FanPost

The Perfect Draft: WR Prospects

WELCOME BACK TO THE PERFECT DRAFT!!!

How it works:

First I'm going to pick the seven positions I think we might look at: QB, RB, WR, TE, DT, ILB and of course O-Line (pretty much everything but LT is fair game in my opinion). This is in no particular order but I think we can all agree that these positions are pretty much the MAJOR upgrades to take our squad to the next level.

What I'm going to do is list all the players at a given position that were taken in the Draft Site Mock. Then I'm going to arrange my TOP 10 Value players. IMPORTANT: I'm not going to list the 10 best players available, I'm going to list the 10 best "values" in relation to where to they were taken in the mock draft. Get it? This way we can see where the good values are, and hopefully get a better understanding on where the dolphins might look to find the NEXT gem in the draft (or atleast we can hope). I'm going to do this to every key position, plus provide any solid Free Agents that may be available and my prediction on what we should do regarding each position. Finally, when we're all said and done, we should be in a position to take all the best valued players and put together THE PERFECT DRAFT.

So stick around! I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LEARN SOMETHING IF YOU READ IT!

Issue 1: QB's

Issue 2- RB's

Issue 3: WR's- After picking up one of the best in the game last off season, it is apparent that Brandon Marshall cannot revamp this offense alone. Although nobody missed Ted Ginn's stone hands, everyone can agree that his speed would have helped last year. We need a wideout opposite of Brandon Marshall to create separation, get good push off the line, and of course be able to stretch the field. Simply put, we need an explosive playmaker at WR that can flat out fly, and of course, be able to catch the rock.

Let's take a look at the 2011 Draft Class at Wide Receiver...

WR:

DraftSite Mock Player, Position, Pick Selected:

  1. A.J. Green, Georgia- 4
  2. Julio Jones, Alabama-10
  3. Torrey Smith, Maryland- 33
  4. Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt- 54
  5. Leonard Hankerson, Miami- 55
  6. Titus Young, Boise State- 58
  7. Jerrel Jernigan, Troy- 59
  8. Randall Cobb, Kentucky- 62
  9. Austin Pettis, Boise State- 65
  10. Tandon Doss, Indiana- 94
  11. Edmund Gates- Abelene Christian- 96
  12. Armon Binns, Cincinnati- 99
  13. Jeremy Kerley, TCU- 102
  14. Greg Little, UNC- 105
  15. Vincent Brown, San Diego State- 109
  16. Niles Paul, Nebraska- 117
  17. Darvin Adams, Auburn- 146
  18. Ronald Johnson, USC- 151
  19. Ricardo Lockette, Ft. Valley State- 159
  20. Terrance Tolliver, LSU- 167
  21. Dwayne Harris, East Carolina- 170
  22. Cecil Shorts III, Mount Union College- 177
  23. Denarius Moore, Tennessee- 183
  24. Greg Salas, Hawaii- 191
  25. Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State- 209
  26. Tori Gurley, South Carolina- 226
  27. Shaky Smithson, Utah- 240
  28. DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss- 245
  29. Aldrick Robinson, Southern Methodist- 253

29 Wide Receivers selected. Ronald Johnson Projected to Miami at Pick 151.
A.J. Green and Julio Jones are phenominal prospects and should crack the top 10. But don't look for either to end up in Miami's lap at pick 15. However, there are some very good players in the draft to look at, and a few mid-round studs that could instantly produce at the next level. Of course, Miami is looking for a wideout with top-end speed and separation off the line so these are the main qualities we will look at in terms of overall best value for Miami.
Here are the TOP 10 BEST values in the 2011 NFL Draft for WR's:


Best WR Value-

  • #10- Jonathan Baldwin, 4th WR taken, 55th Overall. 6'4, 228. 40-time: 4.50

Baldwin has freakish size and attributes and has enough speed to get behind defensive backs and quickly locate the ball. Baldwin is very similar to Marshall however, like Marshall he is better suited catching balls over the middle and is great at YAC due to his size and strength. He can struggle against the elite CB's however, as shown by him not even being targeted in a game against the Hurricanes, when he went against CB Brandon Harris. Baldwin is quick for his size but has shown to look stiff and tight in the combine drills. Baldwin will probably go earlier than he should due to his stature, probably in the early second round. Although he could be good value to the team drafting him, don't look for it to be Miami, because he is too similar to Marshall and not quite the burner we are looking for.

  • #9- Ricardo Lockette, 19th WR taken, 159th Overall. 6'2, 211, 40-time: 4.37

Although Lockette tied for the fastest 40-time by a wideout in this year's combine, this small school project may be better suited on special teams than to instantly contribute as a starting wideout. Although his speed is inviting, Lockette runs sloppy routes and lacks explosion off the line. However, Lockette may be worth a flier in rounds 5-7, he has a great attitude and potential and his solid hands and deep speed could be just what the Dolphins have been looking for. Would you want Miami to take a shot at him?

  • #8- Cecil Shorts III, 22nd WR taken, 177th Overall. 6'0, 193, 40-time: 4.53

Although Shorts may not have ELITE size, speed and big-play ability, the guy was highly effective at Mount Union, going over 1,500 yards and snagging 17 TD's. You can knock him all you want for the lower competition school he played at, but Cecil is a silky smooth, reliable and intelligent receiver who could be the next Marques Colston- a small school guy who makes a big name for himself at the next level. Shorts has one of the coolest names in the draft, and although he is able to beat zones and he runs very good routes, he doesn't have the quick burst off the line and may lack the size to win battles downfield against a NFL secondary. However, Shorts has shown a fantastic leadership and work ethic and should go as a mid-round selection.

  • #7- Edmund Gates, 11th WR taken, 96th Overall. 6'0, 189, 40-time: 4.37

Another small school project, Gates put up good numbers at Abelene Christian and put a phenomenal combine and pro-day highlighted by the fastest 40-time of all the WR's (tied with Lockette). But despite Gates having one of the best Pro Days out there, there are a few things to consider. He's raw in terms of route-running and needs to improve his bulk, blocking, and football IQ. He also has had a few character concerns in the past, which is something to take a look at. However, with proper coaching Gates can improve and learn to run better routes and his upside would be a perfect #2 wide-receiver. But Is he worth a round 3-5 pick that he would probably cost?

  • #6- Randall Cobb, 8th WR taken, 62nd Overall. 5'10, 191, 40-time: 4.43

Cobb is this year's Dexter McCluster, an all-purpose player who is too small to be a back while lacking the speed or ball skills to be a #1 receiver. However, he has a ton of good qualities, including quickness that could intrigue quite a few teams. Cobb shows solid vision and plays his best in big moments, but isn't the most polished route runner and doesn't possess home-run threat ability as a wideout. Cobb may better serve as a slot receiver in the NFL which is not what we are looking for (your job is safe Devone). Cobb however could be an option at scat-back and is the HANDS-DOWN the best guy on this list to incorporate into the Wildcat. Miami may not find their burner, however may kill two birds with one stone by getting a servicable and flexible player to be a WR and a RB. Still, we have a few holes to pull the trigger on a luxury player like Cobb, and I personally wouldn't look at him before round 3.

  • #5- Torrey Smith, 3rd WR taken, 33rd Overall. 6'1, 204, 40-time: 4.40

Torrey Smith may have the best shot to be the BIG PLAY WR in the draft, but with talk of him sneaking into the 1st round, are teams reaching a bit? Torrey leads the top of the second tier WR's (behind Green and Jones) and has been thought to fall to the Patriots at 26, and his name has actually been thrown around as a possibility here in Miami at #15 if we are unable to move down. Although I do like Smith, #15 may be a bit early, considering he won't be handed a starting job here in Miami. Cue the pressure on him and the coaching staff as well, because he will likely be labeled as Ginn 2.0 after being drafted so high. Smith does have top-end speed and can develop into a starter, and although he shows great burst off the line he sometimes struggles with press coverage and is still working on making the over-the-shoulder catch on deep balls. He also has very tiny hands, or BK syndrome as I call it, and many teams may be weary of that. Overall, Smith shows alot to like about him: a hard-working leader who is a physical run blocker and has great speed and upside. He may be a bit too early for Miami at 15 (just because we have other holes to fill) but if we look to trade down, Torrey could be a Miami Dolphin, and has the afterburners that could truly help this offense to blossom.

  • #4- Tandon Doss, 10th WR taken, 94th Overall. 6'2, 201, 40-time: DNP

Tandon Doss could appear out of nowhere and be the ultimate sleeper pick in this year's draft. I had actually NEVER heard of him before I did my research where I found nothing but good things about him. Doss has all the tools and intangibles to be a starting WR and has polished route-running and elite burst off the line. He has the straight-line speed to go vertical AND the vision, awareness, and hands to track the football and make the catch. He's a hard-working mature player who can make catches over the middle and in a crowd. His only knack may be that he was unable to participate in the Combine and Pro Day due to a groin injury. He is projected to run a decent 40, and although he may not be an absolute burner, Doss has all the other intangibles, including elite burst to get open, and very well could be the steal of this year's draft.

  • #3- Leonard Hankerson, 5th WR taken, 55th Overall. 6'2, 209, 40-time: 4.45

I'll admit it, it wasn't until after the season that I wanted the Dolphins to look at Hankerson. I've always liked him, but I didn't think he was the prototype of that speedy #2 guy to line up next to Marshall. That was until he dominated the Senior Bowl catching balls from Christian Ponder (should we unite these two?) and went absolutely NUTS in the combine, including putting up an excellent 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash. "Hank" has the ability to make a spectacular catch but also drops a few easy ones (Chris Chambers or Brandon Marshall, anyone?). His route running has improved and he has put up good numbers despite shaky QB play at UM. Hankerson has the size and leaping ability to be a #1; his speed is more built-up than a quick accelerated burst, and because of his size this may get him tied up at the line. He may be drafted after Jonathan Baldwin, but although he's a few inches smaller, I feel Hankerson is far and away the better pick here. He may need some work with his hands and routes, but Hankerson has the upside of an Andre Johnson, which is about as good as you can ask for in the draft. This former Cane should fall somewhere in round 2, and although he may not be the quick burner we are looking for, Hankerson might be too good to pass up if he falls into our lap; the idea of him and Marshall on the field at once could be game over for secondaries.

  • #2- Jerrel Jernigan, 7th WR taken, 59th Overall. 5'9, 185, 40-time: 4.46*

When I think of a player who would be perfect in our system, I view a player like Jernigan. Jernigan plays like a mix between Steve Smith (the Panther) and Deion Branch. This Trojan may be small (sexual innuendo alert), but he has the speed and explosion to make a huge impact on kick returns and as a deep-threat wideout. He really shined in his Pro-Day running a 4.38 and a 4.32 40-yard dash which is better than any recorded time in the combine! It is with his ability to shift gears and explode through traffic with rare burst, that I think he would be a perfect fit; He is projected as a mid second-rounder but because he is not sought as a #1, he could fall to Miami in round 3. This would be a no-brainer if we are still looking for our guy in the draft. You can't teach speed, and this is one thing that this guy has plenty of.

  • #2- Julio Jones, 2nd WR taken, 10th Overall. 6'3, 229, 40-time: 4.39

Julio Jones is the FREAK of this year's WR class- with unhuman athleticism, I'd say he's the LeBron James of football, and has the ceiling of a bigger & stronger Larry Fitzgerald. If you don't see that, then a more realistic comparison would be Dez Bryant (without the character concerns). Jones possesses unique height, size and strength, and his attributes include fantastic leaping, top-end speed and great hands that allow him to stretch for balls not placed in his frame. Julio skyrocketed his stock with probably the best Combine in this WR class, and blew away projections with a ridiculous 4.39 40-time. Because of his upside and recent performance, he may be the first wideout selected but will most likely go after A.J. Green (who may be the safer pick), but Jones should still go top-10. He has struggled with bouts of drops and route-running mixups, but Julio, like Cam Newton, will go very early because of what he can do on the football field; his upside is as good as anybody at the WR position. Although Jones will 99% likely be gone at 15 (and we shouldn't trade up) if he is there at #15 by some miracle, you take him without thinking. With Jones and Marshall on the same team the battle for the BEAST title will be in full effect- more than likely they figure out a way to share it while becoming the best tandem in football. Who would need a running game, honestly? But, because it's a long shot... I saved one more player for the number 1 spot below.

  • #1 BEST VALUE: Titus Young, 6th WR taken, 58th Overall. 5'11, 175, 40-time: 4.43

Walter Football labeled Young as a "hybrid between Mike Wallace and DeSean Jackson". Need I say more? How about a video... after some rediculous training check out Young doing what he does best.

TITUS YOUNG over a silky smooth Outkast Jazz Remix. It just feels right....

Titus didn't post the fastest 40-time, but as you can see he's got plenty of game speed and is as elusive as they get. He can take a screen 80 yards for a score easily, and that is the home-run threat we missed desperately last year. Titus is undersized, and is projected to be a slot-guy but I honestly see him as a Deshawn Jackson type that has the speed and quickness to get open and at worst can stretch the field for our already elite WR in Brandon Marshall. He may be the guy you remembered by this play, which was the best college game I watched all last year. Titus was never covered by elite DB's on a weekly basis, but if the Dolphins would to use him as a #2 this would never really be a problem anyway. Young has had some behavioral issues, but no major red flags have popped up to be genuinely concerned. Titus will mostly likely be a second round selection and I feel the best bet anyway for Miami would be to trade back; if we acquire a 2nd rounder, Titus could be the perfect pick. He can instantly contribute and fill the void of missed speed that we lost with Ted Ginn, in both the receiving and the return game. I think his 40-time (which was still very good mind you) and lack of size will underappreciate the true value of a player like Titus Young. But I see it clearly, which is why the Boise State Bronco is my #1 best value at WR.

Free Agency Options:

  • Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets. Age: 27
  • Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings. Age: 25
  • Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals. Age: 33 (Contract unlikely to get renewed)
  • Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets. Age: 28
  • Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars. Age: 26
  • James Jones, WR, Packers. Age: 27
  • Santana Moss, WR, Redskins. Age: 32
  • Brad Smith, WR/KR/QB, Jets. Age: 27
  • Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans. Age: 27
  • Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals. Age: 37
  • Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals. Age: 28
  • Randy Moss, WR, Titans. Age: 34
  • Legedu Naanee, WR, Chargers. Age: 27


A few options to look at, but unlike RB, the pickings are slim and the draft may end up only being our option. Only Holmes, Santana Moss, Sims-Walker, or James Jones would be worth a look in my opinion. Older vets such as Ochocinco, Owens, Randy Moss, and Edwards don't seem to be a likely fit. Out of the 4 possiblilites, all come with question marks. Holmes is aging, and will come with a price tag, and it's doubtful NY lets him go, only to send him to their hated rivals. Sims-Walker made news recently by tweeting that he should pull a LeBron and take his talents to South Beach, but is this just smoke and mirrors? He could be a good bet, and it would reunite him with former UCF teammate Brandon Marshall. Santana is aging, but does have the speed to make him a genuine possibility, especially if we can get him cheap. James Jones has huge potential, but has not really truly been able to blossom as a full-time starter. If Rodgers couldn't make him the player he "should be" than who can? Truthfully, there are a few options but I don't look for the Fins to go after any receiver in free agency. I think we are only one piece away, and to me it makes more sense to grab a guy in the draft so we can start that dynasty we have been planning since 2009 (seriously, can this be the year please...). If we do address a WR in FA, look for Santana Moss to be a front runner, and if we're lucky we could end up with MSW, which would instantly upgrade our WR corps.

Overall Analysis:

I think Miami has all but one piece to be an elite receiving core in the NFL (I won't even get started on QB here). We have a BLUE CHIP #1 and slot WR but lacked the home-run ability to open up the offense last year. I feel as if we should, and will, address the WR position early in the draft and instantly give Hartline some competition at the #2 spot. Looking at my Value Chart I feel as if Miami could be shopping for a WR in rounds 1-4 and that we SHOULD look to select a player like Doss, Smith, Hankerson, Jernigan or Titus Young. I do not like Ronald Johnson, who Draft Site projected Miami would take; we have already made the mistake in drafting a USC receiver and we all saw how that one turned out. Best case scenario would be if Julio Jones drops, which he won't, but if he did, it would be the pick, no questions asked.

FYI, there are a few reasons I did not include A.J. Green on my list. For one, he won't be there at #15. Period. Also, I admit he's the most polished, most well-rounded receiver, but he lacks the elite speed for us to take him so high. It just won't happen. He's got the upside of a Reggie Wayne, but I'd rather take a shot at Julio Jones who has the upside of a Larry Fitzgerald. But hey that's just me. Regardless, Green and more than likely Jones, will both be off the board anyways, so back to the post....

Santana Moss and MSW could be decent options in FA, but who knows what the future holds for Free Agents anyways. Although, they could be good options, it might make better sense to grab a guy in the draft to get a young player locked up while possibly saving cash in the process. I look for Miami to trade back in the first round (perhaps even twice) to grab a second round pick (or two?). There are a few receivers above that would really make me and a bunch of other Fin Fans happy, and out of all of them I think grabbing Titus Young with a second round pick is the best bet. He will be able to instantly contribute on special teams, and if he turns out to be half as good as Jackson or Wallace, I think we will all be pleased. We need some speed here in Miami, and Titus should provide the spark to rejuvenate our offense.

2011 WR Proposed Depth Chart:

  1. Brandon Marshall
  2. Titus Young
  3. Devone Bess
  4. Brian Hartline
  5. Marlon Moore

Young_medium

Thanks for sticking around. I want to hear your opinion below on what you think the Miami Dolphins should do this off-season to address the WR position? Recs and comments are appreciated, and If you want more I will roll out the TE position as the next breakdown sometime next week! Make sure to vote below in who you think is the best value at WR in the draft and I have a feeling we will be introduced to our new Miami Dolphin WR sometime soon!

-B-

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Phinsider's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of The Phinsider writers or editors.