2018 NFL Draft: High Impact Wide Receivers could be Available in the Middle Rounds
By Jon Dove
The 2018 NFL Draft may be light on 1st round wide receiver talent, but there’s plenty of middle round prospects who could make an immediate impact.
It’s tough to peg when the first wide receiver will come off the board in the 2018 NFL Draft. Alabama’s Calvin Ridley is considered by many to be the top rated receiver, but his value would be best in the middle of the 1st round.
Maryland’s D.J. Moore is making a late push and could end up being the first receiving selected. However, he also would bring the most value as a mid to late 1st round selection.
The best place to land a wide receiver in this draft is in the middle of the draft. Several prospects that I have rated as 2nd round talent include Clemson’s Deon Cain, Colorado State’s Michael Gallup, SMU’s Courtland Sutton, Memphis’ Anthony Miller, UCLA’s Jordan Lasley and Notre Dame’s Equanimeous St Brown.
Extending a little further Washington’s Dante Pettis, New Mexico State’s Jaleel Scott, UCF’s Tre’Quan Smith and Penn State’s DaeSean Hamilton all have mid-round grades.
Sutton is one of the more intriguing talents in the draft. He has the athletic profile of a No. 1 receiver, but has some inconsistencies in this game. He needs to refine his route running in order to maximize his potential.
Gallup might be the biggest sleeper among this group. He features good size, easy speed and solid route running skills. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Gallup making an early impact in the league.
Scott and Smith are also flying under the radar, but have shown flashes of their upside. Both of these players could easily outperform their draft position.
There’s a chance that the depth at the position could facilitate a draft-day slide for someone like Ridley.