The skinny: Thomas is one of the fastest risers in this draft. He has showed well in his workouts and has big-time speed. He is polished as a route runner.
The skinny: The concern with Kelly is reports that he has knee issues. If that doesn't scare off teams, his poor 40 times might. But he sure plays a lot faster and he is 6-4, 225 pounds.
The skinny: At 6-5 ½, he was timed under 4.5 at the combine. That surprised some scouts. That type of speed should put him at the back end of the first round or at the top of the second.
Player on the rise:
Thomas. This junior has really impressed with his physical size and speed. He could be the first receiver taken, maybe even in the top 15.
Player on the decline:
Kelly and Early Doucet, LSU. Kelly's workouts have hurt him in a big way. Doucet has run slower than expected times in the 40, which has dropped him down some boards. He should still go in the second or third round.
Sleeper
Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina. At 6-2, he has good size and he has been timed under 4.5 in the 40. He has a 41 1/2-inch vertical leap.
Overrated
Hardy. I don't see the suddenness that you want from a receiver on the next level.
Position analysis:
It is a deep class, but it doesn't have the true star at the top. Jackson is the best of the group, but he's small at 170 pounds. There will be some good receivers taken in the third round, guys like Virginia Tech's Eddie Royal, who could be a steal for some team.
