2007 NFL Draft -- Top Wide Receiver Prospects

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POSITION

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends/Kickers

Unlike the 2006 rookie WR class 2007 boasts quite a few who could end up being worthy of consideration in your 2007 fantasy football drafts. There is one elite talent in this class, and several others who have the capability of providing immediate fantasy football help.

1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, 6’4 ½”, 235 lbs: A man amongst boys at the position, Johnson has eye popping speed (4.35, 40) for such a big man. Imagine the athleticism of Terrell Owens combined with the speed of Randy Moss, the playmaking ability of both, and the character of neither. The only concern on Johnson is that, like both Owens and Moss, he’ll drop some passes as he looks to run before he has caught the ball and that has led to some drops. Otherwise, Johnson is a freak of nature at the position who has started every game of his college career and has never been injured. If not for the fact the Raiders want a QB and the Lions are too scared to take a WR with a high first round pick AGAIN, Johnson should be one of the first two players drafted. Cleveland would be wrong to not select at #3 and there’s no way he slips past Tampa Bay at #4.

2. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio State, 6’0”, 180 lbs: Possibly the fastest player in the draft (4.3, 40), Ginn is a home run threat as both a receiver and return man for special teams. However, he is thin and is strictly a burner. His route running needs work and he doesn’t like to go over the middle or take hits fighting for the ball. Ginn suffered a sprained foot injury in the National title game and will finally run and workout for scouts April 11th at Ohio State. May never be more than a big play speedster, but Ginn is a great athlete with room to grow.

3. Dwayne Bowe, LSU, 6’2”, 218 lbs: A good sized WR with decent speed and no problems going over the middle, Bowe, who didn’t start playing football until high school, is still developing as a football player. His route running isn’t great, but his willingness to go after the ball and his natural outstanding athleticism gives him a lot of room to grow into a solid NFL WR.

4. Dwayne Jarrett, USC, 6’4”, 219 lbs: Jarrett has both the physical size and the great hands to be a dominant WR. But what he lacks is speed (4.60, 40) and there are some who question his character. Still, with his size and hands he is an instant red zone threat (28 TD’s the last 2 seasons) and should develop into a great possession style WR in the NFL.

5. Sidney Rice, South Carolina, 6’3 ¾”, 200 lbs: Tall and thin, Rice has decent, but not elite speed and could stand to put on some pounds and get stronger. His route’s aren’t crisp and likely he could have used another year in college to refine his game more rather than declaring early. However, with big hands and great leaping ability, if Rice could bulk up he could develop into a top flight NFL WR.

6. Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State, 6’0”, 193 lbs: Gonzalez is a one year starter who runs smart routes and has excellent speed (4.44, 40). But only 1 season of starting experience could mean he might take some time develop. Also, he’s not a strong WR and doesn’t possess great height so fighting for balls in traffic is a battle he’ll probably lose. While he has shown he could be a solid complimentary WR to Ted Ginn at Ohio State, he may not be able to be a true #1 WR in the NFL.

7. Robert Meachem, Tennessee, 6’2”, 214 lbs: Meachem has an excellent combination of size and speed (4.39, 40) and consistently made plays for Tennessee in 2006. A solid athlete with strong hands, Meachem’s biggest downfall is although he is a bigger WR, he loses focus when he knows he’s going to hit.

Others to keep an eye on:

Craig Davis, LSU, 6’1”, 202 lbs: Nice size/speed combo (4.42, 40), but was overshadowed Dwayne Bowe in college.

Aundrae Allison, East Carolina, 6’0”, 195 lbs: Great speed and return abilities. Body catches too often and isn’t polished on his routes.

Jacoby Jones, Lane College (Tennessee; Division 2), 6’2 ½”, 214 lbs: Those looking for a Marques Colston small school product who could come in and surprise in the NFL right away should be looking at Jones. He’s got size, decent enough speed (4.50, 40), and was dominant at the D2 level. But like most small school guys, he may take some time to adjust to the NFL.

See Russ's other 2007 NFL Draft Preview articles:

• 2007 NFL Draft Preview: Quarterbacks
• 2007 NFL Draft Preview: Running Backs
• 2007 NFL Draft Preview: Tight Ends/Kickers

Russ Bliss is Fantasy Football Starters' exclusive fantasy football expert, a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, and for 11 years has been the radio host of "The Red Zone, Talking Fantasy Football and the NFL," in Phoenix, Arizona.

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