Draft talk: Receivers
 

[B]This is from John Keim's Redskins email report, sign up [URL="http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/redskins-confidential/2011/10/redskins-insider-emails-sign-here/149547"]here[/URL][/B]

Draft talk: Receivers
The receiver class is not considered a terrific one for the draft, but there are some solid options if the Redskins choose to go that way. Considering they’ve openly talked about the need for more playmaking at receiver, there’s a good chance they will (unless they fill this void in free agency). Here are some options, with comments from a scout and former scout Russ Lande, now a draft expert for Sporting News. Both have watched these players extensively and saw some of them up close at the Senior Bowl.

Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon: “Even though he only measures about 6-feet, he’s thickly built. He’s extremely powerful and a tremendous athlete for such a well-built kid. He can get away from coverage even though he doesn’t have that rare explosive speed. He knows how to create space and when he doesn’t, he shows remarkable strength catching the ball with defenders all over him. I think he’s a very good receiver in the league early. There are some comparisons to Anquan Boldin, a guy who can be a dominant physical receiver who doesn’t have that speed. I don’t think his 40-time matters. I have no doubt he can be a legitimate No. 1 receiver in the NFL. But it will be a concern [for some teams].” (Lande)

Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd: “I like him. He’s a special player. He has size, speed, the ability to catch. It didn’t help him when they went to the spread. He was impressive when he was in Charlie Weis’ system and he was soloed up. You’d see him win one on one a lot. … But his character must be investigated. That’s a concern with him. And he’ll have to run real fast [at the combine] — a 4.5 or better to get that buzz going for him.” (Scout)

South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery: “At first, I thought he would be a great player, like the next A.J. Green. I was thoroughly unimpressed. He doesn’t have quickness and doesn’t run good routes. Very up and down with his concentration. It didn’t help him that he had several different quarterbacks. He reminded me of Jonathan Baldwin: a big guy who won battles because of his size, but who wasn’t a polished route runner and had no run after the catch. In his shorts, he might run a 4.5 or better, but when you watch him play there isn’t anything special about him.” (Scout)

Baylor’s Kendall Wright: “He’s probably the opposite of Blackmon. He’s more a dynamic athlete with rare explosiveness both getting to full speed and getting away from coverage and separating down the field. He’s the most explosive guy I’ve seen of the top receivers. The thing you want to see from him is more precision in the route, and he’ll occasionally drop a ball he should catch, but he’s awfully good. You could line him up in any spots, whether it’s in the slot or as an outside guy. He should be able to get off press coverage because he’s quick enough. He should make plays after the catch.” (Lande)

Rutgers’ Mohamed Sanu: “He’s a versatile kid. He has sure hands, runs precise routes. The issue with him is, can he run? When you watch him on film he doesn’t show burst or explosiveness. He looks like he runs around a 4.6, which is why he’s a third-round type guy. He’s going to have trouble getting separation in the NFL.” (Lande)

North Carolina’s Dwight Jones: “One guy I thought would be better was Dwight Jones. He was stiff and slow and brutal all week [at the Senior Bowl]. He was surprising. He was a good player in college. I don’t know if he wasn’t training, but it looked like he was going half-speed most of the time.”(Scout)

Wisconsin’s Nick Toon: “He’s a tall kid but real thin. He struggled to stay healthy, but he runs excellent routes. He knows what he’s doing. He can turn defenders around. He has natural hands. He’s just not a big kid and staying healthy will be an issue. He’s quick more than he’s fast. I don’t view him as an elite guy.” (Lande)

Arizona’s Juron Criner: “He’s a big guy with long arms and soft hands, and he has a little run after the catch. He’s more dynamic than Jeffery. He’d be a guy who’s a darkhorse. He’s a lot like Leonard Hankerson, but with better hands. He runs great routes, has great body control. A lot of times in practice [at the Senior Bowl] he had bad throws to him. His body control is really good.” (Scout)

Arkansas’ Joe Adams: “He’s a great player. Not a big kid. He could be there in the second round. He was impressive. He has quickness, he’s competitive. Anytime you see him practice or play you can’t help but be impressed with the guy. Adams is a slot guy. He’s like a young Santana Moss. He can play outside because he’s so fast and quick. But when you have three- or four-wides you move him inside because you want to get the ball in his hands on drags and crosses so he can run with it. His open field instincts are pretty damn good. He’s a dynamic playmaker in a small package.” (Scout)

Ohio State’s Devier Posey: “I like his combination of size and quickness and how he ran routes. He had some drops, but a guy like him who moves as well and has that size I give the benefit of the doubt because he had no quarterbacks. You can’t give him too much benefit of the doubt, but overall he was impressive.” (Scout)

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=Mattyk;883923][B]This is from John Keim's Redskins email report, sign up [URL="http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/redskins-confidential/2011/10/redskins-insider-emails-sign-here/149547"]here[/URL][/B]

Draft talk: Receivers
The receiver class is not considered a terrific one for the draft, but there are some solid options if the Redskins choose to go that way. Considering they’ve openly talked about the need for more playmaking at receiver, there’s a good chance they will (unless they fill this void in free agency). Here are some options, with comments from a scout and former scout Russ Lande, now a draft expert for Sporting News. Both have watched these players extensively and saw some of them up close at the Senior Bowl.

Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon: “Even though he only measures about 6-feet, he’s thickly built. He’s extremely powerful and a tremendous athlete for such a well-built kid. He can get away from coverage even though he doesn’t have that rare explosive speed. He knows how to create space and when he doesn’t, he shows remarkable strength catching the ball with defenders all over him. I think he’s a very good receiver in the league early. There are some comparisons to Anquan Boldin, a guy who can be a dominant physical receiver who doesn’t have that speed. I don’t think his 40-time matters. I have no doubt he can be a legitimate No. 1 receiver in the NFL. But it will be a concern [for some teams].” (Lande)

Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd: “I like him. He’s a special player. He has size, speed, the ability to catch. It didn’t help him when they went to the spread. He was impressive when he was in Charlie Weis’ system and he was soloed up. You’d see him win one on one a lot. … But his character must be investigated. That’s a concern with him. And he’ll have to run real fast [at the combine] — a 4.5 or better to get that buzz going for him.” (Scout)

South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery: “At first, I thought he would be a great player, like the next A.J. Green. I was thoroughly unimpressed. He doesn’t have quickness and doesn’t run good routes. Very up and down with his concentration. It didn’t help him that he had several different quarterbacks. He reminded me of Jonathan Baldwin: a big guy who won battles because of his size, but who wasn’t a polished route runner and had no run after the catch. In his shorts, he might run a 4.5 or better, but when you watch him play there isn’t anything special about him.” (Scout)

Baylor’s Kendall Wright: “He’s probably the opposite of Blackmon. He’s more a dynamic athlete with rare explosiveness both getting to full speed and getting away from coverage and separating down the field. He’s the most explosive guy I’ve seen of the top receivers. The thing you want to see from him is more precision in the route, and he’ll occasionally drop a ball he should catch, but he’s awfully good. You could line him up in any spots, whether it’s in the slot or as an outside guy. He should be able to get off press coverage because he’s quick enough. He should make plays after the catch.” (Lande)

Rutgers’ Mohamed Sanu: “He’s a versatile kid. He has sure hands, runs precise routes. The issue with him is, can he run? When you watch him on film he doesn’t show burst or explosiveness. He looks like he runs around a 4.6, which is why he’s a third-round type guy. He’s going to have trouble getting separation in the NFL.” (Lande)

North Carolina’s Dwight Jones: “One guy I thought would be better was Dwight Jones. He was stiff and slow and brutal all week [at the Senior Bowl]. He was surprising. He was a good player in college. I don’t know if he wasn’t training, but it looked like he was going half-speed most of the time.”(Scout)

Wisconsin’s Nick Toon: “He’s a tall kid but real thin. He struggled to stay healthy, but he runs excellent routes. He knows what he’s doing. He can turn defenders around. He has natural hands. He’s just not a big kid and staying healthy will be an issue. He’s quick more than he’s fast. I don’t view him as an elite guy.” (Lande)

Arizona’s Juron Criner: “He’s a big guy with long arms and soft hands, and he has a little run after the catch. He’s more dynamic than Jeffery. He’d be a guy who’s a darkhorse. He’s a lot like Leonard Hankerson, but with better hands. He runs great routes, has great body control. A lot of times in practice [at the Senior Bowl] he had bad throws to him. His body control is really good.” (Scout)

Arkansas’ Joe Adams: “He’s a great player. Not a big kid. He could be there in the second round. He was impressive. He has quickness, he’s competitive. Anytime you see him practice or play you can’t help but be impressed with the guy. Adams is a slot guy. He’s like a young Santana Moss. He can play outside because he’s so fast and quick. But when you have three- or four-wides you move him inside because you want to get the ball in his hands on drags and crosses so he can run with it. His open field instincts are pretty damn good. He’s a dynamic playmaker in a small package.” (Scout)

Ohio State’s Devier Posey: “I like his combination of size and quickness and how he ran routes. He had some drops, but a guy like him who moves as well and has that size I give the benefit of the doubt because he had no quarterbacks. You can’t give him too much benefit of the doubt, but overall he was impressive.” (Scout)[/quote]

I'm a Juron Criner guy. Where is he projected to go?

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

I'm interested to see if they get Peyton Manning and end up fielding an all-Miami receiving corps. Moss, Wayne, Hankerson.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;883928]I'm interested to see if they get Peyton Manning and end up fielding an all-Miami receiving corps. Moss, Wayne, Hankerson.[/quote]

Haven't we already learned that Moss is most likely gone and we aren't interested in Wayne?

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Blackmon, Wright or Criner are my guys. The article confirms what I felt seeing these guys play. Jeffery is way overrated, which ive thought. Floyd is very good, but we need a big play guy, which he is not. No nothing of Adams, but apparently he is really good. Kinda surprised of right up Dwight. Id stay away from the rutgers guys.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d826ca11a/Blackmon-the-next-Megatron]NFL Videos: Blackmon the next Megatron?[/url]

Not even sure why this guy wanted to compare Blackmon to Megatron. They aren't even in the same planet in terms of athletic ability. Talking about one running a 4.3 and the other running a 4.6. I'm sure Blackmon doesn't have the vertical that CJ has either.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=NC_Skins;883937][url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d826ca11a/Blackmon-the-next-Megatron]NFL Videos: Blackmon the next Megatron?[/url]

Not even sure why this guy wanted to compare Blackmon to Megatron. They aren't even in the same planet in terms of athletic ability. Talking about one running a 4.3 and the other running a 4.6. I'm sure Blackmon doesn't have the vertical that CJ has either.[/quote]

The comparison to Boldin makes more sense.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[url=http://www.cbssports.com/story/17188691/top-50-free-agents-former-top-pick-williams-is-top-player-on-open-market?ttag=gen10_on_all_fb_na_txt_0001]Top 50 free agents: Former top pick Williams is top player on open market - NFL - CBSSports.com[/url]

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

The Blackmon comparison to Boldin makes a lot more sense. Personally, if we go the draft route, it sounds like Blackmon, Wright, or Criner would fit in here.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=mooby;883947]The Blackmon comparison to Boldin makes a lot more sense. Personally, if we go the draft route, it sounds like Blackmon, Wright, or Criner would fit in here.[/quote]

He's also like TO, too. Boldin is a good comparison as well, but I feel like Blackmon's quicker than him.


And yes all 3 of those guys would fit in here, Criner could go 2nd round though after combine and everything else.

I still think that the Shanahan's go out and sign a WR in FA instead of messing around with these guys.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=mooby;883947]The Blackmon comparison to Boldin makes a lot more sense. Personally, if we go the draft route, it sounds like Blackmon, [B]Wright[/B], or Criner would fit in here.[/quote]

Wright is my guy. He gives us what we need most and what we likely cannot get in FA: a guy to take the top off of the defense.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

I've watched all the top receivers a lot throughout this year... My opinions:

Blackmon: If he had a couple more inches in height, there is no doubt in my mind he'd be the #2 lock. I've said it before, he's a young Terrell Owens. His spin move he pulls after the catch is special, he's a big play guy and a sure handed guy. He won't make it to 6, very unlikely to even be an option for us.

Floyd: Will have a Jordy Nelson type of impact in the league.. He's the definition of a #1 big bodied receiver. He won't need the speed, because his film is incredible and if his character concerns aren't a problem, he's the guy I want at 6.

Jeffery: The definition of "boom or bust". Is he going to shed his weight down and be the WR he was in 2010? Because that guy was a monster, and would be the #1 WR off the board. I wouldn't touch him personally, but it's likely he makes a lot of teams pay a few years down the road. Probably the most gifted receiver.

Wright: I don't see it... His speed is unmatched, I'll give him that but then it ends there. His run after the catch is surprisingly not very impressive. He seems to drop a lot of passes, and most importantly his route running isn't great.. Once he's playing with a QB who doesn't extend the play like RG3, I doubt he has the same type of impact. Of course he's going to be a solid receiver in the NFL, but is he Santana Moss or Steve Smith? And would you rather Jordy Nelson? (Floyd)

I disagree with the writer's opinion that this is isn't a strong draft class at WR. It's among the deepest in recent memories, because even guys like Jones, Criner, Sanu, Toon, etc. are huge wildcards. Also, people are really underrating Floyd.. He's going to be a terrific NFL receiver, and will have an immediate impact. Ask any ND fan, they'll agree.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

I think the surest best in terms of value is Adams, he should go in mid-late first to mid second range. At those picks I think you get a solid guy that can return punts & as Keim mentioned has a future inside or outside. His size drops his stock but if he's there in the 2nd for us I think he's great value. Seems like a good team, high character guy that shanny would like too.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

i prefer michael floyd

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Out of that list, If we're picking a WR early then go with Criner. If we go WR later like 4th to 7th round then I would like to see Tommy Streeter THE U.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=freddyg12;883970]I think the surest best in terms of value is Adams, he should go in mid-late first to mid second range. At those picks I think you get a solid guy that can return punts & as Keim mentioned has a future inside or outside. His size drops his stock but if he's there in the 2nd for us I think he's great value. Seems like a good team, high character guy that shanny would like too.[/quote]

Just after I posted this, I realized the above sounds like a description of Eddie Royal! We might have him by the time the draft rolls around.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=freddyg12;884018]Just after I posted this, I realized the above sounds like a description of Eddie Royal! We might have him by the time the draft rolls around.[/quote]

Was thinking the same.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

My faves (in this order):

M. Floyd (this dude reminds me of a young A. Boldin personally)
Adams (as I coined in another thread... "Santana Moss 2.0")
Blackmon
Wright

... that's just me. If we can draft one of these and pair him with Hankerson, Gaffney, & Royal, we'd have a good mix of 4 receivers for whoever is at QB.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[url=http://walterfootball.com/draft2012WR.php]WalterFootball.com: 2012 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings[/url]

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=SBXVII;884030][url=http://walterfootball.com/draft2012WR.php]WalterFootball.com: 2012 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings[/url][/quote]

Thanks for that.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;883928]I'm interested to see if they get Peyton Manning and end up fielding an all-Miami receiving corps. Moss, Wayne, Hankerson.[/quote]

I'm interested to see them NOT get PM. Reports of a noodle arm, and of course the three neck operations and the 36 years of age should scare you Dirt! Does me! Generally QBs are retiring around that age or younger.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Brian Quick and TY Hilton are my favs. Not to say they are the best WRs or anything, but I think they will both be tremendous values.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

WRs seem to grow on trees for every team but us. That's probably because good QB = good WRs. I wish Blackmon had a little more height, but if he's there at 6 they should take him.

No matter what, they should draft a guy in the early rounds and bring in a good free agent.

I'm tired of dummies talking about all the holes. The Skins have 8 picks that could turn into 10 and money to spend in free agency. Hankerson, Cooley and Hightower will be back. If we had Blackmon, Vjack, Hankerson, Gaffney, Moss, Cooley and Davis would that shut everyone up about the HOLES and total lack of talent?

Probably won't happen, BUT it shows how in just a single offseason 1 draft pick and 1 free agent can change everything.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Our 2011 WRs:
Gaffney/Moss/Hank/Paul/Robinson/Banks/Anderson

Who we should cut:
Anderson/Banks

Who we could sign:
Eddie Royal

Who we could draft:
Jurion Criner/Chris Rainey

Possible 2012 WR core: (Pre-Season)
Gaffney/Hank/Moss/Criner/Royal/Rainey/Paul/Robinson

2012 WR possible core: (Opening day)
Gaffney/Hank/Criner/Royal/Rainey/Paul

*Rainey is a RB/WR/KR/PR So he isn't a full-time WR

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Dwight Jones is the sleeper WR in this draft. I've watched him make some amazing plays at UNC the last 2 years going to the games. I did not see him in the Senior Bowl, and sounds like he didn't light it up there, but believe he definitely can! Same offense that produced Hakeem Nicks, and Jones looks more impressive to me. A lot of Calvin Johnson type catches...just goes up and takes the ball out of the air. I hope the Skins pick him up.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

I've been saying Dwight Jones for a few months now.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

The strength of receivers in this draft is forcing me to question whether or not secondaries in the NFL will need a total overhaul. I mean, if offensive levels are driven even higher by this sudden influx of passing talent from the college level, how great are the returns on the offensive side of the ball really going to be?

Someone has to cover these guys, right?

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;884149]Our 2011 WRs:
Gaffney/Moss/Hank/Paul/Robinson/Banks/Anderson

Who we should cut:
Anderson/Banks

Who we could sign:
Eddie Royal

Who we could draft:
Jurion Criner/Chris Rainey

Possible 2012 WR core: (Pre-Season)
Gaffney/Hank/Moss/Criner/Royal/Rainey/Paul/Robinson

2012 WR possible core: (Opening day)
[B]Gaffney/Hank/Criner/Royal/Rainey/Paul[/B]

*Rainey is a RB/WR/KR/PR So he isn't a full-time WR[/quote]

I would be thrilled with that at WR. Im still iffy on adding Royal though, but the one good thing about a Royal add is he doesnt impede the development of a Criner or Hank like a top tier signing would.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=Hail to the Redskins;884029]My faves (in this order):

M. Floyd (this dude reminds me of a young A. Boldin personally)
Adams (as I coined in another thread... "Santana Moss 2.0")
Blackmon
Wright

... that's just me. If we can draft one of these and pair him with Hankerson, Gaffney, & Royal, we'd have a good mix of 4 receivers for whoever is at QB.[/quote]

I like that mix. Throw in Davis and Cooley and there are plenty of weapons for any QB who comes in. Easy peasy.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;884196]I've been saying Dwight Jones for a few months now.[/quote]

Apparently Jones looked awful at the Senior Bowl.. Couldn't get off of press man coverage, looked slow and sloppy in his routes and out of breaks.. May have just been rust or a bad week but that's not a good sign to scouts and coaches.

I think WR is our second biggest need outside of QB, Hankerson is the only one I see with playmaking upside, Paul is a good depth guy but the rest are replaceable IMO. I'd like to see us end up with Joe Adams somehow. He brings a lot to the table in terms of hands, quickness and ability to create after the catch. Criner has some potential as well but I wonder if we can find someone else who brings the same type of production in the lower rounds. I love Rainey as well for his versatility and speed but he's nowhere close to being a draftable player simply as a WR. He will need to be a WR/RB/KR but man can he fly.

We need to emerge from free agency/draft with at least 4 new WR going into camp to create solid competition and depth.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

I hope we don't address WR until the later rounds (unless the BPA value dictates that a top rated prospect fell to the point that the value is just too high not to draft them)

I would like DeVier Posey, Jairus Wright and Marvin McNutt in the later rounds

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

If Michael Floyd can stay out of trouble he is going to be a beast in the NFL. I don't know if I'd take him at #6 due to the character concerns though.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

I think Juron Criner is a great pick up in the 3rd round. He has size, speed and hands.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Ive been saying Dwight Jones for over 4 months now. He will be a legitimate number one receiver in the NFL. I cannot wait for the skins to pick this guy up. And the thing about him is that he played at UNC with a system not tilted to the passing game. He made some awesome grabs at UNC, and if he got the ball more, would be a definite first rounder. This is good for us, that he is flying under the radar. RG3 with our first rounder, Dwight Jones with the second rounder.

* we should also look at Nick Toon as well. Big guy, good hands

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Mechanix -- if we get RG3 in the first, I wouldn't expect us to have a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

There is a chance he falls. There is also a chance that instead of giving a second this year, we could give a third this year and our first next year to move to the 3 spot. Not out of the realm of possibility. Gotta stay optimistic!!!!!

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

A couple middle round sleepers I like alot are Arizona states Gerrell Robinson and Arkansas' Greg childs. Both are over 6'3 and 220+ lbs with good hands and will go up and get it at its highest point. Both fight hard for YAC and wont just fall down after reception. Niether are burners but fast enough to find soft spots in zone coverages. Will probably be available between rounds 3-5.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=joeyt56;884626]A couple middle round sleepers I like alot are Arizona states Gerrell Robinson and Arkansas' Greg childs. Both are over 6'3 and 220+ lbs with good hands and will go up and get it at its highest point. Both fight hard for YAC and wont just fall down after reception. Niether are burners but fast enough to find soft spots in zone coverages. Will probably be available between rounds 3-5.[/quote]

I like Childs, but 5th round is as high as I'd think about going on him. But if he gets some of his burst back, that could be a great value.

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

Wow, really dissapointed in some of you... so called ... Redskin fans. How on earth could you forget the most important WR? The others are just toys to have who knows if we will get them or maybe we do. Some we might wish we had gotten but honestly there is only one WR right now I think no matter what we all should be saying we have to get.

Jared Green
[url=http://www.optimumscouting.com/draft/articles/diamond-in-the-rough-jared-green-wr-southern.html]Diamond in the Rough: Jared Green, WR, Southern | Articles[/url]

Now I'm not saying he should be a top pick, I'm saying that as a team the Skins should do DG a favour and draft him even if its a late round and let the kid have a shot. Hell can he sit on the PS like Austin for a year then see what he can do?

Re: Draft talk: Receivers
 

[quote=SBXVII;884847]Wow, really dissapointed in some of you... so called ... Redskin fans. How on earth could you forget the most important WR? The others are just toys to have who knows if we will get them or maybe we do. Some we might wish we had gotten but honestly there is only one WR right now I think no matter what we all should be saying we have to get.

Jared Green
[URL="http://www.optimumscouting.com/draft/articles/diamond-in-the-rough-jared-green-wr-southern.html"]Diamond in the Rough: Jared Green, WR, Southern | Articles[/URL]

Now I'm not saying he should be a top pick, I'm saying that as a team the Skins should do DG a favour and draft him even if its a late round and let the kid have a shot. Hell can he sit on the PS like Austin for a year then see what he can do?[/quote]

Just don't want to have a Skins legend talkin about the coaching staff if his son isn't gettin any pt!