NFL Draft 2012: Breaking Down Top Attributes of the WR Class

The 2012 NFL draft class has a huge collection of extremely talented wide receiver prospects. Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd have emerged as the top two pass-catchers, but many wideouts who'll be selected after them will become solid professionals.

Using Alen Dumonjic's template as inspiration, I give to you the best attributes of the 2012 wide receiver class.

Most straight-line speed: Kendall Wright, Baylor

Sure, he didn't time out tremendously fast during the pre-draft process, but watch the tape. No guy in the class consistently creates the kind of separation Wright does. He's lightning-quick off the line and has fantastic acceleration.

Although he's only 5'10", he'll be primarily used on go routes at the next level along with the occasional bubble screen.

To me, Wright's a bigger, more reliable version of DeSean Jackson.

Best route-running: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

Jenkins wasn't a big name before the combine, but he demonstrated his stellar footwork and route fluidity there for a multitude of scouts, coaches and general managers. During his time with the Fighting Illini, he was used in a variety of ways, and they specifically utilized his speed down the field. He can run all the routes. Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu get honorable mentions here.

Best hands: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Blackmon is only 6'1" and 210 pounds, but he plays much bigger due to his physical nature. I'd say his hands are "strong" rather than "soft"—he really is aggressive snatching the ball out of the air, especially when tightly covered on inside breaking routes.

At the next level it'll be hard for cornerbacks to knock the ball away from Blackmon if he gets a grasp on it. He has good leaping ability and can come down with jump balls in traffic too. 

Biggest project: Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech

Hill enters the draft, for the most part, as an enigma. He's 6'4", 215 pounds and is incredibly fast once he builds speed, but he played in a run-heavy, triple option system at Georgia Tech.

He averaged a whopping 29.3 yards per catch last season to lead college football in that category, but many times he was wide open after defensive backs were fooled by the Yellow Jackets' run fakes.

He'll need to improve the reliability of his hands and learn an NFL route tree to become a solid player. However, it's impossible to rule out Hill's size, speed and athleticism.

Best blocker: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame 

At 6'3" and 220 pounds playing in a pro-style offense, there's no surprise Floyd's a sound blocker. But a lot of that has to do with his willingness to become a great blocker on the edge too.

He's not afraid to use his body to his benefit, and at his size he makes an impact on smaller linebackers and defensive backs.

Most likely to succeed: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame 

Floyd has everything you'd want in an NFL receiver. He's big, pretty quick, great after the catch and is aggressive when attacking the football in the air.

It's really that simple.

He won't have a great deal of trouble with press coverage and can work well underneath in a West Coast system. Teams will always have to worry about Floyd going deep too.

Legitimate sleeper: Marvin Jones, California

Jones was a do-it-all guy for the Bears last season despite being somewhat overshadowed by prized recruit Kennan Allen for much of the year. Jones finished 2011 with 62 receptions for 846 yards and three touchdowns.

At 6'2" and 200 pounds, Jones has the height but could add some bulk to his frame. 

He's a nimble punt return guy who's great on quick screens and is a fantastic route runner. He doesn't have Kendall Wright speed but can get down the field as well.

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