In addition to covering the NFL side of things at SB Nation I also run our Kansas City Chiefs blog, Arrowhead Pride. Because of that, I've been keeping an eye on the receivers that might be available in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. The Chiefs have WR Dwayne Bowe and...that's about it. WR Dexter McCluster may be moving to more of a running back role and he didn't have much of an impact in Kansas City at receiver.
NFL Draft 2011: First Round Receivers After A.J. Green, Julio Jones
The Chiefs are drafting 21st which means WR Julio Jones and WR A.J. Green will be gone by the time they pick. So who is the third receiver? And is the first round too high for him?
A few names pop out to me.
First, there’s Miami WR Leonard Hankerson. He put up one of the best receiving seasons in Hurricanes history last year and, considering some of the talent that’s come out of there, that’s an impressive season. But is No. 21 too high for him? Is he a first rounder? I’m not so sure that he is as he still has some flaws in his game.
Second, there’s Maryland WR Torrey Smith. He had 12 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards receiving last year including a 224-yard performance in his final game. I like Smith but I’m not sure I’d be ready to pick him at No. 21.
Third, there’s Pittsburgh WR Jonathan Baldwin. He has huge potential and I love his size but the production hasn’t been there consistently and there are some other questions about him. I don’t think he’s a first rounder.
So there are a few options on a third first round receiver but I’d predict right now that only two total receivers wil go in the first round.
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