2011 Draft: Wide Receivers, Tight Ends & Offensive Lines
With this NFL season just starting up and the College football season about to get under way, let’s explore the wide receivers, tight ends and offensive linesmen who will be making headlines in the 2011 draft.
Wide Receivers are crucial to any passing offence. And as such they come in high regards in any and all draft decision-making. A.J. Green of Georgia State is one of the noise-makers influencing these decisions. Even as a freshman Green was breaking defensive game and creating plays for his team. He can stretch the field or even run down the middle for the difficult catch. This all-round player does what he has to, to get the job done. If he chooses to enter the draft next April, he could be a top-10 pick, then again, it might be to his advantage to take one more season in the College game and let his skills ripen.
Michael Floyd of the Notre Dame knows how to control the game, the pace and the tempo. In the red zone, he’s a killer and with new head coach Brian Kelly to show him the ropes, he was one under-classman who will definitely be a first-round pick if he chooses to go for next April’s draft. He’s ready, the question is, is he willing?
Not since Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals has their been a wide receiver as ripe with potential as the Pittsburgh Panthers’ Jonathan Baldwin. He’s got it all, and he does it all, with a smile. Speed, stealth, solid reliable hands, and a great team spirit have made Jonathan Baldwin a top prospect.
Julio Jones is a dominating force on the Alabama Tide. He’s got size, he’s got speed; his only set-back is his stamina. He needs to learn to stretch what he’s got for an entire 60 minutes, and not just shock opponents with momentary bursts of intensity.
Niles Paul of Nebraska is rated one of the best senior receivers in America today. His speed is shocking when compared to his size. He’s explosive, diverse, and if he keeps developing his potential he will mature within the NFL as one of it’s best wide-outs. With 64 career receptions to date, Paul might end up on Nebraska’s top five list of career receptions. Mark my words, this kid is coming, and he’s going to be big.
Lance Kendricks is an underrated tight end. He’s a natural at catching the pass and with his speed he can get downfield and create solid plays.
Nate Potter is a great offensive line-man and one of the key components of Boise State’s offensive line. With his size, footwork and athletic skills he will be sensational at holding down the left tackle position in the NFL. He’s got versatility and a great attitude. He goes for the win, always selflessly, always about the team.
Rodney Hudson of Florida State is well respected in the scouting world. Many feel he has the potential to be a great centre. He knows how to block the zone, he moves well on his feet and is almost unparalleled in his motion blocking.
Jason Pinkston of Pittsburgh is an amazing pass blocker who plays smart. He uses his body and positions himself at all the right angles to protect the quarterback. He’s a natural at the sport and if he just takes a little time out of his schedule to learn the techniques of his craft, he’ll be unstoppable.
Michael Pouncey is Maurkice Pouncey’s twin brother. Maurkice was a first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers just last April. Michael has the strength of his brother and even though he might not have his brothers natural physical abilities he would make a great addition to any team.
The 2010 season just got under way, and every college player out there is riveted by the present, by the potential for Bowl Championships and the future of their careers. The wide receivers, tight ends and offensive linesmen on this list may not all go on to have lucrative, record-setting NFL careers, but at this exact moment in time every single one of them very well could. So while these guys are focused on the now, let’s give credit where credit is due, and wish them luck in the future.
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