1. DeSean Jackson, Cal

5’10” 170 lbs

DeSean Jackson just might be the most electrifying receiver in this draft.  As a wide receiver or as a kick/punt returner, Jackson is a homerun threat who can score anytime he touches the ball. Jackson racked up 29 TDs in 36 college games.

As a WR, Jackson runs deep routes (post, flag, go, deep slant) very well but he needs to improve his footwork on the timing throws that require the ball to be in the air before the break (out, hitch, square-in). As a senior, he learned to use his hands to gain separation rather just rely on his speed.  This shows his desire to improve the small parts of his game.

There’s no question that Jackson’s a  playmaker on the field. However, there are questions about whether his cockiness and impending wealth will inhibit his coachability at the pro level.

If Jackson plays to his potential, he’s likely to become the next Steve Smith. Otherwise, his career could range between the likes of Terry Glenn, Santonio Holmes and Desmond Howard.

2. Limas Sweed, Texas

6’4” 220 lbs

Limas Sweed had a very productive career at Texas, finishing as one of their top receivers in school history. He has good size, great hands and terrific body control. Sweed is also an extremely hard worker who leads quietly by example.

Sweed is adept at working the sidelines and making the tough catches while keeping his feet in bounds.  He adjusts well to the ball in the air and uses his strong hands to keep defenders off him while in traffic.

Sweed, however, is a long strider who lacks quickness and burst off the line of scrimmage. He is also coming off surgery on his left wrist, which prevented him from playing the remaining seven games of his senior year.

Sweed is the safe pick in this year’s WR class and projects to developing into a Herman Moore type of receiver.

3. Lavelle  Hawkins, Cal

5’11” 185 lbs

DeSean Jackson may be the more hyped WR coming out of Cal, but Lavelle Hawkins is nearly as dynamic and perhaps more reliable. Hawkins is a precise route runner who made a number of critical catches throughout his career. He has excellent hands, sharp concentration, and the ability to turn on the jets to create separation. Hawkins stood out at the Senior Bowl, impressing scouts and GMs with his playmaking ability and acrobatic catches.

Hawkins displays outstanding quickness off the line of scrimmage, which will help him elude defenders in press coverage.  He also sees the field well after the catch allowing him to get extra yards after the catch. He changes direction well, and sells the double move as good as any WR in this draft.

Hawkins may not be the biggest or strongest WR and many have pegged him as just being a slot receiver. But he has great character and the work ethic to develop into a receiver with a blend of Marvin Harrison and Laveranues Coles.

4. Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech

5’10” 185 lbs

Eddie Royal is a dual threat player who excels at returning kicks/punts as well as stretching the field as a receiver. He is a great all around athlete who possesses soft hands and tremendous speed. Despite his smaller stature, Royal is strong. He shows good body control in and out of his breaks and extends his arms to snatch the ball with his hands. He also changes direction fluidly and sells the double move well.

Still, his slight frame could be problematic against more physical CBs who press him at the line of scrimmage. While Royal had a solid career at VaTech, it wasn’t outstanding.

The potential is certainly there for Royal to have a productive pro career as both a kick/punt returner and receiver. He’s a mix between Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El.

5. Jabari Arthur, Akron

6’4” 225 lbs

Jabari Arthur is by far the most under publicized and underrated player in the 2008 draft. Despite flashing the necessary skills and temperament to succeed in the NFL, Arthur’s representatives and the University of Akron have hampered Arthur’s chances of getting drafted where he deserves to be drafted on Day 1. Not only was Arthur snubbed from the Scouting Combine, but the game film that Akron provided was not a good representation of his career.

Arthur set numerous Akron records and was the MAC player of the year in 2007. Arthur has good hands, good route running ability, and the strength to get off the line of scrimmage during press coverage as well as fight for the ball in traffic. He may not have blazing speed, but his functional speed is more than adequate. Arthur is a high character guy with a tremendous work ethic. That’s how he made a smooth transition from being a QB in high school to a prolific WR in college no matter if his QB was Luke Getsy or Chris Jacquemain.

Arthur’s only drawback is his age. He will be 26 years old when the 2008 season begins. Watch for Arthur to be a late round steal and turn into a player with similarities to Marques Colston and Anquan Boldin.

6. Adrian Arrington, Michigan

6’3” 195 lbs

After battling injuries while trying to find his niche during his first two collegiate seasons, Adrian Arrington blossomed into the #2 WR opposite Mario Manningham during his final two seasons at Michigan. How does the #2 WR get ranked higher than the #1? Arrington’s size, speed and incredibly soft hands project a little better than Manningham’s at the next level. Also, Michigan gave Arrington the Desmond Howard award for being the team’s top WR in 2007.

Arrington can beat the jam at the line as well as find soft spots against zone coverages. He knows how to use his size and is adept at making the tough catch in traffic. While Manningham was mainly Michigan’s deep threat, Arrington was the steady, possession receiver who also possessed speed.

Arrington endured some off the field issues in 2007 where he was nearly kicked off the team. However, he worked himself back on to the team by running the Michigan Stadium steps for an hour everyday for 60 consecutive days. What’s telling is that Arrington ran the steps even though he was only told to “walk” the steps.

As long as his character is not an issue, Arrington projects to being a mix between Rod Smith and Braylon Edwards.

7. Adarius  Bowman, Oklahoma State

6’3” 220 lbs

Simply put, Adarius Bowman is a gamer.  His full body of work at Oklahoma State reflects all the skills that will enable him to be very successful at the pro level. Bowman became the fourth-leading all-time receiver at OSU with 127 catches, 2,187 yards and 20 TDs in only two years.  The majority of this came before going through corrective eye surgery in April 2007.  Prior to surgery, Bowman saw 20/900, which makes his phenomenal junior year all the more impressive.

Bowman is a smooth route-runner and his fluid hips allow him to flawlessly sell the double move. His size make him more adept at patterns outside the hashmarks, but his strength and toughness is what sets him apart. He will be a threat over the middle and is a vicious run blocker. Bowman has excellent body control and his combination of size and speed lend to his separation skills. He’s also an ideal red zone target.

However, Bowman has character issues to contend with. He was dismissed from North Carolina after his freshman year for being caught in another student's dorm room with marijuana. Then a month before this draft, Bowman was arrested on marijuana charges.

Due to these incidents, Bowman will slide on draft day. If he can straighten out his act, Bowman has the size and skills to become the next Terrell Owens.

8. Mario Manningham, Michigan

6’0” 180 lbs

When Braylon Edwards left Michigan for the NFL, Mario Manningham stepped in and became the Wolverines go-to receiver and primary vertical threat. Forget about his performance at the Scouting Combine, because Manningham is the type of player who shines with pads on. Not only does he have an array of moves to get open, he also has that extra gear that allows him to create separation from his defender. Manningham displays good hands and body control as well.

Manningham isn’t the most physical receiver and will have momentary concentration lapses. He can also be temperamental when things aren’t going his way.

With his overall skills, Manningham projects to being like Reggie Wayne.

9. Devin Thomas, Michigan State

6’2” 215 lbs

Devin Thomas is one of the most intriguing prospects because he doesn’t have a significant body of work to review but has shown tremendous promise during his short stint at Michigan State.

Thomas works well in tight spaces running the slant or hitch routes and displays a nice blend of power and speed. He has good but not great hands, so expect occasional drops. With essentially only one year of major college experience, it will take Thomas some time to adjust to the NFL regardless of his natural athleticism.

If Thomas develops, he could become like Eric Moulds.

10. Jordy  Nelson, Kansas State

6’3” 215 lbs

Jordy Nelson may not stand out in contrived Scouting Combine type drills, but he definitely stands out as a receiver on the football field. Nelson is a strong guy with some of the best hands in this year’s draft class. His speed is deceptive because he gets open without being the fastest guy. Nelson is simply a tough, hard working football player.

Nelson has a good feel for running routes and isn’t afraid of contact, which makes him all the more reliable catching balls in traffic. He projects to being a solid possession receiver in the mold of an Amani Toomer and Ed McCaffrey.

11. Kevin Robinson, Utah State

5’11” 200 lbs

Kevin Robinson was an explosive playmaker the moment he suited up for Utah State. Robinson was the MVP on offense his freshman year and continued to get better over the course of his career. He’s returned a number of kicks/punts for TDs, including a 100 yarder against Hawaii. Not only is he outstanding on special teams, Robinson became a reliable receiver as well. He capped off his senior year by becoming the NCAA leader in all-purpose yards per play.

Robinson needs to work on his route running, but he has the work ethic and concentration skills to develop into a very solid player. He will make an immediate impact as a kick/punt returner and will be drafted later than he should given his “slow” 40-time. Pay no attention to his 40 because he plays fast and will be one of the steals of the draft.

When it’s all said and done, Robinson could be the next John Taylor.

12. Dexter  Jackson, Appalachian State

5’9” 180 lbs

Dexter Jackson’s the name and speed is his game. Jackson is a quick and fluid receiver who knows just when to accelerate to create separation. He is explosive as both a kick/punt returner and receiver. Even though he’s coming out of a Division I-AA program, he’s shown that he can compete with the top tier players as evidenced in Appalachian State’s upset of Michigan and in the post-collegiate events such as the East-West Shrine game and the Senior Bowl.

Jackson looks like he could become a Derrick Mason.

13. Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma

6’4” 220 lbs

Malcolm Kelly is a big WR who is quick off the line of scrimmage, has good hands and knows how to use his size and speed. During his 3-year college career, Kelly became the #2 all-time WR in Oklahoma history.

Kelly is difficult to tackle one-on-one and his speed allows him to get behind DBs for the big play. He runs fairly solid routes and knows how to come back to the QB to give him the window needed to catch the ball in tight spaces.

He is a good red zone target because of his frame and leaping ability. He catches the ball away from his body and adjusts well to poorly thrown balls.

So why is such a promising prospect like Kelly ranked so low? Since his junior season ended, he has carried himself poorly in terms of his attitude and at pre-draft workouts.  He seems to take credit for his successes but blames others for his faults. That’s a recipe for draft bust. However, if he is able to mature and learn how to play through nagging injuries, Kelly can develop into a Roy Williams type of WR.

14. James Hardy, Indiana

6’6” 220 lbs

At 6’6” James Hardy has a significant size advantage over all CBs. Not only is he a big red zone target, Hardy is good at working the sidelines and he knows how to use his large frame to shield defenders away from the ball.

However, his hands and effort are inconsistent. Despite breaking nearly all of Indiana’s receiving records, including 36 TDs, 191 catches and 2,740 yards, Hardy can be a lazy route runner and drops catchable balls. This was especially evident in the 2007 Insight Bowl against Oklahoma State.

Hardy also has character issues. He was arrested in 2006 for domestic battery and suspended for a couple of games the same year for unspecified team violations.

Hardy is a boom or bust type of player. If he straightens out his act, he can develop into Plaxico Burress. If not, he’ll be another Clarence Moore.

15. Early Doucet, LSU

6’0” 210 lbs

Early Doucet had a notable career at LSU, scoring 20 TDs and winning a BCS Championship. Doucet exhibits solid hands, speed, and the all around skills to be a possession receiver who gets quick hitting pass routes (slants, screens).

When thrust into the #1 go-to WR position his senior year, Doucet was a disappointment. Part of that was due to being hampered by a groin injury. But even when he was got back on to the field, he was somewhat average. 

Doucet seems to lacks explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, which will prohibit him from cleanly beating the press. After tweaking his hamdstring at the Senior Bowl, his durability is now in question.

If Doucet can bounce back and fulfill his potential, he could become the next Hines Ward. Otherwise, Doucet will turn into Kevin Johnson.

Others of Note

16. Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt

6’1” 205 lbs

The SEC’s all-time leader in catches is not the most explosive receiver, but Earl Bennett has good hands and is a good route runner who should be a reliable possession WR in the Wes Welker/Wayne Chrebet mold.

17. Marcus Monk, Arkansas

6’4” 220 lbs

Marcus Monk is a tall lanky receiver whose promising career got derailed by two knee surgeries last year. Still, he knows how to use his size to his advantage and he has great hands. Monk’s upside is Marcus Robinson. His downside is Billy McMullen.

18. Mario Urrutia, Louisville

6’5” 230 lbs

Mario Urrutia is a big receiver who teamed with Brian Brohm to have a breakout season in 2006. Unfortunately, nagging injuries (such as turf toe) hampered his 2007 season. Given his tremendous size/athleticism, he could be a big red zone threat. However, his hands are inconsistent and he runs lazy routes. He compares to Ernest Wilford.

19. Andre Caldwell, Florida

6’0” 200 lbs

Andre Caldwell is similar to his brother Reche Caldwell. He does not possess elite speed or elusiveness, but is fairly quick, can find soft spots in zone coverage and has good hands. Caldwell didn’t have a standout career at Florida, but he’s performed well at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Durability is a concern.

20. Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina

6’2” 195 lbs

Jerome Simpson has big, strong and consistent hands and he isn’t afraid to catch the ball in traffic. He needs to work on becoming more explosive in getting off the line of scrimmage and creating separation. Could develop into an Alvin Harper type of WR if he fulfills his potential.

21. Marcus Smith, New Mexico

6’1” 220 lbs

Marcus Smith is an unrefined WR with good size and speed. Originally a RB, Smith is still a raw WR who needs to learn the finer points of running/selling routes. While he can make the acrobatic catches, he also has inconsistent hands.

22. Bruce Hocker, Duquesne

6’3” 205 lbs

One of the best WR in Duquesne history, Bruce Hocker has good size and speed but isn’t very physical. He has decent hands but is an unpolished route runner.

23. Justin Harper, Virginia Tech

6’3” 210 lbs

Justin Harper can make the hard catch look easy, but can also make the easy catch look hard.

24. Jason Rivers, Hawaii

6’1” 200 lbs

Jason Rivers could make for a serviceable slot receiver – solid hands, decent route runner and average speed.

25. Harry Douglas, Louisville

5’11” 175 lbs

Harry Douglas has good speed but lacks the strength to get off the line easily.

26. Lance Leggett, Miami

6’3” 190 lbs

Lance Leggett has the physical tools to develop into a nice receiver at the pro level but has underachieved at Miami due to injuries and poor QB play.

27. Pierre Garcon, Mount Union

5’11” 210 lbs

Pierre Garcon is a good receiver with kick return skills. A sleeper who will need to pay his dues on special teams at the outset.

28. Danny Amendola, Texas Tech

5’10” 180 lbs

Danny Amendola is built in the Wes Welker mold. Like Walker, Amendola has good hands and knows how to run routes. But he will need to overcome his small size by being incredibly fierce.

29. Josh Morgan, Virginia Tech

6’0” 220 lbs

Josh Morgan is similar to his former Hokies teammate Justin Harper. He’ll make some really tough catches and drop some easy ones.

30. Jaymar Johnson, Jackson State

5’11” 180 lbs

Jaymar Johnson is Sinorice Moss-like. Johnson has a big heart and will cut his teeth on special teams at the outset.

31. Shaheer McBride, Delaware State

6’1” 205 lbs

Shaheer McBride is a smooth receiver but didn’t play against the best competition. A definite sleeper.

32. Rudy Burgess, Arizona State

5’10” 185 lbs

Rudy Burgess is a pure football player. He will catch, run, block and whatever it takes to get the job done.

33. Ryan Grice-Mullen, Hawaii

5’10” 185 lbs

Ryan Grice-Mullen has some speed and soft hands. Will need to learn how to beat press coverage and run more precise routes.

34. 34.Davone Bess, Hawaii
    

5’10” 190 lbs

Davone Bess has flashed some potential, but needs to show that he wasn’t just a product of the system.

35. Donnie Avery, Houston 5’11” 190 lbs

Donnie Avery is fast, but he needs to improve getting off the line, otherwise his speed is quickly nullified.