Percy Harvin, Michael Crabtree, and Jeremy Maclin: 2008's Biletnikoff Battle

He uses speed exclusively instead of coupling his speed with cuts and positioning to gain an increased advantage.  This works in college but translates to Ted Ginn, Jr. in the NFL.

2008 will be a struggle for Maclin as he's now a well known commodity to the Big XII.  His return numbers will plummet with teams using the sky kick and directional techniques to keep the ball out of his hands.

Defenses such as Oklahoma and Texas will continue to pound on him at the line, rendering him largely ineffective unless he improves the physicality of his game.

In the end, Chase Daniel will depend upon Maclin to convert third downs, and he'll be crucial to making the Tigers tick.

The Verdict

Maclin, Harvin, Crabtree.  The top three receivers heading into 2008, each bringing their own special touch to the same critical position in the spread offense.  Each represents his role in stellar fashion, but adding it up the three guys play out like a three course meal.

The light, versatile Harvin serves up as an appetizer—a quality guy who is good by himself but is even better paired with a dynamic centerpiece, in this case Tim Tebow. 

In all his flashiness, Maclin serves as the dessert of this receiving feast.  He looks good, draws you in, but still leaves you wanting more, like third down receptions and big time catches in traffic.

Michael Crabtree is the entree of this ensemble.  Crabtree is the 32-ounce porterhouse of the college football world.  He's great with help, but the guy can get it done all by himself.

Crabtree is without a doubt the best of the best.  He's an elite receiver who, I feel, will respond admirably to the pressures placed upon him entering 2008.  His numbers may go down with the double and triple teams, but in the red zone expect Crabtree to come through as he did in 2007.

Mike Leach has a real player in Lubbock, and with Graham Harrell tossing the ball around, expect Michael Crabtree to repeat as the 2008 Biletnikoff winner—something receiving greats Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, and Larry Fitzgerald never did.

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