The NFL Prospectus
-A Special Focus on a Once-In-A-Generation-Crop of Flankers –
For those of us that love game changing deep streaks up the seam, acrobatic catches, and all the touchdowns that come with them, this year’s class of rookie receivers has been nothing short of a dream come true. Yes, it is not uncommon in this day and age of instant offense and pass interference flags for us to look at inflated numbers and proclaim someone the next Jerry Rice. However, the more football I watched this year, the more young receivers actually look like they have the chance to become the subsequent icon for the upcoming generation of fans.
This draft class features receivers that are both massive and diminutive in stature, possessing speed that range from fast to scorching to game changing. It seems sometimes like you only need to get the ball in a ten foot radius for these guys to pull it in.
Coming up I’m going to take a look at the best of the best at the position for this special crop of Receivers, assign some ratings and values for key attributes, and decide who will be the best of the class of 2014.
Sammy Watkins
- Selected: 4th by Buffalo Pre-Draft Ranking: 1st
- Height: 6 feet, 1 inch Weight: 211 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash time: 4.43 Seconds Hands- A
- ‘Gamespeed’- A Routes- B minus Ability to Beat Press- C
- Potential in the NFL- A
In order to move up to the 4th slot to get him, the Bills traded away a kings ransom; two first round picks and two fourth rounders. However, given how well Sammy Watkins played this season makes that trade a surprisingly great value. Watkins has been nearly unstoppable at times, despite inconsistent play from his quarterback. He has everything you look for in a prototypical wide receiver at the NFL level, with the only *coughs quietly* complaint being he’s ‘only’ six feet and one inch tall. And granted, compared to some of the power forwards playing the position today, he might not be the tallest receiver out there. However, that’s where his limitations end in my mind. He has the ability to consistently catch any ball in his area, a useful trait when playing with the likes of Kyle Orton. He also can separate with a great burst once he catches the ball and is incredibly skilled at gaining large chunks of yards after securing the ball. We (I) like to call this YAC. Watkins had 310 yards after the catch this season, second only among rookie wide outs to Odell Beckham Jr . That burst is on full display when he is able to run away from man coverage, which he has proven that he can do at the pro level. His route running ability has been acceptable given the rookie status, with plenty of room for improvement and a chance to add another weapon to an already fully stocked arsenal. I clearly really like this guy, okay? I also think that he has what it takes physically to be a perennial pro-bowl receiver; and we all know Buffalo could use all the help it can get on offense.
Best Quality- His athletic ability combined with his strong hands can be overpowering at the point of the catch, allowing him to make highlight-reel catches just about every time he takes the field.
He could be the next… Hmm, this is a tough question. If he is able to stay healthy (and avoid any more premature TD celebrations, see it here, it’s funny), he has the potential to be a Terrell Owens-like gamebreaking receiver.
Mike Evans
- Selected: 7th by Tampa Pre-Draft Ranking: 2nd
- Height: 6 feet, 5 inches Weight: 230 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash time: 4.53 Seconds Hands- A
- ‘Gamespeed’- B minus Routes- B Ability to Beat Press- B minus
- Potential in the NFL- B
Here is your ideal red-zone, big-bodied, throw it up to me receiver. I really like Mike Evans ability to go up and attack the ball at its highest point, then come down under control with the rock firmly in his possession. He really excels at the post-up style catches where he can throw his body at the defender. His style of play is increasingly valuable if the league continues to allow more and more contact in the defensive backfield. Mike Evans has always had just enough speed to get it done at any level, and he is showing that he has enough to be an NFL receiver. He may never be a burner, but he definitely does not look slow out there. Up to this point, Evans has not really had consistent play from his quarterback position as a pro. I believe that much of his success will depend on if he has a quarterback that can get the ball down the field. If the Bucs are able to stabilize their QB in the next few years, Mike could be off to a running start in the League. I really look at Evans as a very good number one receiver on any team, with his size providing a ton of added value.
Best Quality- Is really just his size. He comes in at almost six and a half feet tall with baseball gloves for hands, seriously, there 9 5/8 inches long. This physical mismatch is something that exceeds talent level and can be impossible for DB’s to overcome.
He could be the next… I could see Mike Evans having a (hopefully) less volatile, Plaxico Burress-esq career. With that being said, I think Evans has more speed and explosive ability than Burress ever had and that shows from his big plays. Evans has a chance to supplant Watkins as the best receiver drafted in 2014.
Odell Beckham, Jr.
- Selected: 12th by NY Giants Pre-Draft Ranking: 3rd
- Height: 5 feet, 11 inches Weight: 198 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash time: 4.53 Seconds Hands- A
- ‘Gamespeed’- A Routes- B minus Ability to Beat Press- C
- Potential in the NFL- B+
This is a guy who I really wrote off coming into the draft. Odell Beckham comes out of LSU, where Les Miles has failed to produce a receiver that has done much of anything in the NFL. However, this is 2014, the year of broken trends, and this is a big one because Beckham can BALL. I doubt by this time that there is anyone in America that did not the three fingered, falling backwards, over the shoulder snag all while fighting off a massive pass interference. That was a catch for the all-time highlight reels, and I think this kid could do it routinely. Note, in case you live under a rock and missed the catch, it is here. Please click before you read further.
Odell is a very well rounded receiver. He has good, not great, hands that seem to get better the higher the degree of difficulty of the catch he is currently contorting his body for. I like the way he runs routes as well; he has proven that he can consistently get separation from NFL defensive backs. If he is able to bulk himself up to, say maybe 215 pounds, I think that it would do wonders for his durability going forward. Well as long as it doesn’t mess with his speed. Have I mentioned that this kid can fly? He can certainly run away from man defenders and through a Cover 2.
Having been named to the Pro Bowl this year, I can really see this guy’s confidence, and by the same token, career taking off. If anybody in this list has a chance to be an All-Timer, I think it might be him. The only reason I do not have his potential any higher (right now at least) is because of his, at times, volatile attitude. This is typical at the diva-laden wider receiver position, but nonetheless is worth mentioning. You never know when someone of his mental makeup could have an eruption and throw a wrench into team chemistry, especially in the media circus that is New York, New York. Look for him to make plenty of Sportscenter Top Tens as well as Daily News’ infamous Back Pages
Best Quality- Is really his well roundedness. He really reminds me of Steve Smith Sr. in this regard. He is not the biggest guy, not quite the fastest either. However, when you add all his skills together, the sum is greater than the parts.
He could be the next… Though this is a very recent reference, I could see him next year having a season like Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers is this year. They are very close to the same size and speed, if anything Odell may be slightly faster. (Philadelphia fan note: Hopefully Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams won’t be around to attempt to cover him in the future)
Kelvin Benjamin, Jr.
- Selected: 28th by Carolina Pre-Draft Ranking: 8th
- Height: 6 feet, 5 inches Weight: 240 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash time: 4.61 Seconds Hands- C+
- ‘Gamespeed’- C minus Routes- C Ability to Beat Press- A minus
- Potential in the NFL- B minus
This guy may be the most divisive receiver selected in 2014. Before the draft, I was also down on Kelvin Benjamin for a laundry list of reasons. Just to get the negative out of the way: he drops way too many passes, not very fast, and does not run very good routes. With all of that being said, he is still 6 foot 5 and can jump out of the gym. This can make up for a lot of short comings when it comes to accuracy of the quarterback, and can sometimes mean he can beat perfect coverages. There is no answer for the perfect pass to a huge guy who can go up and snag the ball at its highest point, that is simply a physics equation. It can also be a massive advantage to simply throw his big body around in the red zone and box out smaller players in the secondary for an easy pitch and catch. Placing a bigger guy, for example a linebacker, on him does not really do the trick either. Benjamin is skilled enough to shake less skilled players and leave them behind, especially in short yardage situations when the ball comes out quick and the defender does not have time to recover.
Best Quality- His real strength is honestly his frame. He is the most solidly built receiver I think I have ever seen. If he refines his skill at playing the position, he will be tough to stop going forward.
He could be the next… I really like the Vincent Jackson comparison here, to use a current reference. They are very similar in size (Jackson is 6 foot 5, 230lbs), however Vincent ran a considerably faster 40 time at 4.46. With that being said, combine times aren’t everything and Kelvin can aspire to be like the original big man in Tampa.
Jordan Matthews
- Selected: 42nd by Philadelphia Pre-Draft Ranking: 9th
- Height: 6 feet, 2 inches Weight: 221 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash time: 4.46 Seconds Hands- B
- ‘Gamespeed’- B minus Routes- A minus Ability to Beat Press- C+
- Potential in the NFL- B+
Jordan Matthews, to me, may be one of the least physically talented guys on this list. Now, before you pick up your torches and pitchforks, let me finish. Despite that fact, I think he may ultimately enjoy some of the most individual success, based on his coach, current quarterback situation, and his intangibles. While some of his measurable fall short, there is certainly a reason why he holds the career record for receptions in the most prestigious college football conference in America, the SEC. He is a very, very smart kid, proven by the fact he graduated from Vanderbilt with an Economics degree (on a side note, I would love to talk economic theory with him. Too boring for you? Okay, back to sports).
While he may not be viewed (currently) as a true wide receiver and instead more of a ‘slot guy’, there is reason to believe he could shake that label. Matthews knows how to get open through a combination of crafty route running, just enough speed to beat you up the seam, and good size to provide a large target for his quarterback. He could certainly contribute in any offense, and I think he provides a great safety blanket/pressure release valve for a qb under duress. In fact, on the blitz is when we see him contributing the most. He may not be the bottled lightning that Watkins or Beckham are, but I am sure the Eagles are happy to have him.
Best Quality- Are the qualities that you can’t see at the combine. He has a way of sensing when he should break off of his route and go into a scramble drill, trying to get open by any means and flowing with the quarterback. He also makes great impromptu decisions on his routes based on the coverage that he reads presnap. Both point to his intelligence and feel for the game.
He could be the next… I really see him having a career that follows the path of Anquan Boldin. They are similar in just about every way, size, speed, and playing style. And it is worth noting that earlier in his career, Boldin was viewed as a ‘slot guy’ as well, but played well on the outside.
Brandin Cooks
- Selected: 20th by New Orleans Pre-Draft Ranking: 4nd
- Height: 5 feet, 10 inches Weight: 189 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash time: 4.33 Seconds Hands- B minus
- ‘Gamespeed’- A+ Routes- C+ Ability to Beat Press- C
- Potential in the NFL- B+
Brandin Cooks is fast. No I mean really fast. He’s so fast he makes fast people look, well, not fast (there’s a Longest Yard Reference there, watch it here if you don’t know what I’m talking about).
All kidding aside, Cooks is already one of the fastest guys in the league, and don’t expect that to change. From the minute he arrived in New Orleans, I thought he would be a game changer for the Saints offense. While it didn’t exactly all come together this year for the ‘Aints, there is reason to believe they found a very valuable weapon for Drew Brees going forward. Cooks has good hands (did I mention his speed yet?), but will need to work on running his routes to NFL standards. His miniature frame provides him with some limitations when it comes to going over the middle, but that was never intended to be part of his game. He is a prototypical deep threat who at any given time could pop a big play like a champagne cork. I was really in love with him going into the draft process and could see him making a few Pro Bowls in his day, provided he can stay on the field. He missed ten games this year, and with his size, durability could be a problem in the long run. Despite all that, he is still a top flight prospect.
Best Quality- If I haven’t repeated it enough, it is clearly his Roadrunner-esque, burning rubber speed.
He could be the next… Before the mobs descend on my basement for mentioning a certain number 10, I only make this reference because it’s true. He reminds me of Desean Jackson. I wouldn’t bring him up unless I had to.
Be sure to follow all of these guys, and pick them up on your fantasy team if you can!
– (Pre-draft stats) http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2014/WR
-(Videos) Courtesy of NFL.com on respective team sites
Longest yard clip brought to you by Youtube
Photos:
- William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports via The Chicago Tribune
- AP Photo/Bill Haber
- Ubersportslinks.com
- AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
- Grant Halverson/Getty Images
- Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
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