While clearly not the strength of this year’s draft, the wide receiver position has been solidified into a deep group with the additions of several underclassmen who are expected to be among the first day selections. This group clearly lacks the talent of the caliber of Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, but can potentially offer three first round picks with talented juniors Malcolm Kelly and DeSean Jackson heading the group. Other prospects like Early Doucet, Limas Sweed, James Hardy and Earl Bennett will look for strong performances in the NFL combine to help raise their draft stock.

Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
Kelly is considered by many to be the top receiver in the draft. He has good size (6-4, 217) and athleticism and isn’t afraid to go over the middle and take a hit. Kelly is a physically imposing figure who has excelled in the red zone, and should continue to excel at the NFL level. In 2006, Kelly racked up 993 and 10 touchdowns despite missing three games.  In 2007, Kelly came out of the gate sizzling and caught seven of his nine touchdowns in the first three games. Kelly looks to be comparable to the Chargers’ Vincent Jackson, though Kelly is more NFL-ready coming from Oklahoma and the tough Big 12 conference. Kelly’s biggest obstacle in becoming the No.1 wide out in the draft will be getting a solid 40 time at the combine. Kelly didn’t show breakaway speed in college, but this big, athletic prospect has flashed the play-making ability over his collegiate career and could be the first receiver taken at his position this April.

DeSean Jackson , California
Jackson possesses obscene speed with, running a 4.29 40, and has helped his draft stock with his return abilities. Jackson is deceptive in the open field and can be utilized in the short/ screen passing plays, and long routes where he can lose defenders with his speed.  Much like Malcolm Kelly, Jackson had his best collegiate season in 2006 when he cruised to 1060 yards receiving and 12 total touchdowns. The downside for Jackson is that he has lost his focus in the past, and may need an attitude check at the NFL level. In the end, though, Jackson is an all-purpose playmaker, and can be an impact player as a receiver and as a return specialist. His talent and versatility should win out in the end, and like Ted Ginn Jr. last season, Jackson will likely find a team willing to gamble on him in the first round come April.

Limas Sweed , Texas
Sweed is possibly the best senior receiver in the group. He has great size (6-5, 219), and deceptive speed that will make him a match up nightmare for any defender. Sweed’s largest problem is his health. He opted out of the senior bowl with a recurring wrist injury, which caused him to miss the last seven games of his senior season at Texas . The same wrist may limit his production at the combine and put his draft stock in serious jeopardy. In 2006, Sweed racked up 800 yards and 12 touchdowns, catching a score in all but one game during the season. Despite Sweed’s solid speed, he hasn’t shown the ability to run behind defenders or the quick in and out of breaks to shake off defenders. If he does well at the combine, he could easily move to the top of the chart given the potential of his size and physical ability.

Early Doucet, LSU
Doucet has had a nice year for the Tigers, and despite missing five games still managed to haul in 57 catches and five touchdowns. The national championship winner also performed nicely at the senior bowl. Doucet is a fine athlete possessing outstanding speed (4.45 40) and is known as a good route runner with soft hands. His ability to make the big plays after the catch should serve him well at the NFL level. Doucet has the potential to move toward the top of the class with a good showing in the combine, and his ability to be a kick returner as he did at times at LSU may help his draft stock even more. He also has the best name in the draft.

Mario Manningham, Michigan
After a fine Big Ten career, Manningham is an intriguing wide out with great quickness and speed. He has shown the ability to adjust to the ball while it’s in the air while displaying excellent body control. Manningham had a breakout junior year at Michigan with a team-high 72 receptions for 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns. While Manningham is athletically ready for the NFL game, he will need to bulk up with his smallish size (6-0, 186) presenting the biggest concern at the next level. Look for Manningham to perform well at the combine and possibly be targeted by Dallas in the second round.

Adarius Bowman , Oklahoma State
Another physical specimen, Bowman stands 6-4, 220 and brings the big play ability to the field at all times. He is a truly gifted athlete, has had back to back 1,000 yard campaigns at Oklahoma State while amassing 20 touchdown receptions during the last two seasons. Bowman isn’t afraid to run the crossing patterns, and take a hit if necessary.  He should excel as a red zone threat with his combination of size and athleticism. He will need to perform well at the forty in the combine to help lift the question marks on his speed. Bowman should be taken in the top 75 with the high demand for the tall athletic receiver in the new spread offenses.

Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt
Bennett has definitely flown under the radar, but his talent speaks for itself. In a tough SEC, Bennett has excelled with 236 catches, 2,852 yards, and 20 touchdowns in his three year career. He has good size and strength, often beating coverage with excellent route running and soft hands. Bennett is very mature for an underclassman, and should help his stock with his excellent character and leadership qualities. Bennett isn’t known for his blazing speed (4.48, 40), which hurts him as he won’t outrun most defenders. He looks to impress the NFL scouts at the combine and climb the charts of this deep receiving group.


Aaron Sobel is a contributing writer for Draft Stock