B/R CFB 250: Top 32 Wide Receivers
Bleacher Report's CFB 250 is an annual ranking of the best players in college football. Brian Leigh and Kynon Codrington have studied, ranked and graded the top athletes in the country, narrowed that list down to a mere quarter-thousand and sorted by position. Today, we present the Top 32 Wide Receivers.
Other CFB 250 Positions
Wide receiver is one of the deepest positions in college football.
As many as 50 players were considered for this list, and many of the names who didn't make it might develop into stars these next couple of seasons (and make us look stupid for omitting them).
Trimming down to 32 candidates required a detailed focus on six different traits, which can be seen in the slides that follow. But for simplicity's sake, it boiled down to three sweeping questions. Can you get open? Can you stay open? And can you make opponents pay for letting you be open?
If so, that's a pretty good start.
Before we begin, please take note that these players were graded as college receivers, not on how they project as NFL receivers.
Targeted skills such as route running are important at both levels, but there is a difference between college route running and professional route running. If a receiver can beat man coverage in the SEC or the Big 12, it doesn't matter that he can't beat man coverage against the NFC North. At least not here, it doesn't.
This is all about college performance.
Note: If two players finished with the same grade, a subjective call was made based on whom we would rather have on our team right now.
32-25. Funchess, Lucas, Hamilton, Payton, Spruce, Harris, Mayle, Reynolds
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32. Devin Funchess, Michigan
Hands: 20/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 15/20; Speed: 11/15; Run After Catch: 11/15.
Devin Funchess is a converted tight end who at times looks like an All-American. Consistency issues have plagued him, and he does not have the speed one typically looks for on the outside, but he's a smooth athlete for a player his size.
31. Keevan Lucas, Tulsa
Hands: 21/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 2/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 11/15; Run After Catch: 12/15.
Keevan Lucas came from nowhere to become one of the most productive receivers in the country—and at Tulsa, of all places. The 5'10" slot receiver is shifty in space and has a knack for finding open spots in coverages.
30. DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State
Hands: 22/25; Route Running: 15/20; Blocking: 2/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 11/15; Run After Catch: 12/15.
Not much went right for Penn State's offense this season, but one of the few things that did was the emergence of freshman receiver DaeSean Hamilton. He isn't quite Allen Robinson—and no one is saying he should be—but he's a dangerous weapon for Christian Hackenberg to target downfield.
29. Jordan Payton, UCLA
Hands: 22/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 2/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 11/15; Run After Catch: 12/15.
Jordan Payton has quietly emerged as the No. 1 receiver at UCLA, teaming with quarterback Brett Hundley to give the Bruins an explosive (and strangely underrated) offense. Payton doesn't have great pure speed, but he's a fluid athlete who does all of the little things well.
28. Nelson Spruce, Colorado
Hands: 21/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 11/15; Run After Catch: 12/15.
Nelson Spruce is a reliable possession receiver with a knack for getting open despite average physical tools. NFL scouts will yawn, but there's something to be said for posting consistent numbers when defenses are tailored to stop you.
27. John Harris, Texas
Hands: 22/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 11/15; Run After Catch: 11/15.
John Harris has given Texas a much-needed boost on the outside. The fifth-year senior will not amaze you with his size, speed, length or any other measurable, but he’s tough as nails, understands the nuance of the position and has a reliable pair of hands.
26. Vince Mayle, Washington State
Hands: 22/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 12/15; Run After Catch: 11/15.
Vince Mayle is a former basketball player who didn't make the full-time switch to football until 2012. At 6'3", 219 pounds, he is already one of the best red-zone threats in the country and a goldmine of untapped potential.
25. Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M
Hands: 21/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 12/15; Run After Catch: 12/15.
He's not Mike Evans—at least not yet, he isn't—but Josh Reynolds is a 6'4" target with enough speed to stretch the field in Texas A&M’s offense. If the former JUCO transfer can fill out his frame and play with more physicality next season, he has a chance to become a superstar.
24-17. Goodley, Williams, Dorsett, Crowder, Carroo, Coleman, Fuller, Cooper
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24. Antwan Goodley, Baylor
Hands: 21/25; Route Running: 15/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 17/20; Speed: 12/15; Run After Catch: 12/15.
Antwan Goodley is a perfect fit in Baylor's offense: the type of player who explodes off the line and gains immediate separation. With so many other weapons to worry about, defenses cannot afford to roll coverage in Goodley's direction, which allows him to turn that immediate separation into sustained separation down the field.
23. Mike Williams, Clemson
Hands: 22/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 12/15; Run After Catch: 11/15.
Mike Williams looks like the next great Clemson receiver, even though quarterback issues deflated his stats in 2014. He doesn't stretch the field like Sammy Watkins or Martavis Bryant, but he's a 6'4" specimen with strong hands who is dangerous against man coverage.
22. Phillip Dorsett, Miami (Fla.)
Hands: 20/25; Route Running: 15/20; Blocking: 2/5; Release: 17/20; Speed: 14/15; Run After Catch: 13/15.
Arguably the fastest player in college football, Phillip Dorsett gives new meaning to the platitude about "being a threat to score from anywhere." The technical aspects of his game need refinement, but his speed and quickness make him a headache for defenses to keep track of.
21. Jamison Crowder, Duke
Hands: 21/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 12/15; Run After Catch: 13/15.
Outside of head coach David Cutcliffe, no one has been more responsible for Duke's resurgence these past two years than Jamison Crowder. The do-it-all receiver is one of the best punt returners in college football and has seared his name into the ACC record book.
20. Leonte Carroo, Rutgers
Hands: 22/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 12/15; Run After Catch: 13/15.
Leonte Carroo helped Rutgers get off to a hot start in 2014, and even when that hot start turned cold during Big Ten play, he continued to post good numbers. He is big (6'1"), physical, fast enough to get downfield and adept at beating coverage that's geared to stop him.
19. Corey Coleman, Baylor
Hands: 22/25; Route Running: 16/20; Blocking: 2/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 13/15; Run After Catch: 13/15.
Corey Coleman became the No. 1A receiver in Baylor's offense this season, utilizing his running back-like frame to earn extra yardage on short receptions. Like all Baylor receivers, his route running has been called into question, but his explosiveness is hard to deny.
18. William Fuller, Notre Dame
Hands: 21/25; Route Running: 17/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 17/20; Speed: 13/15; Run After Catch: 12/15.
William Fuller blossomed into a No. 1 receiver as a sophomore in 2014, filling the void left by suspended star DaVaris Daniels. He is a lanky 6'0" with speed to burn and the ability to take the top off a defense.
17. Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina
Hands: 21/25; Route Running: 17/20; Blocking: 3/5; Release: 16/20; Speed: 13/15; Run After Catch: 13/15.
Pharoh Cooper does a little bit of everything for South Carolina. He catches passes. He throws passes. He carries the ball. He returns punts. Anything the Gamecocks can do to get him the ball, they do it. And it's hard to argue with the 2014 results.
16. D'haquille Williams, Auburn
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Hands
D'haquille Williams has long arms and huge hands that allow him to pluck the ball out of midair on 50-50 throws. He has struggled with drops, however, and must learn to concentrate through the catch before starting to run.
Route Running
The routes Williams runs well, he runs exceptionally well. His slant-and-go is a nightmare to defend because of his size (6'2") and the way in which he sells the fake. If he works to expand his route tree, he could dominate on a more consistent basis.
Blocking
Williams proved a quick study in Auburn's run-blocking scheme despite starting the year pretty raw. His size allows him to engage defenders and seal the edge, which is paramount at the Y position in Gus Malzahn's offense.
Release
Williams does a good job setting up defenders with his three-step release. He will stack up a cornerback and rip, swim or chop his way through to gain superior position.
Speed
Unlike most players on this list, Williams appears to have better long speed than quickness. He's a locomotive once he gets going, but he takes a little while to accelerate and isn't overly elusive.
Run After Catch
Williams is a load to bring down because of his size and natural power. He bullies through contact and drags defenders forward, but he doesn't often break long gains.
Overall
Williams has lived up to the hype with which he arrived at Auburn. The top JUCO prospect in the country used his size, strength and athleticism to become one of the SEC's most dangerous weapons.
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15. Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh
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Hands
Watching Tyler Boyd make plays in traffic is a pleasure. He is big (6'2"), physical and willing to mix it up at the catch point. When the ball makes its way into his catch radius, he rarely lets it drop to the ground. He does, however, appear to have a slight fumbling problem.
Route Running
Boyd is an above-average route-runner. He doesn't have the best lateral agility, which makes it hard for him to sell certain patterns, but for the most part his footwork is sound. His best attribute is changing speeds as he breaks on vertical routes.
Blocking
Boyd is a willing and capable blocker who feels like he should be better than he is because of his size. But that might be nitpicking, because he's still pretty good at engaging defenders on the outside and sealing them away from the play.
Release
Boyd is dangerous not just because of his physical gifts but because he understands how to use them. He has a collection of release moves that allow him to win outside position on fades and back-shoulder throws.
Speed
When he pops, Boyd appears to have great speed for a 6'2" receiver. It's what one might call "deceptive speed," as it never looks like he's moving that fast, but he always seems to get where he's going. He is fast enough to run under the deep ball.
Run After Catch
Boyd understands how to read blocks and has a nice blend of speed and power that makes him difficult to tackle in open space. He returns punts (and occasionally kickoffs) for the Panthers.
Overall
Boyd was the best freshman receiver in the country last season and posted similar numbers in a run-first offense as a sophomore. His game reminds of former Pittsburgh receiver Larry Fitzgerald—and no, that is not hyperbole.
14. Justin Hardy, East Carolina
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Hands
Justin Hardy has big, strong hands and long arms that are unique for an inside receiver. He extends outside of what should be his catch radius to pluck passes out of the air and is willing to make plays in tight quarters.
Route Running
East Carolina runs a simple offense that does not require advanced routes, but Hardy has shown a knack for falling into soft spots against zone coverage, an innate skill that is valuable for a player at his position. He always knows where the first-down marker is and breaks his routes accordingly.
Blocking
Hardy is not the type to occupy a blocker on the outside or seal the edge, but what he does, he does well. Namely, he executes the correct form on crackback blocks, laying out defenders without making illegal contact below the waist.
Release
It's hard to grade Hardy's route running because he runs such simple concepts. But those simple concepts are effective because of the way in which Hardy wins separation. His three-step release is one of the best in the country, and his quickness allows him to earn desirable position.
Speed
Hardy has functional but average speed. He is not a threat to take the top off a defense, doing most of his work in the short and middle thirds. He does, however, gain good separation on drag routes.
Run After Catch
On the rare occasion that he doesn't catch a third-down pass beyond the yard-to-gain, Hardy is able to dance and fight his way for extra yardage. The same lateral agility and foot speed that make him tough to guard off the line make him an elusive threat in space.
Overall
Hardy caught 110 passes in 2014, enough to pass Ryan Broyles as the all-time FBS receptions leader with 376 for his career (pre-bowl game). He is the ideal slot receiver and one of the best third-down weapons in college football.
13. Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma
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Hands
Sterling Shepard has great hands for a smaller target (5'10") and just great hands in general. He gets down the field and makes plays in the air but also holds on tight in coverage.
Route Running
Shepard is a compact athlete with a low center of gravity and quick feet who can cut on a dime and maintain speed out of breaks. All of this makes him a very good route-runner, albeit one who should be better than he is. He has a tendency to give up on routes, although he was more consistent in 2014 than he was the previous season.
Blocking
Shepard is a hard worker on the edge and a better blocker than most give him credit for. Tennessee head coach Butch Jones mentioned Shepard's blocking as one of many things that make him a tough matchup before the Vols played Oklahoma in September.
Release
Shepard has a unique first step, one of the quickest in the game. He doesn't have much in the way of hand-to-hand release moves, but he's so good with his feet that he can still win position or gain separation off the line.
Speed
You might expect Shepard to be faster than he is. He excels with quickness more than long speed, beating defenders early instead of breaking away or running under the deep ball.
Run After Catch
Shepard has great stop-and-start agility. His change-of-direction skills make him hard to tackle in space, but he does not run through tackles.
Overall
Shepard played second fiddle to Jalen Saunders in 2013 but was up to the task of replacing him—and then some—as a junior. Oklahoma's offense was lost when he missed the Baylor game with an injury, and that was no coincidence.
12. Travin Dural, LSU
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Hands
Travin Dural has freaky proportions—hands included. He makes some hard-to-believe catches on the perimeter but hasn't shown the ability to make difficult catches in traffic over the middle.
Route Running
Dural is a perfectly average route-runner. He does his best work on simple patterns such as fly routes, relying more on physical tools than precision to gain separation.
Blocking
If you play for Les Miles, you're going to do some run blocking. Dural gives solid effort on the edge but doesn't have the strength to consistently lock up defenders.
Release
Dural can get off the line in multiple ways. The speed and burst that most young players rely on are his preferred weapons, but he also has long, lanky arms to engineer release moves and win shoulder position.
Speed
Dural was a high school track star who won the Louisiana state title in the 200-meter dash. His track speed translates to the football field, where he's a threat to catch a long touchdown each time he gets off the line.
Run After Catch
If it's not one-cut-and-go, Dural probably won't bust a big play. He has speed to turn the corner and make a short gain a long one, but he's not great at breaking tackles or finding creative running lanes.
Overall
Dural burst onto the scene as one of the best big-play receivers in the country this season. His numbers tailed off as LSU's quarterback play went to the dogs, but he still showed some flashes of stardom.
11. Tony Lippett, Michigan State
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Hands
Tony Lippett catches passes of seemingly every type, looking most impressive when he controls his body, adjusts to a deep throw and somehow comes down with the ball. He casts a wide catch radius thanks to his instincts and the strength of his hands.
Route Running
No part of Lippett's game has improved more than his route running. He fires out of his breaks. He calibrates his speed. He always sells his patterns to defensive backs. He is a difficult matchup because he can beat you with so many routes.
Blocking
Lippett does not have the strength to be a dominant blocker, but he does have the attitude to be a useful one. Even during games in which he struggled, he stayed active and engaged by working his tail off as a downfield blocker.
Release
It's hard to be a high-level route-runner unless you have a strong release. Lippett does his best work against off-man coverage, setting up the defender and gaining the inside or outside shoulder. He has not been as good against press coverage, though, and will need to refine his arm technique (or simply get a lot stronger) to combat that in the future.
Speed
Lippett makes plays down the field in spite of his speed, not because of it. His longest gains have come on plays in which he burns the coverage and glides into the end zone. There are varying opinions on how Lippett will test in the 40-yard dash, but on tape he does not appear fast.
Run After Catch
Considering his physical limitations—lack of ideal strength/speed—Lippett actually does a good job after the catch. He has a mean stiff-arm and never gives up on a play until he hits the ground.
Overall
Lippett was average for three years but morphed into a No. 1 receiver this season. His ability to get open against man-to-man coverage made him a frequent target of Connor Cook and helped turn Michigan State into a team with a legitimate offense. That he did it, at the end of the season, while also starting at cornerback makes it all the more impressive.
10. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
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Hands
Jaelen Strong's hands are…well…strong. His huge frame (6'3"), body control and basketball-player leaping ability allow him to high-point passes in coverage. He keeps the ball away from his body and is the best back-shoulder target in college football, bar none.
Route Running
Strong has a complex route tree and executes his patterns like a veteran. He sells his breaks and gets in and out of cuts with precision. He is equally effective running short and deep routes, although the latter is what makes him most valuable.
Blocking
Blocking is an area of neither strength nor weakness. Strong is a willing blocker with long arms that allow him to engage, but he doesn't stand out for his work on the outside.
Release
Whatever Strong may lack in long speed, he makes up for with initial quickness. He has an excellent release in which he bursts off the line and creates separation with his long, bounding strides. He uses his body to shield defenders for inside and outside position.
Speed
Strong is not a burner, but he has enough speed to maintain the separation he creates off the line. He is a Brandon Marshall type who can get vertical but won't track down an overthrown ball.
Run After Catch
Strong does not have great elusiveness. He is long and bony, which makes it easy for defenders to get a hand on him. But he's physical and willing to lower his head and run through contact, which has helped him gain consistent small chunks of yardage after the catch.
Overall
Strong has been a gem for Arizona State. One of the biggest matchup problems in college football (literally), he helped the Sun Devils stay afloat in the College Football Playoff discussion with his Hail Mary reception against USC, then followed that up with general, week-to-week dominance.
9. DeVante Parker, Louisville
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Hands
DeVante Parker is a big (6'3"), strong target with a catch radius to match his dimensions. He struggled with drops at the start of his college career but mended those issues as an upperclassman.
Route Running
Parker does not have the most advanced route tree, but the routes most responsible for his production—slants, comebacks, etc.—are routes he runs as well as anyone. He does this not with precision, necessarily, but with a nuanced understanding of how to use his frame to his advantage.
Blocking
It's wrong to say that Parker struggles as a blocker. He doesn't. But he doesn't block as well as one expects from a player his size. Whether that's a product of technique or of effort is difficult to answer, but it's something Parker definitely needs to work on.
Release
Parker can beat press coverage on simple patterns, and his release technique improved in 2014. In past years he would struggle with the timing of his release, tipping the direction of supposedly complex routes, but now he is able to bait receivers one way and beat them the other.
Speed
Parker matches great size with close-to-great speed. He is fast enough to run under the deep ball but doesn't have the breakaway speed to outpace defensive backs with the ball in his hands.
Run After Catch
Parker improved after the catch more than any other area as a senior. He had always finished runs by falling forward but is now able to slip and shed tackles altogether.
Overall
Parker missed the first half of the season with an injury but ignited Louisville's offense when he returned. He is one of the most complete skill players in the country. Good luck trying to find a weakness in his game.
8. Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
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Hands
Tyler Lockett is a smaller receiver (5'11") with smaller hands to match. He does not have what one would call a drop "problem," but he does drop more passes than most of the receivers on this list. However, he atones for that by adjusting well on deep passes and making athletic plays in traffic.
Route Running
Lockett runs a deadly post-corner with one of the best double moves in the country. That is his bread and butter—and it's a good bread and butter to have—but he struggles in other areas of route running, such as not losing speed through his breaks.
Blocking
Lockett blocks better than one would expect for a player his size, but not by much. He's a fighter who works hard on every down, but physical defenders are able to rip past him.
Release
There are nuances to Lockett's release that need fine-tuning, but for the most part he is one of the best in the country. His three-step footwork provides a quick advantage against man coverage.
Speed
Quickness and burst are Lockett's biggest assets. He prefers to beat defenders off the line, but he can also gain separation at the intermediate and deep levels. Even if a cornerback is stride-for-stride when the ball is thrown, Lockett will turn on the jets at the last second.
Run After Catch
Lockett is dangerous with the ball in his hands, whether on short passes or punt returns. He sets up his blockers, waits for the hole to develop and runs with great speed and vision. His big-play ability has masked some (if not many) of Kansas State's deficiencies the past two seasons.
Overall
Lockett is one of the best offensive players in Kansas State history—a history that includes some pretty good ones. He is a threat to score from anywhere on any given play, and he has done so on the biggest stages.
7. Rashard Higgins, Colorado State
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Hands
Rashard Higgins has a massive catch radius and does a great job high-pointing passes. He attacks instead of waiting for the ball to reach him, which allows him to come down with 50-50 throws.
Route Running
For a sophomore, Higgins runs advanced routes and has a sophisticated feel for defenses. He knows where to plant and drop against zone coverage, and he sets up cornerbacks for double moves down the field.
Blocking
Despite having a lean frame (6'2", 188 pounds), Higgins does not shy away from his physical obligations. He does not have the raw strength to consistently hold the edge, but he gets downfield when a teammate hits the second level and helps them turn long gains into huge ones.
Release
Opponents started playing press against Higgins as a means of limiting his after-the-catch abilities. But he improved his release throughout the season and eventually became quite good at fighting for separation off the line.
Speed
Higgins has breakaway speed that allows him to turn one missed tackle into a huge gain. Even when defensive backs take smart pursuit angles, he is fast enough to beat them to the corner and turn upfield.
Run After Catch
Here is where Higgins goes from being a solid receiver to a superstar. He is light on his feet and has superior vision, which allows him to dance through defenders and break short completions for 40- or 50-yard plays.
Overall
Higgins was one of the breakout stars of the season, posting huge game after huge game for Colorado State. Only a sophomore, he will return in 2015 and have an even bigger load to bear without quarterback Garrett Grayson.
6. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
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Hands
Laquon Treadwell has vise-grip hands that allow him to snatch the ball out of the air. He is not afraid to run across the middle, take a hit and come down with a catch in traffic. His strength makes it difficult (impossible?) for defenders to separate his body from the ball.
Route Running
Treadwell shows a precocious understanding of route concepts, excelling in the technical aspects of getting open. He separates not just with his physical gifts (size, speed, strength, etc.) but also with cuts, fakes and precise footwork.
Blocking
Because of his size (6'2", 229 pounds), Treadwell sometimes functions like a tight end in the running game. He is powerful at the point of contact, capable of driving defensive backs to whatever spot he wants.
Release
Treadwell fights through contact against press coverage, using his physicality to gain an advantage. His first step is not the quickest, but he is so good at the point of attack that it often doesn't matter.
Speed
Treadwell is a remarkable athlete but not necessarily a burner. He doesn't pose a threat going vertical, doing his best work in the short and middle thirds. In 22 career games, he has only caught one pass for 40-plus yards.
Run After Catch
Even though he doesn't break long runs, Treadwell is a monster after the catch. He turns short gains into medium gains and medium gains into chunk plays by lowering his frame and powering through defensive backs.
Overall
Treadwell blossomed as a sophomore after working behind Donte Moncrief as a possession receiver in 2013. A gruesome (and tragically timed) ankle injury ended his season in the Auburn game, but he's expected to return as an All-American candidate next fall.
5. Ty Montgomery, Stanford
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Hands
Ty Montgomery catches the ball away from his body and rarely drops a pass, although he did struggle with drops in a rain-soaked game at Notre Dame. He is 6'2" and has the colossal hands of an even bigger player.
Route Running
Stanford has relied on Montgomery to run a multitude of routes the past few seasons, some of which have exposed his weaknesses. He is a technician in the short area but does not always keep his pace on breaking routes.
Blocking
Montgomery is a willing blocker who does not take plays off and works hard to seal the edge. He does not have the strength or leverage to combat bigger defenders, but for the most part he gets the job done.
Release
Any cornerback who struggles with his first step will have difficulty guarding Montgomery. He has great acceleration and instincts, which allow him to get defenders off balance. He does not, however, have advanced hand-to-hand release moves, which will sometimes result in getting stuck against a jam.
Speed
Montgomery is one of the most fluid runners in college football. His long speed allows him to get over the top of secondaries and track down lofted deep balls. He has also been utilized as a running back and punt returner because of his ability to turn the corner.
Run After Catch
Stanford gets the ball to Montgomery as often as it can, in a variety of ways, because it knows how dangerous he is after the catch. He is shifty in the open field, makes decisive cuts and has a realistic chance to score on any play.
Overall
Montgomery has been Mr. Everything for Stanford's passing game. He is a shifty runner and punt returner who has blossomed into a No. 1 receiver despite maddening play from his quarterback.
4. Kevin White, West Virginia
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Hands
Kevin White has strong, reliable hands that function like pincers. He clamps down on the ball and never lets go. Because his hands are so big and strong, he is able to make otherwise difficult catches look routine.
Route Running
White has improved his route running in 2014, although he is still one tier behind the most polished players on this list. He fights his way open on slants and runs a dangerous curl, the latter finding success because defenders overplay him going vertical.
Blocking
When he's not getting flagged for holding, White is up there with the best perimeter blockers in the country. His big frame (6'3", 210 pounds) allows him to body up cornerbacks and seal them away from the action.
Release
White is physical off the line of scrimmage, which allows him to beat press coverage. He has an NFL-ready chop move that wins space on both outside and inside releases.
Speed
White has great speed for a player with his proportions. He has long legs and a powerful lower body that allow him to get over the top. He might not post the fastest 40 time, but he has functional speed that translates to the field.
Run After Catch
This is not the strongest part of White's game, but he has shown flashes. He doesn't break long runs with regularity, but when he does, he breaks them in a way that is unique. He has quick feet and picks up extra yards by running through smaller defenders.
Overall
White went from unknown to superstar in 2014, breaking out as the next great receiver in Dana Holgorsen's offense. He is big, athletic and physical and had his best games against the best teams on his schedule.
3. Nelson Agholor, USC
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Hands
Nelson Agholor catches most passes cleanly, away from the body, then secures the ball and heads upfield. He is a lanky athlete with good arm extension who is not afraid to make plays over the middle.
Route Running
You won't find many smoother route-runners than Agholor. He is a fluid athlete who gets in and out of breaks and has an advanced route tree, thanks in large part to the pro-style systems he has played in at USC.
Blocking
Agholor does not have the upper-body strength to seal bigger defensive backs on running plays. But he makes up for this with great effort as a downfield blocker, where he can be seen running in front of ball-carriers, searching for a defender to engage.
Release
Agholor uses arm extension to fight his way off the line and foot speed to gain space against press coverage. When he earns an inside release, he takes smart angles through coverage to make himself an open target.
Speed
Speed is the most important part of Agholor's game. He has long speed to stretch the field as a vertical threat, but he also has stop-and-start speed to deceive would-be tacklers and defensive backs.
Run After Catch
Agholor is at his best after the catch—a product of the speed discussed above. He can hit the hole and go on shorter timing routes, reading blockers like a veteran running back, and has the gumption to reverse fields when the defense overpursues.
Overall
Agholor is the latest in a long line of great USC receivers. He learned from—and in many ways played better than—former Biletnikoff winner Marqise Lee in 2013 before letting his own star shine this season. But once he did, that star shone big and bright.
2. Rashad Greene, Florida State
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Hands
Rashad Greene sees the ball through the catch and almost never has a lapse in concentration. He is a possession receiver at heart, using strong hands and arm extension to make difficult catches in traffic.
Route Running
Greene sets up defenders as well as anybody. He pushes to their inside shoulder, then explodes to the outside for separation. He has found a way to get open with regularity in 2014 despite playing with a young supporting cast (i.e., having defenses game-plan around him).
Blocking
Despite lacking ideal size (6'0", 180 pounds), Greene is one of the better blocking receivers in college football. He sticks his nose where it doesn't belong and blocks with maximum effort.
Release
Greene uses short-area quickness to earn separation against cornerbacks. His hands and feet work in synchronicity, allowing him to bait and then explode past press coverage.
Speed
Greene does not have former-track-star burners, but he's close. His agility is better than his long speed, but the latter is good enough that he consistently takes the top off defenses.
Run After Catch
Here more than anywhere is where Greene's agility shines. He is slippery in the open field, and he knows how to read and set up blocks. Running after the catch is the strongest part of Greene's game.
Overall
Greene led Florida State in receiving for the fourth consecutive season in 2014, a rare feat for a player in the modern era. He is not a physical specimen like his former teammate, Kelvin Benjamin, but he's smart, fast, reliable and prone to making big plays in big moments.
1. Amari Cooper, Alabama
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Hands
LSU game notwithstanding, Amari Cooper has fantastic hands. He catches the ball away from his body and tucks it in one smooth motion, and he's willing to fight through traffic.
Route Running
Cooper knows how to gain separation on a variety of routes. Critics will knock the percentage of bubble screens he catches, but even those are set up by defenders respecting his route running and giving him added slack.
Blocking
Cooper is not a great blocker, but he's a good one. He is willing to mix it up and get physical but sometimes whiffs on blocks because he is overexerting himself. His effort is typically good but comes with occasional lapses.
Release
No one in college football gets off the line as well as Cooper, a quick-twitch athlete with excellent technical proficiency. "He just does a lot of releases," LSU cornerback Tre'Davious White told The Advocate about guarding Cooper. "You never know what he’s going to come with."
Speed
Cooper is a burner. He can beat defenses over the top with a deep route or take it to the house after one missed tackle. He claims he ran a 4.31 40-yard dash after Alabama's pro day in March, and his tape validates that time.
Run After Catch
More than just his speed, Cooper's vision makes him the most dangerous run-after-catch receiver in college football. He reads blocks like an NFL veteran, changes direction on a dime and accelerates to burst through the hole.
Overall
Cooper had 1,000 receiving yards as a true freshman in 2012 but slumped as a sophomore in 2013. With questions about which Cooper would show up in 2014, the speedy receiver submitted an All-American type of season, carrying Alabama's offense in its first year under coordinator Lane Kiffin.
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