5 Big Ten Wide Receivers Who Could Make an Impact in the NFL

The Big Ten isn’t really known as a passing conference.

While the Big 12, Pac-12 and other conferences feature spread offenses with five wide receiver sets and quick passes under the middle, most Big Ten schools opt for a more traditional offense based on running the football. It's power football, and the Big 10 does it well.

Despite that stigma, there are plenty of decent wide receivers in the conference that will make a positive impact in the NFL and should be selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at the top five wide receivers in the Big Ten and how they might fare in the NFL.

1. Nick Toon, Wisconsin

2011 stats: 25 catches, 6 TD, 447 yards

Toon is a 6’2”, 220-pound player. So, he’s not going to be a huge target for NFL quarterbacks.

He’s going to have to make his living as a possession receiver, since he’s not the fastest guy on the field either.

But, he’s a physical, strong player who will find a place at the next level.

He’s not going to win a ton of jump balls, but he knows how to find the end zone, as evidenced by his six touchdown catches through four games this season.

Projected Draft Position: 3rd Round

2. A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

2011 stats: 40 catches, 5 TD, 633 yards

Jenkins has been rising up draft boards due to his strong start to the 2011 college football season.

He’s the only legitimate receiver on the Illinois roster, yet he still burns opposing defenses on a weekly basis.

He’s pretty small (6’0”, 190 lbs.), but he’s quick. He looks like he could be a pretty good slot receiver at the next level. 

Projected Draft Position: 5th Round

3. B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State

2011 stats: 38 catches, 2 TD, 582 yards

Cunningham has been making Kirk Cousins look like a good quarterback for years.

He’s not the biggest wide receiver in the draft (6’2”, 216 lbs.), but he knows how to get open, a priceless commodity at the next level. Just look at Wes Welker. What the Patriots' star receiver lacks in God-given talent, he makes up for with savvy routes and sure hands.

He can be a good sideline receiver in the NFL if he goes to the right team.

Projected Draft Position: 6th Round

4. Marvin McNutt, Iowa

2011 stats: 25 catches, 4 TD, 413 yards

McNutt is 6’2” and weighs 215 pounds. He’s pretty speedy and athletic.

He could be a deep threat in the NFL. He’s also very consistent.

He has more than 100 receptions at Iowa so far, and should finish in the top 10 in school history in a lot of receiving categories.

Projected Draft Position: 5th Round

5. Derek Moye, Penn State

2011 stats: 26 catches, 3 TD, 443 yards

Moye is the biggest receiver on this list. He’s 6’4” tall and weighs 210 pounds.

He’ll need to bulk up a bit to be effective in the NFL, but that’s a fixable problem.

He’s also been dropping more passes than usual this year, but has been better as of late.

Keep an eye on how he finishes the year, but he should be a late round draft pick in April.

Projected Draft Position: 6th Round