Spring Break
Crabtree tops list of explosive wide receivers
Sean Labar
Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: Sports
|
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey - Maryland
Heyward-Bey clearly has the talent to compete at the professional level but his numbers don't support it. The Terrapins had a mediocre season where Heyward-Bey only had five touchdowns and 553 yards. Luckily, NFL scouts see this kid's potential and realize he didn't have much of a supporting cast in Maryland to place him with the elite receivers of his class such as Crabtree and Maclin. I see Heyward-Bey going early in the second round and using his size and toughness to excel at the next level. The Raiders are begging for a playmaking wide-out and I feel that Al Davis might get his wish fulfilled in acquiring Heyward-Bey.
4. Hakeem Nicks- North Carolina
This Tar Heel made his presence known this season by pulling down 12 touchdowns and gaining 1,222 yards receiving. Nicks is my sleeper of the draft and has the size and hands to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He plays similarly to Arizona's Anquan Boldin in that most of his yards come after the catch. His demolish over West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl boosted his draft position tremendously as he caught three touchdowns for 217 yards. I see Nicks slipping in late in the first round.
3. Percy Harvin- Florida
Harvin had an incredible 40-yard-dash time in the combine and proved to scouts that though he isn't a big body receiver, he still has the ability to become a dominant force in the NFL. Harvin is extremely versatile and can slip through small gaps like the Saints' Reggie Bush. I believe Harvin is the most exciting player in the draft and will be a great multi-purpose player for a professional franchise. Harvin hasn't even reached the age of 21, which will be appealing to many teams as they consider him for a long-term investment. He can do it all. I see him blowing up like the Bears' Devin Hester and becoming a player that causes serious problems for opposing defenses.
2. Jeremy Maclin- Missouri
Jeremy Maclin is a unique player that is sure to shine in the NFL--with just a small amount of guidance. Last season, Maclin was the major contributor to the Tigers' offense, producing 17 touchdowns and 102 receptions. The speedy receiver also has the ability to return kicks and punts, making his value in the draft a bit higher. I see Maclin going in the middle of the first round to the 49ers, a franchise seeking a big play wide-out since the release of Terrell Owens in 2003.
1. Michael Crabtree- Texas Tech
When it comes to playing the wide receiver position, Crabtree has the entire package. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 214 pounds, the Texas Tech standout has the ability to use his body to create space and pick up yards after the catch. Crabtree has hands similar to Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald and the physical structure of Houston's Andre Johnson. Crabtree will be an instant go-to receiver in the NFL and will definitely be an early first round pick. If the Seahawks don't scoop him up with the fourth overall pick, I see Crabtree as a perfect fit in Jacksonville in light of the release of Matt Jones.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolnian.com.
Be the first to comment on this story