NFL.COM: First look: Wide receivers

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First look: Wide receivers

By Gil Brandt

Special to NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/6937295

(Dec. 19, 2003) -- Thirty-nine wide receivers have been selected in the first round over the past 10 drafts. That's practically four per draft. In the 2003 draft, the second and third picks were receivers ( Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson, respectively). Because of the depth of talent at the position, some very good players have been selected in lower rounds. Players like Terrell Owens, Derrick Mason, Darrell Jackson, Rod Smith, Hines Ward and Laveranues Coles. Just this year, wide receiver Anquan Boldin wasn't picked until the second round. All he's done is led the Cardinals in every receiving stat and is the only rookie to make the Pro Bowl this year.

Since 1965, two receivers have been picked No. 1 overall in the draft. They are Irving Fryar by the Patriots in 1984 and Keyshawn Johnson by the Jets in 1996.

Backup wide receivers also make very good special teams players. Steve Tasker of the Buffalo Bills was one and the Seahawks' Alex Bannister, who is going to the Pro Bowl this year, is another.

The big question is if anyone will ever break Jerry Rice's wide receiver record for most pass receptions in a career (currently at 1,507), most career touchdown catches (currently at 194) and most consecutive games with a catch (currently at 270). Realizing that Rice has played 18 years in the league, it will take someone who is as athletic and physically sound as he is to even come close.

What to look for

Any NFL wide receiver must have sure hands to make all types of catches. You might be thinking to yourself, "All types of catches? There's only one way to catch -- with your hands." That's true, but think about catching the ball on a deep route compared to a crossing route or a quick slant or a button hook. Being able to make all the catches is important, and it's something not all receivers can do.

Wide receivers must also have excellent fakes off the line to make their opponent think the ball is coming their way. Speed is important but being able to accelerate out of the break is paramount. For example, Rice did not have great speed when he entered the NFL, but he could accelerate and it helped him get open and make the catch.

You've heard of a player "hearing footsteps?" A wide receiver cannot have that -- if he knows he's going to get hit, he still must concentrate on getting the ball first.

Furthermore, a wide receiver should have sufficient intelligence to pass coverages, and this is something that a lot of young receivers lack. Receivers will be occasionally asked to block, mostly with the crack-back block to his inside (Tampa Bay runs what they call a "crack speed") to make an outside run a successful play. Height has become very important; most receivers are six feet tall or taller. Some are as tall as 6-4 (Moss and Owens).

Receivers must be an explosive threat to the defense. For example, after 13 games this season Colts receiver Marvin Harrison had eight scores and averaged 35.1 yards per play! Keenan McCardell, Darrell Jackson and Randy Moss all also averaged over 25 yards per play through 13 games. Most people feel big plays win games.

Here are your assignments:

Bernard Berrian, No. 2, Fresno State, 6-0 7/8, 178

Berrian missed 2002 season after tearing his MCL in the first game against Wisconsin. A three-year starter who also returns punts and kickoffs, he is smooth, fluid and fast. Can make sensational catches at times, but will also drop some easy ones. Thin but very tough.

Keary Colbert, No. 83, USC, 6-0 1/2, 203

A four-year player who has started the last three years. He has a great work ethic and foot quickness, but not a vertical threat. Was a high school sprinter but looks to have Anquan Boldin-type speed. He's a high-effort player -- he caught 71 passes in 2002 with five touchdowns.

Lee Evans, No. 3, Wisconsin, 5-10 1/2, 196

As many people know, Evans tore the ACL in his left knee during the 2002 spring game and missed the entire season. He did play this year and put up 75 catches for 1,545 yards and nine touchdowns, including five in one game. He has very good hands and speed.

Devery Henderson, No. 9, LSU, 5-11 1/8, 190

Was the Louisiana State high school player of the year, also winning the state 100 and 200 meter championships. Has soft hands, catching 23 passes for eight TDs in 2002. Was a running back in high school and played that position his first two years at LSU. His hobby is raising pit bulls.

Michael Jenkins, No. 12, Ohio State, 6-4, 213

A well-known, three-year starter for the Buckeyes. Was an outstanding athlete in high school in Florida. He's somewhat of a long strider, but has good hands and runs slant patterns very well.

B.J. Johnson, No. 82, Texas, 5-11 5/8, 205

Started seven games in 2000 as a true freshman and every game the next three years. Worked with former Cowboys receiver Drew Pearson this past offseason to learn how to improve catching the ball in his hands and it showed this fall. A fluid athlete who works to improve.

James Newson, No. 2, Oregon State, 6-0 1/4, 208

Had a dozen touchdown catches in 2002. A Michael Irvin-type who will catch coming across the middle. Lacks top speed but is tough and physical.

Ernest Wilford, No. 19, Virginia Tech, 6-3 1/2, 221

Another player who played at Fork Union Military Academy in 1998. Started 14 games at Tech in 2002. Has very good hands but needs work on his route running. Good not great speed or quickness but has the size everyone is looking for.

Roy Williams, No. 4, Texas, 6-2 3/4, 208

Played and scored eight touchdowns as a true freshman at Texas in 2000. Has everything you want in a player, starting with great character. Has very good hands and has improved his blocking this year. Will block kicks with speed and quickness off the corner. Has a brother who played at Texas Tech.

Rashaun Woods, No. 82, Oklahoma State, 6-1 7/8, 194

Has started four years for the Cowboys. Has Randy Moss-like leaping ability with good hands. He's also a very hard worker. Caught 107 passes with 17 touchdowns in 2002 and caught seven touchdown passes in one game this year.

[Stricknine]

um...why would be interested in a receiver? D-line dammit! D-line!