1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State Buckeyes – 5’10” 188 lbs.

Positives

Santonio is a fast, explosive wide receiver that can beat a defense in multiple ways. He’s more than quick enough in small areas to elude the defender off the line in press coverage, and has a 2nd gear to separate in the space he creates. Holmes runs excellent routes, getting up to speed quickly out of his breaks, and he’s also got good hands. While Santonio has the speed and jumpball skills to be a great deep threat, he’s also not afraid to go over the middle, and has the elusiveness and acceleration to rack up yards after the catch. To top it off, Santonio is also a smart, hard working player who is a willing blocker and good kick/punt returner.

Negatives

While Holmes plays bigger and stronger than his small frame would indicate, he can still be stymied by good jams at the line of scrimmage. He has also had fumble problems (9 in his career), and sometimes tries to run before completely securing the football.

Numbers Game

18.4 – Holmes YPC last year is among the best of any of this year’s class and highlights his big play ability.

NFL Comparison

Mark Clayton

Summary

Santonio Holmes lacks the elite physical package of the top wide receiver of previous years’ classes, but his ability to stretch the field with his vertical routes and make big plays with his YAC ability is unquestioned. He has a terrific foundation of core wide receiver skills, and should be one of the first two wide receivers off the board in April.

2. Chad Jackson, Florida Gators - 6’1” 213 lbs.

Positives

Chad Jackson has an impressive package of physical tools and the highest upside of any wide receiver in the 2006 class. His straight line speed is elite, and Chad’s sturdy frame makes it that much more lethal. Jackson can get behind defenders, run away from them after the catch, and use his frame to block them out when the ball is in the air. He is multidimensional, being used primarily as a deep threat in 2004 (22.3 YPC), and a possession wide receiver in 2005. He has no fear working the middle of the field, and possesses excellent jumpball skills. He projects as a true #1 in the NFL.

Negatives

Chad is still a raw wide receiver in his route-running and field/play awareness. He’s got good hands, but still experiences lapses, letting the ball get to his body. He’s also not particularly elusive after the catch, relying on his speed to get YAC.

Numbers Game

4.32 – Chad Jackson’s 40 time at the combine has created a huge buzz.

NFL Comparison

Javon Walker

Summary

Chad Jackson has flashed just about everything you would want in a #1 wide receiver. He’s going against the Florida wide receiver curse, but that could easily be a product of the now-departed Steve Spurrier’s system. He’s got to get some polish on his game and is more of a project than a finished package, but his upside is unmatched in this class. He’s a possible first round pick and first wide receiver off the board.

3. Sinorice Moss – Miami(FL) Hurricanes – 5’8” 185 lbs.

Positives

Sinorice Moss has the best vertical speed/acceleration combination in this year’s wide receiver class. He can use his speed to separate almost effortlessly from defenders with his smooth natural stride. He’s also got terrific moves in the open field, with the ability to break down defenders in coverage and after the catch. Moss has great concentration and body control in the air, so he can finish the job after getting behind the defense (see his Senior Bowl TD catch). He’s a natural hands catcher, and those hands are big (9 ¼”) for a little guy. Moss ties all these skills together with hard work and by being a solid route runner for such an underused college player.

Negatives

Moss isn't getting any bigger or taller, and this will leave his susceptible to the jam at the line of scrimmage and probably keep him from being an effective wide receiver over the middle. He has never been extremely productive (65 career receptions) and hasn't proven as much in gameplay as his peers. While he can make a defender miss, he won’t be breaking too many tackles with his diminutive frame.

Numbers Game

7 – Devin Hester and Roscoe Parrish limited Moss to only 7 kick/punt return attempts in his college career – Moss being a return man in the NFL is based on projection of his skills, not experience.

NFL Comparison

Santana Moss

Summary

Sinorice Moss is in the mold of his brother, Santana, Lee Evans, and Steve Smith, the small, quick, blazing fast wide receivers that today’s bigger NFL defensive backs are having trouble covering. He’s much more than a track guy at wide receiver, and has lots of latent upside because he was barely used at Miami. His Senior Bowl week launched him into the top 3 wide receivers and he should go in the first two rounds in April.

4. Brandon Marshall, Central Florida Golden Knights – 6’4” 230 lbs.

Positives

Brandon Marshall is a huge wide receiver with a physical style that translates perfectly to the NFL. He’s a natural hands catcher, and his size makes him tough to bring down after the catch. Marshall knows exactly how to use his strength and size to his advantage, absolutely mauling smaller defenders at the line in press coverage. His burst off the line and acceleration out of his breaks is better than you would expect for such a large receiver. His experience as a starting safety gives him a good perspective on breaking down defenses and only enhances the physicality of his game.

Negatives

Marshall is raw at wide receiver because he spent a good part of 2004 on defense. He also played a lower level of competition in the Conference USA, and he may not have such an easy time out-muscling NFL defensive backs. His physical style may draw more offensive pass interference calls in the pros. Marshall also lacks elite timed speed (4.55), but this is not as big a weakness as expected.

Numbers Game

11/210/3 – His 2005 Hawaii bowl performance vs. Nevada really put him on the radar of most draftniks.

NFL Comparison

Terrell Owens

Summary

Brandon Marshall’s size and physical style of play is perfect for the NFL. He is a big time sleeper whose stock has only been rising over the past two months. He dominated the Hula Bowl all star game and was the talk of the practices, earning a combine invite in the process. He’s right there with Chad Jackson in terms of long term upside as a true #1 wide receiver.

5. Demetrius Williams, Oregon Ducks – 6’ 2” 197 lbs.

Positives

Demetrius Williams is a true big play wide receiver in the deep passing game. He’s got a long frame and his smooth stride gets him on top of the defender very quickly, despite a lack of top end timed speed. Williams has the set of skills you want in a deep threat: great leaping ability, great body control/concentration, and a good set of hands. Williams’ ability to pluck the ball out of the air was among the most impressive of any of the wide receivers at the Senior Bowl.

Negatives

Williams is thin and can generally be out-physicaled by defenders – he is easily pushed off his routes by strong defensive backs. He is prone to lapses of focus and concentration, and “hears footsteps”. He may end up being a one-dimensional wide receiver in the pros, as his short/intermediate game is lacking.

Numbers Game

17.9 – Williams 2005 YPC shows his effectiveness in the vertical passing game.

NFL Comparison

Brandon Lloyd

Summary

Demetrius Williams is a proven threat in the deep passing game, but can he do anything else at the next level? If he doesn't bulk up, toughen up, and get some polish on his all-around game, the answer will be no.

6. Martin Nance, Miami(Ohio) RedHawks - 6’4” 213 lbs.

Positives

Martin Nance is a tall, long-framed wide receiver with the leaping ability and soft hands to make high-wire, acrobatic catches. He knows how to use his big frame to get an advantage on defenders – shielding them while making the catch, and getting physical when facing press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Nance had excellent top end speed before his 2004 ACL tear, and appears to have regained most of it (4.55 at combine) and we’re still not out of his 2 year recovery window. He is a clutch go-to wide receiver who is used to the pressure of being “the man” in his team’s passing attack. Nance also has HUGE hands (10 5/8”).

Negatives

There are some concerns about his timed speed since the ACL tear, but the combine seemed to quell that. He’s not an explosive or sudden wide receiver off the line of scrimmage, and needs space to get up to full speed. Nance is not shifty and lacks the moves and true second gear to do much after the catch. Nance did not face a top level of competition in the MAC.

Numbers Game

5 – number of multi-TD games for Nance in 2005.

NFL Comparison

Plaxico Burress

Summary

Martin Nance lit up college football in 2003 with then somewhat unknown Ben Roethlisberger throwing him the ball. He showed no ill effects this year from a 2004 ACL tear, and the team that drafts him should get a tough big play wide receiver.

7. Jonathan Orr, Wisconsin Badgers- 6’2” 198 lbs.

Positives

Jonathan Orr has top notch athleticism with his 4.41 speed and excellent leaping ability in a slim but strong 6’2” frame. He’s got the straight line speed to be a deep threat at the next level, and his athletic ability puts him in position to make plays that most wide receivers would not have a chance to make. Orr is also natural hands catcher and will sacrifice his body going over the middle.

Negatives

Orr has been severely underused in Wisconsin’s run first offense, and will be a project at the next level. He struggles with consistency, sometimes making the easy play hard, despite being able to make the hard play easy. He can put himself in position to make spectacular plays, but doesn't always finish the deal.

Numbers Game

2002- amazingly, Orr’s best year was his freshman year, the year before Wisconsin starting relying heavily on the run.

NFL Comparison

Mark Bradley

Summary

Orr is an excellent athletic specimen, and while the raw materials are there for a star in the making, he’s got a lot of work to do to get there. He’s the first real high risk/high reward wide receiver on this list. One thing he has going for him is the recent history of athletic Wisconsin wide receivers doing well (Lee Evans, Chris Chambers – whom Orr is also compared to).

8. Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame Fighting Irish – 6’4” 217 lbs.

Positives

Maurice Stovall is a big, tall target, but he’s also strong and not slight or thin. He’s got enough speed to get deep and can use his size to make the big play. He’s a decent natural hands catcher and showed improvement in this area at the Senior Bowl practices. Maurice also uses his strength to break tackles after the catch. Stovall is a hard worker and takes well to coaching.

Negatives

Stovall was a pedestrian player until Charlie Weis came to South Bend, and you can’t completely discount the possibility that his breakout was a product of the revitalization of passing offense. He lacks a second gear and is not an explosive athlete. He’s still just learning how to effectively use his wide, long frame to dominate defenders on jumpballs and blockouts. Some see him as a wide receiver/tight end tweener.

Numbers Game

240 – Stovall’s playing weight before Weis showed up. Dropping 15 pounds seemed to make all difference in his game, and he’s now even lighter than he was at Notre Dame.

NFL Comparison

Ernest Wilford

Summary

Stovall burst onto the scene this year, and all of his core wide receiver skills have shown great improvement over the past year. His performance during Senior Bowl week put him firmly in the day 1 mix of wide receivers. If he continues to improve at the same rate in the NFL, he will leapfrog at least a few wide receivers on this list.

9. Mike Hass, Oregon State Beavers - 6’0’ 208 lbs.

Positives

Mike Hass is the most technically gifted wide receiver in this year’s class. He’s got elite hands, route running and concentration/focus. He also has a top notch work ethic and has always gotten the most out of his abilities. He’s a strong, physical wide receiver who is not afraid to go over the middle, or go up for the ball in a crowd. Precise is a word often used to describe his all around game. He’s also a decent runner after the catch, using his strength to break tackles.

Negatives

Hass’s timed speed (4.63) is at low end of the NFL wide receiver range and he could be destined for the “possession wide receiver” role. There is some concern that his lack of speed will keep him from separating from defensive backs in the NFL.

Numbers Game

1,532 – Hass’s receiving yardage in 2005, a PAC-10 record.

NFL Comparison

Hines Ward

Summary

Hass is a true natural wide receiver but he lacks the athleticism to be a top flight NFL prospect. Chances are he will be a possession type wide receiver at the next level. Still, he has defied expectations at every stage in his career, and could evolve into a go-to wide receiver in a conservative offense in the mold of Hines Ward’s role on the Steelers. He’s one of the safest bets to be a solid NFL wide receiver in this class.

10. Travis Wilson, Oklahoma Sooners – 6’2” 214 lbs.

Positives

Travis Wilson has an impressive physical package of size, speed, athleticism and moves. He was a standout in 2004 despite sharing duties with three future NFL wide receivers. Travis is a strong wide receiver that is courageous over the middle, and he has a great combination of the power to beat the jam, and the quickness to elude it. He’s also a very hard worker.

Negatives

Wilson had a disaster of a senior year, plagued by injuries and drops, and showing little of the potential that had him near the top of this class coming into the season. He’s not always a natural hands catcher and has lapses of concentration/focus.

Numbers Game

11 – in top form, Wilson scored 11 TDs in 2004, while sharing with Mark Bradley, Brandon Jones, and Mark Clayton.

NFL Comparison

Koren Robinson

Summary

The 2004 Travis Wilson would be top 5 on this list. The 2005 Travis Wilson would not be on it. In postseason workouts and practices, he has shown more of the abilities that made him a top prospect coming into this season. He could end up being the steal of this class, or a guy who never lives up to tantalizing potential.

11. Jason Avant, Michigan Wolverines – 6’0” 212 lbs.

Positives

Jason Avant is a strong, physical wide receiver with top notch hands, concentration, and great leadership ability. He’s an incredibly hard worker and also very smart. Avant is fearless over the middle, and also good at getting the ball in crowd. He excels at getting between the defender and the ball and using his wide frame to “block out”.

Negatives

Avant does not bring any elite physical tools to the table. He won’t do much after the catch, he’s not a great leaper or jumpball wide receiver, and he lacks explosiveness as an athlete. He’s just not a big play wide receiver and will very likely be a #2/#3 possession wide receiver on Sundays.

Numbers Game

12.3 – Avant’s YPC in college shows his lack of big play ability.

NFL Comparison

Michael Jenkins

Summary

Avant will do a lot more for his NFL team than your fantasy team. He will rank higher on NFL GM’s draft board than this because of his commitment to the game and productivity. He could be a solid fantasy contributor, but his upside is severely capped.

12. Greg Lee, Pittsburgh Panthers – 6’1” 201 lbs.

Positives

Greg Lee has been extremely productive as a big play wide receiver at Pitt, and is following in the footsteps of two Panther wide receivers whom have made the successful leap to the pros, Antonio Bryant and Larry Fitzgerald. He’s very hungry on jumpballs and plays like the ball belongs to him, displaying excellent tracking/adjustment skills and soft hands. He’s strong and elusive after the catch. He’s a physical wide receiver in both getting off the line and fighting defenders for the ball.

Negatives

Lee lacks elite timed speed (4.6) and there’s worry about his deep game translating to the next level. He has lapses of concentration and reverts to body-catching at times. He also needs to improve his cuts and route-running in general. Most people around him believed he would have been well-served by staying in school for his senior year and polishing his game.

Numbers Game

4.6 – Lee’s 40 time at the combine was disappointing, and dropped his stock in some scout’s eyes.

NFL Comparison

Antonio Bryant

Summary

Lee had the knack for the big play while at Pitt, and his physical mindset could make him a good starter in the NFL. He’s got a lot of holes in his game and the team that drafts him shouldn't expect much early on, but a return to 2004 form would make him a steal for both fantasy and NFL GMs.

13. Derek Hagan, Arizona State Sun Devils – 6’2” 208 lbs.

Positives

Derek Hagan is among the most productive wide receivers in the draft. He’s durable, clutch, and a hard working competitor. He’s got a big frame and uses it well to shield defenders and is a physical wide receiver. Hagan also displays good body control and ball skills in the air. Derek also surprised with a 4.42 40 and good drills at the combine.

Negatives

Despite the elite timed speed, Hagan has never played as fast as a guy with a time in the low 4.4s, and takes time to accelerate to his top speed on the field. He’s not an explosive athlete, and not a big play threat after the catch. Most disturbing is that Hagan, who projects as a dependable possession wide receiver in the pros, has been struggling horribly with his hands in postseason workouts and practices.

Numbers Game

258 – Hagan’s career receptions total is a PAC-10 record.

NFL Comparison

Travis Taylor

Summary

Hagan got the most out of himself at Arizona State, but there are doubts that he can be as productive at the next level. Like Jason Avant, he seems to lack the toolset to be a big play wide receiver and will likely relegated to a #2 role at best. His fantasy upside is probably the lowest on this list.

14. Greg Jennings, Western Michigan Broncos – 5’11” 197 lbs.

Positives

Greg Jennings was a dominant big play wide receiver in the MAC for most of his career at Western Michigan, despite other teams knowing he was the main weapon in the offense. He’s very quick and sudden enough to escape the jam off the line, with a 2nd gear to gain separation once he’s in the open. Jennings also shows courage over the middle despite being a smaller wide receiver. He’s got good hands and body control to adjust when the ball is in the air, and is also a good kick/punt returner.

Negatives

Jennings is on the small side for an NFL wide receiver and he racked up his stats in the wide-open MAC. When placed next to top division I program athletes during the all star games and combine, he did not look as explosive as he did at Western Michigan.

Numbers Game

5,093 – Jennings impressive career all-purpose yard total

NFL Comparison

Derrick Mason

Summary

Jennings is small and not blessed with elite speed, but he’s fast enough (4.48) and had terrific quickness numbers at the combine. He’s a great mid-major sleeper in this draft and could pay dividends if his skills translate against a higher level of competition.

15. Todd Watkins, Brigham Young Cougars – 6’3” 202 lbs.

Positives

Todd Watkins is a tall wide receiver with the speed to get behind defenses. His acceleration is excellent – he reaches top speed very quickly. He has displayed natural hands catching ability. He is a natural vertical threat with the leaping ability to get jumpballs at their highest point. He also does a good job finding space in the defense.

Negatives

Watkins is rail thin and not very physical. He can be pushed around by defenders. He struggled mightily with drops and concentration in his senior year. He’s fast, but doesn't display great moves in the open field, or in his routes. He projects as a one-dimensional deep threat in the pros.

Numbers Game

4 – Watkins number of drops during the BYU-Notre Dame, including 2 on possible TDs

NFL Comparison

Todd Pinkston

Summary

Todd Watkins will be a fine deep route specialist in the NFL, but his game lacks the well-rounded skills for him to be more. Still, improvements in his concentration and minimizing drops could make him a decent fantasy wide receiver.