2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Chris Givens and the Riskiest Mid-Round Receivers

In the pass-oriented movement that has taken over the NFL, an offense can never have too many reliable weapons.

Whether it's the use of three different running backs, two tight ends or as many as five receivers, manipulating defenses is what matters.

And in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft, the wide receiver position is arguably the deepest. However, a franchise must be careful, because the greater quantity to select from also increases the odds of a bust.

That said, here are some of the riskiest mid-round receivers to watch out for.

Chris Givens, Wake Forest

In 2009 and 2010, Chris Givens compiled 1,143 yards on 80 receptions and scored 12 touchdowns.

2011, though, was a completely different story.

There, Givens outdid his previous numbers with 1,330 yards on 83 receptions and nine touchdowns. Having a breakout season has moved Givens up the draft boards.

But, Givens was rather inconsistent in 2011, as he failed to produce at a high-level against the tougher competition.

Givens, if anything, has straight line speed to burn corners in man coverage, however, doesn't have the consistently reliable hands to go up and make plays. On slants and screens, Givens can contribute as his acceleration is impressive.

Still, Givens must get stronger to become a deep threat and playmaker over the middle. He's not going to draw double-teams in the NFL, so improving his reliability is key.

Dwight Jones, North Carolina

North Carolina's Dwight Jones had two solid seasons for the Tar Heels in 2010 and 2011. Combined, Jones collected 2,142 yards on 147 receptions and scored 16 touchdowns.

With great size and speed, Jones has fallen since the end of 2011 campaign because of poor displays at the Senior Bowl and combine.

Then, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, was forced to hold his own pro day off campus:

"

Jones was banned from UNC’s pro day for his involvement in a New Year’s Eve party in his hometown of Burlington.

"

Provided that Jones gets the right mindset to reach for his full potential, he can really make some noise in the NFL.

Unfortunately, Jones also hasn't been impressive in terms of effort and reliability.

Jones is not a viable target over the middle and sometimes is more concerned about the oncoming hit instead of trying to make a play. Despite his size and solid top speed, Jones isn't much of a run-blocker and fails to sell the pass when the offense it trying to set up the ground game.

There's a lot for a team to fix with Jones, but considering his natural ability, it's a high-risk, high-reward situation.

Tommy Streeter, Miami (Fla.)

One great aspect about Tommy Streeter's game is that he's 6'5" and has excellent speed to go deep at anytime.

However, he still has to prove consistency.

While with the Hurricanes from 2009-2011, Streeter compiled just 156 yards on six receptions in his first two seasons. 

Starting more and taking on a bigger role in 2011, Streeter caught 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns. Most certainly a solid season; but considering that he wasn't a full-time starter, Streeter should have remained at Miami to up his draft stock for 2013.

Additionally, Streeter lacks the fluidity to be a legit contributor as a rookie. He's not much more than a straight line deep threat and doesn't possess the explosion or acceleration against a corner in press coverage.

Streeter simply must get stronger and quicker to beat the more sound defenders at the line, otherwise, he'll never develop into an intimidating target.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)
2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)	25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	31. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)

John Rozum on Twitter.