Highlights of the 10 Most Explosive Players in the 2013 NFL Draft

By (Senior Analyst) on February 17, 2013

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The 2013 NFL draft may not be a certainty at the quarterback position, but there are plenty of explosive players ready to take their athleticism to the next level.

This list not only looks at 10 of the most explosive prospects, it provides highlights of each player to show the capability of the players.

After reading the article, comment below as to who the most explosive is and which prospect you would like to land with your favorite team.

Here are the most explosive draft prospects ready to take the NFL by storm in 2013.

Denard Robinson, WR, Michigan

2012 Stats: 1,319 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, 1,266 rushing yards, 7.2 yards per carry average, seven rushing touchdowns, three receptions, 31 receiving yards

The Skinny: Denard Robinson was primarily a quarterback in 2010 and 2011 for Michigan, but spent his senior season as a gadget player. He played primarily as a running back but was mixed in at quarterback and wide receiver.

As Robinson transitions into the NFL, he is following the career paths of Antwaan Randle El and Brad Smith and will convert into a wide receiver. He is raw and has a lot to learn at the position, but is athletic enough to make an impact as a rookie.

When he will go: Rounds 4-6

Keenan Allen, WR, California

2012 Stats: 61 receptions, 737 receiving yards, 12.1 yards per reception average, six receiving touchdowns, 39 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown

The Skinny: Keenan Allen is arguably the best receiver in the 2013 NFL draft and provides good size at 6'3'' and 210 pounds. He is very elusive in the open field and is very good at leaving his feet to make a catch. He is one of the premier prospects with the ball in his hands, and his explosiveness should allow for a smooth transition into the pro game.

When he will go: Round 1

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

2012 Stats: 46 receptions, 778 receiving yards, 16.9 yards per reception average, five receiving touchdowns, 308 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns

The Skinny: Cordarrelle Patterson is right behind Keenan Allen as the top receiver in the NFL draft and, like Allen, has a big body at 6'3'' and 205 pounds. Patterson has good acceleration speed and a quick first step, which allows him to quickly separate from defenders. Once separated and in the open field, Patterson is off to the races and nearly impossible to catch from behind.

When he will go: Round 1

Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

2012 Stats: 1,417 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry average, 14 rushing touchdowns, 28 receptions, 224 receiving yards

The Skinny: Joseph Randle has a very quick burst and once he is in the open field is very difficult to tackle from behind. His speed and balance make Randle very tough to tackle and will make him appealing for screen passes and as a change-of-pace back in the NFL next season.

When he will go: Rounds 2-4

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

2012 Stats: 82 receptions, 1,405 receiving yards, 17.1 yards per reception average, 18 receiving touchdowns

The Skinny: DeAndre Hopkins had arguably the best statistical seasons in all of college football in the 2012-2013 season and should continue to make plays at the next level. He is very aware of the situation around him and can quickly transition from catching the football to making defenders miss. He has quick feet and is simply as explosive as any player in the draft once he has possession of the ball.

When he will go: Rounds 1-2

EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State

2012 Stats: 3,392 passing yards, 68.0 completion percentage, 23 touchdown passes, 310 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns

The Skinny: EJ Manuel has a solid frame at 6'5'' and 237 and can make plays both in the air and on the ground. He has a raw athletic and physical skill-set and can thrive in the NFL under the right system, much like Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III.

He has a rocket arm and can take off running in the play isn't there. His versatility makes him a very intriguing prospect this April and his rushing ability makes him explosive with the ball in his hands.

When he will go: Rounds 2-3

Eddie Lacey, RB, Alabama

2012 Stats: 1,322 rushing yards, 6.5 yards per carry average, 17 rushing touchdowns, 22 receptions, 189 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns

The Skinny: Eddie Lacey continued the tradition of Alabama running backs last season and is likely the best running back prospect in the 2013 NFL draft. He always keeps his legs churning and moves tacklers with his leg penetration. Lacey is very strong, has a quick burst and has good balance. Once he breaks the initial line of defenders, he is very tough to break down.

When he will go: Rounds 1-2

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

2012 Stats: 4,205 passing yards, 71.2 completion percentage, 42 touchdown passes, 151 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns

The Skinny: Geno Smith is likely the best quarterback prospect in the 2013 NFL draft and is very elusive on the ground as well. NFL teams will take advantage of his athleticism and mobility and try to mold him into a spread system, similar to the system in which Robert Griffin III thrived. He is 6'3'' and 220 pounds, and with his passing and rushing combination, Smith is one of the most explosive players in the draft.

When he will go: Round 1

Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

2012 Stats: 1,228 rushing yards, 6.7 yards per carry average, 12 rushing touchdowns, 47 receptions, 490 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns

The Skinny: Giovani Bernard has quick feet that enable him to make sharp cuts and swift moves. He has very good vision and explodes into holes once he finds them.

Bernard is very good in the passing game and special teams as well, making his skill-set attractive at the pro level. His ability to turn an ordinary play into a big score with such ease makes Bernard one of the most explosive prospects in the 2013 NFL draft.

When he will go: Rounds 1-2

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

2012 Stats: 114 receptions, 1,289 receiving yards, 11.3 yards per reception average, 12 receiving touchdowns, 643 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns

The Skinny: Tavon Austin was simply unstoppable in NCAA play last season, with nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and 15 touchdowns. His athleticism sets him apart from all of the other prospects and is very explosive laterally.

Once Austin turns the corner or catches a ball in stride, he is extremely difficult to track down. He can use his 5'9'' frame to keep defenders off-balance and accelerate on the field. Austin will be one of the most explosive NFL players as a rookie and will make an immediate impact on an NFL field.

When he will go: Rounds 1-2

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