Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
NFL Draft Prospect – Pittsburgh’s Jonathan Baldwin Heads Strong Overall Receiver Class
Photo - WR Jon Baldwin - Pittsburgh
NFL Draft prospect junior wideout Jonathan Baldwin heads an excellent group of potential underclassmen prospects this year. His rare versatility and playmaking ability rates him a blue chip prospect who can fill a few roles for the pro game. His impact ability especially in big game situations has drawn the eyes of NFL scouts over the past few seasons. I have scouted Jonathan during that period and view him as an early first round selection if he declares in mid January. He is in the mold of NFL receivers like Vincent Jackson and Brandon Marshall who have been Pro Bowl performers.
NFL Draft 2011 Report - Wide Receiver Prospects
WR Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma St. had an amazing 2010 season and will consider declaring for the NFL Draft 2011. He has shown impact ability consistently over his last few seasons despite double coverage often. He can be a difference maker as a pro, combining speed, quickness, power and running skills. He has intriguing skills for the NFL with big play ability as a #1 receiver. WR Ryan Broyles of Oklahoma was an impact weapon and one of the nation’s premier performers as an underclassman during the 2010 season. He has the big time separation speed to be a top flight pro with a high level of development in the passing attack. He ranks among the top underclassmen receivers in this draft class entering the critical postseason. WR Terrence Tolliver of LSU had a good year performance that has been instrumental in the Tigers fine season. He has good size with fine hands and occasional separation speed to get deep. He is a tough intermediate playmaker who takes a hit and makes the difficult catch. WR Leonard Hankerson of Miami was a difference maker in the Miami offense over his late career, though his production was limited by average and erratic QB play. He has adequate speed with natural hands and running skills to be dangerous after the catch. He is dangerous in the red zone where his natural skills make him a tough matchup. He is expected to attend the Senior Bowl in January. WR Amon Binns of Cincinnati was one of the hottest receivers in the nation at midseason, but his production fell quickly as the Bearcats struggled over the 2nd half of the year. He runs precise routes, shows sure hands and is a tough runner after the catch. He is a solid possession receiver whose postseason will determine if he falls in the 2nd tier of wideouts. WR Jeff Fuller of Texas A&M is an intriguing prospect. He has blue chip athleticism and measureables that will rank him among the top juniors. His development needs route running work and adjustments to coverage, but he is a big fast tough receiver who creates a huge matchup problem to most cover men. He ranks with the top underclassmen and is leaning towards entering the NFL Draft. WR Jonathan Baldwin of Pittsburgh is another blue chip underclassmen. He has imposing size with fine hands and leaping skills to win most matchups. He carries a high grade if he decides to declare in January. There is a good chance he turns pro after the firing of HC Dave Wannstedt. WR Matt Szczur of Villanova has returned from an ankle injury that cost him half of his final season. He had another huge game in the FCS playoffs where he showed the versatility to make plays in a number of roles. He expected am invite to the Senior Bowl where his stock could rise significantly with a strong showing. WR/RS Jerrel Jernigan of Troy has also received an invitation from the Senior Bowl where he hopes to show his big play ability as both a receiver and returner. He is both fast and quick and has fine openfield running skills to impress NFL scouts. He has the package to be a fine Wild Cat weapon in a pro offense and is a rising prospect.