Draft Preview, Ranking the players

[WVUFootball29]

Well it's draft time again and I've got the itch to do some writing so I decided to rank the top 5 players at each position in this years draft. We start out with running backs and wide receivers tonight.

 

RB

 

1. Ryan Matthews – Fresno

In my opinion the best every down back available in this draft, Matthews ended his career with 3280 yards and 39 TDs. He has good size and hits the hole with a good burst. However, he has had a history of minor injuries that have kept him off the field at various points in his collegiate career. Also lacks breakaway speed, but possesses adequate speed for an every down back.

 

2. CJ Spiller – Clemson

The anti-thesis to Matthews, Spiller is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He possesses great speed and elusiveness, and is active in the passing game. However, he does not have the typical size/bulk of an every down back and may be relegated to a Reggie Bush type role in the NFL.

 

3. Jahvid Best – Cal

Very similar to Spiller in his speed and elusiveness, however he is coming off a down year in college and has a history of getting banged up and missing time. He also lacks the size and strength teams covet in feature backs and would probably be a situational player in the NFL

 

4. Dexter McCluster – Ole Miss

2010 is the year of the scat back with another top RB prospect being an under-sized, speedy guy. McCluster’s stock has also dropped with a poor 40 time at the Combine. McCluster is also a skilled receiver and kick returner which adds to his value.

 

5. Ben Tate – Auburn

A lot of people forget about Ben Tate because he isn’t the flashiest of backs, but he is the second best every down back in the draft. Tate’s Combine numbers alone should have him ranked right up there with Spiller and Matthews, however, having split time most of his college career and enduring multiple offensive scheme changes at Auburn, he never had the chance to really put up the numbers he is capable of. Tate looks to be a real steal in the 3rd to 5th round range for a team needing a strong back.

 

WR

 

1. Dez Bryant – Oklahoma State

Even after missing the final 10 games of the 2009 season due to lying to an NCAA investigator, Bryant is still the top WR prospect in the draft. A big target with 4.5 speed, Bryant posted 19 TDs and nearly 1500 yards in 2008. Very durable athlete who makes plays, Bryant will make any QB a happy man in a few weeks. However, there are still lingering questions about his maturity and work ethic, and he will need to become a better route runner to succeed in the NFL.

 

2. Demaryius Thomas – Georgia Tech

Another big target WR, Thomas has the edge in speed over Bryant. More of a straight line runner who blows by his coverage, Thomas will also have to focus on improving his route running. A foot injury at the Combine has forced Thomas into a late pro day of April 18th, just 4 days before the draft. If he can so prototypical speed and better cuts on his routes, we might just see him pass Bryant as the first WR taken in 2010.

 

3. Arrelious Benn – Illinois

Benn is the prototypical WR prospect that scouts and coaches look for. Fair size and good speed, Benn not only contributes on offense, but as a return man as well. Sub 4.5 speed and amazing hands, Benn reminds me of Eric Moulds. He’s still a bit raw with his routes and needs to work on getting separation, but should see plenty of time on offense and special teams his first season in the NFL.

 

4. Golden Tate – Notre Dame

Golden Tate is coming off his most productive year with nearly 1500 yards and 15 TDs for the Irish. A small, but strong receiver, Tate is probably one of the better route runners of the top WR prospects. However, he lacks elite top speed and it takes him a while to get to full speed. He’s not a consistent deep threat, but looks to make his living underneath coverage and coming out of breaks getting separation.

 

5. Damian Williams – USC

Good speed, great separation skills, and a solid route runner sum up Williams’ skills on the field. What most people don’t realize is that Williams is touted as the consummate team player and leader off the field. Durability is a concern with Williams has he has missed time with some serious shoulder injuries.