Initial Rankings Part 2

This years Wide Receiver class has a chance to be really special. In 2 of the last 3 years drafts, there hasn't been a WR taken in the top 20. That will change in 2011. There are 4 potential superstars at WR, all with different attributes and a different style. It's going to be really exciting to follow this class. Despite this, there is one small problem... none of the elite talents are seniors. If these guys don't declare, then the class will be awful, but most people (including me) think that most of the underclassmen are coming out in 2011.

Senior WR's
1) Terrance Toliver, LSU
2) Greg Little, North Carolina
3) Austin Pettis, Boise State
4) Armon Binns, Cincinnati
5) Ryan Whalen, Stanford

Notable Underclassmen
1) AJ Green, Georgia
2) Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
3) Jonathon Baldwin, Pittsburgh
4) Julio Jones, Alabama

While none of the seniors have a realistic shot at round 1, the 4 underclassmen I mentioned all have a ceiling in the top 10. Green is a big and athletic playmaker. He's one of the best deep threats in recent memory. His size/speed ratio, and dynamic playmaking ability make him the best of the best in this potentially loaded class.
Floyd, is another big time threat. In just 7 games last year, Floyd managed to pick up 9 TD's and nearly 800 yards... that's very impressive. Combine that with his 6'3 220 lb frame, sure hands, superb route running, and possible 4.4 speed, and you have a top 10 talent. There is an issue here though... injuries. Floyd is exceptional when healthy, but he's proven to be extremely fragile. If he stays healthy this season and tests out medically, he could be one of the top talents available. Another injury though could derail his status as elite talent.
Baldwin is the least publicized of the 'big 4'. He's even bigger then Michael Floyd, and just as athletic. He has elite leaping ability, sure hands, and underrated route running. Baldwin could be a top 10 pick this April.
Julio Jones is likely the most talked about of the 4, but in my opinion, he's the worst of the bunch. He's a first round talent no doubt, but he hasn't performed up to his abilities so far in his career. A true athletic freak, Jones stands at 6'4 215 lbs, runs a 4.4, and is set to blow up the vertical (among other drills) at the combine. A player this talented, playing on a loaded team that often demands 8 men in the box, Jones should have a field day against opponent's secondaries. But he doesn't usually. His stats are pedestrian at best, party due to his habit of dropping the ball way too much. His motivation and focus have come into question because of his drops, and that combined with sub-par route running make him the 4th best of the group. If he plays up to his abilities this year though, Jones could realistically leap all the other receivers and become the best of the best.

Now onto the Tight End's. This position doesn't offer the same excitement as the receivers but there are some intriguing names to watch.
Senior TE's
1) Weslye Saunders, South Carolina
2) Charlie Gantt, MSU
3) Luke Stocker, Tennessee
4) Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
5) Schuylar Oordt, Northern Iowa

Notable Underclassmen
1) Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

Rudolph could be a first rounder if he declares. He's big, fast, experienced, and serviceable in both the passing game and in terms of blocking. He's the prototypical tight end. He has some nagging injuries, and it'll be interesting to see if he's as productive with Dayne Crist under center, but right now he's the cream of the crop. Another interesting guy to watch is Saunders out of South Carolina. He could be the most gifted tight end athletically in 2011, but he has character concerns. He's been suspended in the past and reports of his immaturity and nonchalant attitude have surfaced repeatedly. If he can turn himself around, he could be a force in the NFL. Very similar to Jermichael Finley, Saunders is big, fast, and a threat in the middle of the field. He's a boom or bust player for sure, but in my opinion he's worth the risk anywhere past round 1. Keep your eye on Oordt from Northern Iowa this year too. Admittedly, I don't get to see much Northern Iowa football but, Oordt has an intriguing blend of triangle numbers. He's 6'6, 250, and runs a reported 4.6. He's been fairly productive in his career so far, so he's an intriguing name to watch.

Next up the OLinemen.