Draft breakdown, Day 4

Today, it's time to look at the receivers. Here are Rick Stroud's top 10. I'll have the defensive backs for you tomorrow.

1. Devin Thomas, 6-2, 215, Michigan State

Registered 79 catches, 1,260 yards and eight touchdowns in his only season of major college football.

2. DeSean Jackson, 5-10, 175, California

Most explosive wideout and natural pass catcher. Could help immediately as kick returner.

3. Limas Sweed, 6-4, 217, Texas

Great size and tremendous red zone threat. Injured wrist caused his stock to drop.

4. James Hardy, 6-6, 216, Indiana

Creates matchup problems with smaller DBs. Double-digit TDs in three seasons.

5. Malcolm Kelly, 6-4, 222, Oklahoma

Great on film, but hurt himself with 40-yard time of 4.75.

6. Early Doucet, 6-0, 208, Louisiana State

Slot receiver slowed last season by groin injury.

7. Jordy Nelson, 6-3, 215, Kansas State

Polished receiver projects as a No. 2 option for West Coast-style offense. Slow 40-yard time dropped him.

8. Lavelle Hawkins, 5-11, 185, California

Dropped passes and disappeared for Cal late in the season.

9. Mario Manningham, 6-0, 183, Michigan

Character issues abound and slower-than-expected 40-yard time of 4.59.

10. Keenan Burton, 6-1, 199, Kentucky

Great hands and work ethic. Series of injuries affected last season's performance.

Comments

[John P]

This list could go 25 deep and not have much drop off at all. I watched Hardy play enough to notice that he was like a giant among men in the Big 10. If the Bucs picked him up, nobody should complain.

As far as the rest of them go, it's a total crap shoot in my opinion - although I'm pretty sure Harry Douglas from Louisville will be a mid-round success story. He irritated the 49er staff at the senior bowl and his stock dropped. But having an offensive staff as inept as San Fran's mad at you is probably a good thing.

[Kinn Corn Karn]

Yes, Hardy was productive, but he also has baggage. Apparently, he was charged with battery for attacking his girlfriend and her young son. What the hell is wrong with these idiots?!

[Stephen Holder]

John, I totally agree about the depth of the WRs. There's not a Randy Moss in the bunch, but it's a pretty consistent group throughout. That's why I'm not totally convinced the Bucs have to go WR in the first round. They'll get a decent prospect whether they pick one then or in the second round.

[Jim]

This is an underachieving group of wide receivers. The Buc's may have a top need in the WR area but shouldn't waste a pick there. Go after a corner or better yet improve the RB position since you have an aging squad in round #1 and look for the QB to build the team around in round #2. The yearly QB patchwork has got to end...

[aaron]

i really hope they do not go wr in the first. i would be really dissapointed if they went with DeSean Jackson. i see him as a Ted Ginn jr, type. he was fantastic in college but all i think he will be able to do for a while is return kicks. we dont need to spend a first rounder on a kick returner. everybody wants the next devin hester, to try and use a first rounder on it would be silly. the could easliy pick up a good quality wr in the second, say a Early Doucet or Mario Manningham. use that first pick on a CB like jenkins, talib, or cason. Or a LT like sam baker or chris williams. if we went LT in the first we could be set for years on the o-line.

[bill]

Tampa needs speed! I don't know if they'll pick a WR in the first round, but I would not be diappointed with D. Jackson. Yes, he has size issues, but I beleive he'll add bulk without losing any speed and could be the next Steve Smith(CAR).

[bill]

Tampa needs speed! I don't know if they'll pick a WR in the first round, but I would not be disappointed with D. Jackson. Yes, he has size issues, but I beleive he'll add bulk without losing any speed and could be the next Steve Smith(CAR).

[Kurt]

I agree with Aaron. I am a firm believer that you build the trenches in the first round. However, since we have a late pick, I wouldn't mind if we got a CB if the value is there. Otherwise, I don't like skill positions in the first round unless they are off the chart and I don't see any at pick 20. Also, if they decide they have to pick a WR, I personally think Caldwell is the best out of the lot. Best picks would be a lineman at that pick. If we could steal another quality lineman like we did with Sears last year we will be much better off than if we picked a skill position. Look at the difference our first two picks made last year. It goes back to the same philosophical point; It's harder to find 6'5" than it is 6'0" talent, so you better take 'em early. Also, I think picking a QB any earlier than the 4th round in this draft is foolish. We have bigger needs at CB, WR and DL (where we could use 2.) We're going to have to cut a couple anyway, so why pick up more? Seems senseless.