The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft was dominated by linemen on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball as skill position players slipped or fell out of the first round entirely. Only three wide receivers were selected on Thursday, with Tavon Austin leading the way as the No. 8 pick to the St. Louis Rams.
2013 NFL Draft best available: Plenty of wide receivers remain
Three wide receivers were selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft leaving plenty available as the draft continues on Friday.
Jason O. Watson
It took another 19 picks for the next wide receiver to hear his name called when the Houston Texans drafted DeAndre Hopkins with the No. 27 overall pick. Cordarrelle Patterson rounded out the first round receivers when he went to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 29. So, who's left?
Top wide receivers available
1. Keenan Allen, California, 20
2012 stats: 9 games, 61 receptions, 737 yards, six touchdowns (One rushing, one on a punt return)
Allen’s draft stock was damaged when a knee injury ended his junior season and he suffered a setback while preparing for the combine. He has great hands, good height, and is excellent after the catch.
2. Robert Woods, USC, 21
2012 stats: 13 games, 76 receptions, 846 yards, 11 touchdowns
Woods wasn’t ever projected as a first-round pick, but could certainly go in the second round. He is a great route runner who can make catches in traffic.
3. Justin Hunter, Tennessee, 21
2012 stats: 12 games, 73 receptions, 1,083 yards, 9 touchdowns
Hunter’s teammate, Patterson, was selected in the first round and Hunter shouldn’t be too far behind. He is a red zone threat at 6’4 with good leaping ability.
4. Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech, 22
2012 stats: 12 games, 104 receptions, 1,392 yards, 13 touchdowns
Patton put up huge numbers as the featured receiver in Louisiana Tech’s up-tempo offense. He has great acceleration and is a vertical threat with great sideline awareness.
5. Aaron Dobson, Marshall, 21
2012 stats: 10 games, 57 receptions, 679 yards, 3 touchdowns
He has the size and speed to succeed at the NFL level, but is coming off a hamstring injury that kept him out of the combine. He showed good speed at his pro day, but lacks the quickness to create separation.
Honorable Mention
Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech
Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
Terrance Williams, Baylor
Markus Wheaton, Oregon State
Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
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