PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Although there are a select few quarterbacks in the NFL that can take a relatively average receiving corps and transform it into a highly prolific offense, most passers in the pros are reliant on elite wide receivers that can make electric receptions consistently. While not every athletic pass-catcher can be an acrobatic phenom like Odell Beckham Jr., there are still a plethora of wideouts in this years draft class that have both the physical tools and exceptional route running abilities to make a splash in the NFL on day one of the regular season. Even though it may be difficult to discern who the top receivers are this year after the top three prospects at the position, rest assured there are several intriguing athletes that are lying in wait to make a name for themselves at both the combine and during their respective pro days.
10. Javon Wims, Georgia
Although the Georgia Bulldogs were largely known for their prolific and ruthless rushing attack, they actually possessed one of the most underrated and clutch athletes on their roster in Javon Wims. Not only does the sneaky fast Wims have the size to be a prominent playmaker at the next level, he also has the ideal work ethic intangibles to be a committed and fast learner. Although there are certainly more athletic wideouts in this years draft class, Wims has the hands and physicality needed to be successful in the NFL.
9. Dante Pettis, Washington
While Dante Pettis may fall off the radars of many draft pundits because of his size (6’1″, 185 lbs) and because of his propensity for dropping passes, this speedy, high-octane wideout actually has a lot more going for him then some realize. A deadly receiver after the catch, Pettis is extremely quick and has the ceiling to be an explosive playmaker at the next level. He’s not perfect and the dropped passes are a concern, but Pettis’ exceptional athletic abilities make him an intriguing wideout who could become a steal in the later rounds of the draft.
8. Keke Coutee, Texas Tech
Once again, we have another receiver on this list that lacks prototypical size (5’11” 180 lbs), but Keke Coutee more than makes up for it with his elevated production (1429 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns) and tremendous route running abilities. While Coutee projects to be a complimentary slot receiver because of his size, his separation skills and quickness could allow him to become a deadly deep threat pass catcher if he can build up a bit more strength.
7. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Gifted as both a pass-catcher and speedy returner on special teams, Christian Kirk is a slight yet girthy wide receiver that has proven to be one of the more versatile offensive playmakers in this years draft class. With 71 catches for 919 yards and touchdowns, Kirk was heavily relied on to carry Texas A&M offensively on multiple occasions, suggesting that the workhorse wideout could valiantly fight his way through both training camp and preseason to become a starting wideout on any NFL team.
6. James Washington, Oklahoma State
Averaging 20.9 yards per reception in college, James Washington is a consummate playmaker that will never shy away from making clutch receptions. Although Washington’s draft stock has dropped off somewhat because of his lack of explosiveness and production after the catch, his strong hands and vertical running abilities could allow him to become an exceptional 50-50 receiver, a skill that is highly coveted in the NFL.
5. Auden Tate, Florida State
Despite catching just 40 receptions in his final season with the Seminoles, Auden Tate was able to convert his limited opportunities into 548 receiving yards for 10 touchdowns. Better still, Tate is a massive and athletic wideout, allowing him to be a constant mismatch weapon against opposing defensive backs. Although some draft pundits believe Tate should have returned to Florida State to improve, he already has that elite size and big-play ability to be a mid-round steal in the draft.
4. Marcell Ateman, Oklahoma State
Although fellow wide receiver James Washington was more productive from a statistical standpoint, Marcell Ateman will most likely go ahead of his former teammate because of his intimidating frame (6’4″, 220 lbs). Averaging 19.4 yards per reception, Ateman has the deep playmaking ability and toughness to overcome some of the more elite defensive backs in the NFL.
3. Anthony Miller, Memphis
Just on production alone, Anthony Miller should be considered a highly intriguing and capable pass-catcher at the next level (1462 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns). A great route runner who is extremely elusive after the catch, Miller is a reliable pass catcher that can haul in practically any ball that is thrown within his area code. At 5’11” 190 lbs, Miller will probably be slighted by some NFL teams, but for any franchises that are willing to give the dynamic and gifted receiver a chance, they will not be disappointed.
2. Courtland Sutton, SMU
If a receiver is able to utilize his size to make big plays consistently, you can bet that they will eventually become a coveted wide receiver prospect. The only standout offensive weapon on SMU’s roster, Courtland Sutton was heavily relied upon to be the Mustangs go to playmaker as his length and overall frame allowed him to bully opposing defensive backs. Although some may be concerned that Sutton was never properly tested against reputable opponents, he has all the physical tools and instincts to be a top wideout in the NFL.
1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
Despite being underweight for his position (188 lbs), Ridley has all of the necessary assets and then some to be a dangerous receiver in the NFL. His impressive quickness combined with his exceptional route-running abilities will allow Ridley to overcome his diminutive size to constantly baffle and frustrate defensive backs after the catch. Of course, it also helps that Ridley has tremendous hands, which should allow him to garner a tremendous amount of workload and production for any team that appreciates his top-notch abilities as an elite receiving weapon.
