NFL Draft 2007 Wide Receivers: A Hall-of-Famer Awaits

Often times, the wide receiver position balances an offense, propelling a team into playoff contention. There are a plethora of ultra-talented receivers in this year's draft pool. The top WR among the group is not only the best at his position, but he is also the best player on the board--regardless of position. Barring a trade, it does not appear that neither Oakland, nor Detroit will grab this huge talent with the top two draft choices. Oakland feels it needs to address the QB situation, while Detroit will possibly shy away because of the mockery that it has made of the draft in recent years, a.k.a. The Millen Era. After flaming out on 2-of-3 first-round receivers in a row, expect the Lions to bypass this golden nugget. If they do, Cleveland (third), Tampa Bay (fourth), and Washington (sixth) will undoubtedly attempt to grab this Georgia Tech junior. Arizona (fifth) is the only team in the group that I could understand passing by the best receiver, errrr player, in the draft.

However, even though the position drops off after the initial selection, there are many more top-flight prospects in this draft class. This could go down as the best wide receiver draft in years. Here is how the top 10 should unfold--in reverse order:

10. Chansi Stuckey -- Clemson, 5-10, 182 Undersized, but he could become a fabulous NFL return man.

9. Anthony Gonzalez -- Ohio State University, 6-0, 195 Viable third or fourth option on Sundays.

8. Jamie Lee Higgins -- University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), He is a burner with potential.

7. Yamon Figurs -- Kansas State University, 5-11. 174 Much like Stuckey, very undersized, but Figurs has blazing speed. Unless he add poundage without losing much speed-you guessed it-return artist.

6. Ted Ginn -- Ohio State University, 6-0, 175 Another burner, but he must develop softer hands.

TOP FIVE:

5. Sidney Rice -- South Carolina, 6-4, 200

First things first, Rice needs a bigger body on his 6-4 frame. Not only does he possess a frail frame, but he is not a burner at all. With speed a hair above 4.5 (40-yard dash), there is little chance that Rice will be more than a third receiver. Without the blazing speed possessed by many of his position counterparts in this draft, Rice will have to become a precise route runner with sure hands. That's not mentioning the fact that Rice chose not to run in front of scouts at the March 28 Pro Day. This definitely did not help the Gamecocks' wide out who left school after just two seasons.

Not sold on the hype of this talent, but think he will become a serviceable third option.

4. Jason Hill -- Washington State University, 6-1, 204

Hill's stock is rising fast. As his 40 time continues to plumet, nearing 4.3, it looks more and more like Hill could eventually become a team's go-to guy. With this improved speed, Hill is looking like he could become a first-round name. Obviously a good worker--as his improved speed attests--Hill would benefit greatly from being on a team with a talented receiving corps. This way, he would slowly learn and become the top option. After missing the final two games of his senior season due to injury, Hill seems to have no lingering conditions.

I believe that some team is going to get a steal early in the second round by selecting Hill.

3. Dewayne Bowe -- Louisiana State University, 6-2, 222

The knock on Bowe is the fact that he lets the ball play him. Rather than snagging the pigskin with his hands, Bowe often lets the ball get to his body, resulting in drops. With NFL quarterbacks zipping the ball to receivers, it is obvious why this is a major concern to scouts. By no means is he absolutely polished, making him quite a gamble at the mid-first round slot at which he will probably be selected. However, as an above-adequate blocking receiver who gives contact, he has proven that he will go across the middle for a tough catch.

The pros greatly outweigh the cons in this case, making Dwayne "Don't Call Me Riddick" Bowe a gamble definitely worth taking.

2. Robert Meachem -- Tennessee, 6-2, 210

Meachem's wheel run a very low 4.4 40. He has even been clocked in the sub-4.4 department. This good-sized receiver apparently has just one thing that the scouts are concerned with. That is his footwork. However, this is minor in comparison to the entire package. Look for Meachem to prove his worth as a high first-round selection.

Personally, if it were not for the #1 receiver, I'd think Meachem is the top wide out, hands down. I absolutely love the combination of speed, size, and athletic ability that he is blessed with. Look for this Tennessee Stud to enjoy a long and productive career for a team in the middle of the first round. If he lasts until the 13th selection, expect St. Louis to make Meachem a Ram. Or, the next pick is Carolina's. Look for both teams to try and nab this talent.

1. Calvin Johnson -- Georgia Tech University, 6-5, 239

Coming into the NFL, Johnson needs a nickname. Since the most appropriate name-The Freak- is already taken, let's just call him what he truly is, The Man. In addition to The Man's monstrous size, he runs a 4.35 40. After leaving Tech, following his junior season of eligibility, Johnson has left no doubt in the minds of fans about the best receiver in the '07 class.

Johnson will rule the league for many years to come--barring injury. If opposing d-backs want to jam the super star at the line of scrimmage, he is strong enough to brush them off. If teams wnat to play off of the talent, he will take plenty of contact downfield-and still make a play.

The best part of The Man comes in the Red Zone. As a fan, I am anxious to see how many jump balls the sure-handed receiver will snare in his rookie season. Instantly, he will make any quarterback better. (Are you listening Matt Millen?)

Prediction: All-Pro (as long as he wants to play)

Els' Predictions

* Biggest 2007 impact: Johnson

* Biggest long-term impact: Johnson

* Biggest disappointment: Rice

* First-Round Picks: 4 (Johnson, Meachem, Bowe, Hill)

* Surprise steal: Stuckey