After discussing the top 2016 Draft quarterback and runningback prospects, it’s time to rank the receivers. The wide outs are as talented of a group as any. Take a look at who you might be seeing on Sundays next year.
TOP 5 Seniors:
1. D’haquille Williams (Auburn) 6’2″ 224 lbs
Like all Auburn receivers they are really hard to judge how good they really are because of poor quarterback play. Auburn used a converted defensive back in Nick Marshall as their quarterback for the past two seasons. Williams was able to is similar to former teammate Sammie Coats who was taken in the third round of this year’s draft. Williams is a overall raw receiver who’s eventual pro day and combine will be very important to his draft stock. I expect Williams to be a late first round pick reminding me a lot of Vikings wide out Cordarelle Paterson.
2. Josh Doctson (TCU) 6’4″ 195 lbs
Doctson is TCU’s best receiver and became a viable option last season reeling in over 1,000 yards. Doctson is not a burner but posses elite size at 6’4″. Doctson does need to improve his strength as he could have trouble playing against tough press corners in the future. TCU’s victory over Oklahoma State last season set the tone for the senior racking up 7 catches and 221 yards.
3. Leonte Carroo (Rutgers) 6’1″ 205 lbs
Carroo is a physical receiver who uses his strength to get open rather than pure route running. Carroo also managed to reel in 55 passes in a run heavy offense. After Doctson and Williams to talent level really falls off for senior receivers as he will likely find himself in the later rounds.
4. Shaq Roland (Prairie View A&M) 6’1″ 176 lbs
Shaq Roland was a very highly recruited wide out who started his collegiate career at the University of South Carolina. After quitting the football team in 2014 with run ins from head coach Steve Spuirrer, Roland enrolled in Prairie View A&M. Roland never reached his potential at South Carolina but he has a chance to do so at a smaller school. The senior wide receiving class is weak and Roland could be worth the look.
5. Nelson Spruce (Colorado) 6’1″ 195 lbs
Spruce was a highly productive player last season catching over 100 passes last season. Spruce will have to show he is able to beat double coverage more often this season in order to push up his draft status. At this moment he will likely find himself in the later rounds.
TOP 5 Underclassmen:
1. Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss) 6’2″ 212 lbs
I fully expect Treadwell to be the first receiver taken in next years draft the only question is whether he will recover fully from his ugly leg injury last season. From everything I’ve been hearing is he fully ready to go to this season. Treadwell could be the next Dez Bryant/Julio Jones, a player to definitely keep an eye on.
2. MaQuez North (Tennessee) 6’4″ 221 lbs
North is a player who is simply better than what his numbers suggest. Similar to Treadwell, North missed the final five games of his season with a torn labrum. 2015 will be a big season for North as scouts will be looking how he responds from his shoulder injury. MaQuez will be a solid red-zone target in the pros reminding me of a young DeAndre Hopkins.
3. Tyler Boyd (Pittsburgh) 6’2″ 190 lbs
Boyd is one of the most talented players in all of college football as he has been completely unstoppable to this point in his collegiate career. Boyd runs like and deer and catches virtually everything. The one question mark to this point was his recent DUI. The Pitt receiver needs to stay out of trouble and continue to put up number and he should find himself in the first round.
4. Rashard Higgins (Colorado State) 6’2″ 188 lbs
Higgins was Garrett Grayson’s favorite target at Colorado State. With Grayson now with the Saints, Higgins will need to show he doesn’t need his former quarterback to be productive. Higgins posted 96 catches and 1,750 yards last season.
5. Travin Durial (LSU) 6’2″ 192 lbs
Durial looks to continue the LSU receiver trend after watching the success of Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham. Durial had a bit of breakout season posting seven touchdowns despite horrible quarterback play. LSU players have translated rather nicely to the pros in recent years as Durial looks to continue that streak.
