It seems impossible to talk about 2009 receivers without starting with Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech). So that is exactly where I will begin!

Michael Crabtree (NFL.com)

Michael Crabtree is a unique player with a very unique skill set. He was a high school quarterback but quickly adapted to the wide receiver position in college. He has been gifted with extraordinary hands, exceptional run power with the ball in his hands, great leaping ability, and a knack for find the soft spots on the field. Furthermore, he was a top 5 heisman candidate as a receiver, which is very difficult to do (just ask Larry Fitzgerald). He does not possess lightning top speed of a guy like Percy Harvin (Florida). And he isn’t nearly the man-child that Calvin Johnson was coming out. But whatever way you slice it, he is going to be a special talent in the NFL for many years.

2-time national champion Percy Harvin may be the best athlete on offense in this draft. He played a hybrid version of tailback or slot receiver in college. Yet, he might fill the Reggie Bush role in the NFL. He is supremely able to turn a screen play into a touchdown. And he is deceptively strong for a guy of his stature. He may drop due to his injury history, but the team that snags him will be getting one heckofa playmaker. His coach Urban Meier said it himself that Percy Harvin is the best player in America….

Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin reminds me of Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins). He will a very good kick returner, and has the size and athleticism to be either a slot receiver or wide out. He was super productive in college, albeit against very weak Big 12 passing defenses. He is a bit raw and will probably need a year or so to work on his technique before he is ready to make a large contribution as a receiver.

A couple of sleepers include Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) and Jordan Norwood (Penn St.). I saw these guys in some ESPN challenge before the Super Bowl, and they showed great hands, and powerful running.