3 Rookie Receivers Who Could Surprise This Year

Receiver Alshon Jeffery could have a huge rookie season

Here are 3 Receivers who I think could have very productive rookie seasons this year:

1. Alshon Jeffery, WR Bears

The only reason Alshon Jeffery fell to the second round of the draft was that he had some character concerns; NOT because of talent. Jeffery was considered by some as the best rookie receiver in the whole draft. He has the size and hands to make it big in the NFL. Jeffery also couldn’t have been put in a better situation. He has one of the better Quarterbacks in the NFL, Jay Cutler throwing to him. And opposite to Jeffery on the field, is Pro-Bowl wideout Brandon Marshall. As most of the coverage will be centered around Marshall, Jeffery will have plenty of chances to make plays against smaller and weaker cornerbacks. The initial reports out of Bears camp were that Jeffery was tearing it up; look for him to do the same in the regular season.

2. Michael Floyd, WR Cardinals

The only knock on Michael Floyd is that his teams quarterback duo of John Skelton and Kevin Kolb stinks. Besides that, there is nowhere to go but up for Floyd. He is a huge target to throw to and has elite athleticism. The Cardinals sorely needed a legitimate No.2 Receiver to take some of the pressure off future HOF’er Fitzgerald, and Floyd is their guy. As teams continue to double cover Fitzgerald, Floyd will be open almost all season long.

3. Kendall Wright, WR Titans

Kendall Wright’s stock has been rapidly rising even though Wright hasn’t done anything to improve it. How is that you ask, well just thank Kenny Britt. Britt, already coming off a knee injury, was recently arrested for a DUI. The fact that Britt was behind schedule on his rehab and that Britt just had his eighth run in with the law, gives rookie receiver Kendall Wright a clear path to becoming the No.2 or maybe even No.1 receiver on the team. Wright, the first round pick from Baylor, has blazing speed and quickness. Even better for Wright is that his quarterback, Jake Locker, has a cannon arm similar to that of RG3 who was his college quarterback.

The Effect of Free Agency on the NFL Draft

Interested in how some of the recent signings and trades affect the draft? Well, here you go, if you would like to know how some of the other moves that I have not mentioned affect the draft, let me know!

Eagles trade for Demeco Ryans

This was a huge pickup for the Eagles. The Eagles now finally have an above average Linebacker on their roster. However, the Eagles will still need some more upgrades at Linebacker throughout the draft. Previously it seemed that the Eagles were going to draft either Luke Kuechly or Dont’a Hightower, but now they can wait until the second round to draft a Linebacker. With their first round selection, the Eagles will most likely take a DT, such as Fletcher Cox, Dontari Poe, or Michael Brockers.

49ers sign WR Randy Moss and WR Mario Manningham

As long as Randy Moss is even 75% this is a steal for the 49ers. These two additions now give Alex Smith a complete set of weapons to throw to. This also gives the 49ers lots of flexibility in the draft. They are now free to select the best player available in the first round. They can either upgrade their already solid defense, or give Alex Smith even more weapons.

Bears trade for WR Brandon Marshall

This affects the draft in a major way. Previously, It seemed that the Bears would draft a receiver to help out Jay Cutler. However, now they have Marshall. While this move isn’t enough, it is still enough to make receiver a second or third round priority. It seems now that the Bears will select an elite pass rusher such as Whitney Mercilus of Illinois.

Bills sign DE Mario Williams

Buffalo did a wonderful job in upgrading their terrible pass rush in free agency. They signed pro-bowler Mario Williams and also added another good player in Mark Anderson. These moves now allow Buffalo to worry about other needs in the draft. The most pressing need for this team is now Offensive Tackle. The Bills are now expected to take Riley Reiff from Iowa.

Wide Receiver Rankings Post-Combine Edition

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Wide Receiver Rankings Post-Combine Edition

There are plenty of receivers that will be selected in the 1st and 2nd round of this upcoming draft.

Here are my updated Receiver rankings

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

-Justin Blackmon could be the next Calvin Johnson. Yes, he is that good. Blackmon had a wonderful junior season in college. He caught 121 passes for 18 touchdowns and 1522 yards. Even better, he stepped up when the lights were on by having a 3 touchdown, 186 yard performance against Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl. He has the perfect combination of size, power, and speed. What separates Blackmon from the rest however, is his play making ability. He is a real game changer. Expect him to have a great pro day.

Prediction: Top 10 Pick

2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

-Floyd’s 40 yard dash time made him the consensus number 2 receiver in the draft. Floyd is a huge target that will definitely be a help to any quarterback. He should have a very productive NFL career.

Prediction: Top 15 Pick

3. Kendall Wright, Baylor

– Wright had a very productive season at Baylor with 108 receptions for 1600 yards. Wright is a speedster who spreads the field. He is very similar to Eagles WR Desean Jackson in both size, and playing styles. Wright did not have an impressive combine due to his 4.6 40 yard dash, however, look for him to tear it up at his pro day.

Prediction: 1st Round

4. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

-Alshon Jeffery is a top 10 talent. So why is he ranked only at 4? Here’s why: Consistency and Character issues. Jefferey went from 88 receptions and 1517 yards in 2010 to only 49 receptions and 762 yards in 2011. Alshon Jefferey is still a good player though,  as proven in his 148 yard performance against the elite cornerbacks of  Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. The other thing which is sending Jefferey’s stock plummeting are his interviews at the combine. He supposedly turned many teams off during these interviews. However, If Jefferey goes at the spot he is projected to go, it will be a huge steal.

Prediction: Late 1st – Early 2nd

5. Stephen Hill wowed scouts at the combine, and as a result he is number 5 on this list. Hill has all the physical tools to be a star in the NFL. He has an unreal combination of size and speed. Hill who is 6’4 and  206 pounds, ran a 4.3 40 yard dash at the combine, which was one of the fastest times of the day. He also had a 9 3/8″ arm length which was top 5 for the receiver position.

Prediction: Late 1st – Early 2nd