2012 NFL Draft: Tracking Landing Spots for Top 25 WR

The next wave of wide receivers is ready to make its marks on the NFL, starting with the 2012 NFL Draft.

Most of these wideouts showed flashes of talent at some point in their NCAA careers and others performed well in certain aspects at the NFL Scouting Combine or at their respective Pro Days. Nevertheless, only the cream of the crop are sure bets to be contributors and even some of them will inevitably flop.

Where they land will mean a great deal to how their NFL careers start out—as well as pan out.

One last thing, the rankings come from Matt Miller, Bleacher Report's tireless NFL Draft lead writer. So they are obviously beyond reproach.

With that in mind, here are where the Top 25 wide receivers landed.

WR No. 16: Chris Owusu, Stanford

Player: Chris Owusu

School: Stanford

Pro Comparison: Anthony Gonzalez

Stanford's Chris Owusu has the physical tools to succeed once selected in the NFL Draft.

His best season statistically at Stanford was as a sophomore, with 682 yards and five touchdowns as well as three more TDs on kick returns. Don't be fooled, however, by his lower numbers the next two years.

Quarterback Andrew Luck began developing in Owusu's junior and senior years, flattening the receiver's stats. Luck started spreading his passes around, with six receivers tallying 300-plus yards in 2011.

But Owusu tied for best in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. More impressively, he ranked in the top 10 of each major category.

In other words Owusu is fast, quick, strong and can jump.

WR No. 23: Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

Player: Jeff Fuller

School: Texas A&M

Pro Comparison: Roy Williams

Jeff Fuller is on the NFL Draft board as a wideout, and he might move positions in more ways than one.

Certainly he will move around on the board itself, but he also might switch to tight end.

Fuller's Texas A&M Pro Day results suggest he's not the fastest receiver out there. Which led to the idea that the 6'4" wideout could put on weight and become a TE.

Either way, he can snag balls. Fuller was the first Aggie in the school's 108-year history to reach 1,000 yards.

WR No. 24: Dwight Jones, North Carolina

Player: Dwight Jones

School: North Carolina

Pro Comparison: Ramses Barden

Dwight Jones played consistently as a junior at North Carolina, and hopes to do the same for the team which picks him in the NFL Draft.

Jones neared 100 yards in every contest but one last year, totaling 1,196 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Jones recently dealt with a situation that almost made him miss North Carolina's bowl game, and it did force him to hold his own personal Pro Day.

But in a world of problematic receivers, Jones transgression was tiny. He, however, is not, standing 6'4"and tipping the scales at 225 lbs.

WR No. 3: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State: Jaguars Round 1 (5)

Player: Justin Blackmon

School: Oklahoma State

Pro Comparison: Hakeem Nicks 

Justin Blackmon showed in college that he can rip defenses apart, a talent that's an asset going into the NFL Draft. 

For the last two years, Blackmon has been a beast. In that time he's totaled 3,304 yards and 38 touchdowns on 232 receptions.

Most telling of his skills is the 10.8 yards per reception caught at or behind the line of scrimmage Blackmon posted as a sophomore.

WR No. 2: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame: Cardinals Round 1 (13)

Player: Michael Floyd

School: Notre Dame

Pro Comparison: Greg Jennings

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd ranks as the second best wide receiver on Matt Miller's NFL Draft board.

Floyd improved his yardage total each season at Notre Dame, topping out at 1,147 yards.

His stock has soared upward after a 40-yard dash time of 4.42. His 6'4" frame is ideal for snagging passes, too.

WR No. 4: Kendall Wright, Baylor: Titans Round 1 (20)

Player: Kendall Wright

School: Baylor

Pro Comparison: Percy Harvin

Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright has developed over time to become a top NFL Draft prospect.

Wright broke out as a senior, grabbing 108 receptions for 1,663 yards and 14 touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Robert Griffin III was palpable.

The senior also showed he can come up with the big play in a big game with his 87-yard touchdown which came on a deflection. That grit bodes well for his NFL career.  

WR No. 15: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois: 49ers Round 1 (30)

Player: A.J. Jenkins

School: Illinois

Pro Comparison: Jeremy Maclin

The speed A.J. Jenkins brings could translate to several roles for the team that picks him in the NFL Draft.

The wide receiver caught 167 passes in his career at Illinois and returned 38 kicks. His senior year was highlighted by a 12-catch performance for 268 yards and three touchdowns plus four kick returns.  

Jenkins himself touts his own versatility, while scouts have touted his third-best 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine (4.39).

WR No. 9: Brian Quick, Appalachian State: Rams Round 2 (33)

Player: Brian Quick

School: Appalachian State

Pro Comparison: Vincent Jackson

Though he's little-known, Brian Quick of Appalachian State has skills and experience to offer in the NFL Draft. 

As a senior, the wideout accounted for more than half of the quarterback's production (1,096 of 2,001 yards). Quick was a stable receiver for the Mountaineers over the past four years, pulling in 202 grabs for 3,418 yards and 31 touchdowns.

He also knows how to win—the team went 40-13 in his time there.

WR No. 5: Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech: Round 2 (43)

Player: Stephen Hill

School: Georgia Tech

Pro Comparison: Dez Bryant

The physical presence of Stephen Hill makes him a prime target on the NFL Draft board.

Hill's 6'5" frame allows him to see over defensive backs, and reach up to grab jump balls. Furthermore, he tied for tops in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine (4.36).

His 29.3 yard average on receptions shows Hill's ability to snag the long ball, whether in traffic above the defender or out deep past the defender.

You can't teach size or speed, and Hill has both. NFL coaches will look to add more to his repertoire.

WR No. 1: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina: Round 2 (45)

Player: Alshon Jeffery

School: South Carolina

Pro Comparison: Andre Johnson

The sticky hands of Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina put him high on the NFL Draft board.

As a sophomore Jeffery caught 88 passes for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns, impressively dropping just one pass. Due in large part to that success, opponents added coverage in Jeffery's junior season. This made it tougher for him in 2011 as did the quarterback change which occurred.

He'll get a chance at single-coverage and teammate consistency in the NFL.

WR No. 25: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: Lions Round 2 (54)

Player: Ryan Broyles

School: Oklahoma

Pro Comparison: Emmanuel Sanders

Ryan Broyles is dealing with doubts about his recovery from an injury, and will be hoping for a higher spot in the NFL Draft.

The Oklahoma wide receiver suffered season-ending knee injury in November.

Unfortunately, that killed the chance that Broyles, already the FBS all-time receptions leader, had at breaking the FBS all-time receiving yards record.

But his Pro Day results (including a 40-yard dash time of 4.57), suggest he's nearing full strength.

WR No. 6: Rueben Randle, LSU: Giants Round 2 (63)

Player: Rueben Randle

School: LSU

Pro Comparison: Robert Meachem

Rueben Randle has a desire for greatness and the skills to accomplish it for the team that selects him in the NFL Draft.

"I want to make the biggest impact that I can," Randle said before the BCS Championship game against Alabama. "I want to be the guy that makes those plays."

Randle competed in the tough SEC where the passing game isn't a main focus. He led the conference in yards with 629 during SEC contests last season.

He also has good size, at 6'4".

WR No. 7: Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers: Bengals Round 3 (83)

Player: Mohamed Sanu

School: Rutgers

Pro Comparison: Malcom Floyd

Mohamed Sanu showed both talent and intangibles at Rutgers that prove his worth on the NFL Draft board.

Sanu snagged a Big East-record 115 receptions last season. The junior helped carry the Rutgers offense, as 69 of those catches went for first downs.

Beside putting a team on his shoulders, Sanu proved he was unafraid to go over the middle or assist in blocking duties.

He may have had a 40-yard dash time (4.67) near the bottom of the receivers list, but Sanu brings mental assets that other wideouts lack.

WR No. 19: T.Y. Hilton, Florida International: Colts Round 3 (92)

Player: T.Y. Hilton

School: Florida International

Pro Comparison: Devone Best

T.Y. Hilton has been a steady force at Florida International, and will try to be the same at the next level once he's picked in the NFL Draft.

Hilton gathered more than 1,000 yards in his freshman and senior years, and handled kick returns throughout his college career.

He owns the Sun Belt record for career receiving yards (3,531) and kick return yards (2,855).

However. Hilton's hands are iffy, judging from his 12 career fumbles.

WR No. 8: Chris Givens, Wake Forest: Rams Round 4 (96)

Player: Chris Givens

School: Wake Forest

Pro comparison: Malcom Floyd

Chris Givens flew by defenders last year for Wake Forest, and he'll do the same this year for the team that selects him in the NFL Draft.

Known for his electric speed, Givens led the ACC in yards as a junior with 1,330.

He clocked a 40-yard dash of 4.41 at the NFL Combine, which is why he also returned 40 kicks as a Demon Deacon. That's a skill which could transfer to the League.

WR No. 17: Devon Wylie, Fresno State: Chiefs Round 4 (107)

Player: Devon Wylie

School: Fresno State

Pro Comparison: Johnny Knox

Devon Wylie will likely be a quality returner at the pro level, which helps his stock in the NFL Draft.

Tied for fastest at the NFL Combine's 40-yard dash (4.36), Wylie can explode past defenders. He showed that on a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown against Nebraska, his first of two on the season.

Wylie also can catch, as he did 13 times (for 149 yards) against Louisiana State and 56 times on the year.

WR No. 12: Joe Adams, Arkansas: Panthers Round 4 (104)

Player: Joe Adams

School: Arkansas

Pro Comparison: Az-Zahir Hakim

Joe Adams is one of the most explosive playmakers available in the NFL Draft.  

The Arkansas wide receiver's most impressive ability is returning punts (four touchdowns last season). Particularly the 60-yarder he pulled off against Tennessee, avoiding four different sure tackles.

Adams also has been a stable receiver for the Razorbacks, accumulating 164 receptions including 17 touchdowns over the past four years.

WR No. 14: Jarius Wright, Arkansas: Vikings Round 4 (118)

Player: Jarius Wright

School: Arkansas

Pro Comparison: Victor Cruz

Jarius Wright stood out at Arkansas while playing with a stable of capable wideouts, aiding his stock in the NFL Draft.

Though he's small (5'10, 182 lbs.), Wright led the SEC in yards last season with 1,117. He also matched the touchdown tally of his first three years combined with 12 as a senior.

Both numbers were supremely helped by his 281-yard, two touchdown performance against Texas A&M, the second-best ever by an SEC receiver.

WR No. 11: Nick Toon, Wisconsin: Saints Round 4 (122)

Player: Nick Toon

School: Wisconsin

Pro Comparison: Hakeem Nicks

After a solid first three seasons, Nick Toon showed in his senior year at Wisconsin that he'll be a valuable pick in the NFL Draft.

Toon became a much more threatening red-zone threat last season. He snagged 10 touchdowns, with several two-touchdown games—including a seven-catch, 155-yard showing.

The 6'2" receiver showed decent speed (4.54 40-yard dash) and vertical jump (37.5 inches) at the NFL Combine.

WR No. 13: Greg Childs, Arkansas: Vikings Round 4 (134)

Player: Greg Childs

School: Arkansas

Pro Comparison: Braylon Edwards

Despite an injury-ruined senior year at Arkansas, Greg Childs is healthy again and ready to be selected in the NFL Draft.

Childs caught at least 45 passes in each of his sophomore and junior seasons, but his senior season ended with a knee injury in October. However, he showed at the Arkansas Pro Day that he's at full health.

Though his NFL Combine 40-yard dash time was just average (4.55), he clocked an impressive 4.41 at the Pro Day.

His speed and size (6'2") couple with sure hands to make Childs a daunting cover.

WR No. 10: Marvin Jones, California: Round 5 (166)

Player: Marvin Jones

School: California

Pro Comparison: Mike Wallace

Strong and speedy, California wide receiver Marvin Jones is sure to be a hidden gem in the NFL Draft.

Jones benched 22 reps, tied for the most of any receiver. Also, his 40-yard dash (4.46) was in the top tier of times. Finally, he returned 30 punts last year for the Golden Bears, a skill he can carry over to his new professional team.

WR No. 20: Juron Criner, Arizona: Raiders Round 5 (168)

Player: Juron Criner

School: Arizona

Pro Comparison: Dwayne Bowe

Though his senior year at Arizona wasn't huge, Juron Criner heads into the NFL Draft with serious potential for a long career. 

Criner hurt his stock at the NFL Combine, finishing near the back of the pack in the speed categories. However, he improved it at Arizona's Pro Day.

With a 6'5" frame and a 38" vertical leap, his days as an AAU basketball player showed on the field during his career at Arizona.

He disappeared after a 151-yard performance early in his senior season, before a resurgence that included four 100-plus-yard games in the final six.

WR No. 18: Marvin McNutt, Iowa: Eagles Round 6 (194)

Player: Marvin McNutt

School: Iowa

Pro Comparison: Kevin Walter

Marvin McNutt may be a steal in the NFL Draft if some teams don't see his value.

Converted from quarterback, McNutt's three years as a receiver at Iowa show he can use his physical talents to get on the field.

And perform well.

He is Iowa's record holder for yards and touchdowns in a season and career.

McNutt also knows how to be a primary target, accounting for nearly half of Iowa's passing game last season.

His yards and touchdowns as a senior were tops in the Big Ten. He also ranked in the top six for the conference at yards per catch for the past three seasons.

WR No. 21: Tommy Streeter, Miami (Fla.): Ravens Round 6 (198)

Player: Tommy Streeter

School: Miami (Fla.)

Pro Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Streeter played his way onto the field at Miami, and he should do the same once he's chosen in the NFL Draft.

The wide receiver improved from zero starts and just 42 yards in 2010 to seven starts and 811 yards in 2011.

Streeter ran a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which looks even better when coupled with his 6'5" frame.

WR No. 22: Rishard Matthews, Nevada: Dolphins Round 7 (227)

Player: Rishard Matthews

School: Nevada

Pro Comparison: Nate Burleson

Wide receiver Rishard Matthew could sneak up on NFL Draft boards, as he did on WAC opponents two years ago.

Upon transferring to Nevada, Matthews became Wolf Pack legend Colin Kaepernick's favorite target. Matthews led the team with 56 receptions for 879 yards.

Even after Kaepernick left for the San Francisco 49ers, Matthews topped all receivers with 1,364 yards on 91 catches.