Top 5 WRs – NFL Draft 2011

 

Top 5 WRs – NFL Draft 2011

1)   Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (6’3” 220 lbs) – put on a stunning combine performance and possibly leapfrogged A.J. Green as the top WR in the NFL Draft  2011.  What makes this remarkable was that Jones did this while running on a broken bone in his foot.  Jones ran a sparkling 4.39 40 (faster than the consensus top WR in the draft, Georgia’s AJ Green, who ran a 4.48) and 11’3″ in the broad jump (tops at the combine for WR).  Jones made a case that he is the man to beat and wowed NFL scouts with his speed, precise routes and toughness.

 

2)   A.J. Green, WR, Georgia (6’3” 211) – there is no way Green saw Julio Jones performance at combines coming.  That doesn’t take away from Green impressive 2010 season.  Green has long arms and huge hands. Has shown ability to reach and catch passes without bringing the ball to the body.  Just needs to get with team trainer to add size and keep those physical DB at bay.  Ran 4.48 40 at combine.

 

3)   Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland (6’1” 204 lbs) – Receivers start to drop into the 20 – 32 range here.  Smith ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds and caught almost everything that was thrown his way at combine.  Electric in open field and posted 12 Tds in 2011.  His 40 time combined with his ability to run in space keeps him at the top of the second tier WRs.

 

4)   Leonard Hankerson WR Miami (6’2” 209) – if a team reaches for a WR in this draft don’t be surprised if it’s Hankerson name that’s called.  After dropping a lot of passes early in his career he asked for help from ex NFL player Mark Duper.  The results were a more consistent 2010 season in which Hankerson broke Michael Irvin season TD record by grabbing 13 TDs.  Hankerson also ran a 4.0 40 time.  He is tough receiver who is not afraid to go over the middle – combined with his size and 40 speed at combine makes him one of our favorite players in this draft.

 

 

5)   Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh (6’4” 228 lbs) – Baldwin ran 4.49 40 but was inconsistent in his routes and struggled catching the ball at combines.  Has huge size and was productive at collegiate level.  Is a player teams will consider a steal in round 2 but may hesitate taking him in 1st round.