These are my wide receiver prospects available in the 2010 NFL Draft.
1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Following a monster 2008 season where he racked up 87 receptions, 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns, Bryant was ineligible most of 2009 due to NCAA violations.While character and maturity issues are concerning, there is no doubt Bryant is a true playmaker and the top tight end prospect in this year's class. He could go as high as Denver at No. 11 and is unlikely to fall to the late first round.
2. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Despite playing in the Yellow Jackets' run-heavy triple-option offense, Thomas posted strong receiving numbers in 2009 with 46 catches for 1,154 yards and eight scores.
Lack of experience in a true pro-style offense is a bit of a negative, but Thomas has an excellent blend of physical tools and ability. A foot injury has prevented pre-draft workouts and has his stock all over the map, but expect him to go in the late-first, early-second round.
3. Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Following Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2007 and a 1,000-yard season in 2008, an ankle injury and the lack of a quality quarterback held Benn to just 490 yards and two scores during his 2009 junior season.
Benn is an underrated receiver that suffered through some horrible quarterback play at Illinois, but he is absolutely starting material in the NFL and has an excellent blend of size and ability. He will likely go in the second round of this year's draft.
4. Golden Tate, Notre Dame
Jimmy Clausen's favorite target, Tate was a two-year starter for the Fighting Irish and racked up 2,576 yards and 25 touchdowns on 151 catches between 2008 and 2009.
Although he lacks ideal size at just 5-foot-10 and 199 pounds, Tate is a true playmaker and will interest many teams in the second round of the draft.
5. Brandon LaFell, Louisiana State
A three-year starter at LSU, the two-time All-SEC selection finished his collegiate career with 175 catches for 2,517 yards and 25 touchdowns in 51 games for the Tigers.
I have LaFell rated higher than most and view him as a poor man's Dwayne Bowe, but I think he can absolutely be an effective NFL starter despite mediocre timed speed. He could go in the second round of the draft, but may end up falling to the third.
Who are your top wide receiver prospects in the 2010 NFL Draft? Share your thoughts on the forum here!
