1. Calvin Ridley, University of Alabama
The top receiver for last year’s national champion Alabama is anticipated to be the first wide receiver taken in this year’s draft. He is a great route runner with excellent quickness. Ridley also is praised for his lack of drops over his college career. Even with a very limited passing game at Alabama in 2017, Ridley was able to produce 67 catches and 967 yards. (ESPN) Ridley does need to gain weight and
become a stronger presence in the NFL if he wants to produce at a high level.
2. Courtland Sutton, Southern Methodist University
Cortland Sutton uses his height and size to his advantage which will fare well in the NFL. His main focus will be being a dominant red zone threat for the team that decides to draft him. Last year, he produced over 1000 yards receiving while also catching 12 touchdown passes. (ESPN) If he can continue to use his size to his advantage against defenders, he will have a successful NFL career.
3. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Christian Kirk is a smaller receiver who uses his speed and quickness to separate form corners. He had 71 receptions, with 10 of them being touchdowns last year. (ESPN) Not only can he be effective as a wide receiver, but also for a team’s special teams. Kirk was Texas A&M’s kick and punt returner during his career. This is a great bonus to whoever drafts him, as he can be a threat in multiple ways.
4. D.J. Moore, University of Maryland
D.J. Moore is another wide receiver who uses speed to be a threat catching the football. Also, he is very good in respect to catching the ball in traffic and over defenders. Both of these attributes combined makes Moore a threat for big plays downfield. Last year for Maryland, he had over 1000 yards with 8 touchdowns to go along with that. (ESPN) He can be a powerful addition for any team that is in dire need of a wide receiver.
5. James Washington, Oklahoma State University
James Washington had a phenomenal career at Oklahoma State. In his past 3 years, he had over 1000 yards receiving and at least 10 touchdowns. (ESPN) He is a smaller wide receiver who mainly relies on his speed. He also was advantages with the offensive system he played in with Oklahoma State throwing the ball as much as any team in the country. Washington will be a deep threat for any team that picks him. Scouts main worry is his ability to make defenders miss after the catch. If he can improve his route running as well, he will be able to produce at a high level throughout his NFL career.
http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3925357/calvin-ridley
http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3128429/courtland-sutton
http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3895856/christian-kirk
http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915416/dj-moore
http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3122449/james-washington
