The only problem I have with the article is that any 6'+, 4.3 speed, able to digest a huge playbook and make complex site adjustments wr is a top 5 pick and a top of the line free agent. You are basically talking about Calvin and Andre Johnson. Every team in the league wants guys like them; they are not somehow a better fit for NE. It is a little like saying you are looking for a durable 5'10 225 lb RB who runs a 4.4, has good vision, decisiveness, and determination, can read cut backs, has good hands and excells is pass protection.
I get your general point, but I'm not sure I entirely agree. Consider:
- AJ Jenkins, Illinois. 6' 190#. 4.39 40, 6.73 3-cone, 38.5" vertical. Projected as a day 2 pick but went #30 to SF.
- Danny Coale, Virginia Tech. 6' 201#. 4.37 40, 6.64 3-cone, 37" vertical. Taken by Dallas at #152 in the 5th round.
- Chris Owusu, Stanford. 6' 196#. 4.36 40, 6.85 3-cone, 40.5" vertical. Once projected as a day 2 pick prior to incurring multiple concussions. Medically "cleared" but undrated, signed as a UDFA by San Francisco.
All 3 guys were known for good route running, diagnostic skills, and smarts. Jim Harbaugh picked up 2 of them.
In general, though, I think that the criteria that probably would be shaded the most is the 4.3 speed. Getting separation from DBs is critical, but there are lots of ways to achieve that besides pure vertical speed - cutting quickness, vertical ability (height + jumping), size, etc. Brandon Lloyd certainly doesn't have 4.3 speed by any stretch of the imagination, but he is quite effective at getting separation, and he meets all of the other criteria.