Here are the top five wide receiver prospects (with projected round):
1. Amari Cooper, 6-foot-1, 211 pounds, Alabama (first): "Cooper's style is just a little different in terms of the quickness that he plays with, the running ability that he has," Alabama coach Nick Saban said when asked to compare Cooper and Julio Jones. "Great hands. Smart player. Both guys are outstanding, but their styles are just a little bit different."
2. Kevin White, 6-3, 215, West Virginia (first): He was the Mountaineers most valuable player last season after catching 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns over 13 games. Draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki believes he's a top-10 cinch who can make an instant impact and possibly be a perennial Pro Bowler.
3. Davante Parker, 6-3, 209, Louisville (first): Played in six games last season after suffering a left foot injury. He tied a school-record with 12 touchdowns catches as a junior while playing with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
4. Dorial Green-Beckham, 6-5, 237, Oklahoma/Missouri (first/second): He's perhaps the most talented player in the group, but his past drug and domestic violence issues will hurt his draft status. Some teams won't have him on their draft boards.
5. Breshad Perriman, 6-2, 212, Central Florida (first): He played at Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia, Perriman collected 115 catches for 2,243 yards and 16 touchdowns over three seasons for the Knights. Son of former NFL receiver Brett Perriman (1988-97), who played with the Lions and Saints.
Teams in need: Miami, Oakland, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Need area for Falcons? Yes. Julio Jones is the top receiver. Roddy White turns 34 this season. Leonard Hankerson was signed to replace Harry Douglas and the Falcons still have Devin Hester, who had some moments at wide receiver last season.
Top 5 seniors for 2016 draft: 1. D'haquille Williams, 6-2, 216, Auburn. 2. Nelson Spruce 6-1, 195, Colorado. 3. Malcolm Mitchell, 6-0, 195, Georgia. 4. Quinshad Davis, 6-3, 205, North Carolina. 5. Tajae Sharpe, 6-3, 200, Massachusetts.
About the Author
