2018 NFL Draft | Wide Receivers

Again, stealing @Tim's reference page.

2018 Wide Receivers

Another one of the weakest positions on the current roster and one that also involves the most "what if" questions around it. The current crop (as of posting) of Browns receivers include:

• Josh Gordon
• Corey Coleman
• Rashard Higgins
• Ricardo Louis - leading wide receiver in 2017
• Sammie Coates
• Kasen Williams (practice squad)

An uninspiring bunch that is downright abysmal if Josh Gordon is ineligible to play - he'll need to survive a full NFL off season with the paychecks for the past five weeks now in his bank account. Needless to say, the position should be addressed in both free agency and the draft.

Here's a couple names (in no particular order) to start looking for:

• Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
• Courtland Sutton, Southern Methodist
• Anthony Miller, Memphis
• Calvin Ridley, Alabama
• James Washington, Oklahoma State
• Simmie Cobbs, Jr., Indiana

Admittedly, I've watched much more QB film thus far, but starting to dig into the wide receiver class and a couple of the guys I really like are those slot players (much like my crush on Cooper Kupp last season). Chiefly among them, Anthony Miller.

 

WR1 | Courtland Sutton
School: Southern Methodist
Class: Junior (RS)
6'4" 218 pounds



Pros: *cringe* Looks like a WR1. Sutton has a big frame that he uses well and can stand up to punishment. Was a high-volume target guy in his offense and made the most of it (2.2 yards-per-route-run), bringing in 61 receptions on 67 catchable balls. Was able to have success in SMU's offense both vertically and horizontally - especially last season when QB play forced them to shorter passing routes and screen offense.

Cons: Not going to be confused for Josh Gordon. His timed speed is going to be important because he doesn't look like a dominant athlete against mediocre competition. Production against quality opponents was terrible - albeit, Sutton's surrounding cast is/was also very sub-par.

My Take: I don't see a WR worth a Top 10 selection this year, but Sutton has the best traits and size to make himself the first one off the board. He's a fit with the Browns, but if we were to say, sign Terrelle Pryor in free agency, that would effectively take care of the position - chain-moving receiver with WR1 potential.

EDIT: Added the "RS" for Class.

 

WR2 | Calvin Ridley
School: Alabama
Class: Junior
6'1" 190 pounds



Pros: Clear-cut primary receiver for a dynastic college team. Smooth receiver in and out of routes. Good, not great speed, but capitalizes on it to generate big plays. Not clear from the film how many routes on the tree he ran, but with Todd Haley that's less of a concern - match-ups over route concepts in the new offense. However, Ridley could be the cleanest route-runner in this class.

Cons: Old and slight - at least by NFL terms. Drops are going to be a concern - has hovered around a career 10% drop rate. Unclear what his ceiling might be based on sub-standard QB play in a run-dominant offense but was never as dominant as his freshman season.

My Take: Is he the next Marvin Harrison or the next Brian Robiskie? I don't think the Browns are going to be in the position to take either WR1 or WR2, barring a trade up, so it could be a moot point for us. Ultimately, if we decide to take Ridley, I'd like to see him play primarily in the slot where his route running and quick feet would be better suited (and his frame wouldn't be such a limitation) than he would be on the perimeter.

 

WR3 | Anthony Miller
School: Memphis
Class: Senior (RS)
5'11" 190 pounds



Pros: Exciting athlete with great footwork. Track athlete in high school which shows up on gameday. Third among all eligible receivers in yards-per-route-run (3.5), which is incredibly given his number of targets (123). One of the best deep threats in the nation (7 TD on 29 deep targets) and tracks the ball exceptionally well in traffic. Would start *immediately* inside for Cleveland and could be a Pro Bowl rookie.

Cons: Dropsies - 20 in the last two seasons, posting a drop rate of 12.4% last season. Small-frame receiver that's well-built but probably maxed out. May not develop beyond slot/WR2.

My Take: My guy. Anthony Miller is probably my favorite wide receiver in this class - not saying I think he's the best one or will even have the best career. But he's been the most fun to watch and would most-fit what the Browns are lacking - dominant slot receiver play. Given the nature of the position he'll play - at least initially - as a slot receiver, Miller should be available in the late second to early fourth range.

 

I kinda like this kid...

• The film shows a player that is a good route runner and finisher.
• He’ll need some initial work coming off the ball with his release but that shouldn’t be too difficult to fix.
• His downfield separation is good with big play ability in his hands.
• What is most impressive about his work is his ability to carry his routes anywhere on the field.
• He is not limited to a few routes but is open to various types.
• Gallup gives you options, which can’t be said about many of the receivers in this draft.

• Good size, strength, and athleticism for the position. Not a burner but uses strength and a quick first step to his advantage. Has enough speed to stretch the field.
• Uses his body to shield the ball and uses his hands to catch it. Usually wins contested throws.
• Tough will fight off the LOS and not afraid to run collision routes without first catching the ball.
• Ability to catch the ball his best trait.

Weaknesses

• Route running needs lots of polish.
• Run blocking leaves a lot to be desired and he needs to get with a coach that will teach him to do it properly.
• No elite athletic traits.

 

4.34 is the time D.J. Chark just blazed at the Combine. The fastest of all...After his Senior Bowl and that 40 time, he's is doing well for himself...I don't think I can call him a sleeper anymore...

 

I wonder if he has room to add 10-15 lbs and keep that speed?

 

"He looks like he's dragging a sled when he runs, but they swear he will run faster than people think. There is some hype on him so I guess we will see when he works out." -- NFC regional scout

I think I'd have to agree...

40 Yard Dash 4.68 Seconds

Spoiler

 

Oof.

 

Larry Fitzgerald 40 time: 4.63...Jerry Rice 4.71....

40 yard dash can be misleading sometimes...

 

I said he wont create much separation in the NFL....back shoulder fades and red zone target will be his best contributions

 

True but I wouldn't even put him in the same class as those two.

I.E. WR4 material...

RDS 5-7/UDFA


Thanks

 

Of course not...Just pointing out that 40 times don't tell the entire story...Some guys get faster when they put the helmet and pads on.

 

Even Stopper says he likely wont


Maybe move him TE

 

You want a great comparison.....Colston

 

Uhm OK,

Time will tell


IMHO will not have the career that Colton has had.

 

size, speed and round selected will be similar...Colston was faster

 

WR4 | D.J. Moore
School: Maryland
Class: Junior
6'0" 210 pounds



Pros: Excellent quickness which was backed up by a great Combine. Definitely an above-average route runner. Fast *and* strong, capable of breaking multiple tackles. Has great speed after the catch and performed well in the deep passing (30% catch rate, 326 yards, 2 TD on 30 targets - 12 catchable).

Cons: Scoring production dropped somewhat in 2017, but Maryland was dealt a ton of injuries and are still a small fish in a big Big-10 conference. Struggled against superior competition (Ohio State - 2 catches, 11 yards; Wisconsin - 3 catches, 44 yards; Michigan - 5 catches, 37 yards). Lacks "ideal size" for a true #1 receiver. Drop rate (8.1%) slightly above average in this class.


My Take: Definitely a Top 50 guy (if the Browns want him, they need to take him early in the second). He gets comps to fellow Terrapin, Stefon Diggs, which is a pretty solid one. Browns, regardless of free agency signings, should consider adding at least one of these "prototype slot guys" in the class. It will all boil down to draft value and perceived ceiling at the next level.

 

Per Dane Brugler, who ranks him as the 23rd overall prospect:

 

@TopDawg Sub-optimal.