Kevin White, Amari Cooper Headline NFL Draft Rankings: Who’s Next?
By Joe Wedra
As we approach the final stretch of scouting for the 2015 NFL Draft, I’ve finished up my top-5 at the wide receiver position. Take a dip into the scouting notebook to see notes on the top five.
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5: Devin Smith, Ohio State
The notes:
- Speedy with a lot of tools
- One-trick pony with deep ball in college but potential to be great in NFL
- Wins contested catches, strong hands, attacks ball
- Smaller frame
The stock:
Second round feels about right with Smith. He’s a guy who boasts a lot of upside for NFL teams.
Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
The notes:
- Very good athlete who is “slithery” route-runner
- Should work on improving steps in routes
- Focus is elite, best in class
- Body control is a major plus
- Great athlete
The stock:
Somewhere late in the first round should be an NFL team calling Strong for good reason. The latest he’ll last is the early half of the second.
DeVante Parker, Louisville
The notes:
- Improved route runner
- Size and toughness are elite
- Adjusts well mid-play with good strength
- Size is a major plus
The stock:
It’s hard to find things in Parker’s game that you don’t like. He has everything you’d like in a big-impact receiver in the NFL. I don’t expect him to fall outside the top-15 range.
Amari Cooper, Alabama
The notes:
- All-around receiver, flaws are hard to find
- Crisp route runner with good awareness
- YAC ability in NFL is supreme
- Proven speed, despite questions
The stock:
Cooper is near flawless. The Alabama prospect could be the first receiver taken without hesitation. He’s a top-15 guy, as well. Watch out for Oakland at #4. If they see something they like better than White, they could jump.
Kevin White, West Virginia
The notes:
- Huge receiver with freaky athleticism
- Ability to body off defenders and continue play
- Very durable, little wear and tear
- Extremely spirited, motivated
The stock:
White is the best WR prospect in this class. He has a rare combination of skills. He’ll receive top-10 looks with the ability to go even higher.