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Wide receivers: top senior prospects

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004 by Dan Pompei

1. Mike Williams *, 6-4, 230, USC. Huge receiver with unusually soft hands. Catches the ball when covered and makes tough receptions. Adjusts to the ball very well. Presents mismatches for most opponents and is a great red zone weapon. Runs so-so routes and doesn't have top speed or quickness.

2. Craphonso Thorpe, 6-2, 200, Florida State. A home run hitter. Is quick in and out of cuts and has deep speed. Better on vertical routes than in traffic. Good hands. Thin. Has some medical concerns.

3. Braylon Edwards, 6-3, 208, Michigan. Big, physical receiver who has been very productive. Similar to the Bears' David Terrell. Makes tough catches but drops some easy ones. Doesn't appear to have great deep speed.

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4. Mark Clayton, 5-11,187, Oklahoma. Fearless, athletic receiver who is more quick than fast. Gets yards after the catch. Is a bit on the small side. Might be a better college player than a pro. Has solid intangibles.

5. Fred Gibson, 6-4, 202, Georgia. Tall, slender receiver with OK speed. Can gain yards after the catch. Has inconsistent hands but is capable of circus-type catches. Works hard to get open.

6. Torrence Murphy, 6-1, 198, Texas A&M. Well-built player with some speed and potential. Probably would be more productive on other teams. Comparable to Robert Ferguson of the Packers. Needs to improve his hands.

7. Craig Bragg, 6-2, 195, UCLA. Athletic, slender receiver with speed and hands. Makes catches in traffic. Has had success as a returner, isn't real quick in and out of breaks.

8. Roddy White, 6-3, 205, UAB. Big, physical receiver with athleticism and speed. Catches the ball pretty well. Makes big plays. Has considerable upside.

9. Reggie Brown, 6-1, 197, Georgia. Has great physical tools but hasn't consistently translated them into production and is somewhat raw. More athletic than his teammate Gibson, who is rated higher. Runs pretty well.

10. Charles Frederick, 6-0, 185, Washington. Explosive runner who can stretch defenses. Eludes defenders after the catch. Lacks prototypical size. Needs to show he can be a No. 1 receiver this year.

11. Josh Davis, 6-1, 190, Marshall. Runs good routes and has a feel for getting open. Hands are a little inconsistent. Similar to former teammate Darius Watts, now with the Broncos.

* Will enter 2005 draft after sitting out junior year.

Wide receivers: top senior prospects

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004 by Dan Pompei

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