Scouting the pro prospects: Wide receivers, tight ends

With an abundance of receiving talent and production returning to the collegiate ranks, the 2006 season should feature plenty of highlight-reel catches.

The prospects at receiver are especially exciting after a very thin crop moved on to the NFL in April. The tight end position is a bit thinner with talents such as Maryland's Vernon Davis, UCLA's Marcedes Lewis and Southern California's Dominique Byrd gone, but there is still plenty of potential moving up the ranks.

Calvin Johnson has averaged 16.9 yards per catch while at Georgia Tech. (Getty Images)

An in-depth look at the country's top 10 wide receivers and tight ends, as well as several others to keep a close watch on:

1. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
6-4, 228 pounds, Jr.

Already considered by many to be the top wide receiver in the country, Johnson is only entering his junior season. Despite being double-teamed on most snaps, Johnson is still responsible for more than 40 percent of Tech's passing production over the past two seasons. His rare combination of size, strength, hand-eye coordination and acrobatics has drawn comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald and even Cris Carter.

An All-ACC selection each of the past two seasons, Johnson's exploits earned him All-American honors in 2005. Because so many players are relative products of collegiate offenses, it is important to point out that Georgia Tech is hardly a passing powerhouse. In fact, before Johnson arrived, the Yellow Jackets had not produced a wide receiver with any type of All-American honors since Billy Martin was recognized -- in 1963.

Through just 24 games, Johnson has 102 receptions for 1,725 yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking him seventh in Tech history in career receiving yards, 10th in receptions and tied for sixth in touchdown receptions.

Johnson's opportunities became limited once teams increasingly rolled coverage toward him in 2005. He was held to only four catches over the final two games, losses to Georgia and Utah. Johnson will be entering his final collegiate season with a chance at NFL riches -- and it'll be too hard to pass up.

2. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC, 6-5, 210, Jr.

Dwayne Jarrett (Getty Images)

Despite Johnson's intriguing ability, NFL scouts will tell you Jarrett might be the NCAA's elite receiving prospect. Blessed with the spectacular combination of height and speed that has made Randy Moss one of the most dangerous receivers in football history, Jarrett flashes similar potential.

A unanimous All-American and Biletnikoff Award finalist last season, Jarrett caught 91 passes for 1,274 yards and 16 touchdowns. Hardly a one-year wonder, Jarrett started eight games as a true freshman in 2004 and led the team with 55 receptions for 849 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Despite playing in only 26 games, Jarrett is already eighth on USC's career receptions list with 146. He needs just 42 catches to equal Keary Colbert's school record, and Jarrett's 29 career touchdown catches are just shy of Mike Williams' USC record of 30 and the Pac-10 mark of 32 (held by Stanford's Ken Margerum, 1977-80).

Jarrett's production could potentially take a nose dive in 2006 with Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White, among others, moving on to the NFL. But there are some who feel Jarrett will be even more productive now that the offense will focus more on his special talents.

3. Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame, 6-5, 216, Sr.

Jeff Samardzija (Getty Images)

Entering last season, Samardzija was known more for his pitching exploits than for his production on the football field. In fact, before 2005, Samardzija had only 24 career receptions and no touchdowns.

With former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis becoming Notre Dame's head coach and future first-round pick Brady Quinn coming into his own at quarterback, the table was set for Samardzija to enjoy a breakout season. Still, no one could have predicted his record-breaking performance, eclipsing single-season school records for receiving yards (1,249) and touchdowns (15) and tying a 35-year-old mark for most receptions (77) previously set by Tom Gatewood.

NFL scouts are intrigued by Samardzija's combination of size and agility. Though he lacks spectacular speed, Samardzija is deceptively smooth and is at his best with the ball in the air. Like Johnson, Samardzija has rare hand-eye coordination and has shown a knack for making the spectacular reception in tight coverage.

The game comes naturally to Samardzija, whose spring practice time is limited due to his commitment as a pitcher for the Irish baseball team. Professional football and baseball scouts are left imagining what this kid could do if he focused on one sport.

4. Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State, 6-0, 180, Jr.

Ted Ginn Jr., OSU (Getty Images)

Ginn is unquestionably the most athletic prospect on this list. Signed as a defensive back, he has seen snaps at flanker, split end, running back and quarterback over the past two seasons.

Ginn's biggest upside remains at receiver and as a return specialist. Despite sharing the spotlight with future first-round pick Santonio Holmes in 2005, Ginn hauled in 51 receptions for 803 yards and four touchdowns. As a true freshman the previous year, he again finished second to Holmes with 25 receptions for 359 yards and two scores.

As dangerous as he has been as a wideout, Ginn is even better known for his immediate impact as a return specialist. He heads into his junior year as the school's career leader in punt returns for touchdowns with five -- tying Iowa's Tim Dwight for the Big Ten career record -- four of which came during his freshman season. Ginn's 29.6-yard kick return average on 18 returns led the Big Ten, and included a 100-yard runback at Minnesota.

Reportedly running in the 4.2-second range in the 40-yard dash, there are some who feel Ginn could prove to be a similar speed threat at the next level as former Buckeye Joey Galloway.

5. Jason Hill, WR, Washington State, 6-1, 210, Sr.

Jason Hill, WSU (Getty Images)

Carrying on in the footsteps of former Washington State standouts Nakoa McElrath, Mike Bush and Devard Darling, Hill emerged in 2004 as one of the top young wideouts in the country. In only two seasons starting, Hill already owns the school record with 25 career touchdown receptions and is the only WSU wideout to catch more than 1,000 yards worth of passes in two seasons.

Hill considered leaving school early for the NFL. Blessed with good size and sneaky downfield speed, he was projected by the NFL Advisory Committee as a middle-round prospect with the potential to be drafted higher should he perform well in workouts. Hill certainly has a future at the NFL level, but considering the amount of success he has already enjoyed in the Pac-10, it should be fun to watch him light up collegiate defenses for another season.

6. Paul Williams, WR, Fresno State, 6-2, 220, Sr.

Coach Pat Hill has referred to Williams as the best receiver he has ever had, which is high praise considering Hill coached current Chicago Bear Bernard Berrian, who in 2002 broke the WAC record for most all-purpose yardage in a season. Big deal, you say? The guy who held the record before Berrian was a running back from TCU named LaDainian Tomlinson.

Williams had a breakout 2005, averaging 17 yards per catch and finishing with seven touchdown receptions. His combination of elusiveness and rare size make him a potentially elite prospect.

7. Aundrae Allison, WR, East Carolina, 6-0, 190, Sr.

A. Allison (AP)

Allison is an exciting talent who signed with East Carolina after a successful tour of duty with the Georgia Military College and Coffeyville Community College. He quickly earned a starting role with the Pirates and exploded onto the Conference USA scene. Allison broke several team records on his way to an 83-catch, 1,024-yard, seven-touchdown season that earned him first-team C-USA honors.

Allison has good size for the position and has been timed in the low 4.4s. He shows good burst out of his routes, soft hands and the competitiveness to go over the middle. Allison is still a relatively raw prospect, but has impressive physical tools to work with.

A knee injury late last year hampered him throughout spring workouts, but Allison should be ready for the start of the season. If he can match his 2005 production, Allison could develop into an elite prospect.

8. David Clowney, WR, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 180, Sr.

David Clowney (Getty Images)

If there is a receiver on this list capable of competing with Ginn's athleticism and pure speed, it's Clowney.

Blessed with good size and 4.3 speed, the former track star has developed into a legitimate football player with the Hokies. Clowney is still relatively raw, having only started 13 games over his career, but he developed quickly in '05, leading the team in receptions (34) and receiving yards (619) in his first season as the full-time starter. He has 59 career receptions, good for 949 yards and six touchdowns.

Despite his relatively small production in comparison to other top receiver prospects, Clowney certainly has the NFL's attention. He averages 16.08 yards per reception, indicative of his speed and explosiveness. Perhaps the greatest compliment to Clowney is simply this: In a conference loaded with top-flight athleticism, he stands out.

9. Greg Olsen, TE, Miami, 6-5, 252, Jr.

Greg Olsen, Miami (Getty Images)

Miami coaches say Olsen could end up being the best Hurricanes tight end ever -- quite a statement considering Miami has produced the likes of Kellen Winslow Jr., Jeremy Shockey and Bubba Franks.

Olsen left high school as one of the elite prep talents in the country and originally signed with Notre Dame. He elected to transfer to Miami and was forced to sit out the 2003 season.

A backup to eventual third-round pick Kevin Everett (Buffalo), Olsen didn't get much playing time in 2004. In limited duty he caught 16 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown. His talents began to blossom in '05. An honorable mention All-ACC player, Olsen finished with 31 receptions for 451 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite measuring in at 6-5, 252, Olsen has good speed for the position. Though he possesses the size to be an impact blocker, Olsen remains at his best catching passes over the middle and stretching the seam. In only one season as the starter, he has become Miami's most reliable receiving outlet, and LSU made stopping him a focus in the Peach Bowl. It was no coincidence the Hurricanes struggled to move the ball against the Tigers with Olsen being held without a reception.

10. Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State, 6-4, 254, Jr.

Zach Miller, ASU (Getty Images)

If Olsen isn't the elite tight end in the collegiate ranks, then Miller certainly is. A second-team All-American in his true freshman season of 2004, Miller broke the ASU record for receptions in a season by a tight end with 56, which also tied the NCAA mark for the position. He also produced 552 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Miller was one of only four freshmen to earn either first- or second-team All-American honors in '04.

Miller's '05 numbers dropped due to injuries, most notably a nagging left ankle sprain. He still finished third on the team with 38 receptions, four for touchdowns. He also recorded 476 receiving yards for an average of 12.5 per reception. Miller's potential has many comparing him to former Sun Devils great Todd Heap.

Others to watch

Todd Blythe (AP)

Todd Blythe, WR, Iowa State, 6-5, 210, Jr.: A seemingly unstoppable force at receiver in the Big 12, Blythe was voted first-team all-conference after catching 51 passes for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 19.46 yards per catch, first in the Big 12 and second nationally among receivers with at least 4.1 receptions per game. Despite being the focus of the opposing secondary, Blythe still caught five passes for 105 yards and two scores against TCU in the Houston Bowl, earning offensive MVP honors in the loss.

Blythe's huge year came after tearing his ACL during the offseason, following a big redshirt freshman season. He was named second-team all-conference, second-team Freshman All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in '04. Blythe is already the school record-holder with 16 touchdown receptions in just 23 games.

Jarrett Hicks (Getty Images)

Jarrett Hicks, WR, Texas Tech, 6-3, 210, Sr.: Imagine catching 65 passes for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns and having some refer to your season as a "down year." Welcome to the life of Hicks, one of several talented, productive wide receivers for Texas Tech. Since Mike Leach took over the Texas Tech program, he has instituted a wide-open passing attack that has made the spread offense look like sandlot football.

Hicks, blessed with great size, surprising downfield speed and sticky hands, has become one of the most feared receivers in the Big 12. Despite finishing with less production last season than in 2004 (76 catches, 1,177 yards, 13 TDs), Hicks was far from below par. He led the conference with 6.2 receptions per game, and his 10 touchdown catches helped him eclipse the school's career record of 22, held by Mickey Peters.

Steve Breaston, WR, Michigan, 6-1, 182, Sr.: After Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant garnered most of the attention in recent seasons, 2006 should be Breaston's coming-out party. He has a silky-smooth running style and penchant for making the big play in the big game. He has emerged not only as a quality receiver, but also as a big-play return specialist. Breaston joined former Wisconsin standout Nick Davis as the only players in Big Ten history with 1,000 career yards in three different categories (receiving, kick and punt return).

David Ball, WR, New Hampshire, 6-1, 195, Sr.: Looking for a diamond in the rough? Get to know the name David Ball. A track athlete with unbelievable body control and hands, Ball is on the verge of becoming the NCAA's career leader in touchdown receptions, a mark currently owned by some guy named Jerry Rice. This past season, Ball tied Randy Moss' I-AA record with at least one touchdown reception in 11 different games. Ball is six touchdown catches shy of eclipsing Rice's I-AA career record of 50.

Matt Spaeth, TE, Minnesota, 6-6, 270, Sr.: Arguably the most accomplished senior tight end in the country, Spaeth has 729 yards on 62 receptions with eight touchdowns in his career, and needs 483 receiving yards to surpass Ben Utecht as the school's all-time leading receiver at the position. Spaeth was voted first-team All-Big Ten by both the conference coaches and media.

Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers, 6-6, 255, Sr.: Harris, a two-time All-Big East selection, has 109 receptions for 1,522 yards and nine touchdowns over his career. He caught 38 passes for 584 yards and four touchdowns last season as Rutgers reached the Insight Bowl, the school's first bowl game since 1978. He was the No. 1 ranked tight end in the conference with 48.7 receiving yards and 3.17 catches per game.

Martrez Milner, TE, Georgia, 6-4, 255, Sr.: While Spaeth and Harris might receive a great deal of the media attention devoted to senior tight ends, NFL scouts are potentially even more intrigued by Milner, a superb physical specimen poised to have a breakout season for the Bulldogs. Georgia has become quite the tight end factory in recent years, producing Randy McMichael, Ben Watson and Leonard Pope, and the trend seems likely to continue with Milner. Though he only has six career starts, Milner has the rare athleticism to make him a potentially lethal option in the middle -- though he is still quite raw.

Scott Chandler, TE, Iowa, 6-7, 256, Sr.: Chandler signed on with Iowa as a receiver, but simply kept getting bigger and was moved to tight end in 2004. He has since developed into one of the better prospects at the position and could be on the verge of a monstrous senior season. Considered by some to have the softest hands of any of the senior tight ends, Chandler led Iowa in receptions last year (47), his first as the starter. The Hawkeye has caught 71 passes for 876 yards and four touchdowns over the past two seasons, numbers he might match as a senior.

Joe Newton, TE, Oregon State, 6-7, 255, Sr.: Newton is one of the more productive receiving tight ends in the country, but due to Oregon State's relative lack of success and Newton's penchant for injury, he hasn't received the national attention his play warrants. Blessed with spectacular size and strong, sure hands, Newton enjoyed a breakout 2004 season in which he posted 56 catches for 687 yards and seven touchdowns, earning honorable mention Pac-10 honors. Expected to compete for the Mackey Award this past season, Newton was instead lost for '05 with a torn tendon in his left foot. How Newton recovers from the injury will count heavily toward his final draft standing.

Jonny Harline, TE, BYU, 6-4, 242, Sr.: Harline is the nation's most productive returning tight end. He led Brigham Young in receptions (63) and receiving yards (853) and was named first-team All-MWC in 2005. He also caught five touchdown passes and had three 100-yard performances, including 123 yards against both San Diego State and New Mexico. BYU has sent three tight ends to the NFL Draft over the past five years (Spencer Nead, Doug Jolley, Tevita Ofahengaue), and Harline looks poised to continue the tradition.

Rob Rang is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.