The NFL game has evolved to the point where the passing game is featured more now than ever before. With that transition has come an even bigger demand on the wide receiver positions at the college football level. Pro scouts pay close attention to the game tape throughout the year and now that we’re almost three-quarters of the way through the NFL season, many teams are already thinking about next year.
With that in mind, here are the top five college receivers at the top of the draft board right now.
Corey Coleman, Baylor Bears
Junior
It might seem like a bit of a surprise to see a 5’11’’, 190-pound wide receiver at the top of this list but it shouldn’t when you consider the similarities between him and Pittsburgh Steelers star receiver Antonio Brown. Coleman has the speed, quickness, hands and athleticism to draw those Brown comparisons. His 10 catches of 40-plus yards are proof of his big-play ability. Coleman has all of the tools to be the top wide receiver off the board in next year’s NFL Draft. His situation has somewhat been blunted by the fact that starting quarterback Seth Russell was lost for the season but NFL draftniks fully understand his value. His stock won’t drop as a result.
Josh Doctson, TCU Horned Frogs
Senior
Doctson’s senior season was cut short by a wrist injury that will keep him sidelined for TCU’s final two games but he certainly made a strong enough impression throughout his college career. That includes a ridiculous 79 catches for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in 10 games this year. A case can certainly be made for Doctson’s combination of elite size, speed, hands and the acrobatic athleticism to make the highlight-reel catches as enough to be No. 1 on this list. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him as the top wide receiver off the board in next year’s NFL Draft.
Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss Rebels
Junior
Treadwill’s seven touchdowns are 13 fewer than Coleman’s 20 but keep in mind the environment. Baylor is an offensive machine in the Big 12 while Ole Miss plays in the SEC. Treadwell has all of the tools that NFL teams want in the prototypical receiver. The Ole Miss junior is 6’2’’ and 210 pounds, with great hands and good enough speed to create separation at the next level. Some will argue that he should be No. 1 on this list. He could very well end up being the top wide receiver off the board in his draft class but he still has to refine his game and right now we have Coleman and Doctson listed slightly ahead of him.
Michael Thomas, Ohio State Buckeyes
Junior
The Buckeyes’ star receiver has had a relatively quiet junior year with 45 catches for 651 yards and eight touchdowns but he has excellent size at 6’3’’ and 210 pounds with outstanding hands. He also has the speed to create separation at the next level. Thomas might fly under the radar a bit since Ohio State hasn’t maximized his potential this year but that’s generally understood. All NFL scouts will be aware of the Buckeyes struggles at the quarterback position. Thomas’ pro day and combine workouts will be quite important. All eyes will be on him to see how he performs when he starts working with prototypical quarterback passers.
Mike Williams, Clemson Tigers
Junior
Williams’ junior season was cut short when he suffered a fractured neck in Clemson’s first game of the year but anybody that watched him play already knows that he is an extremely talented receiver. He can stretch the field with his elite speed and make big plays with the type of athleticism that few players have. Williams could in the 2016 NFL Draft fall because of the injury but if he does slide, there will be teams lining up for the opportunity to draft him. He has the potential to be one of the top value picks.
