There are characteristics that define most positions at the NFL level, metrics that scouts and coaches look at to try and determine who the top prospects are in each draft. For quarterbacks, it’s a strong arm. In running backs, strong legs and vision are coveted. For potential wide receivers, good hands are a must, but something that can’t be taught is pure speed. Every year, fast receivers are selected in the draft earlier than they would be if their 40-time was 4.5 seconds instead of 4.3 seconds. Coaches love it. Scouts watch it. Fans are enchanted by it. However, not every receiver has the blinding speed that draws attention of NFL teams. Are they hurt by being slower? Is their NFL potential more limited?

Looking ahead to the 2014 draft, one test case for receivers with a lack of blazing speed is Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews. At 6’3” and 205 lbs, Matthews has good size, but isn't particularly fast, especially compared to some of the other receivers at the top of the draft class. One thing he does have are some incredible stats. In 2012, he recorded 94 catches for 1,323 yards and eight touchdowns. Now a senior, another big year, with a new quarterback, and Matthews will warrant first round talk, if he hasn't already.

Matthews doesn't have the speed, but he does have size, and he uses it well. He understands how to position his body to make the catches while shielding defenders. He also excels at hauling in catches, even if they’re not perfectly thrown. He’s also solid after the catch, even though he doesn't blow defenders away in the open field. His height, combined with a good vertical leap, also allows him to go up and beat his man for the jump balls.

In the NFL, speed kills, and some of the NFL’s great receivers have had speed to burn. However, there has been just as many successes that didn't have it. While the ability to run faster than everybody else is nice, but it doesn't mean automatic greatness either. NFL history is littered with players who were ridiculously fast, but just not good enough. On the other side of things, the greatest receiver in league history, Jerry Rice, ran an underwhelming 4.71 second 40-time.

Speed is nice. It’s icing on the cake, like a set of shiny rims on an already nice BMW. It’s flashy, and exciting, but it’s not a necessity. Jordan Matthews has NFL receiving skills, and if he wants to be great, he can. His size and his hands are more important factors in his ability to succeed than his speed. He’s talented, and that’s his defining characteristic.