With the advent of better coaching and sophisticated passing games in college, the rookies entering the NFL are capable of making an immediate impact as freshmen. Without question, speed and size often separates the college all-star from a professional superstar and cannot be ignored when evaluating players. Three indicators—Career Receptions, 40-yard Dash and Yards per Reception—among future receivers provide insight into long-term NFL potential. While teams yearn for archetypical size, astute scouting departments do not over look the quick-twitch game breakers. Seven of the top 13 pass catchers in receiving yards last season measured less than six feet and 200 pounds. Listed below are the top-twelve wide receivers available in the draft.

Benchmark College Stats for Draft Consideration

Receptions: 150

Breakaway Speed: 4.50 (or less) in the 40-yard dash.

Yards per Reception: 15.0

2015 Wide Receiver Prospects

1. Amari Cooper, Alabama 

Blue-chip prospect leaves after three remarkable seasons in Tuscaloosa. Superior athleticism and stupendous route-running skills: First-rate competitor on short, intermediate and deep patterns. Freakish and versatile pass catcher. Big, smooth, graceful and savvy. Explosive burst in and out of cuts and has top-end speed. On top of routes, runs away from defenders. An acrobat with exceptional ball skills: Tracks passes and adjusts to poorly thrown balls with fantastic hand-eye coordination. Outstanding balance and body control. Runs around and through tacklers on quick throws and bubble screens. Weaves through traffic and avoids big hits. Wins with quick-twitch moves at the line of scrimmage. Big-game performer and relishes the stage. All-American and Fred Biletnikoff award-winner last season: Averaged 8.8 catches and 123 receiving yards per game, recording 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. In 39 career games, scored 31 times, surpassed 100 yards receiving in 14 contests and eclipsed 200 yards on three occasions. Not physically imposing and on the lean side at 6’1” and 211 lbs. Dropped too many key passes and needs to improve run blocking. Will not dictate against safeties at the next level. Without question, can immediately improve a club’s passing game in the NFL.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 228

40-Yard Dash: 4.42

Yards per Reception: 15.2

Draft Potential: First-round talent

2. Kevin White, West Virginia 

Breakout star last season and incredible Combine performance—an eye-opening 40-yard dash—vaults draft rating among top five overall. Exceptional size-speed combination. NFL-body with muscle definition: Abundant height, sturdy legs, slender frame, long arms and large hands. With sensational ball skills, makes game look easy at times. Remarkable leaping ability and good reflexes. Beats press coverage and victorious on vertical routes. Physical strider with the upper-body strength, hand engagement and foot work to defeat press coverage and create separation. Punishing runner after the catch: Secures ball in the air with strong hands and catches pigskin without breaking stride. Enjoys contact and draws penalty flags. Terrific vertical speed and threat on inside tunnel screens and 9 routes up the field. Makes plays with football in the air at 6’3” and 215 lbs. Very good run-after-the catch skills. JUCO transfer in 2013 who blossomed as a senior: Caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. Attended Lackawanna College to improve academic standing before transferring. Occasionally drops balls. Small deficit of top-notch escapability in space. Slow off the snap: Must improve release at line of scrimmage and footwork. Pro Bowl potential as an X-receiver in the NFL. Some scouts make comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald. Has not reached ceiling and likely to continue improving.

Key Career Stats 

Receptions: 144

40-Yard Dash: 4.35

Yards per Reception: 13.6

Draft Potential: First-round talent

3. Breshad Perriman, UCF 

Quickly ascending draft boards: An undervalued playmaker who has been overlooked by many draftniks. Son of former second-round draft pick Brett Perriman, who played ten NFL seasons. Prototype frame and big body at 6’2” and 212 lbs. Adjusts well to the ball in the air and explosive leaper with a large catch radius. Off the snap, swift accelerator who gains separation. Dangerous YAC receiver. Good body control and makes difficult catches look easy. In 2013, member of the All-AAC Academic Team. In 2014, named All-AAC First Team and UCF’s Outstanding Wide Receiver. Scored touchdowns in seven consecutive games. Became first wide out at UCF to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier since Mike Sims-Walkerin 2006. Concluded last season with back-to-back 100-yard games and logged 50 catches for 1,044 yards and nine touchdowns. At the next level, physical profile of an X receiver. A raw route runner who lacks precision: Uses athleticism and speed to beat opponents. Defenders can redirect pass patterns. Above average mitts but drops some catchable passes. Physical traits and skills are evident and will likely be snatched before the end of the first round.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 115

40-Yard Dash: 4.25 (Pro Day Results)

Yards per Reception: 19.5

Draft Potential: First-round talent

4. DeVante Parker, Louisville 

One of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. Despite losing head coach and quarterback last year, resisted lure and temptation of NFL to remain in school. Elite athlete: Stupendous size, first-rate quickness and game-breaking skills. Powerful physique and lanky frame at 6’3” and 209 lbs. with an incredible 80” wingspan. Terrific red-zone target: Very good fade-route runner. Strong, soft and reliable hands: Plucks pigskin out of midair with ease. Long legs, superb stride, efficient cuts, exceptional body control and remarkable leaping ability. Uses hands to gain separation early in route. Unique skill set and punishes defenders. Wonderful YAC competitor and makes tacklers whiff in the open field. Resume littered with highlights of jump balls and game-changing plays. Wants to compete and plays with passion. Fights for football in traffic and makes acrobatic catches. Consistent productivity throughout career. Performed with three different quarterbacks in 2014: Surpassed 100 yards receiving in 5 of 6 games and averaged 19.9 yards per reception. In 42 career games, totaled 33 touchdowns and scored on 21% of catches. Broken bone in left foot forced him to miss half of senior season and missed 11 games during career. Lacks elite straight-line speed. Not a polished product yet. Needs to improve getting off the line of scrimmage and running more precise routes. At the next level, a potential star who should contribute instantly.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 156

40-Yard Dash: 4.45

Yards per Reception: 17.8

Draft Potential: First-round talent

5. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State 

On the gridiron, playmaking skill set—and basketball DNA—to flourish at the next level. Father shined on the hardwood at Drexel in the late 1980s. Fine blend of size and speed at 6’2” and 217 lbs. Employs big frame to subdue defenders. With athleticism, large hands and speed, fits the mold of big, tall and physical NFL wide outs. An acrobatic catcher who made several one-handed grabs during two terms with the Sun Devils. Astonishing ability to snatch ball in the air and win 50-50 matchups. Seizes pigskin at highest point like Alshon Jeffery of the Bears. Covers ground quickly and gets down the field on fly routes. Underrated gamebreaker: Eye-popping production on film. Back-to-back 1,000-yard crusades after transferring from Pierce College (JUCO). First Team All-PAC 12 in 2014 after making 82 catches for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns. Disappointing pass-catcher at times. Not a burner on tape and lacks ideal elusiveness. Needs to improve suddenness and quickness at the line in order to gain separation earlier in routes. Special person: Terrific work ethic, cerebral football IQ and attention to detail. Considering the high-demand for long-ball hitters in the NFL, will likely be taken off the board before the end of the first day.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 157

40-Yard Dash: 4.44

Yards per Reception: 14.6

Draft Potential: First-round talent

6. Phillip Dorsett, Miami

Skyrocketing up draft boards after a spectacular week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Defensive backs could not cover the speedster who made some very impressive catches throughout the drills. Ultra-speedy game breaker with blazing feet. Big-play production: Half of catches last year over 25 yards. Smooth and agile route runner. Explosive off the line and under-control speed. In and out of breaks without wasted movement: Stupendous ability to accelerate off cuts, creating separation. Runs effortless crossing routes. Outstanding body control. Tracks ball well and very good hands. Illustrates wiggle to break free from would-be tacklers. Good leader and excellent work ethic. Emulates game of NFL veteran and former Hurricane first-round selection Santana Moss. Last year, averaged 24.2 yards per catch that ranked first in the ACC and second in the nation. Experience returning punts (25) and kickoffs (25); however, never returned one to the house. Partially tore MCL and missed final seven games in 2013. On the smaller side at 5’10” and 185 lbs. and limited catch radius. Not a good down-field blocker and inconsistent catching pigskin during collegiate tenure. A diminutive speedster in the mold of T.Y. Hilton and Antonio Brown. Likely, the first speedster taken off the board during the draft. 

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 121

40-Yard Dash: 4.33

Yards per Reception: 17.6

Draft Potential: Second-round talent

7. Nelson Agholor, USC 

Forgoes senior season to enter the NFL. Dynamic athlete: Smooth, fluid and precise route runner. Quickness to separate underneath and top-end speed to attack vertically. Special teams luminary: Returned a school-record four career punts for touchdowns. Creates space and willing to undergo the dirty work over the middle. Great practice player, who is serious at mastering trade. A difference maker and man-to-man matchup nightmare. Pulsating after the catch competitor: Elusive in the open field and headache on quick screens. Attacks all three levels of the defense. Reaches for ball in the air and plucks it out of the sky. In November, became first Trojan to record back-to-back 200-yard games (Washington State and California). In 2014, caught 104 passes for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns. During career, scored 24 times and totaled 3,581 All-Purpose yards. On the light side and could use additional strength to endure rigors of the NFL. Thin lower body and lacks elite size at 6’1” 198 lbs. Mental mistakes and drops plagued production last year. Must improve concentration. At times, struggles at beating press coverage. Various ideal NFL traits and could contribute from day one in training camp.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 178

40-Yard Dash: 4.43

Yards per Reception: 14.4

Draft Potential: Second-round talent

8. Devin Smith, Ohio State 

During build up before the Combine, scouts waxed poetically about blazing speed. Unfortunately, failed to post a sub-4.40 forty time. On the gridiron, game-breaking performer who threatens secondaries deep on every pass play. Smooth flyer with an effortless stride. Gains separation early in route and tracks the pigskin over shoulder. Adjusts to poorly thrown long balls, bailing out quarterback. Stupendous initial burst: Savvy on short routes. Finds open space in soft zones. Elite-catching technique. Chews up cushions in man coverage and easily defeats safeties. Excites observers with swiftness, technique, grit and intelligence on the field. Competitor who battles defensive backs on jump balls. Outstanding body control on deep throws. Underrated run-after-the catch ability. Scored 30 career-receiving touchdowns: Second on the school’s All-time list. On only 33 catches last year, accumulated 931 yards, averaged nearly 29 yards per reception and crossed the finish line 12 times. Average size for an NFL receiver at 6’0” and 196 lbs. Ran a limited route tree at Ohio State: Mostly slants, hitches and go patterns. Thin hips and frame and might have trouble defeating press coverage against bigger and stronger defenders. A tad of a straight-line sprinter. No prospect stretched the field more often, and coaches will yearn for game-turning capabilities.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 121

40-Yard Dash: 4.42

Yards per Reception: 20.7

Draft Potential: Second-round talent

9. Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma 

A first-class athlete with bothersome red flags and laundry list of character concerns. Twice arrested for marijuana and suspended for one game in 2012. More troublesome, an altercation with a female in which the young woman was allegedly pushed down several stairs. Afterwards, Missouri dismissed DGB. However, never charged with a crime in the incident. Transferred to Oklahoma but never played a down after NCAA denied waiver request. Terrific top-end speed with an immense body at 6’5” and 237 lbs. Long strider who rapidly acquires real estate. Great length and terrific vertical threat. Creates space with quickness and avoids tacklers in open field. Massive catch radius and red-zone nightmare for opponents. With defenders hanging all over, makes the difficult grab. Breaks arm tackles and willing to block in the run game. Natural pass catcher with outstanding body control and short-area quickness. In 2013, notable sophomore campaign with 59 catches for 883 yards and 12 touchdowns. NFL front offices must be concerned with the league emphasis on domestic abuse. Ranking depends on the risk-reward philosophy of a personnel office. Will likely be drafted late in the first round. One club apt to revere skill set, athletic ability and potential while disregarding off-the-field issues: 

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 87

40-Yard Dash: 4.49

Yards per Reception: 14.7

Draft Potential: Second-round talent

10. Tyler Lockett, Kansas State 

A ready-made special teams star at the next level. Quick-twitch athlete who is tough and competitive. Runs clean and crisp routes: Creates separation easily and employs outstanding double moves. Explodes in and out of breaks. Sinks hips and sells fakes. Short-area quickness and victorious against press coverage. Sizzling and elusive in the open field and breaks ankles of defenders: Led nation in punt-return average (19.1) last year. Utilizes patience and vision to set up blocks. Dangerous at the intermediate level and exceptional burst out of breaks. In 2014, Consensus All-American (All-Purpose/Kick Returner) and Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year. During the past two seasons, Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year. Finished campaign with five consecutive 100-yard games while totaling eight by the end of the year. Set 17 school records: Career receptions, receiving yards (3,710), receiving touchdowns (29), 100-yard receiving games (16) and kick-off return yards (2,196). Returned four kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns. Team captain and high-character player. Father is former NFL receiver Kevin. Eye-popping highlights during Senior Bowl drills and stupendous Combine performance illuminates NFL-ready performer. Lacks archetypal size at 5’10” and 182 lbs. Small hands, and at times, ball slips through. Limited experience in traffic. Not a burner but gets open with superior footwork and wiggle. Reminds scouts of All-Pro WR Antonio Brown. Best route runner in draft class with elite skill set and a plug-and-play returner. 

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 249

40-Yard Dash: 4.40

Yards per Reception: 14.9

Draft Potential: Second-round talent

11. Rashad Greene, Florida State 

Most prolific receiver in school history. Ultra-quick game breaker with very good acceleration. A precision route runner: Good straight-line speed, sinks hips in and out of cuts, disguises routes with head fakes and above average body control. Battles for pigskin and can win 50-50 matchups. Ventures into the middle of the field. Good separation technique and comes back for the football to assist quarterback. Tracks the ball well. High football IQ, first-rate field awareness and team leader. Set Florida State career receiving marks with catches (270) and yards (3,820). Also, scored 30 touchdowns. Concluded career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Lacks ideal strength, size and frame at 5’11” and 182 lbs. Can the former Seminole handle the physicality at the next level? Might struggle with bigger and stronger defensive backs. Catches ball with body too often: Needs to enhance hand skills. Small catch radius and ducks away from contact at times. Must refine route-running abilities. Very good skill-set with decent physical attributes and should develop into a really nice player. Appears to be a slot receiver in three—and four—receiver formations at the next stage of career.

Key Career Stats 

Receptions: 270

40-Yard Dash: 4.47

Yards per Reception: 14.2

Draft Potential: Third-round talent

12. Sammie Coates, Auburn 

Can an Auburn wideout succeed in the NFL? Currently, not one former Tiger plays on Sundays. Redshirt junior who earned a degree and participated in Senior Bowl activities: Very impressive in red-zone packages during practices and impressed scouts throughout the week. Cut and muscular physique at 6’1” and 212 lbs. Long arms and nice size-speed ratio. Excellent quickness and appreciates physical play. Off the snap, good acceleration and gains maximum separation. Wins matchups in one-on-one situations. Pronounced deep-ball runner, averaging over 20 yards per catch. More productive sophomore season than last year. All statistics dropped off—42 to 34 catches, 902 to 741 yards and 7 to 4 touchdowns—from 2013 to 2014. Raw playmaker with early-round physical gifts; however, late-round skills and reliability. Limited aerial attack at Auburn and ran narrow route tree. Struggled with consistency and concentration. Singular tools are special but entire package isn’t polished. Needs more development as route-runner: Can be lethal down field and in the red zone. Surely, one team will relish the raw skills and take a chance on the home run hitter.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 82

40-Yard Dash: 4.43

Yards per Reception: 21.4

Draft Potential: Third-day talent

2014 Pre-Draft Prospects

1. Sammy Watkins, Clemson

2. Mike Evans, Texas A&M

3. Odell Beckham, Jr., LSU

4. Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State

5. Marqise Lee, USC

6. Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss

7. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

8. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

9. Devante Adams, Fresno State

10. Martavis Bryant, Clemson 

With his Masters in history and professional experience as an educator, John Laub is uniquely qualified to research, analyze and discover new insights and trends in college and professional fantasy football. Laub has played fantasy football for a quarter century and provided FootballDiehards.com with weekly player rankings for over a decade. He won $10,000 in 1993, defeating nearly 15,000 owners, and published Audibles: Winning is Everything in the 1990s. He truly is The Gridiron Scholar. 

Twitter: @GridironSchol91 or e-mail: Audibles@aol.com