DAVIS, WILLIAMS, ROSS COULD CATCH ON Nate Davis
His performance at the Senior Bowl and combine should allay any questions about his ability to thrive at the pro level. But Jones excelled in college, where he became the all-time FBS leader for receptions (399), including a Maybe the next Percy Harvin? Whether the Buckeyes lined him up in the 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 40yard dash at the combine, which explains why he’s so often seen running away from defenders on @ByNateDavis USA TODAY Sports
Sports Weekly is taking a position-by-position look at the top prospects for the NFL draft, which runs April 27-29 in Philadelphia. This week: wide receivers and tight ends.
The top wide receiver prospects: 1. COREY DAVIS, WESTERN MICHIGAN (6-3, 213 POUNDS) Teams in the Mid-American Conference 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 touchdowns in 2016. In fact, he was highly productive for all four years with the Broncos, averaging more than 80 grabs and racking up 52 TDs and a Football Bowl Subdivisionrecord 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, 220) He snatches the ball with big, sure hands in all areas of the field. He’s not a burner — there are 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 those 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. 3. JOHN ROSS, WASHINGTON (5-10, 190) His combine-record 4.22-second 40-yard dash is 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 on offense and special teams. 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. mind-boggling single-season record 158 — or 13.2 per game — in 2016. He is plenty fast and has excellent hands and body control, which allow him to catch everything in sight. He also doesn’t shy away from contact and will pick up tough yards after the catch. His father, Robert Jones, and uncle, Jeff Blake, each played in the NFL for at least a decade. 6. COOPER KUPP, EASTERN WASHINGTON (6-2, 198) Yet another recordsetter, Kupp is the standardbearer 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 has nice size and just enough speed (4.63 in the 40) to keep defenses honest. He also can return punts. Obviously, he must prove transitioning to the NFL won’t be too big of a hurdle. 5. CURTIS SAMUEL, OHIO STATE (5-11, 197) 4. ZAY JONES, EAST CAROLINA (6-2, 202) 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. SmithSchuster 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 Southern California’s collective revival and Rose Bowl win. However, the Trojans also have consistently produced highly drafted receivers who have underwhelmed in the NFL. 7. JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (6-2 220)
Nittany Lions and thrived while battling for the ball and yards in traffic. He capped his career with a 187-yard, two-touchdown day in the Rose Bowl. A strong combine — Godwin shined in the weight room and during on-field drills and posted a 4.42 time in the 40 — could bump him up draft boards.
9. AMARA DARBOH, MICHIGAN (6-2, 216)
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. He could develop into a steady No. 2 receiver.
10. DEDE WESTBROOK, OKLAHOMA (6-0, 168)
There are 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 also are character concerns after he was accused of domestic violence against the mother of his children.
11. ARDARIUS STEWART, ALABAMA (6-1, 204)
Stewart produced consistently, even in the Tide’s pedestrian passing offense. Stewart averaged 59 grabs for 782 yards over the last two years. He can also can contribute on special teams and might challenge for a No. 3 job very quickly. 12. JALEN ROBINETTE, AIR FORCE (6-3, 220) He’s raw and toiled in an option offense not designed to feature him. However, Robinette made the most of his opportunities in 2016, leading the nation with 27.4 yards per catch. He also can immediately serve as a red-zone option in multiple-receiver sets before potentially developing into a more polished player.