Wide receiver has arguably been the strongest and deepest position in each of the past two NFL Drafts, and 2016 figures to be no different. Here are the top five wideouts that should take the league by storm in the future:
5) De’Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State
Wilson has amazing size (6’5″, 220 lbs.) and so much natural ability that he looks like he’s been playing football forever – not someone who just finished their third season of organized football in their life. He gave Mississippi State a true threat in the passing game that kept defenses from focusing totally on the Bulldogs’ dominant rushing attack, and has the potential to be a game-breaker at the next level.
4) Cayleb Jones, Arizona
The Texas transfer made an immediate impression in 2014, with 475 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his first four games. While he wasn’t able to sustain that level of production over the course of the season, he’ll be the focal point of Rich Rodriguez’s explosive offense in 2015. With no real weaknesses in his game and a fantastic motor, we expect Jones to continue boosting his NFL stock with another superb season.
3) Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Treadwell is the only receiver that has preseason Heisman odds in Vegas, and he would be higher on our list if he wasn’t trying to come back from that horrific leg injury he suffered against Auburn. Ole Miss will have a new quarterback with Bo Wallace graduating, and Treadwell will provide a big security blanket for whoever wins the job.
2) Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh
Boyd recorded 78 receptions for 1,126 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014, showcasing his elite speed to go with his size (6'2", 190 lbs.). He was impressive against good secondaries last year, and hewill only improve while being the focal point of Pitt's offense again in 2015.
1) Duke Williams, Auburn
Williams decided to hold off on declaring for the NFL Draft for another season (Mel Kiper has him as the top-ranked receiver for the 2016 draft) much to the delight of Auburn fans. He’s a big receiver (6’2″, 216 pounds) that is a lethal deep threat, averaging over 16 yards a catch in 2014. Now that Jeremy Johnson is taking over the quarterback job, Auburn will start throwing the ball more, and Williams could see an Amari Cooper-like amount of targets in 2015.
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