In what has been an exciting set of developments, this year’s crop of underclassmen wide receivers have mimed their offensive counterparts in the backfield. It seems as though declaring for the draft as a young-gun is more “in vogue” this year than any in recent memory, as illustrated by the two most critical offensive skill positions.
The most notable wide receivers that have declared for the pros are: Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), Percy Harvin (Florida), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland) , Kenny Britt (Rutgers) and Hakeen Nicks (North Carolina). Crabtree is the most alluring prospect, often being cited as the number one talent in this year’s draft, regardless of position.
But beyond the Crabtree-mania, there exists a group of receivers that represent a complete 180 degree turn-around from the first-round drought that we witnessed last year at the WR position. Maclin has the potential to climb into the top-15, Harvin into the top-20, and each of the remaining prospects all have a realistic shot at being late first to early second-rounders (assuming they work-out well, and perform strongly at pro-days etc.)
So what are the consequences of this eminent double-cohort at the wide receiver position. It is frighteningly similar to the situation unfolding at the tailback position, where established seniors are being forced down the totem poll, by the more athletic, more skilled and more confident list of underclassmen. This is obviously bad news for the likes of Derrick Williams (Penn State), Louis Murphy (Florida), and all other senior wide receiver prospects. Not only was the glut at the position unexpected, but it will ultimately cost these college graduates millions of dollars on draft day.
So much for the cliche “stay in school”, these underclassmen have apparently been far more influenced by the Steve Miller Band… “take the money and run”.
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I really see Percy Harvin as more of a flex RB, like Bush or Westbrook. So I’m conflicted on which group he fits in. Next, I don’t see the Senior Receiving groups falls as a bad thing. They will now be drafted in appropriate slots, and won’t have the pressure of First Round guys and will allow them to play with that chip on their shoulder. Often late-round WRs turn out well. I think it’s good for everyone involved.
I see Harvin as possessing a similar skill-set to Bush as well, but I think Harvin will make the right choice and use that skill set primarily as a wide-out. He’s dynamic and could line up in the backfield, the slot, as well as outside without looking out of place. I think his touches on the ground will be minimal.
That’s a great point about the seniors. There will be some surprising gems to be had in the late rounds. Derrick Williams sticks out in my mind as a one in particular.