NFL draft:
Ranking the top wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen.
USA TODAY Sports Weekly takes a position-by-position look for the April 26-28 NFL draft in Arlington, Texas. This week: Wide receivers, tight ends, guards/centers
1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama (6-0, 189 pounds):
Emerging from the shadow cast by Amari Cooper and other recent Crimson Tide greats, Ridley established himself as a go-to threat capable of handling the Southeastern Conference’s best defensive backs. A run-heavy formula and lack of receiving threats elsewhere on the offense limited his production in the past two seasons, but opposing defenses still showed a healthy respect for his ability. Ridley combines dangerous deep speed with precise and varied route running to create easy separation. His wiry build is the chief concern, as he might find jams harder to beat at the next level. Yet his overall skill set solidifies him as a firstround talent in a wide receiver class seemingly short on them.
2. D.J. Moore, Maryland (6-0, 210):
Wearing the same No. 1 that Stefon Diggs did, Moore has garnered comparisons to the former Terrapins standout thanks to his explosive play. Despite being limited by inconsistent quarterback play, he set a school record with 80 receptions last season. He is at his best after the catch, as he has the acceleration, speed and toughness to make life difficult for defensive backs in pursuit. Moore is still developing as a downfield threat after making his mark mostly on crossers and screens and needs to improve his body control. But he has been on a steady growth trajectory and looks up to the task.
3. Anthony Miller, Memphis (5-11, 201):
Don’t reduce the first-team All-American to a mere slot receiver. While he might be best suited inside, Mil- ler can attack defenses in a variety of ways. With rapid redirection ability and a knack for adjusting to balls in flight, he’s a headache in short areas and down the sideline. Though he might not look the part, Miller is the kind of weapon who can quickly become a quarterback’s favorite target.
4. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M (5-10, 200):
An all-SEC pick, he found a number of ways to put his impressive burst to use, including the return game. That versatility, along with his natural acceleration, should make him a dynamic weapon early in his pro career. Kirk could struggle to beat physical corners, but as long as he operates out of the slot, he looks to be a good threat on the intermediate level with the tools to pick up big gains after the catch.
5. James Washington, Oklahoma State (5-11, 213):
Big 12 corners were no match for the Biletnikoff Award winner, who posted 4,472 receiving yards and 39 touchdown catches in his career. Yet a squat frame more befitting a running back and pedestrian speed (4.54second 40-yard dash) make him somewhat of a difficult projection. While his ability to track the ball deep and pick up yards after the catch will serve him well at the next level, he has yet to prove he can run a full route tree.
6. Michael Gallup, Colorado State (6-1, 205):
The junior college transfer tore up the competition in two years in the Mountain West, posting 176 catches for 2,685 yards and 21 touchdowns. Gallup has an advanced handle on the position, adept at setting up defensive backs with precise route running while comfortably contorting his body to haul in difficult throws. He won’t fly past or tower over defensive backs, but those limitations might not prove problematic as long as he displays the same reliability.
7. Courtland Sutton, SMU (6-3, 218):
His experience on the Mustangs basketball team was limited to a few appearances as a freshman, but he brings a hardwood mentality to the gridiron. Sutton consistently looks to box out defenders to win on contested throws. A lack of burst and agility, however, indicate that he will struggle to create separation and will have to dominate at the catch point.
8. Dante Pettis, Washington (6-0, 186):
He’s the son of former major league baseball player Gary Pettis and cousin of former Rams receiver Austin Pettis. He doesn’t have the explosion of former Huskies teammate John Ross, but Pettis bursts out of his cuts and does a fine job of adjusting to the ball. As the NCAA recordholder with nine career punt-return touchdowns, he should be an immediate contributor on special teams.
9. Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame (6-5, 214):
Despite his imposing physical make-up, he never quite developed into the consistently dominant receiver some expected him to be in college. Still, he has the speed (4.48-second 40-yard dash) to burn past bigger defensive backs and the size to overpower smaller ones. If he can exhibit more toughness at the catch point and prove he can win in the middle of the field, he could be a high-end starter.
10. D.J. Chark, LSU (6-3, 199):
With the fastest 40 yards (4.34 seconds) of any receiver at the combine and a career average of 20.5 yards per catch, he’s shown he can be this draft’s pre-eminent deep threat. Now the challenge is proving he can attack a defense in other ways. Though he can beat cornerbacks in a one-on-one setting, his sloppy route running and struggles to adjust to the ball could undermine a quarterback’s trust in him.