Around the NFL
Early on it seemed certain that Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, who put up eye-popping stats in college, would be the top wideout taken in the draft later this month. As the draft approaches, however, that may no longer be the case.
Blackmon averaged 116 receptions for more than 1,600 yards and totaled 38 TDs in his last two seasons, gaudy numbers even in a spread, no-huddle offense like OSU's. But at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, he's not as big as previous clear No. 1 wideouts (e.g., Andre Johnson or Calvin Johnson), and probably isn't as fast. He didn't run at the combine due to a hamstring injury and his 4.46 40 at his Pro Day can be questioned due to his school's fast track.
Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com polled seven teams as to who their top receiver was. Five named Blackmon, but two had another player; either Notre Dame's Michael Floyd or Baylor's Kendall Wright. Disparity also emerged regarding the overall talent level, with one team saying Blackmon was the only first-round talent in the draft, and another listing five different receivers as having a first-round grade.
Overall, it still appears likely that Blackmon will be the first wideout drafted, and the only one likely to be selected in the top 10. But it's also possible that he'll slip further than expected, and that Floyd in particular could sneak past him -- or be selected only shortly thereafter.
Those in upcoming dynasty drafts can still consider Blackmon the top rookie wideout, but there's reason to think people might be just as happy with one of the next 2 or 3 wideouts available.
--Andy Richardson
- Comments [0]
Readers' Comments
Add a Comment
Already a registered user? Please sign in to add comments.
To add comments, you must become a registered user of our site. To register, please click here.
