2014 NFL Draft: Amazing array of pro-ready talent at wide receiver

[MV%doe]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24544898/nfl-draft-amazing-array-of-pro-ready-talent-at-wide-receiver

 

 

4/20. *Brandin Cooks, Oregon State, 5-10, 189, 4.33, 1

Cooks was the Biletnikoff Award winner as best wide receiver in college after leading the FBS with 1,730 yards on 128 catches last year, following a 2012 season with 1,151 yards on only 67 catches. Known as Stockton, California's Sonic Boom, Cooks was an explosive sprinter and football player since high school. Lacks ideal size, but is a tough character who never missed a game at any level.

Frankly: In the approximate words of a former wide receiver, just get him the damn ball. Then watch the show because Cooks is fast, shifty, elusive, entertaining and productive.

 

 

5/27. *Marqise Lee, Southern Cal, 6-0, 192, 4.52, 1-2

As a freshman phenom in 2011, Lee put his amazing athletic skills on display and looked the part of a top-three pick destined for future Heisman discussions. He is an elite athlete who could do it all, and maybe still can. But with less complementary talent and myriad physical maladies, his last two years were less spectacular. Still, this is a tough kid from a tougher background filled with gangs, killings (brother was murdered) and family challenges (father is deaf). He never complained, just used his skills as a ticket out. And now it is time to get the ticket punched.

Frankly: The image of Lee toying with defenders in 2011 is hard to forget. If he can play back to that level, Lee will be a steal anywhere beyond the middle of the first round.

6/36. *Allen Robinson, Penn State, 6-3, 220, 4.60, 1-2

Fluid athlete for his size with room to get stronger. Deceptive acceleration with sharp cuts to be a dangerous catch-and-go pass catcher. Physical ball-carrier with balance and body strength to shake off defenders and pick up chunks of yards after contact. Has shown return ability. Reset his own school mark in 2012 with 97 catches for 1,432 yards. His combined 174 receptions and 2,445 receiving yards the past two years both rank No. 3 in Big Ten history for consecutive seasons.

Frankly: If there is such a thing as a blue-collar receiver, Robinson is that guy. He knows the whole pro-style pass route tree from experience in Penn State's offense and although he lacks the speed most teams want, he is a big man with enough explosion to go 39 inches in the vertical jump.

7/40. *Donte Moncrief, Mississippi, 6-2, 221, 4.40, 1-2

Moncrief is a big man with the footwork of a little guy, enabling him to maneuver his large body into a position where he can make the catch against quicker, faster defensive backs. His 156 catches, 2,371 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns are all third-best all-time in the Ole Miss record book.

Frankly: Ready, willing and able to surprise cornerbacks with excellent route running that makes him more dangerous more often than receivers who rely mainly on speed. He will also do damage as a blocker in the running game.

8/43. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt, 6-3, 212, 4.46, 2

Cousin of the legendary Jerry Rice, Matthews is a better football player than he is an athlete. He led the SEC with a gaudy 19.0 yards-per-catch average last season with above average speed that is more deceptive than sudden. His size allows offense to scheme favorable matchups. Career totals: SEC's all-time leader with 262 receptions and 3,759 receiving yards.

Frankly: For what it's worth, Matthews is bigger and faster than cousin Jerry Rice, which helps eliminate the shock value of him catching 201 passes over the last two seasons. Now, if he can manage to hang around the NFL for 19 years perhaps the family comparisons will continue.

 

 

 

9/45. *Cody Latimer, Indiana, 6-3, 215, 4.44, 2

Tough, physical specimen who reflects skills learned in his first love, basketball. He has great hands, a natural ability to get body position on defenders and that 39-inch vertical leap helps him win a lot of jump balls. His stock has soared since he recovered from left foot surgery and ran 40 yards early in April somewhere between 4.38 and 4.44 seconds for scouts who previously considered him little more than a possession receiver.

Frankly: His 72 catches for 1,096 yards last year, mostly while battling a bad left foot, were usually on short tosses, which helped label him as a West Coast offense prospect. But his size, speed, strength and hands should do well in any system.

[JawnyBlaze]

 

9/45. *Cody Latimer, Indiana, 6-3, 215, 4.44, 2

Tough, physical specimen who reflects skills learned in his first love, basketball.

 

Reminds me too much of a certain ex-Panther.  NO THANKS.

[JawnyBlaze]

To clarify, my using that as a reason was just a joke.

[UpstatePanther]

Reminds me too much of a certain ex-Panther.  NO THANKS.

 

its for this reason that i dont want the Panthers to draft Bruce Ellington, even though he was an outstanding receiver at the Real USC. he was more of a bball player and it doesnt help that he's 5'9...

 

that being said... i think Latimer is a Round 1 talent and i wont complain if we draft him there