2018 NFL Draft: WR Big Board

Welcome to the series of the positional big boards that will go on a weekly basis. Today we will be taking a look at the wide receiver class that has improved the depth despite huge underclassmen losses every year. If you missed the previous two entries, you can find them here and here

1. James Washington 5’11 210 Senior Oklahoma State

- Washington is the reigning Biletnikoff Trophy winner and deservedly so. He’s an above average route runner with explosive deep speed. The best receiver in the class, bar none. Ball skills are elite level stuff. He plays bigger than his listed height and will go up and fight for every pass. He’s more compact than most people realize. Physical toughness is not a question. Production is immense, even by Oklahoma State standards. Posted 226 receptions for 4,472 yards and 399 touchdowns. Was one of the best receivers in Mobile even when he didn’t need to be there to get drafted high.

2. Calvin Ridley 6’1 190 Junior Alabama

- Ridley has been one of the best receivers regardless of class for the past two years. Speed is very real. He could be a legit low 4.4 guy. One of better route runners in the class. He bounced back nicely as a junior after a “down year” as a sophomore breaking in a new QB. The stats won’t wow you because of Alabama’s QB situation was horrendous as Jalen Hurts simply isn’t a good passer. Ridley did very well as pretty much the only receiving weapon opposing defenses had to respect in 2017. Could be a steal in the mid teens of the first round.

3. DaeSean Hamilton 6’1 202 RS Senior Penn State

- Hamilton has been the highest riser up the boards ever since his dominant showing at the Senior Bowl. I’m a huge fan of his after watching some more stuff on him. Even with all that receiver talent in Mobile, he stood out as the best on EITHER side. Allen Robinson he is not but he’s pretty close. The smoothest and most technically proficient route runner I’ve seen in a number of years. There are no wasted steps with him. The question is his speed. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran a low 4.5 in the 40 at the Combine. It can be argued that he is in the running for best receiver this year.

4. Courtland Sutton 6’3 216 RS Junior SMU

- Sutton is a big physical red zone threat type of receiver with above average athleticism. He has had very good production despite being SMU’s only legit threat on offense. He really thrived under former HC Chad Morris’ guidance. What’s crazy is that he put up 195 receptions for 3,220 yards and 31 touchdowns after converting from defensive back.

5. Cedrick Wilson 6’3 188 Senior Boise State

- Above average athlete. Has the physical traits that scouts love with the height. Lateral agility is a plus. How good is he? Well, he was a rare prospect that played in BOTH the Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl that didn’t play his way into the latter. He would’ve been the top receiver at Mobile if not for James Washington. He’s that good.

6. Michael Gallup 6’1 200 Senior Colorado State

- Gallup has been my WR2 all year long. He’s that good in a pretty deep class of receivers. The go to guy for the Rams. He’s a technically proficient route runner that can run virtually every route in his sleep. Production is very good. Posted 176 receptions for 2,690 yards in two years.

7. Anthony Miller 5’11 190 RS Senior Memphis

- Miller is the all time leader in just about every receiving category for the Tigers. He’s a good route runner with a ton of speed. He’s been underrated this year but I consider him as one of the best receivers in this class. Hands are a plus. Multiple 200+ yard games are on his resume. He has 234 receptions for 3,535 yards and 36 touchdowns thus far. Unfortunately, Miller had to pull out of the Senior Bowl due to injury.

8. Auden Tate 6’5 225 Junior Florida State

- Tate is a physical freak of nature that was hampered by injuries and substandard QB play throughout his Seminole career. His production is limited because of that. However, he has limitless potential due to his size and speed. He finished his college career in style, dominating a hapless Southern Miss secondary in the bowl game. He will need to test well to get drafted in the middle rounds.

9. Christian Kirk 5’11 200 Junior Texas A&M

- Kirk is arguably the most electrifying athlete at the position in this class. He’s a dynamic return man as well as one of the more underrated receivers in the class. He has produced at a high level despite the turnover rate at QB for the Aggies. I would have liked to see him stay another year under Jimbo Fisher’s system but the talent is undeniable.

10. DJ Moore 5’11 215 Junior Maryland

- Moore exploded onto the scene as a junior with 80 receptions for 1,033 yards and 8 TDs. He more than doubled his sophomore production even with being the only reliable weapon for the Terps most times. A explosive playmaker that no one talks about due to the state of the Maryland program. He could be a steal for someone late. Stefon Diggs 2.0.