1. Sammy Watkins (Clemson)

Watkins is a near-perfect receiver prospect, his speed and hands are excellent and he is tough enough to produce many yards after the catch. The last couple drafts have lacked elite wide receivers, except for Justin Blackmon, who is now stuck in suspension limbo due to repeated failed drug tests. Watkins is the best wide out prospect since the 2011 class which featured A.J. Green and Julio Jones. He won’t escape the top 5 picks.

2. Mike Evans (Texas A&M)

Evans is not as great a receiver as Watkins, but he does have one thing the Clemson standout lacks: elite size. Teams have been inspired by the recent success of Chicago’s Alshon Jeffery to look for large receivers. Evan’s has the size (6’ 5”, 230 lbs.) to be a matchup nightmare similar to Alshon.

3. Odell Beckham Jr. (LSU)

Beckham is difficult to cover: he has an excellent juke move he uses to shake cornerbacks, and he has the ability to burst and accelerate suddenly. His hands have not as excellent but have improved over the years. If his catching ability continues to improve, Beckham will be a dangerous receiving threat in the NFL.

4. Allen Robinson (Penn State)

While lacking elite straight-line speed (4.60 forty yard dash), Robinson does possess deceptive short-area acceleration. His size (6’ 3”, 220 lbs.) and toughness give him an impressive ability to win jump-ball contests, making him a viable red zone threat.

5. Donte Moncrief (Ole Miss)

Moncreif has been a fast riser in draft boards the offseason. At the conclusion of the 2013 season, most had him pegged as a 4^th or 5^th round pick. He was praised for his large frame, dependable hands, and smooth route-running, but many questioned if Moncrief was fast enough to beat NFL corners. An impressive combine (4.40 s forty yard dash) put to rest doubts about his speed. Now, few analysts think he will escape the top half of the 2^nd round.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Cooks (Oregon State)

I didn’t think it was fair to compare Cooks to these other receivers, as his diminutive stature will have him confined to slot duties, while the players in this list are big enough to play all over the line. Even still, Cook’s attributes, especially his speed (4.33 forty yard dash), may have a team investing a high pick in him, similar to what the Rams did last year when they traded up for slot receiver Tavon Austin.