2011 draft watch: Underclassmen Green, Jones will battle for top spot
Article By rlande.tsn on 28th July, 2010
The top four receivers selected in the 2011 draft could be underclassmen, which would sustain a trend from last April's draft, when the first five wideouts chosen were underclassmen. Look for a hot debate over whether A.J. Green and Julio Jones—both top-level prospects—will be the first wideout drafted.
After breaking down game film all summer, here is our scouts' rankings for the top junior and senior wide receivers entering the college season:
1. A.J. Green, 6-4/207, Georgia (junior)
Green exploded onto the national scene as a true freshman in 2008 when he became Matthew Stafford's go-to guy. He has excellent height and top-notch athleticism to go with very good hands and the speed to make big plays. He can get separation on deep routes and should continue to do that in the NFL. He has consistently shown the ability to adjust and make great catches on off-target passes. The only issue is Green's thin frame and whether he'll be durable in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
2. Julio Jones, 6-4/211, Alabama (junior)
Alabama's go-to receiver since he showed up on campus, Jones has the size, strength and athleticism to maintain a high level of production in the NFL. He has a thick body and catches passes in traffic without hesitation. He also consistently breaks tackles to gain extra yards. He has very good hands and the ability to pluck the ball away from his body with ease. The one concern is Jones' lack of rare explosiveness, which could prevent him from getting separation on deep routes in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
3. Jonathan Baldwin, 6-5/225, Pittsburgh (junior)
He has surprising athleticism, consistently displays the ability to win jump-ball battles and is fearless catching passes in traffic. With his size, strength and competitiveness, he can gain yards after contact. Few 6-5 receivers have his ability to consistently make big plays—both running after the ...
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After breaking down game film all summer, here is our scouts' rankings for the top junior and senior wide receivers entering the college season:
1. A.J. Green, 6-4/207, Georgia (junior)
Green exploded onto the national scene as a true freshman in 2008 when he became Matthew Stafford's go-to guy. He has excellent height and top-notch athleticism to go with very good hands and the speed to make big plays. He can get separation on deep routes and should continue to do that in the NFL. He has consistently shown the ability to adjust and make great catches on off-target passes. The only issue is Green's thin frame and whether he'll be durable in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
2. Julio Jones, 6-4/211, Alabama (junior)
Alabama's go-to receiver since he showed up on campus, Jones has the size, strength and athleticism to maintain a high level of production in the NFL. He has a thick body and catches passes in traffic without hesitation. He also consistently breaks tackles to gain extra yards. He has very good hands and the ability to pluck the ball away from his body with ease. The one concern is Jones' lack of rare explosiveness, which could prevent him from getting separation on deep routes in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
3. Jonathan Baldwin, 6-5/225, Pittsburgh (junior)
He has surprising athleticism, consistently displays the ability to win jump-ball battles and is fearless catching passes in traffic. With his size, strength and competitiveness, he can gain yards after contact. Few 6-5 receivers have his ability to consistently make big plays—both running after the ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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