2009 NFL Draft: Wide Receivers

Sorry for the absence folks, it has been a hectic couple of weeks. Anyway, now it’s time to hit areas of need for Miami in the draft.

Currently Miami has 6 receivers on the roster, but that number will more than likely go up and down between now and the draft, but currently the 6 are Ted Ginn, Greg Camafreakinrillo, Davone Bess, Brandon London, Ernest Wilford, Anthony Armstrong and Todd Lowber. Now it’s a not a given that any of these guys are back, and I have been one that felt Ginn would be moved, but I think his cap hit will be too large if Miami wants to move him for the value they may get back. I do think Wilford is gone and Lowber and Armstrong are more than likely just camp spots.

So, going into free agency and the draft I believe the Trifecta will address the WR spots and Parcel’s has said they need a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball.

Several mocks have Miami taking a receiver with the 25th pick, I am not sold on that, but it’s a long way between now and draft day. Here is a look at a few of the guys that might be there at 25.

Percy Harvin – Florida, 5’11”, 195 lbs, should run a sub 4.0 at the combine. Harvin is a playmaker and reminds me a lot of Steve Smith, but he has a tendency to get nicked up and unless Miami is moving Ginn, then I doubt they are looking at Harvin.

Hakeem Nicks – UNC, 6’1”, 210 lbs, should run in the 4.5-4.6 range. He is a great route runner, with excellent hands and lead UNC in receptions the past three years while Brooks Foster and Brandon Tate got most of the headlines. I think Nicks timed speed will keep him from being a round 1 pick.

Darrius Heyward-Bey – Maryland, 6’2”, 206 lbs, may run a sub 4.0 at the combine. I have mixed feelings on this guy. I have read where he just has straight line speed and struggles to get separation (sound familiar?), but I have watched him and haven’t seen that as much as I read about it, but I have only see him play a handful of games as well. I have seen him make some very good catches and doesn’t seem shy of going after the ball. I do not expect Miami to draft a WR in round 1.

Round 2

Kenny Britt – Rutgers, 6’4”, 215 lbs, will run in the 4.5 range. Britt possibly could sneak into round one with a good combine and pro-day. He has excellent size and above average hands. He plays physical and will contribute in downfield run blocking. For a guy his size he has quick feet and is able to get separation and out of cuts quickly. I would love to see Britt there with Miami’s first pick in round 2.

Brian Robiskie – Ohio State 6’3”, 207 lbs, should run 4.4-4.5 in the 40. My first instinct is stay clear of Robiskie because we already have one questionable OSU receiver, but the fact is that is the only comparison that can be made of Robiskie and Ginn. Robiskie turned a lot of heads at the Senior Bowl with his route running, hands, and physical-ness.

Juaquin Inglesias – Oklahoma, 6-1, 204 lbs, should run in the 4.5 range. He is a tough as nails type receiver who will fight for the ball and yards. Doesn’t have great speed, but has quick feet and doesn’t have issues getting separation.

Day two guys

Mohamed Massaquoi – Georgia, 6’2”, 210, 4.5 range. All the tools, needs to be more consistent.

Louis Murphy – Florida, 6’2”, 205, 4.4 range. Needs to get more physical.

Brandon Tate – UNC, 6’1”, 195, 4.5 range. Was having a good year until a torn ACL

Ramses Barden – Cal Poly, 6’6”, 227 lbs, 4.6 range. He caught a lot of eyes ate the Senior Bowl.

Patrick Turner – USC, 6’5”, 221 lbs, 4.6 range. He had a great Senior Bowl week and caught everything that came his way. He could be a mid to late round steal.

Aaron Kelly – Clemson, 6’5”, 193 lbs, 4.6 range. @008 was a disaster at Clemson, he shows skills, but needs to get more physical.

Brooks Foster – UNC, 6’1”, 204 lbs, 4.5 range. He could be a very solid mid to late round pick.

Sleepers

Darius Passmore – Marshall, 6’1”, 186, 4.5 range. He will need to put on weight and get stronger, but has shown good skill and soft hands. He should be a late round or undrafted free agent sleeper.

DJ Boldin – Wake Forest, 5’11”, 220 lbs 4.6 range. I know most know I love this guy. Yes he is Anquan’s little brother and not as heralded as big bro, but just watch him play. He reminds me a lot of his brother and of Hines Ward. His problem is he played for Wake, a school that just didn’t throw the ball. I am hoping Miami can get him late or as an undrafted free agent. I just think he has what it takes to make it in the NFL.

Well there you have it folks. I know there were many I left off the list, so please let me hear your thoughts.