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        the Gridiron >> between the 20's >>  2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
        
(Message started by: Philly on Mar 11^th, 2004, 7:01pm)

Title: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Mar 11^th, 2004, 7:01pm

Key players at the WR position who have declared themselves eligible for the 2004 NFL Draft will be profiled in this thread.

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Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Mar 11^th, 2004, 7:14pm

LARRY FITZGERALD
Pittsburgh
HT: 6' 3"
WT: 225 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Larry Fitzgerald will enter the NFL with only two years of college, yet he is one of the most mature players in the draft. Fitzgerald learned a lot about the position having served as a Minnesota Vikings ball-boy while in high school. He often participated in drills with Randy Moss and Cris Carter, the NFL player who he most resembles. Fitzgerald has incredible body control and can make very difficult catches in traffic. His hands are second to none. He runs very precise routes and is able to put himself in the most advantageous positon to make the catch against a defender. He has a tremendous work ethic and is always looking to improve. He gained a good deal of weight following his freshman season and is now a much more physical receiver. He has the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

WEAKNESSES:
Fitzgerald does not possess blazing speed. He times anywhere from 4.6 to 4.7 in the forty, although that didn't seem to hurt Anquan Boldin coming out of college. Fitzgerald is also not the best blocker, but it is an area he recognizes as a weakness and will work diligently to improve.

PROJECTION:
The Arizona Cardinals are rumored to have some serious interest in Fitzgerald. New coach Dennis Green knows him personally. However, he might not fall that far as it is possible that the Raiders will grab him at #2 or even that the Chargers take him with the first pick in the draft. Regardless, he is a top five pick and if he drops that far, someone will trade up to get him.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by BarnabyWilde on Mar 16^th, 2004, 3:46pm

Roy Williams
Texas
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 210 lbs.

Strengths:
Loads of talent. What every team looks for in a wide receiver: tall, fast, big, with big soft hands, and he can jump through the roof. Strong, easily out muscles cornerbacks. Good route runner. Smooth. Good character and a team player. Quick in and out of his breaks. Plays in a pro style offense. Needs to be doubled on every play.

Weaknesses:
Has lapses in concentration and will drop an easy pass. Has had some injuries through college, although minor. Still a bit raw. Still needs some work on his routes. Sometimes gets lazy in his play because he's so talented.

Projection:
Should be he third WR taken now the Mike Williams has declared. It may push Roy deep into the first round, maybe to Kansas City, or Carolina. Then again, he could go 8-15, maybe to Jacksonville or Atlanta.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Mar 22^nd, 2004, 9:42am

MIKE WILLIAMS
USC
HT: 6' 4"
WT: 233 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Mike Williams enters the draft as a true sophomore having broken many USC receiving records in only two years at the school. He is a physical phenomenon who can dominate a defensive back. He has the size to go up and grab nearly everything thrown his way. Very soft hands. Has the strength to get off the line and fight for position and break tackles after the catch. Has deceptive speed (4.6 forty, but plays much faster) and can run down the long ball. Williams is a team-player and well-liked by teammates and coaches.

WEAKNESSES:
Still very young and can mature some more physically (scary thought) and emotionally. Williams is a poor blocker, but should be good once he learns how. He has the size and strength to do it. Will need to run more precise routes in the NFL instead of relying on physical skills to beat average college DBs.

PROJECTION:
There is much debate about where Williams will go in the draft. He will be the first or second wide receiver selected (Larry Fitzgerald) and should be a top five pick. Don't be surprised to see him stay in California and don the black and silver.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Mar 25^th, 2004, 3:49pm

REGGIE WILLIAMS
Washington
HT: 6' 4"
WT: 225 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Reggie Williams has outstanding size and strength at the WR position. He can outmuscle nearly any DB for the ball and uses his strength to separate himself from the DB after the catch. He has decent speed (4.48 forty) for his size and displays excellent quickness in his cuts. Williams runs precise routes and has good hands. He is very confident in his abilities and is a leader on the field. Plays very similar to current NFL WRs Terrell owens, Eric Moulds, and Andre Johnson.

WEAKNESSES:
Williams does not possess blazing speed and takes some time to get up to full speed. He also has had some trouble getting off the line when the DB jams him. He hasn't faced that much, as most DBs give him a big cushion out of respect, so he will need to learn more technique as he certainly has the strength to get off the line. There have been some discussions about teams being wary of Williams because of his attitude. Some feel his ego is already a bit too inflated.

PROJECTION:
One of the best receivers in a draft loaded with great ones. Could go in the top ten overall. The Jaguars could grab him at #9. He might also go to the Niners with pick #16. If he had stayed for his senior season, he could have challenged for the number one pick overall in 2005.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 7^th, 2004, 2:09pm

MICHAEL CLAYTON
LSU
HT: 6' 3"
WT: 210 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Michael Clayton has been a very productive college receiver and in his senior season, he amassed more than 1000 yards (the only SEC receiver to do so). He is a very consistent receiver and always gives 100% effort. Clayton has good hands and shows the ability to make tough catches in traffic and acrobatic catches as well. He shows quickness off the snap and runs clean, precise routes. Clayton is a tough receiver who is willing to go across the middle and makes sure he catches the ball before he worries about getting hit. Clayton has also shown decent blocking ability. Clayton is a very polished receiver who is a hard worker.

WEAKNESSES:
Clayton measured at a touch under 6' 3" and looks light for his height. If he wants to continue to catch balls over the middle in the NFL, he'll need to be stronger. This will help him get off the line against the jam, which he didn't face much in college. Clayton has good speed (4.54 forty), however he is not a burner and won't beat the faster corners on deep routes.

PROJECTION:
Clayton is considered one of the top WRs in the draft. He isn't part of the top tier (Larry, Roy, Mike, and Reggie), but is in the very strong second tier and should be a first round selection. Teams that might be interested in his skills in the first round are the Buccaneers, Broncos, Eagles, Chiefs, and Panthers. However, with the depth at the position, he could slide into the early second round to a team like the Giants, Chargers, Lions, Browns, or Falcons who all pick sequentially at the beginning of round 2.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 7^th, 2004, 2:10pm

DEVERY HENDERSON
LSU
HT: 5' 11"
WT: 195 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Devery Henderson was a bit of an odd man out at LSU. Teammate Michael Clayton got most of the passes and publicity. But Devery Henderson let the NFL know he was legit while practicing and playing at the Senior Bowl. Henderson posses tremendous speed (4.36 forty), an attribute that NFL scouts love at the position. He is able to control his speed and play at different speeds as the game often dictates. He has shown great strides in learning the position after switching from running back. Shows good hands and excellent body control when making a difficult catch. Henderson is a team player.

WEAKNESSES:
Henderson is smallish at the position, but his speed makes up for a lack of size. He is still very raw at the WR position and needs to learn more of the necessary technique to be successful in the NFL. Henderson relies on his speed to make plays at the college level, but it will be more difficult when he lines up against a CB with similar speed in the NFL.

PROJECTION:
Henderson projects as a late second round to mid-third round selection. He would be a nice fit opposite Steve Smith in Carolina. He could also be attractive running next to Charles Rogers in Detroit.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 7^th, 2004, 2:10pm

DERRICK HAMILTON
Clemson
HT: 6' 3"
WT: 195 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Derrick Hamilton, who declared as a junior, has all of the measurables that NFL teams want. He has sufficient size and strength to go across the middle and go up for a jump ball. He is failry strong for his size and shows a willingness to block downfield. He has outstanding speed at his size (4.42 forty) and can stretch the field and run away from defenders after the catch. Hamilton has good hands and is showing improvement in his concentration on catching the ball. Also an accomplished kick and punt returner.

WEAKNESSES:
Hamilton shows a lack of consistency. He drops too many passes and, at times, seems like his head just isn't in the game. Hamilton shows some immaturity and would have benefitted greatly from another year in college. He will need to add some more muscle to his frame.

PROJECTION:
Hamilton has the potential to be a great NFL WR. With his size and speed, NFL teams will be willing to help him grow up a bit and learn the position better in order to reap the fruits in a few years. Look for Hamilton to be an early third round selection. If the Raiders don't select a wideout early, he would be a great fit there where he could learn from the best.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 7^th, 2004, 2:10pm

DEVARD DARLING
Washington St.
HT: 6' 1"
WT: 212 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Devard Darling was originally part of the Florida St. program, but transferred after his twin brother died suddenly while working out together. Darling enters the draft following his junior season and shows a world of potential. He has decent size and speed (4.5 forty). He plays a physical style of receiver and is able to outfight corners for the ball. He has the speed to get downfield and pick up yards after the catch. Darling has the size and strength to be an effective blocker downfield. He always plays with passion.

WEAKNESSES:
Darling is a bit of an enigma. He'll make an acrobatic, circus catch one play and then drop an easy pass the next. He was ranked fairly high when he declared for the draft, however his stock has fallen with mediocre combine and pro day performances. Darling is another player who probably should have remained in college to improve his skills and maturity a bit. He has a tendency to take plays off when he's not involved. Darling seems uninterested in taking on his blocking assignments.

PROJECTION:
With so many quality receivers in front of him, look for Darling to drop into the late third round and maybe even into the second day. Darling could be a good fit in Baltimore with pick #88. The Buccaneers will be happy if he falls to them at #111.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 7^th, 2004, 2:11pm

JAMES NEWSON
Oregon St.
HT: 6' 1"
WT: 215 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
James Newson has been a very productive receiver at the collegiate level. He has decent speed (4.5 forty at the combine, however he ran an inexplicable 4.8 at his pro day). He has shown the ability to go deep and make plays after the catch. Newson is a strong player who uses his hands very well to get separation from a defender and also blocks well downfield. He has the desire to be a big-time NFL receiver. His collegiate coaching staff praise his work ethic and determination.

WEAKNESSES:
For some reason, Newson lacks one of the most important skills necessary to the wide receiver position: receiving ability. He displays soft hands at times and hands of stone at others. Newson does not run precise routes and doesn't display much of a burst coming off the line of scrimmage. He does not have the speed to outrun defenders, so he'll need to rely on positioning and route running more in the NFL.

PROJECTION:
Newson is another one of those players who lack great speed and it may cost him in the draft. Like Anquan Boldin last year, a poor forty time raises flags that are often unwarranted. However, Newson's lack of speed and propensity for dropped balls will probably drop him into the fourth round. A team like the Niners, who saw a slow receiver like Boldin twice last season, could take a shot at him with pick #112.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 13^th, 2004, 4:11pm

LEE EVANS
Wisconsin
HT: 5' 10"
WT: 195 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Lee Evans is a blazing speedster. He ran a 4.35 forty at the combine. Early in his career he was considered to be a future top draft pick, however a torn ACL in 2002 changed minds. He came back and had a very solid senior season and has excelled in post-season activities. At his team's pro day, he ran routes for 45 minutes and did not let a single ball hit the ground. He can run past nearly any defensive back and can outleap most of them too. He uses his body to position himself and shield the defender. He has very good hands to catch the ball and can haul in the long balls over his shoulders. Evans blocks well for his size. He is a team leader and works hard to improve himself.

WEAKNESSES:
Evans does not have ideal size for the position, although his athleticism and leaping ability help to compensate some. Despite his strength, Evans struggles a bit with bump and run coverage. He'll need to get off the line of scrimmage better in order to put his speed to use. Evans sometimes relies purely on his speed when running the long routes and will need to be as precise with these patterns as the shorter ones where he seems more focused. Finally, he needs to convince NFL teams that he is fully recovered from his knee injury, although his combine and pro day workouts went a long way to help.

PROJECTION:
Evans is considered to be one of the best receivers in the second tier of the draft prospects. None of the others can match his speed. If teams believe he is healthy, he'll be coveted and could go in the first round. He would be a nice complement to Steve Smith in Carolina at pick #31 should they decide to go WR in the first round. He could also slip into the early second round, although he'd be hard-pressed to drop any farther than the Bills' pick.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 13^th, 2004, 4:12pm

RASHAUN WOODS
Oklahoma St.
HT: 6' 2"
WT: 200 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Rashaun Woods broke every Oklahoma St. receiving record during his time in college. He may be the most polished of all the receivers entering the draft. A very smart player, Woods can read defenses and make adjustments to put himself in the best position to make plays. He runs very precise routes and makes crisp cuts. He has good speed (4.47 forty) and can turn a short catch into a big play. Woods is strong and can fearlessly fight for the ball in traffic and break tackles. He is an excellent blocker at his position too, a skill not often seen in collegiate receivers. Woods has big soft hands and catches the ball away from the body. Woods is a hard-worker and a character player.

WEAKNESSES:
He has very few flaws to speak of. He might need to add a bit of bulk in his upper body to absorb some of the crunching hits he'll take when he goes across the middle. He is fast, but he won't be able to run away from as many defenders in the NFL as he did in college.

PROJECTION:
In most years, Woods would be the most coveted Wideout in the draft. However, with prospects like Fitzgerald, Williams (x3), Clayton, and Evans, he may get overlooked and even slide into the second round. Woods is a steal anywhere outside the top 15 picks. Some have compared him to a young Jerry Rice. Wow! Watch for him to get selected as early as #15 or #16 (Bucs or Niners) or slide to the Chiefs (end of first), Giants, or Chargers (early second).

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - WR
Post by Philly on Apr 13^th, 2004, 4:12pm

MICHAEL JENKINS
Ohio St.
HT: 6' 4"
WT: 217 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Michael Jenkins comes from a big-time program where he broke the records of the likes of David Boston and Cris Carter. He ran a speedy 4.38 forty at his pro day. He has outstanding size to accompany his speed. He has good, soft hands and can make the catch in clutch situations. Jenkins runs a great slant pattern and can make big yards after the catch. He has tremendous body control and can adjust to the ball in mid-air. Jenkins is a willing, if not adept blocker. He has a great work ethic.

WEAKNESSES:
Despite his speed, Jenkins takes a while to get going and doesn't display much quickness. He can get jammed and his timing will be completely thrown off. Jenkins also will drop a ball when he doesn't watch it all the way into his hands. Jenkins does not run crisp patterns and does not always seem to be giving his all on the field.

PROJECTION:
Jenkins has first-round ability and it will require some salesmanship on his part to assure teams that they will be getting a first-round talent. Jenkins appears to be a long-shot to be selected in the first round, although an impressive 40 time will get him closer. However, I expect him to fall to the early second round. Look for a team like the Chargers (if they don't go WR in the first) to grab him. He won't slip past the 51st pick of the Ravens.