2008 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

2008 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings
Rivals.com

This year's wide receiver group is an above-average class with the addition of several juniors who are expected to be selected in the top 100 choices.
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POSITION GRADE B-
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Junior receivers Malcolm Kelly and DeSean Jackson may be the first two players selected at this position in the middle of the first round. There will be at least three No. 1 picks with prospects like Early Doucet, James Hardy and Earl Bennett hoping for strong performances at the NFL Combine.
This class lacks a prospect the caliber of Calvin Johnson from last year, but it is a deep class through the middle rounds. This group should supply 20+ starters to the NFL in time.


Wide Receiver Rankings

1. Malcolm Kelly, 6-4, 220, Oklahoma
This big, athletic prospect flashed playmaking ability over his career. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine in February.

2. DeSean Jackson, 5-11, 165, California
Jackson is an all-purpose playmaker. He can be an impact performer as a receiver or return specialist.

3. Early Doucet, 6-0, 210, LSU
This national championship winner had a good week at the Senior Bowl. A strong Combine showing will move him into the group of elite receivers in this class.

4. Mario Manningham, 5-11, 180, Michigan
Manningham has been a fine playmaker during his Big Ten career, and he is physically ready for the NFL game.

5. James Hardy, 6-6, 220, Indiana
Hardy is a huge receiver who was a force for the Hoosiers in the Big Ten. He has the physical skills to play in the NFL immediately.

6. Earl Bennett, 6-1, 202, Vanderbilt
This underclassman completed a tremendous career in the SEC. He looks to impress NFL personnel at the Combine.

7. Adarius Bowman, 6-3, 220, Oklahoma State
Bowman is a physically talented receiver. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine after an average performance at the Senior Bowl.

8. Limas Sweed, 6-4, 215, Texas
Sweed is a physical wideout who opted out of the Senior Bowl with a recurring wrist injury. The wrist injury may jeopardize his participation in the Combine.

9. Donnie Avery, 5-11, 185, Houston
This fast senior receiver has a chance to impress at the NFL Combine events. A nice showing could move him further up in this class.

10. Keenan Burton, 6-1, 205, Kentucky
Talented receiver/return specialist has shown big-play ability in both roles, but must prove that he has recovered from late-season knee problems to rank higher.

11. Devin Thomas, 6-1, 210, Michigan State
This fast junior receiver has come on nicely this season, showing big-play ability as both a receiver and returner.

12. DJ Hall, 6-2, 190, Alabama
Hall has good height, weight and speed. He is an athletic prospect who could have a big NFL Combine performance.

13. Andre Caldwell, 6-0, 205, Florida
Caldwell is an agile receiver who has sure hands and a good understanding of the passing game. His stock could climb further prior to the draft.

14. Marcus Smith, 6-1, 215, New Mexico
This fast, athletic senior has developed quickly at this position. He looks to complete his fast rise up the charts with a big NFL Combine workout.

15. Lavelle Hawkins, 5-11, 185, California
Hawkins is an explosive slot receiver who has developed nicely in the potent Cal passing game. He is one of the rising performers at this position after his big Senior Bowl effort.

16. Jordy Nelson, 6-2, 215, Kansas State
Nelson is former walk-on who developed into a big, agile receiver. He displayed good versatility and playmaking ability over his final season.

17. Davone Bess, 5-9, 180, Hawaii
18. Marcus Monk, 6-5, 220, Arkansas
19. Dorien Bryant, 5-10, 170, Purdue
20. Darius Reynaud, 5-9, 200, West Virginia
21. Harry Douglas, 5-11, 170, Louisville
22. Paul Hubbard, 6-4, 215, Wisconsin
23. Eddie Royal, 5-9, 185, Virginia Tech
24. Kevin Robinson, 6-0, 192, Utah State
25. Will Franklin, 6-1, 205, Missouri
26. Jerome Simpson, 6-2, 195, Coastal Carolina

[MDSteel15]

Here we are kinda screwed. I really like Doucet but I can't see him falling to us. Bowman has had off field drug issues and I don't know if we want to take that chance. Don't know much about Marcus Monk but he is tall. And I know everyone likes James Hardy but I don't trust any player from Illinois.

I could see us taking Davone Bess as a future Ward type player and Paul Hubbard would give Ben his "Tall" WR he wants. Another option is a guy we can look at as a free agent small school prospect in 6'5" 219 lb. Micah Rucker from Eastern Illinois.

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by MDSteel15

Here we are kinda screwed. I really like Doucet but I can't see him falling to us. Bowman has had off field drug issues and I don't know if we want to take that chance. Don't know much about Marcus Monk but he is tall. And I know everyone likes James Hardy but I don't trust any player from Illinois.

I could see us taking Davone Bess as a future Ward type player and Paul Hubbard would give Ben his "Tall" WR he wants. Another option is a guy we can look at as a free agent small school prospect in 6'5" 219 lb. Micah Rucker from Eastern Illinois.

Hardy and Monk reportedly run about a 4.60 ...Paul Hubbard on the other hand is projected to run between a 4.43 to 4.49. Reports on Limas Sweed are all over the board, anywhere from a 4.3 to 4.6...but if his speed in near 4.5 and he slips because of the wrist injury...we HAVE to take him. He is Steeler material...humble and hardworking.

[lilyoder6]

jordy nelson had a very good yr at k-state.. he will be a good slot wr.

[xXTheSteelKingsXx]

Does anyone know where Hardy is projected?

[Rhee Rhee]

Originally Posted by lamberts-lost-tooth

Hardy and Monk reportedly run about a 4.60 ...Paul Hubbard on the other hand is projected to run between a 4.43 to 4.49. Reports on Limas Sweed are all over the board, anywhere from a 4.3 to 4.6...but if his speed in near 4.5 and he slips because of the wrist injury...we HAVE to take him. He is Steeler material...humble and hardworking.

ur talking about in the second right?

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by xXTheSteelKingsXx

Does anyone know where Hardy is projected?

Late 1st to early 2nd.

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by Rhee Rhee

ur talking about in the second right?

At this point..until after the combine... its hard to say. If alot of the OT value falls and will be available in the 2nd round...and since their is apparantly little Guard value in the 1st round, then you have to go with best player in the first round.

[MDSteel15]

Originally Posted by lamberts-lost-tooth

At this point..until after the combine... its hard to say. If alot of the OT value falls and will be available in the 2nd round...and since their is apparantly little Guard value in the 1st round, then you have to go with best player in the first round.

There aren't any Gaurds rated to go in the 1st.

[Lord Stiller]

If Hardy is still there with our 2nd rd pick, take him!