The 2016 wide receiver class is filled with size, speed and some great red-zone targets. As is the case with every wide receiver class, how many of these guys will be able to continue developing their skills and stick in the NFL?
For this list I looked at each player's 2015 and career statistics to make a preliminary group of 17 draft eligible QB's. From there I watched 3 game films for every WR on the list. One good game, one bad game and one average game. I wrote down each players' strengths and weaknesses and ended at this list.
This list is not meant to represent the order in which I think these players will be drafted, just how talented I think they are at the wide receiver position right now.
1. Laquon Treadwell - Ole Miss
Laquon Treadwell is the best prospect of group in my opinion. I think he can be a legitimate number one receiver in the NFL from day one. He's got the size at 6'2", the hands (82 receptions in 2015) and the ability to be an impact receiver and a big red-zone threat at the next level.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 1 - Los Angeles Rams
2. Corey Coleman - Baylor
Corey Coleman scored twenty touchdowns in 2016. That's two-zero. even in Baylor's high-scoring pass happy offense that is super impressive. Coleman has fantastic hands and is extremely advanced at route-running. He is going to make a very good slot receiver in the NFL.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 2 - Cleveland Browns
3. Tyler Boyd - Pittsburgh
Tyler Boyd has the best hands in college football and it isn't even close. He's an explosive play maker that can also make an impact in the return game. He's a little raw but I think he can develop into a good NFL receiver.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 1 - Minnesota Vikings
4. Aaron Burbridge - Michigan State
Aaron Burbridge is a big, physical receiver who uses his body very well to box out defenders. He doesn't have great speed and can't make many people miss, but with his hands and route-running ability I think he can play on the outside at the next level.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 4 - Detroit Lions
5. Sterling Shepard - Oklahoma
I think Sterling Shepard is the best route-runner on this list. He has slot receiver size, great hands and good enough speed to make an impact in the league.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 3 - Cincinnati Bengals
6. De'Runnya Wilson - Mississippi State
Aside from having the best name on the list, De'Runnya Wilson is also the tallest receiver at 6'4". Wilson is really good at using his size to his ability. He boxes out defenders and can just straight up jump over them if he needs to. He'll be a force in the red-zone in the NFL.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 3 - Atlanta Falcons
7. Michael Thomas - Ohio State
Michael Thomas is a prototypical pro receiver. He's 6'3", has good hands and good speed and runs good routes. The reason he isn't high on this list however is because he doesn't do one thing really well, he is just good at everything.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 2 - San Francisco 49ers
8. Josh Doctson - TCU
You could say Josh Doctson is the fastest in the class and not that many people would disagree with you. He's a size/speed guy who has okay hands and only runs about three different routes. If he can consistently get past corners in the NFL he'll be a pretty good receiver.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 2 - Baltimore Ravens
9. Kenny Lawler - Cal
Kenny Lawler is kind of like Thomas where he just does every thing well. His best trait is his hands so if he can refine his route-running he can make contributions to a team.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 4 - Buffalo Bills
10. Tajae Sharpe - UMass
Tajae Sharpe led the nation in 2015 with 111 receptions.No one else even came close to that. He was the best receiver on a small-school team that liked to pass the ball. He needs to bulk and and play more physically to make it at the next level. But he has good skills and I think he will end up being a late-round steal.
Predicted Draft Position: Round 6 - Kansas City Chiefs
Other draftees:
Will Fuller - Notre Dame
He's a good receiver that doesn't have great size or great speed. Predicted Round: 4/5
Rashad Higgins - Colorado
A big, slow receiver with good hands and that makes plays in the red-zone. Predicted Round: 5/6
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