With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft: Top 5 Wide Receiver Ranking

By Zack Trapp

Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs the ball for a td in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs the ball for a td in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) reacts after a touchdown catch in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) reacts after a touchdown catch in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

There are many different opinions regarding the wide receiver rankings for the 2017 NFL Draft– this is a look at my opinion.

Wide receivers are tough. While 2014 and 2015 were billed as a gold mine for playmakers on the outside, the results we’ve seen are mixed at best.

While top picks Odell Beckham, Mike Evans and Amari Cooper became immediate stars, Kevin White has struggled to stay healthy.  There have been stars from outside of the first round in Allen Robinson and Martavis Bryant. We’ve seen the likes of Sammy Watkins show flashes of transcendence between long bouts of quiet.

It’s a tough position to predict because there are so many means to the same end. You have the Jordy Nelson’s and Deandre Hopkins of the world who win as perimeter specialists who don’t create a ton of separation. Across the way, Odell Beckham and Antonio Brown have found stardom as undersized run after the catch specialists. There are many roads to Rome, and it’s all about finding the right fit.

5.) Ryan Switzer

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The prototypical slot receiver. Plays almost exclusively on the inside. A true space player, the team finds ways to manufacture touches for him in the open field.

This guy treats every player like it has a life of his own. He’s a clean, yet creative route runner who is crisp off of his break. Quicker than fast, he has a great way of finding his way through tight spaces and moving the chains. He understands spacing very well. His hands will be just fine. He’s at his best on quick breaking routes: outs, slants, hitches, and curls.

His punt returning background shows after the catch. Shows good elusiveness and short area quickness with the ball in his hands. Dangerously shifty. He flat out make opposing cornerbacks look foolish at the Senior Bowl.

Although he’s a willing blocker, you’d like to see him be a bit more physical. He’s a bit undersized to be working the middle of the field consistently. Never going to out athlete top flight defensive backs. Overall, this is a ready-made slot receiver ideally suited for a spread offense.

Value: Late Second Round

Comparison: A less angry Julian Edelman

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