Building your draft board position by position - week 3: Wide Receiver

[borisman]

I like your skill set. I would like to have seen Robinson at WR in a game or running the gauntlet drill like Hagans of Virginia did at the Combine. What little I did see of him in the Senior Bowl showcased his running more then his decision making and hands. If your looking for a QB conversion, Avery of Memphis caught my eye in the Hula Bowl. He made a sweet block to spring the RB for a nice gain on a wheel route. He also had a two minute drill catch where he adjusted to a bowl thrown behind him, broke a tackle to get the first down and then got out of bounds. I'll be watching for his Pro-Day data, but I would love to see him signed to a FA contract.

Just to add something about Avery. He's a QB-turned WR-turned QB-turned WR. He played WR in '03 and '04. He started as a WR last year but after all of Memphis' QB's got hurt, Avery was pressed into action, and Memphis actually played better. So he has enough WR experience to step right in and play.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Just to add something about Avery. He's a QB-turned WR-turned QB-turned WR. He played WR in '03 and '04. He started as a WR last year but after all of Memphis' QB's got hurt, Avery was pressed into action, and Memphis actually played better. So he has enough WR experience to step right in and play.

Yes, they discussed that during the Hula Bowl which really got my attention when you figure the kid started the last four games, including the bowl game. He just caught my eye for his effort, since you couldn't really evaluate WRs for much more with the QBs in that game. I think I worked out his numbers where he averaged something over 4 yds per carry and had a 57% pass completion rate. I don't remember how many interceptions he had, I should have noted it as it would speak a little about his decision making and field vision.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Avery had 4 ints in 118 attempts, not Tom Brady numbers but not too bad for a 3rd string QB.

http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=404&player=1

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Rereading this thread I took another look at Chad Jackson:

http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=235&player=8

75 reception yards/game avg.
84.42 all purpose yards/game avg.
He had 16 rushes for an even 100 yds.
He averaged 19 yds/KR his sophomore year.
He isn't going to compete with Kevin Faulk as a PR.

There is talent there, but it looks like he could have done better staying in school for another year.

 

[rookBoston]

Another nice thread. I like what we have going on this board.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

After re-reading the thread and taking a day to ponder my WR board, my WR strategy isn’t to grab the best WR available in a particular round, but to actively target Mike Hass in the 2nd round. With the exception of Brandon Marshall in the Hula Bowl, Hass is the only WR to go out and dominate the All Stars in the Shrine Game the same way he did Pac-10 teams during the season. I believe he is the best choice to play opposite Deion Branch and force the defense to be honest. This is really going to make things interesting for my final draft board, but WR seems to be the area with the biggest holes for 2006 and a rookie who can step in early seems like a necessity.


Mike Hass (Oregon State) 6’1†210: 3 1,000 yard seasons, almost 140 yds/game and 17 yds/catch average his senior year; ranked number 1 in yards/game. 4 catches for 107 yds and the winning TD in the Shrine Game; it was criminal that he wasn’t invited to the Senior Bowl, but the results would have been the same. Ran a 4.61 unofficial 40 at the Combine with a 4.14 short shuttle. Was the only receiver to get in trouble in the Gauntlet drill and then get himself back in form to finish strong.
Concerns: Speed (he isn’t a burner, but his track speed and game speed are the same).
Projected: 2nd round (this WR class is too weak to let a WR of this caliber slip when there are so many teams needing WRs).
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=528&player=28

If Hass isn’t available (in order):
Brandon Marshall (Central Florida) 6’4.5†229: Big powerful back with 4.5 speed and good hands. Dominated in the Hula Bowl and had a good Combine per Butch Davis. Was moved to FS his junior year to help the team out and led the team in tackles.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=128&player=6
Maurice Stoval (Notre Dame) 6’4†217: Big powerful back with 4.6 speed and good hands. Charlie Weis warmed him up so he should fit well in the system.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=513&player=21
Jason Avant (Michigan) 6’1†210: Great hands, makes some nice circus catches to keep the chains moving.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=418&player=8
Greg Jennings (Western Michigan) 5’11†197: 4.4-ish speed, ranked second in reception yards per game with 114 yds/game; averaged 8.6 yds per PR. Helped move the chains in the Shrine Game, would be a good possession WR for Tommy, Matt, and Doug. 3 1,000 yd seasons.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=774&player=15
David Anderson (Colorado State) 5’11†195: Productive possession WR ranked 7th in the nation with just of 100 yds/game. Disappeared in the Shrine Game, but probably would be more productive with pro QBs. Just missed 3 1,ooo yd seasons with 940 yds his junior year.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=156&player=4
Jeff Webb (San Diego State) 6’2†200: Ranked 21st in the nation with 92.42 yds/game, 12.05 yds/catch. 4.4 speed at the Combine.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=626&player=19

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The second target is a Special Teams WR to improve the kicking game:

Brandon Williams (Wisconsin) 5’9†179: Ranked number 8 in All Purpose Yards; number 9 in Kick Returns (28 yds/KR); number 11 in Punt Returns (14.62 yds/PR); number 31 in reception yards/game (84.23). A twig with unofficial 4.49 speed, he only earned one note on his poor blocking in the Shrine Game which is disappointing. He has Special Teams production that could be utilized as a rookie, he seems to have some of the quick twitch skills that may allow him to back-up Branch. He had big games for the Badgers in their bowl games, his disappearance in the Shrine Game may just be an anomaly or an indication of his learning curve.
Concern: He disappeared in the Shrine Game.
Projected: Second day value for his return skills, late 4th may be best to be sure to get him.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/Internet/ranking_summary/2005000000796.HTML

If Williams isn’t available (in order):
Adam Jennings (Fresno State) 5’10†175: Ranked 17th in the nation with 12.36 yds/PR and 7th with 29 yds/KR. Only averaged 23 yds/game in receptions, but averaged over 12 yds a reception.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=96&player=5
Willie Reid (Florida State) 5’10†186: Ranked 4th in the nation on punt returns with a 17.45 yd/PR average; just over 18 yds/KR; ranked 73rd in the nation averaging just over 63 yds/game and 12 yds/catch in receptions. 4.34 speed.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=234&player=26

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For UDFA candidates (in order):
Richie Ross (Nebraska-Kearny) 6’4†209: Ranked 4th in 1-AA ball with 113.3 yds/game and 15.6 yds/catch. Looked good at the Combine, 4.65-ish speed.
http://statistics.ncaafootball.com/default.asp?c=ncaa-football&page=cf-div2/stat/II-IND-RECYARDS.htm
Maurice Avery (Memphis) 6’1†216: QB transitioning to WR, played well in the Hula Bowl.
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=404&player=1
Chris Denney (Nebraska-Omaha) 6’3†224: Ranked 29th in 1-AA ball with 87 yds/game and 20.61 yds/catch average. Looked good at the Combine, drew some war whoops from his peers on a sweet gauntlet drill run. 4.7 speed.
http://statistics.ncaafootball.com/default.asp?c=ncaa-football&page=cf-div2/stat/II-IND-RECYARDS.htm

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Just a couple of notes on two of the WR's you mentioned above.

Jennings W Mich - Besides the 3 1,000 yard season, he can also return kicks. I know BB prefers the major D1 conferences early in the draft, but this a day 2 guy that possesses some of the characteristics that BB prefers.

Reid of FSU. He probably could have had a much better senior season, numbers wise, if he had a real QB throwing to him. Also has the PK experiment tainted BB's view of FSU receivers????

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Bump, back to the top, to help anyone who wishes to review to discussion.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Brandon Williams has a caution flag by his name after I found this item:

http://www.sportsoutlaw.com/east-west-shrine-game-2006.html

Jonathan Orr and Brandon Williams, WRs, Wisconsin
We felt these two were the best WRs all week, but Orr got hurt on his first look, although unlike a lot of his practice plays, he was able to come down with the deep ball, albeit out of bounds. Orr also showed heads-up play blocking downfield on Cooper Wallace’s big reception. He receives a very disappointing grade of “incomplete†after the game. For some reason, the coaches kept Williams in the slot the entire game, and as the QBs aren’t comfortable enough in the offense after only a week of practice to make 3 check-downs, he had a very quiet game on the field, except a great adjustment on an underthrown deep ball from Bruce Gradkowski that drew a pass interference penalty (which was nullified by a nearly imperceptible tip). Unfortunately for Williams, he wasn’t as quiet off the field. Clearly frustrated after being ignored, Williams began lashing out first at the refs, then at QB Tarvaris Jackson for throwing incomplete to a covered Colston instead of a wide-open Williams in the endzone. We wish he had kept his composure and quietly asked the coaches for a chance at flanker or split end.

Based on Ochmed's comments about Florida State QBs, I'm going to switch Reid and Williams on my receiver/returner board, the priority is now Reid, Jennings, Williams.

 

[patsfan55]

Just a couple of notes on two of the WR's you mentioned above.

Jennings W Mich - Besides the 3 1,000 yard season, he can also return kicks. I know BB prefers the major D1 conferences early in the draft, but this a day 2 guy that possesses some of the characteristics that BB prefers.

Reid of FSU. He probably could have had a much better senior season, numbers wise, if he had a real QB throwing to him. Also has the PK experiment tainted BB's view of FSU receivers????

ive said it before and ill say it again

i absolutely love greg jennings and hope the pats take him in the third or fourth rd

 

[Water Boy]

Just watched Chad Jackson run. Sub 4.4, and he's chiseled like a Greek Statue. I watched a couple of UF games late in the season, and have him as my #3 WR. He most likely will be there at 21. I was against drafting a WR first round, but am reconsidering.

I bet he's off the board by pick no. 21.

 

[dryheat44]

Can anybody tell me anything about Travis Wilson from Oklahoma? NFLdraftscout has him with a second round grade, yet his name to my knowledge hasn't been mentioned once. I'm certainly not familiar with him. Anybody else?

 

[big mike]

Rereading this thread I took another look at Chad Jackson:

http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2005&org=235&player=8

75 reception yards/game avg.
84.42 all purpose yards/game avg.
He had 16 rushes for an even 100 yds.
He averaged 19 yds/KR his sophomore year.
He isn't going to compete with Kevin Faulk as a PR.

There is talent there, but it looks like he could have done better staying in school for another year.

But if he had stayed in another year, we wouldn't have a shot at him.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

But if he had stayed in another year, we wouldn't have a shot at him.

I'm not that keen on WR as a first round value. I still like the idea of a possession receiver to complement Deion's game, Caldwell is likely to be used to stretch the field the way Davis was being used.

 

[big mike]

I'm not that keen on WR as a first round value. I still like the idea of a possession receiver to complement Deion's game, Caldwell is likely to be used to stretch the field the way Davis was being used.

I think Jackson is going to end up being a steal for whoever takes him. He reminds me a lot of Deion Branch. Great hands, very good speed, excellent agility, and no ego problems. I think the main reason he's going to go in the second half of round 1 is just that WR isn't a top priority for many teams right now, and the draft is loaded with talent at other positions this year.

I only think they should take him though if Arrington comes to NE. Otherwise, Manny Lawson or Bobby Carpenter in round 1.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Updating my WR list.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/03/24/risers.sliders/1.html

Jason Avant, WR, Michigan: The big possession receiver ran his 40s in 4.80, just a little faster than the Wolverines tight ends last Friday.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

bump......

 

[Flying Fungi]

bump......

 

[everlong]

This serious of posts were really good I hope you do them again BOR. It's good to look at them as a group after and compare.

I don't think anybody had this one right.

Thumbs down:

- Marques Colston - 4.43u - slow game speed. Drills re-enforced Shrine Game impressions.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

This serious of posts were really good I hope you do them again BOR. It's good to look at them as a group after and compare.

I don't think anybody had this one right.

Which is why we are experts! Not that New Orleans went too far out on the limb either. By all means bring back this approach, I found it entertaining and thank you for the kind words. I yield you the concept to carry forward.