NFL draft WR rankings: Corey Davis, Mike Williams jostle at top
As the NFL draft nears, USA TODAY Sports will release its positional rankings with one post every weekday. Next up, a breakdown of the wide receiver class ...
1. Corey Davis, Western Michigan
6-3, 209 pounds
His “peers” in the MAC had no answer for him. Davis was too big, too strong and too fast, dominating the competition on his way to 97 catches, 1,500 yards and 19 TDs in 2016. In fact, he was highly productive for all four years with the Broncos, averaging nearly 80 grabs while racking up 52 TDs and a Football Bowl Subdivision record 5,278 career receiving yards. He runs a variety of routes and is comfortable working on the outside and over the middle. A smooth player who appears to have all the ability to develop into a No. 1 NFL receiver. Offseason ankle surgery shelved him at the scouting combine.
2. Mike Williams, Clemson
6-4, 218 pounds
He snatches the ball with big, sure hands in all areas of the field. He’s not a burner – and there are some questions about his short-area quickness and route running – but that doesn’t prevent him from doing damage in the seams, on the boundaries and in the end zone. His size makes him very effective in the red zone and while shielding defenders on back shoulder throws. His game is reminiscent of Dez Bryant and Mike Evans. Williams caught 98 passes for 1,361 yards and 11 TDs last season for the national champions. A scary fracture in his neck cost him virtually all of the 2015 season.
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3. John Ross, Washington
5-11, 188 pounds
His combine record 4.22-second 40-yard dash is certainly a major indicator of his vast talent, which could translate into the kind of impact DeSean Jackson and Brandin Cooks have had as pros. But Ross also brings sure hands, crisp route running and game-breaking return ability to the table. He could be the ultimate weapon out of the slot. Ross’ 2016 season was easily his best (81 receptions, 1,150 yards, 17 TDs). His stature could be a concern, and he required shoulder surgery this offseason and lost the 2015 campaign to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Regardless, Ross’ speed alone promises to make him an impact rookie both on offense and special teams.
4. Zay Jones, East Carolina
6-2, 201 pounds
His performance at the Senior Bowl and combine should allay any questions about his ability to thrive at the pro level. But Jones sure did excel in college, where he became the all-time FBS leader for receptions (399), including a mind-boggling single-season record 158 – or 13.2 per game – in 2016. He is plenty fast and has excellent hands and body control, allowing him to catch everything in sight. He also doesn’t shy from contact and will pick up tough yards after the catch. His father, Robert Jones, and uncle, Jeff Blake, both played in the NFL for at least a decade.
5. Curtis Samuel, Ohio State
5-11, 196 pounds
Maybe the next coming of Percy Harvin? Whether the Buckeyes lined him up in backfield, in the slot or split wide, Samuel was a terror once the ball reached his hands. He rushed for 771 yards and eight TDs in 2016 while catching 74 passes for another 865 yards and seven scores. He ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at the combine, which explains why he’s so often seen running away from defenders on game film. He’s projected as a receiver and has a significant ceiling but will have a lot to learn about the nuances of the position after operating so frequently as a running back in college.
6. Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington
6-2, 204 pounds
Yet another record setter, Kupp is the standard bearer for the Football Championship Subdivision level with career marks for catches (428), receiving yards (6,464) and TDs (73). He went out with a bang as a senior in 2016, compiling 117 receptions for 1,700 yards, and 17 scores. Kupp makes every catch from the routine to the circus variety. He’s got nice size and just enough speed (4.62 in the 40) to keep defenses honest. He can also return punts. Obviously must prove transitioning to the NFL won’t be too big a hurdle.
7. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Southern California
6-1, 215 pounds
The ubiquitous comparisons to Anquan Boldin are nice, though in fairness, Smith-Schuster is slightly faster … but also has a lot of work to do to prove worthy of being likened to one of the toughest, most physically imposing receivers in NFL history. Smith-Schuster has sticky hands, catches the ball well in traffic and consistently sheds tackles. He also gladly shrugs off a 500-yard drop in production last year by citing USC’s collective revival and Rose Bowl win. However the Trojans have also consistently produced highly drafted receivers who have underwhelmed in the NFL.
8. Chris Godwin, Penn State
6-1, 209 pounds
He was a solid producer for the Nittany Lions and thrived while battling for the ball and yards in traffic. Capped his career with a 187-yard, two-touchdown day in the Rose Bowl. A strong combine – Godwin shined in the weight room, during on-field drills and posted a 4.42 40 time – could bump him up draft boards.
9. Amara Darboh, Michigan
6-2, 214 pounds
He doesn’t look particularly gifted in any specific area, nor is he really lacking in any aspect. He’s fast if not quick but does a nice job getting behind defenders. Could develop into a steady No. 2 receiver.
10. Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma
6-0, 178 pounds
Lots of mixed opinions on last season’s Biletnikoff Award winner as college football’s top receiver. Westbrook was clocked in the 4.3 range at the Sooners’ pro day after skipping combine workouts. But he’ll have to transition from a spread offense while proving his slight frame can withstand the NFL’s pounding. There are also character concerns after he was accused of domestic violence against the mother of his children.
Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.
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