NFL Draft Preview: Top Ten Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

This year's crop of ball catchers is deep in impact players with size and speed. Seven or eight wide receivers and tight ends could go in the first round come April, with return skills playing a key role in the draft-board battle among the wideouts.

1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech

An impact player who will contribute immediately. His size and speed make Johnson the top prospect in this draft.

2. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio State

Return skills alone may make him a top-ten pick. Ginn has the sort of speed and agility that put fear into the hearts of opposing defenders. He needs to become more polished as a wide receiver, but his big-play ability will help him compensate.

3. Dwayne Jarrett, USC

A mammoth receiver with good hands. His speed is questionable, but he runs good routes and is excellent at using his large frame to screen off defenders.

4. Sidney Rice, South Carolina

One of a group of big, fast wide receivers in the year's draft. At 6'4" and running a sub-4.5 40, Rice has number-one-receiver skills.

5. Robert Meachem, Tennessee

Similar in size and speed to Rice. Meachem had a big year in the SEC, putting up some of the best numbers in the nation in all receiving categories.

6. Dwayne Bowe, LSU

Another big and strong receiver from the SEC. Bowe is an excellent leaper with reliable hands.

7. Zach Miller, Arizona

Miller is head and shoulders ahead of the rest of this year's tight end class. Excellent size (6'5", 257 pounds) and speed (4.65 seconds in the 40) for his position.

8. Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State

Excelled as Ginn's sidekick in Columbus. Gonzales will catch the eye of any pro team looking for a proven producer.

9. Jason Hill, Washington State

The career reception leader at a pass-happy school, Hill has good size and speed for a number-two receiver.

10. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina

A good week at the Senior Bowl left Allison's name on the lips of NFL scouts and GMs. Good player from a small school who could sneak his way up the board.