National Football League

Top ten wide receiver prospects in 2015 NFL Draft

Published Apr. 16, 2015 10:38 a.m. ET

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By Kevin Causey

The wide receiver class for the 2015 NFL Draft is absolutely loaded with NFL analyst Mike Mayock going as far as saying there are eight players from the class that have a first round grade. Here’s our top ten wide receiver prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft….

#1 Amari Cooper, Alabama

Cooper has a good combination of size, athleticism and quickness and once he finds his game at the NFL level he will be a very consistent target for years to come. He projects to be a Marvin Harrison type and while he might not jump out of the page at you with his measureables, he has the best odds of being the best WR out of this draft class.

See also: NFL Draft Profile

#2 Kevin White, West Virginia

Many have White as the top WR prospect in this draft and his 4.35 40 yard dash time did nothing to diminish those prognosticators. While he may get flack as a “system” WR due to playing at West Virginia, his skills will translate to the NFL level and will be successful but isn’t as “ready” to play in the NFL right now as Amari Cooper.

#3 DeVante Parker, Louisville

Despite only playing seven games in 2014, Parker caught 43 passes and led Louisville with 122 receiving yards per game and five receiving touchdowns. Parker probably won’t be a No. 1 receiver but as a slot guy in a West Coast offense he can put up good numbers immediately.

#4 Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

Strong is a guy with a diverse mix of skills. Like Cooper, his intangibles won’t jump off the page at you but he’s a guy who has a tremendous upside and doesn’t rely just on his speed so he has a chance to be a productive receiver for a long time. NFL experts compare him to Dwayne Bowe.

#5 Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma

If DGB hadn’t ran into trouble and stayed at Missouri, he could very well be No. 1 on this list. At Missouri, he was dynamic with 59 receptions and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore and was really blossoming into a complete player. But, he now has character concerns as well as a season off the field where he didn’t get to learn while playing. He’s a risk but he could also be the steal of the draft.

#6 Breshad Perriman, UCF

Great combination of height, weight and speed but is still raw. At UCF, he averaged 20.88 yards per reception as a junior. He seems to be flying a bit under-the-radar right now. Experts compare him to Josh Gordon (on the field, not off the field).

#7 Nelson Agholor, USC

Agholor is rising up draft boards quicker than any other WR at the moment. He projects as a slot receiver so that will affect where he will go but he could be a dynamic play-maker for the team that drafts him. He also has value on special teams.

#8 Devin Smith, Ohio State

Smith’s speed will grab your attention and he’s a very difficult straight up cover for a defensive back. Needs to build strength and become a more complete receiver. NFL experts compare him to DeSean Jackson.

#9 Phillip Dorsett, Miami

Dorsett’s 4.33 40-yard dash at the Combine (and better stats at his Pro Day) have Dorsett as one to watch. He’s a guy with big play potential but you still have to wonder if he can improve his overall game enough to be effective for an extended period of time in the NFL.

#10 Justin Hardy, ECU

It’s simply too hard to ignore the production that Hardy put up in his college career. He caught 121 passes in 2014, 114 in 2013, 88 in 2012 and 64 in 2011. He’s undersized and is a better fit for an offense that specializes in the short passing game but he’s an attacker that is an under-rated run blocker and could be a very effective slot receiver or No. 3 receiver for a long time for the right team.

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