Grading the Top Receiver Prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft

Grading the Top Receiver Prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft

     When initially looking at the receivers entering the 2014 NFL draft there is no shortage of potential among them. However there is a Big 3 that sets themselves apart from the rest.
     Sammy Watkins, the Clemson University Junior who is forgoing his senior year of eligibility to test the waters of the NFL. The sure handed Watkins looks like the most NFL ready receiver in this years draft class, Watkins has good size at 6'1 205, attacks the ball at its highest point, and runs a 4.47 in the 40 yard dash. Watkins had his best season in 2013 with 101 receptions for 1,464 and 12 touchdowns. In the last game of his NCAA career Watkins caught 16 passes for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns.
      Mike Evans, Texas A&M University. At 6'5 225, Evans is one of the biggest receivers in this years draft. The redshirt sophomore Evans has chose to forgo his Junior and Senior seasons at A&M after compiling 151 receptions, 2,499 yards and 17 touchdowns in two seasons. Evans has a basketball background which assist in his ability to out jump defenders to make spectacular catches, although being 6'5 doesn't hurt either, and the ability to stretch the field vertically running a 4.5 40 yard dash. Evans stepped up to play his most productive games against the best competition this season accumulating 18 catches for 566 yards and 5 touchdowns combined against Auburn and Alabama. Evans has also received praise for being a good blocker from his receiver position during his two years at A&M.
       Marqise Lee, junior from the University of Southern California is 6'0 195. As a sophomore in 2012, Lee took the nation by storm accumulating 118 catches, 1,721 and 14 touchdowns playing alongside future NFL player Robert Woods. As a junior in 2013 Lee saw his numbers decline in a season marred by injuries, a mid season coaching change and rotating quarterbacks to began the season. With the speed Lee possesses, 4.37 40 yard dash, he has potential game breaker ability at the NFL level. Lee has the ability to go up and catch the ball over the defender, but his biggest asset is the ability to score whenever he touches the ball. A natural athlete Lee is a former NCAA long jump champion.
       When grading these receivers there isn't much that separates them from one another. Evans is the big receiver who will be a mismatch for NFL defensive backs because of his size. Watkins is the most complete receiver of the bunch, he has the ability to come in right away and contribute to an NFL team in need of a play maker at wide receiver. Lee will keep the defense on its toes whenever he is on the field, he has two career receptions of 80 yards or longer, a testimony to his big play ability.
     With teams at the top of the draft such as the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets needing receivers, I don't see any of these players making it out of the first round without hearing their names called.