NFL Draft 2012: Predicting Landing Spots for Top WRs

Expect this NFL draft to be loaded with receivers and defensive linemen. This could lead to a run on both positions where teams jump at the chance to move up to address needs more readily than if there were not as much talent.

Along those lines, there could be as many as 10 defensive linemen/outside linebackers and six receivers who get their name called in the first round, proving that there are major deficiencies in those areas for teams wanting to make a splash and compete for a Lombardi Trophy next season.

The free agent market will have attractive players at both positions, but a young, promising receiver who can spread a secondary and become a target in the red zone will have general managers and scouts drooling over that kind of skill set.

These receivers should stand out and hear their name called by Roger Goodell in the first round of this year's NFL Draft.

St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon

I definitely think he goes to St. Louis, but I am not sold on him being the second selection in the draft.

There is a part of me that thinks the Rams trade down with Cleveland, where the Browns get a shot at Robert Griffin, III. But that is not proven yet. I also think there is a possibility that the team trades with Washington in the same scenario, but then at the sixth pick, it would be unlikely the Rams would have a shot at Blackmon.

Receivers taken this high are "special" with Irving Fryar and Calvin Johnson being two formidable choices in the top two slots.

Having a healthy Sam Bradford at quarterback and the running game of Steven Jackson and Cadillac Williams is just the start. If Blackmon comes aboard and the team re-signs Brandon Lloyd, that is a pretty good start to rebuilding a team on the offensive side of the ball.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

This is another team that can trade down, pick up some extra draft choices and still get someone like a Floyd in this draft.

Jacksonville's receiving corps was awful last season, and the 6'3" receiver offers a large target across the middle and in the end zone.

The Jaguars have receiving as their top priority this offseason and could pursue a few pass catchers in free agency as well as the draft. Having an offensive-minded coach in Mike Mularkey on board helps this team, and maybe someone like a Harry Douglas comes in to help with speed and spread the field.

New York Jets: Kendall Wright, Baylor

He is better than some think. Although he is smaller than most of these receivers in the first round, Wright is quick and can play in the slot or outside.

And one of the best things he has going for him is the fact he caught passes from Robert Griffin III at Baylor.

If the Jets move or release Santonio Holmes, look for someone like Wright to be part of the team's plans to rebuild on the outside to give Mark Sanchez another speedy threat.

San Diego Chargers: Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

Personally I like this guy. Sanu is 6'2" and 215 pounds and may not have faced the type of competition as others in the first round, but he has average speed (4.57) and can be a nice target over the middle and fight with defensive backs in the end zone.

The Chargers are almost certain to lose Vincent Jackson in free agency. Philip Rivers will need another tall target to throw to.

Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Jeffery and the Windy City seem like a match made in NFL eternity.

He is 6'4" and thick and can out jump defenders in the red zone or end zone. I am not sold on this idea that he is not as good as he was advertised last season.

The SEC is the best at producing talent. The Combine and his Pro Day in Columbia will prove his is still one of the best at his position.

The Bears have needed receivers for years, and now is a start to making that happen.

New England Patriots: Brian Quick, Appalachian State

You know for the next two months, the receivers on the Patriots are going to be scrutinized like never before.

For that reason, and the fact some team could sign Wes Welker in free agency, don't be surprised if New England finds a receiver at the end of the first round.

Quick is a nice addition to this team and fits the smaller college draft choice or the player the team may draft higher than most other teams would take a chance on him.

Quick also can be an asset in the return game and in the slot.

Another weapon for Tom Brady.