Best Scheme Fits for Draft's Top Wide Receivers
The 2016 NFL draft is just under one month away from kicking off. The mega-event of the offseason allows each franchise to inject considerable talent into its roster. Those teams that draft well can reshape their outlooks for the next few seasons.
Acquiring the most talented players is important, but it’s not the only factor that leads to success. Finding the right scheme fits for an offensive or defensive system helps maximize player production. This is especially true for wide receivers.
This class of receivers is deep and offers a number of unique talents. We’ve identified the best scheme for eight receivers who are projected to be first- or second-round picks by CBSSports.com. We’ll tell you exactly what situation they fit and why it’s best for their skill sets.
Josh Doctson, WR, TCU: Vertical Offense
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The most impressive receiver based on 2015 tape was TCU playmaker Josh Doctson. The 6’2”, 202-pound receiver amassed 78 receptions, 1,326 yards and 14 touchdowns in only 10 games this past season. His rise to the top of the receiver class is not an indictment of anyone else’s talent, rather just how dominant Doctson proved to be.
Doctson’s on-field relationship with quarterback Trevone Boykin was similar to how Johnny Manziel benefited from receiver Mike Evans when that duo was at Texas A&M. Boykin had the luxury to lob high-arcing passes in the general vicinity of Doctson and have confidence his man would make the play. Doctson often delivered, even when the pass was well out of his way.
He continued his ascent into the upper echelon of this class at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. Doctson posted elite measurements, including a 41-inch vertical jump and 6.84-second three-cone time. His ability to leap out of the gym and gain separation quickly pegs him as an excellent fit in a vertical offense.
His ability to gain chunk yards on deep routes is not just due to immense physical gifts. Doctson has a unique ability to track the football midair and adjust as it nears. His high-pointing ability is second to none in this class. Putting him in a vertical offense ensures he’ll see more opportunities to produce in contested catch situations.
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss: West Coast Offense
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At 6’2”, 221 pounds, Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell is the densest player at his position projected to be selected in the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL draft. Treadwell uses his size and strength to his advantage to own the catch point against smaller cornerbacks. He plays like a power forward in the NBA does when boxing out for rebounds.
Treadwell’s 4.65 40-yard dash at his pro day wasn’t ideal, but it doesn’t lower the value he’ll have for a West Coast offense. While he won’t outrun many cornerbacks in a straight line, Treadwell is a masterful route-runner who relies on quickness and strength as opposed to pure speed. Those traits translate well on short and intermediate routes.
Much in the mold of Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson, Treadwell can still finish at the catch point on vertical routes. He won’t be limited to just slants, digs and out routs. But those routes will help open double moves for him to gain more space downfield.
Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State: Balanced Offense
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The 2015 Ohio State Buckeyes offense dipped in passing efficiency and effectiveness after losing offensive coordinator Tom Herman to the University of Houston. Quarterbacks Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett failed to rekindle the spark they found the previous year as the system changed. The Buckeyes receivers suffered from their drop-off, including Michael Thomas.
Thomas is possibly the most gifted and naturally talented receiver in the 2016 NFL draft class. His 6’3”, 212-pound frame provides a massive catch radius for quarterbacks to target. It’s unusual for players his size to svetly change directions, but Thomas exhibited excellent footwork as a route-runner. He produced big plays against top competition throughout his career thanks to his quick feet and open-field running ability.
After producing a touchdown every 6.2 receptions in college, Thomas is right with Josh Doctson and Laquon Treadwell as a top receiver prospect. His combine performance was solid considering his size, ranking in the top 30 percent in key categories for receivers since 1999, per Mock Draftable.
Considering Thomas’ polished running routes and ability to go over the top on defenses, he can play in either a West Coast or vertical offense. Ohio State didn’t feed Thomas in great volume, but the Buckeyes did expose him to multiple schemes in his two seasons starting. That experience will pay off in the NFL.
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Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor: Balanced Offense
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Standing 5'11" and just 194 pounds, Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman is one of the most unique prospects in the 2016 NFL draft class. He’s an elite athlete who can leave a handful of defenders in his wake as he jump-cuts around the field. His start-and-stop ability is in a class of its own.
Coleman played in a vertical Baylor offense that simplified responsibilities for receivers and quarterbacks alike. Nevertheless, Coleman has tremendous foot control and precision, which gives promise he can develop into a top-tier route-runner in the future. Putting him in a balanced offense would allow him to utilize his 4.37 speed while still capitalizing on his ability to create yards after the catch.
Even with his immense speed, Coleman is quicker than fast. He wins early in his routes and after the catch, so elements of a West Coast offense can help take advantage of his skill set. A vertical offense would likely want Coleman in the slot to maximize space.
His eye-popping combination of production and athleticism is a rare blend. As Coleman carved defenses up for 3,009 yards and 33 touchdowns throughout his career, he showed promise as a terrific playmaker. His scheme independence is just another positive selling point.
Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame: Vertical Offense
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Looking for pure speed? If so, then Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller is the ideal fit for a vertical role. He’s the ideal role player because of his immense speed, which led to a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The 6’0”, 186-pounder created 29 touchdowns over the last two years as he sped past defensive backs with ease. He’s an instant injection of big-play ability as an outside playmaker. His niche role is not easy to find, and only a small handful of current NFL receivers are legitimate deep threats every play.
The negative on Fuller is his propensity to drop the ball. According to Pro Football Focus, Fuller dropped 21 of 159 passes over the last two seasons. That will scare some away, but his ability to hit the home run is worth the occasional dropped pass.
Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma: Balanced Offense
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There are some small receivers who break the stereotype that exists simply because of stature. In 2015, the Seattle Seahawks found a gem in wide receiver Tyler Lockett. This year’s version of Lockett is Oklahoma’s Sterling Shepard.
Shepard stands just 5’10” and 194 pounds, which usually describes a speedy downfield threat who struggles with toughness in the middle of the field. That’s far from reality in regard to Shepard. His four-year career provided ample examples of a great route-runner who can win underneath or downfield despite his limited size.
His combine performance was equally as impressive as his tape. His 4.48 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical and 123-inch broad jump all properly highlight his terrific lower-body explosiveness. He is fast enough to pull away from defenders or compete on jump balls since he can outleap cornerbacks.
A balanced offense will allow him to mix deep routes with quick-hitting passes to accentuate his unique build. His aggressiveness and “my-ball” mindset will reward the team that allows Shepard to be more than what his height and weight may lead to believe.
Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State: Vertical Offense
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Braxton Miller’s illustrious career at Ohio State provided many jaw-dropping moments that defied what we thought was possible. He was almost always the best pure athlete on the field, whether he aligned at quarterback, running back or receiver. He finished his time in Columbus, Ohio, as a legitimate NFL receiver prospect despite spending one season at the position.
Even though Miller had only 25 career receptions, the manner in which he produced those catches showed a natural pass-catcher. He made several diving plays to complete the catch process and bail out inaccurate throws from the quarterback. Then he dominated the 2016 Senior Bowl in front of all 32 teams and media alike, further showing his legitimacy at the position.
Miller’s extremely dangerous once the ball is in his hands. He can make defenders miss with an arsenal of moves, including a nasty spin or quick juke as if he were already in Madden 17. It’s made possible thanks to his rare athleticism, field vision and incredible balance.
His 2016 NFL Scouting Combine performance assured his on-field play wasn’t a mirage. He dominated drills testing for short-area burst, and his 4.50 40-yard dash is certainly respectable. His ability to thrive in space would fit perfectly in a vertical offense that takes advantage of Miller’s talent in one-on-one situations.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh: West Coast Offense
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Tyler Boyd often struggled to create downfield separation throughout his career, and this forced him to make difficult catches. His focus and reliable hands are major positives, even if his lack of speed and burst could limit his role in an offense.
His poor deep speed showed at the combine with a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, but more troubling was the lack of vertical or horizontal explosion. He is a poor athlete overall, and it showed on the field. According to Mock Draftable, his three-cone time was the only timed measurement ranked better than 50 percent of all combine receivers since 1999. That’s going to limit him at the next level.
In a West Coast offense, his toughness and strong hands will be relied upon more frequently than sheer athleticism. He can be highly productive in the right situation.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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