We are getting to that time of the year when we start looking forward to the NFL Draft. This college football season only has a few weeks left, and a number of wide receivers have emerged as legitimate pro prospects. Who are the best? Here are the top seven wideouts that figure to enter in the 2018 NFL Draft.
College Football Fans - Download Chat Sports on iPhone today for breaking news, rumors, scores and more - Chat Sports iPhone App!
7) James Washington, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Washington is the best deep threat in college football, averaging 21.8 yards per catch. He has already posted his third-straight season with over 1,000 yards in Oklahoma State's offense, catching 52 passes for 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns. However, Washington hasn't proven he can be effective doing more than that and scouts worry about his quickness.
6) Dante Pettis, Washington Huskies
Pettis is probably the least known star in college football. He set the NCAA record for career punt returns touchdowns (nine) earlier this season, which certainly boosts his draft stock, but he's also a great receiver. Pettis has caught 49 passes for 571 yards and seven touchdowns so far this season, showing good hands and explosive ability after the catch.
5) Christian Kirk, Texas A&M Aggies
Kirk is a big play waiting to happen and is another dynamic return man. Despite having lackluster quarterback play at A&M throughout much of his collegiate career, Kirk has caught 42 passes for 455 yards and five touchdowns this year. His quickness is his biggest asset, and at just 5-foot-11, he may be best suited as a slot receiver in the NFL.
4) Auden Tate, Florida State Seminoles
Florida State is really struggling this year but Tate has emerged as a legitimate first-round wide receiver prospect. He has great size as 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds to go along with 4.5 speed but has only caught 26 passes for 386 yards and five touchdowns. Tate is still viewed as a raw prospect, but he has all of the tools to be a star.
3) Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
St. Brown is another big target (6-foot-4, 205 lbs.) with 4.5 speed and has posted solid numbers each of the last two years despite shaky quarterback play. He's a polished route-runner with size, speed, and hands, giving him all of the qualities of a legit No. 1 NFL receiver.
2) Courtland Sutton, SMU Mustangs
Had Sutton declared for the NFL Draft last season, he likely would have been a Day 2 pick. Instead, he came back to school and is now considered a first-round pick. Size (6-foot-4, 216 lbs.), speed, and production (48 catches, 752 yards, nine touchdowns) are all there for Sutton, but the questions with him come from playing against Group of 5 competition.
1) Calvin Ridley, Alabama Crimson Tide
Ridley's numbers won't wow you because he plays in Alabama's run-heavy offense, but don't let that fool you - he's a virtual lock to be the top wide receiver taken in the draft. He's the best route-runner we've been in some time with good hands and excellent speed, making him a nightmare matchup at just 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. Ridley will be a No. 1 receiver for an NFL team sooner rather than later.
Follow our NCAA page for all the latest college football news & rumors!
Back to the NCAA Newsfeed