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2016 Draft - WR Evaluations

deljzc

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WIDE RECEIVER

Laquon Treadwell*, Mississippi
While lack of elite athleticism is concern, film is exceptional. Plus attributes in route running, hands, ability to beat press and size. Very good downfield blocker when motivated. Comes back to ball and shows exceptional fight for ball in air. Reminds me a lot of a Keyshawn Johnson or Brandon Marshall type and should be an immediate starter at next level and produce. NFL ready and is big enough and physical enough to make transition against NFL corners on the outside. Not a 9-route type player (and isn’t a Calvin Johnson athlete), but for the right team he’s a top-10 pick.

Josh Doctson, TCU
Really liked his tape vs. Texas. Has very good size and body control for position. Envious set of attributes for a “west coast” receiver. Looks very good at route running and even without elite speed generates very good separation. Good hands that are strong and he catches ball correctly. Can high point and would be a plus in red zone situations (can slant and attack corner). Film is very solid and doesn’t show a lot of negatives.

Will Fuller*, Notre Dame
Has very slight frame with little room for added bulk but he has speed to burn and can quickly get loose for big plays. His attitude on the field is much better than Coleman or Desean Jackson (a player he’s compared to) and doesn’t look like a diva WR. Will definitely find a roll in the NFL sooner rather than later because he looks solid enough in the fundamentals and can threaten NFL safeties. Worry a bit about hand size (8¼”) and is more of a body catcher and could have drop/fumble issues. Round 2 prospect to me but I could see the argument for round 1 if he interviews well.

Corey Coleman*, Baylor
NFL athlete and looks the part. Fast on film and pushes corners onto their heels quickly and decisively. Hard to judge everything in Baylor’s spread offense and he often runs odd routes - often used in weird stop/start go routes downfield. Not an elite downfield catcher like speed would indicate and doesn’t really high-point or fight for the ball like you’d like. Too often exhibits diva mentality and flag chasing but also played with poor quarterback play at times. I worry first sign of adversity at next level will be issue. Displays potential to be “nothing is my fault” type player in locker room. Will likely go in first round, but I wouldn’t pin my GM job on him. A luxury or hood ornament pick.

Michael Thomas*, Ohio State
Slow 40-time might turn off some coaches, but has good size and athleticism/body control for position. Willing downfield blocker in OSU’s system. Shows nice ability to run different routes on film. Eye of the beholder player that I doubt makes it out of round 2 with his size. Round 2

Sterling Shepherd, Oklahoma
Very similar player to Boyd in terms of “wow” factors but consistently makes plays. More stocky of a player and shows willingness/ability to hold up on middle of the field routes (that will really help him at next level) and has more experience than Boyd playing slot. While short has good leaping ability and is an explosive athlete. Good hands catcher. Round 2

Tyler Boyd*, Pitt
I really wanted to like him but he is too similar to many other college successful “jack-of-all-trade, master of none” receivers that don’t have enough NFL qualities to separate themselves at the next level. A Tate, Matthews, Robiskie, Iglesias player which puts him in the round 2-3 category of prospects that are pretty typical year-in, year-out.

Charone Peake, Clemson
Big receiver that really likes to push around and abuse smaller corners. Not afraid to be physical both before and after catch. NFL speed might need “ramping up to” but can still catch slow-footed DB’s if not respected. Very good talent to threaten short/long aspects of field because he’s a good physical runner on WR screens and slants. Might not be the kind of dominant big-man WR but certainly has a lot of traits to contribute at the next level. Round 3

Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Converted QB who is still learning position. Very hard to scout as film/OSU was easing him into roll as a slot receiver/athlete. No idea how to evaluate his potential as an outside the numbers receiver. Has all the size/athleticism for the position but is not a natural hand catcher. Could be nothing more than a WR#4 in career or turn into another Terrell Owens with the right confidence/growth curve. Round 3

Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina
Odd build and is slightly bowlegged with thick thighs like a track athlete. Probably exceptional straight line athlete but watch for potential hamstring/strain injuries. Poor quarterback play at SC really hurts evaluation. Plays with decent toughness. There’s enough on film for a round 3 grade, but there’s some red flags to check out first. Round 3

Others not reviewed that could be top-10:

Aaron Burbridge, Michigan St.
Kolby Listenbee, TCU
Jordan Payton, UCLA
Rashard Higgins, Colorado St.
Kenny Lawler, Cal
 
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Can't see them taking any sooner than 6th or 7th here unless an unbelievable talent falls to 2nd or 3rd round.
 
I wouldn't mind at all taking Braxton Miller in the third.
 
Late round sleeper...

Demarcus Robinson

Later round sleepers are all we should consider, as with all our needs, I just don't see us taking a WR before the 4th, if even by them.

We have AB, Wheaton, Coates, plus a TE (Green) who will serve as another WR, AND Bell, who will have more catches than anyone save AB.

We just don't have that big of need, compared to CB, S, NT or even OLB. Not only that, but this team has proven over and over, they can find good WRs in later rounds.
 
I like Braxton Miller a lot. He's just a natural playmaker. He tracks the ball well. He's dangerous with run after catch and could play backup RB as well. I would not be surprised if he became a great return man.

Caroo of Rutgers is the other guy I like. He's a physical WR, who ran a much better 40 than anyone expected. He was sub 4.5. He fights for the ball and makes contested catches. The key is that he was Rutgers only weapon. Their QB sucked, RB sucked, other WRs sucked. He was the only threat and he still produced .

I can see Caroo as a Hines Ward type.
 
I hope the Steelers aren't spending a lot of time looking at receivers
 
If I know Colbert, he won't be adverse to stocking up a bit, regardless of position.

I'd love Peake or Listenbee... either of those guys would be a nice add to the mix.

Don't think they'll be around when we look at WR's but who knows?
 
I like Braxton Miller a lot. He's just a natural playmaker. He tracks the ball well. He's dangerous with run after catch and could play backup RB as well. I would not be surprised if he became a great return man.

Caroo of Rutgers is the other guy I like. He's a physical WR, who ran a much better 40 than anyone expected. He was sub 4.5. He fights for the ball and makes contested catches. The key is that he was Rutgers only weapon. Their QB sucked, RB sucked, other WRs sucked. He was the only threat and he still produced .

I can see Caroo as a Hines Ward type.

I think Caroo has some off-field baggage and is not quite the quality character Ward was/is. I know I've read some stuff about that on some reviews of him.
 
Didn't Braxton Miller play some QB too? It would nice to have the reverse option back in play. Unless there is guy like that out there, I don't see us drafting a WR until the 6th or later, if at all.
 
What about Kenny Lawler? Watch the highlights of Goff and Lawler is making lots of catches. Some one-handed catches, too. He's 6'3", 200. Nice size. 4.64 40.
 
I am trying to go back and watch maybe another 10 WR's and 10 CB's before next Thursday.

I didn't put Lawler high on my list of top-10 guys to watch because of his timed speed. But he's in that next group when I find time.
 
I would be ok with a 4th round WR after the Steelers pick a CB, SS, and DE/D-lineman...........
 
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