The 2014 NFL Draft gave us one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory. With training camp approaching I rank the protagonists.
1. Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills
It has been known for two-and-a-half years now that Watkins will be an elite wide receiver. And now that he has finally arrived in the pro game he will show everybody why he was worth the wait. Inconsistent quarterback play may bring down his numbers somewhat but it will not reduce the quality of his play. The former Clemson Tiger is immediately an offensive rookie of the year candidate.
2. Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints
Cooks could not have landed in a sweeter spot than with the New Orleans Saints. Head Coach Sean Payton loves watching Drew Brees air it out and Cooks is the ideal slot receiver. With Jimmy Graham at tight end/receiver and Marques Colston making plays on the outside, the 5’10” wide-out will see plenty of action from Week 1.
3. Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles
Just like Cooks, Matthews has found an ideal landing spot in Philadelphia. Chip Kelly’s offense saw Riley Cooper put up impressive numbers and, with DeSean Jackson now in Washington and Jeremy Maclin coming back from a season-long injury, there is no clear cut number one wide receiver. Circumstances totally unrelated to on-the-field performance mean Matthews could and should make an impact.
4. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans immediately steps in as the Bucs’ second wide receiver, and will be one of two big weapons on offense playing opposite the spectacular Vincent Jackson. Josh McCown is not moving any mountains as a quarterback but he has a wise head and will not be scared to let his receivers make plays. At 6’5” tall he will dominate the red zone.
5. Odell Beckham, New York Giants
Eli Manning, along with the rest of the New York Giants, lost his way in 2013 but will be expecting to bounce back big and reach the play-offs in the upcoming season – delivering the Super Bowl calibre winning performances we remember. Victor Cruz remains but the overrated Hakeem Nicks has moved on. Having Cruz around will help the savvy Beckham Jr vastly by creating one-on-one match-ups for the former LSU Tiger to feast upon.
6. Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers
Unlike a number of the above players, Benjamin does not find himself in a desirable position. That is because, almost literally, he is the only recognisable wide receiver on the roster. And I’m not sure a rookie who has never played a professional snap should be labelled as recognisable, at least not yet. Nevertheless, Benjamin’s ginormous frame and style of play are well suited to Cam Newton and the quarterback’s panache.
7. Marqise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars
If I told you a year ago Marqise Lee could be a steal of the 2014 NFL Draft you would have laughed. If I told you he would be a second-round pick you would have laughed further. However, he we are and Lee, despite an underwhelming junior season, is still the trail blazing wide receiver we all know and love. Quarterback uncertainties mean Lee is at number seven but I have no doubt Gus Bradley will find a way to get the ball into his hands.
8. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
First off, Adams must beat out third-year wide receiver Jarrett Boykin for field time. But if he can do that he will be gold. All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers will love his hands and after-the-catch ability. Furthermore, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb will be there to take away coverages and stretch the field.
Honorable mentions…
9. Jarvis Landry
10. Allen Robinson
11. Cody Latimer
12. Bruce Ellington
13. John Brown
14. Donte Moncrief
15. Martavis Bryant
16. Devin Street
Follow Richard on Twitter @Richard_Gatenby