NFL Draft 2011: 5 Speedy WRs Perfect for Jay Cutler Bombs
It's no secret that the Bears need a number one wideout. Though the receiving corps features a wealth of raw speed, inadequate size, poor route-running and lack of separation skills necessitate adding a truly elite playmaker at the position. By doing so, the Bears could move Johnny Knox into the number two (a position where he actually could be among the best in the league as opposed to one of the worst), put Earl Bennett in the slot where he belongs and allow Devin Hester to focus predominantly on returns.
These moves, however, will be dependent upon the Bears ability to acquire a consistent primary receiver through the draft. Because the Bears don't draft until the 29th overall pick and will likely use that selection on a different position, I'm going to look at some deeper picks who may yet possess the ability to emerge as number one NFL receivers.
1) Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh)
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This massive receiver from Pittsburgh is bigger than Andre Johnson (6'5", 228 lbs.) and has a bigger vertical than Derrick Rose (42"). His 4.49 40-yard dash time isn't spectacular, but strong for a receiver his size. He caught 110 passes for 1,933 yards and 13 touchdowns over his last two years.
The major knock on Baldwin is his attitude, which many consider detrimental. This fault was punctuated by a misdemeanor assault arrest in 2009. He's only 21, though, and if the Bears coaching staff could get his best effort out of him, he could be a superstar.
2) Greg Little (North Carolina)
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Another big guy who is still fast for his size, Little set the NFL Combine receiver, uh, benchmark in the bench press with 27 lifts. While his college resume is not as gaudy as some of the other receivers in the draft (86 receptions, 969 yards, six touchdowns), his athletic ability, combined with toughness and durability (he never missed a game due to injury), makes him a top 10 prospect at the position.
3) Leonard Hankerson (Miami FL)
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Posted the fifth-best 40-time among wideouts at the combine, Hankerson is a vertical threat with long arms, big hands and a decent vertical leap. He made great strides in his game between 2009 and 2010 (27 more catches, 355 more yards and seven more touchdowns), owing to a great work ethic. He is a receiver more in the mold of Knox than the previous guys, but at 1.5 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier, he has an upside that Knox may not.
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4) Aldrick Robinson (Southern Methodist)
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Robinson was sixth in the nation last year, averaging 20 yards per catch on his 65 receptions and finished fourth in 40-yard dash time (just .04 seconds off the pace). As opposed to Hankerson, Robinson's speed is better utilized after the catch, as he has shown the ability to make people miss while moving down field.
The major knock on Robinson is his size (5'10", 184) and ability to beat corners in press coverage. But he is willing to go over the middle and puts forth good effort as a blocker.
5) Terrence Toliver (LSU)
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A tall receiver with good speed, Toliver is more of an athletic prospect than a finely honed receiver. He has the ability to get behind coverage and has good hands. He's better at running longer-developing, straight line routes of the type you will often see in a Mike Martz offense and has a knack for catching deep passes.
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.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
