Combine Prep: Wide Receivers In The Draft

Wide receivers are speaking with the media today and will work out for the scouts on Saturday. Receiver is considered one of the strengths of this draft, so it wouldn’t be altogether surprising if the Eagles used a pick on one despite investing in the position last May. The odds of them selecting one high, presumably, would go up if Jeremy Maclin exits via free agency.

Here’s a look at the top five wide receivers who are available in the draft. (We’ll tackle the rest of the class down the road). Projected rounds are courtesy of CBS Sports.

Amari Cooper, Alabama
Height/weight: 6-1, 210
2014 Stats: 124 receptions, 1727 yards, 16 TDs
Projected round: 1

Analysis (NFL.com): Won’t dazzle with blazing speed or outrageous size, but is good in both categories. Complete receiver with game-changing ability to win downfield. Has the skill and twitch to be a consistent, high-volume target in the short and intermediate games with the ability to produce against any coverage. Cooper won’t be able to run roughshod over NFL safeties like he did in college, but he should be able to help a passing game improve quickly.

Kevin White, West Virginia
Height/weight: 6-3, 210
2014 Stats: 69 receptions, 1020 yards, 7 TDs
Projected round: 1

Analysis (NFL.com): He’s not just a product of West Virginia’s system — he’s talented. White competes hard for the ball and has the leaping, hands and high-pointing ability to be a factor down the field despite his lack of top-end speed. His improvement from 2013 to 2014 is a great sign, but his 40 time could define his draft stock.

DeVante Parker, Louisville
Height/weight: 6-3, 209
2014 Stats: 43 receptions, 855 yards, 5 TDs
Projected round: 1

Analysis (NFL.com): Parker won’t win the NFL Scouting Combine, but he will win when the ball is in the air. With his height and an exceptional wingspan (80 inches), he consistently catches everything in his vicinity. Parker isn’t going to overpower cornerbacks and he will have more contested catches than most explosive wideouts. Parker has consistently posted eye-popping yards-per-catch numbers during his time at Louisville. Parker needs time to get into his routes and his talents would be on full display in a West Coast passing attack.

Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri
Height/weight: 6-6, 225
2013 Stats: 59 receptions, 883 yards, 12 TDs
Projected round: 1

Analysis (NFL.com): Long-strider with vertical ability to change a game and the catch radius and body control to make the difficult look easy. However, Green-Beckham struggles against physical cornerbacks, and is raw as a route runner with poor instincts when it comes to getting open. It’s easy to bet on the traits when a receiver has high football character and is a willing worker, but teams could pass on the traits early in the draft due to his perceived lack of work ethic and overall character.

Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
Height/weight: 6-3, 215
2014 Stats: 82 receptions, 1165 yards, 10 TDs
Projected round: 1-2

Analysis (NFL.com): Individual elements of Strong’s game aren’t awe-inspiring, but scouts really love the entirety of his game and where it is headed. His strength, size and ability to catch contested throws will be coveted by some, but his issues with separation quickness can only be solved if he becomes much better in his route-running. Strong looks the part of a physical, possession receiver with a relatively high floor.