and speed give him a very high ceiling as a player. High risk/reward type player but will go in the first two rounds even after his disappointing junior year.

5) Brandon LaFell (LSU)- 8.5
Projects as a solid second receiver in the NFL. He has good size and uses it well, even excelling as a blocker downfield in the running game. He has large hands and has improved his pass catching. Does not have impressive straight-line speed and only average agility so will not be a big-play threat in the NFL. Smart player and very tough. Should develop into a quality red zone target.