2011 NFL Draft: Five Potential Sleepers at The Wide Receiver Position

Every year there seems to be a rookie wide receiver or two who really exceeds expectations.  Mike Williams looked very impressive in Tampa Bay this past season, despite not being a high draft pick.

I expect this year to be no different, as there are a few mid to late round receiver prospects who people shouldn’t underestimate once the 2011 season starts. 

One thing that I noticed when taking a look at these five receivers is that they all possess very good hands, something that I consider to be of utmost importance when you are talking about wide receivers.

So here is my list of five mid to late round wide receiver prospects who I expect to make a bigger impact in the NFL than what their draft status would suggest.

WR Vincent Brown, San Diego State

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Vincent Brown #80 of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrates after his first touchdown of the game, on a ten yard reception in the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Qualcomm Stadium on November 20, 2010 in San Di

Brown really increased his stock at the Senior Bowl.  Brown displayed very soft hands, and he is an excellent route runner.  He is a very solid run blocker, and his speed can be a great asset for any team.

He doesn’t have great height, and he has some injury concerns, but he does all of the little things right.

Brown has had a very impressive offseason thus far and has really improved his stock.  He looks like he will be a very good slot receiver in the NFL.  I expect him to contribute as a number two or three option in his rookie season, and I think he will end up being one of the top steals of this draft if he’s drafted in round three or four.

2010 Stats: 1,352 Receiving yards, 10 TD’s, 19.6 Yards per catch

Draft Projection: Third Round- Fourth Round

WR Greg Salas, Hawaii

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HONOLULU - SEPTEMBER 2: Greg Salas of the University of Hawaii Warriors runs the ball during second half action at Aloha Stadium September 2, 2010 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Salas is another receiver who has very good hands, and has great route running ability.  He has the ability to separate from defenders, and he isn’t afraid to go over the middle, even if it means he’s going to take a big hit.

Salas doesn’t have great speed, and he really doesn’t offer much as a run blocker due to his lack of strength.

Salas is another receiver who will probably never be a number one option, but I think that he will become a very good number two receiver in the NFL.  His hands are very good, which may just be the most important trait that a receiver can have.  He will most likely get a chance to contribute next season as a third option, but I think he will put up pretty good numbers.

2010 Stats: 1,889 Receiving yards, 14 TD’s, 15.9 Yards per catch

Draft Projection: Fourth Round- Sixth Round

WR Niles Paul, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Niles Paul #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers finishes off a reception against the Kansas Jayhawks during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Kansas 20-3. (Photo by Eric Franc

Paul didn’t put up great numbers at Nebraska because of their offensive scheme, but he has a lot of upside.  He has pretty good hands and he has very good strength for his size.  He isn’t afraid to go over the middle, and he looked like one of the best blocking wide receivers in the draft.

While he has good hands, he doesn’t secure the ball well after the catch, which leads to a lot of fumbles.  He has been fairly inconsistent throughout his college career.

Paul should make a very good possession receiver who can make the tough catches over the middle.  He has the ability to return punts, and he should be a very good player on special teams.  I think he’ll make an impact in many facets of the game as a rookie in 2011, which should lead to him being drafted earlier than some people are projecting him to be.

2010 Stats: 516 Receiving yards, One TD, 13.2 Yards per catch

Draft Projection: Third Round- Fifth Round

WR Jeff Maehl, Oregon

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Jeff Maehl #23 of the Oregon Ducks catches a two-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth quarter against Zac Etheridge #4 of the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoe

Maehl is the third receiver on this list who won’t blow you away with his physical skills, but he has the intangibles to succeed.  He is a very good route runner who catches everything thrown his way.  He has nice body control, allowing him to get separation from the defender.  He is a very good blocker, despite his thin frame.

His thin frame is a concern, and I think he needs to add at least 10-15 pounds.  He doesn’t have explosive speed, as he will not blow past any defender.

Maehl isn’t a physically imposing threat as a receiver, but he has great hands and he isn’t afraid to go over the middle.  I think he has the potential to be a very good number two option in time, but he will need to add some more bulk before that happens.  He really looked good in the national championship game, and I think he can contribute as a number three or four option in his rookie season before working his way up the depth chart in time.

2010 Stats: 1,076 Receiving yards, 12 TD’s, 14.0 Yards per catch

Draft Projection: Fifth Round- Sixth Round

WR DeAndre Brown, Southern Mississippi

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 20: DeAndre Brown #5 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles catches a pass for a two point conversion over Marcus Udell #3 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on Dece

Brown has outstanding size at six foot six and 240 pounds, to go along with breakaway speed.  He possesses very good hands to haul in the difficult catch, and he has great body control and leaping ability.  He may be the most physically impressive receiver in the draft.

Brown has great physical tools, but there is a reason why he isn’t very highly rated.  He has some character concerns, as he whines and argues with coaches and teammates if he doesn’t get the ball.  He’s also got some durability concerns, missing multiple games in two of his three seasons.

Brown is a boom or bust prospect who has everything you look for in a number one receiver.  If he can get his act together and improve his attitude, the sky is the limit for him.  He’s the type of player who could end up being a pro bowl player, or he may not ever play a down in the NFL if his attitude doesn’t improve.

2010 Stats: 305 Receiving yards, Three TD’s, 15.3 Yards per catch

Draft Projection: Fourth Round- Sixth Round