NFL draft preview -- WR

Here are my rankings for the best NFL draft prospects at WR. These rankings will be based on the player's overall talent level and chance to have a good pro career. They will not take into consideration draft order or needs of current NFL teams. That will be assessed after the draft in the updated fantasy rankings.

1. Chad Jackson -- Florida -- Jackson entered the NFL draft after his junior season, taking advantage of a weak overall receiver corps. He likely won't be the first WR drafted, but he has the best chance to become a star. Jackson is a 6'1" 215lb burner who ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the combine. He only had one superstar season at Florida, but it included 88 catches and 11 touchdowns. Jackson has great hands, and the ability to take post patterns and short outs to the end zone.

2. Santonio Holmes -- Ohio State -- Most experts have Holmes ranked as the #1 WR in the draft. He's an all-purpose player who starred as a kick and punt returner last season. He also averaged 18.4 yards on his 53 catches and scored 11 touchdowns. Some teams are concerned with his size (5'10 1/2" 187lbs) but he's made enough plays at the college level that he should have a big impact for an NFL team. He has a tremendous first step, and good top-end speed. Holmes has great hands and footwork, and is one of the most fundamentally sound receivers to enter the draft in years. He probably will be the first WR selected on draft day.

3. Sinorice Moss -- Miami -- I don't like Sinorice Moss, but I can't find anyone better... the draft is that weak at receiver. Moss is only 5'8" 180lbs, but he has excellent speed and can be used as a kick returner, as well as a slot receiver. He didn't have a particularly productive college career, but his senior year produced 614 yards and six touchdowns. He has the ability to become a game-changer on special teams. Moss might sneak into the first round, but it would be a mistake for an NFL team to draft him that high.

4. Maurice Stovall -- Notre Dame -- After the top three WR, any of the next 10 could become a good NFL receiver. Stovall is a project, as he offered nothing to the Irish before an inconsistent, but productive 2005 season. He finished with 1149 yards and 11 touchdowns, but never put together good back-to-back games until the end of the year. Stovall is 6'4 1/2" 220lbs, so he'll be a huge target for whichever team takes the chance. If he can run clean routes in the NFL, he'll be a nice surprise. He should be between the 4th and 7th WR drafted.

5. Brandon Marshall -- Central Florida -- I love the versatility this kid offers, but I'm not an NFL GM... Marshall finally had a productive offensive season in 2005, scoring 11 touchdowns (did all of the top prospects catch exactly 11 touchdowns?) and racking up almost 1200 yards. He has been plagued by injuries at WR, so UCF moved him to safety in 2004 and he led the team in tackles. Marshall will probably play WR in the NFL due to his size (6'4" 229lbs) and speed (4.51 40-yard dash) but an NFL team will have options with him.

6. Jason Avant -- Michigan -- Avant is another converted safety, but he starred in the secondary during high school. Overshadowed by Braylon Edwards for two years, Avant had an excellent 2005 season, finishing with 82-1007-8. At 6'1" 212lbs, he has enough size to put a body on defensive backs. Without Edwards in front of him, he could have developed into a first round pick. He has good speed and excellent acceleration. He probably won't be one of the top 5 WR drafted, but he'll be a nice pick for some NFL team in the late 3rd or 4th round.

7. Derek Hagan -- Arizona State -- Hagan should probably be the #4 WR on this board, but there is something missing. He's got the size (6'2" 210lbs) and is an excellent route runner, but he doesn't have breakaway speed or particularly great focus. His college numbers are impressive: he compiled 226-3534-27 in his last three seasons with ASU. He'll be drafted in the late 2nd or early 3rd round, but I'd rather wait and take a chance on Avant or Marshall.