No position in the NFL has become more important to an offense than wide receiver over the past decade. The passing game has taken top billing in today's pro attacks with some of the premier athletes in the league manning the position.

In the NFL Draft, receivers annually lead the number of offensive selections. That was the case last spring when 34 wideouts were selected in the two-day event. Five were No. 1 picks and three were selected in the top 10 players. Fourteen receivers were among the top 100 selections.

Michigan's David Terrell is rated the top prospect among a strong class of receivers. (Allsport)

This year's class is another talented group that will likely benefit from the addition of several blue-chip juniors. Michigan's David Terrell might be the best athlete in the nation and faces an important decision in January concerning turning pro. He fits the prototype of the big, athletic receiver dominating in the NFL today.

Big receivers Rod Gardner, Quincy Morgan and "Boo" Williams are off to strong starts this fall in their final seasons, and that has immensely elevated their stock for next spring.

All-purpose performers are always in high demand in the draft because of their playmaking ability and versatility.

This year's class features several special players in Santana Moss, Bobby Newcombe and Freddie Milons. They have shown the ability to break games open as both receivers and returners. Their versatility will enhance their draft position and should earn them an early call in April.

More draft analysis

Wide Receivers

1. David Terrell, Michigan
Junior, 6-2, 200
Gifted junior receiver has all the skills necessary to become the next big-time impact player at the position. His combination of size, speed, hands and athleticism ranks him with any athlete in the nation.

Miami star Santana Moss is an outstanding prospect as a receiver and kick returner. (AP)

2. Santana Moss, Miami (Fla.)
Senior, 5-10, 175
Quick, smurf receiver/return specialist displays explosiveness as an open-field runner that makes him dangerous from anywhere on the field. His ability to double as a return specialist will make him a hot commodity on draft day.

3. Rod Gardner, Clemson
Senior, 6-2, 215
Big athlete has performed brilliantly working with emerging QB Woodrow Dantzler. Gardner has the total package -- size, speed, hands and athleticism to become a star receiver at the next level.

4. Quincy Morgan, Kansas State
Senior, 6-1, 210
Big-play receiver has put on a dominant performance this season, averaging more than 25 yards per reception in the process. He combines the size, speed, agility and hands to become a fine NFL playmaker.

5. Ken-Yon Rambo, Ohio State
Senior, 6-0, 190
Athletic senior has come on strong over the past season. He is a fluid athlete with fine body control, hands and quickness to be the next Buckeyes receiver to start in the NFL.

6. Ed "Boo" Williams, Arkansas
Senior, 6-4, 230
Big athlete has a rare combination of size, speed and agility. He creates difficult matchups on the outside in single coverage where his height and leaping skills make him virtually impossible to cover in man situations.

7. Reggie Wayne, Miami (Fla.)
Senior, 6-1, 190
Talented wideout has set Miami career receiving records working opposite Santana Moss. He is a well-developed prospect who will step in immediately and play in the NFL.

8. Freddie Milons, Alabama
Junior, 5-11, 185
Fast junior receiver/return specialist is one of the most exciting players in the nation. His early season fumbles have set him back this fall and might force him to think twice about turning pro this winter.

9. Bobby Newcombe, Nebraska
Senior, 5-11, 195
Tough wideout/return specialist has made an excellent adjustment to receiver after starting his career at QB. He is a strong, smart athlete with fine vision and quickness that allows him to strike from anywhere on the field.

10. Reggie Germany, Ohio State
Senior, 6-1, 190
Unheralded receiver has made nice progress over his career, displaying speed, quickness and hands along with the body control to make the tough catch.

11. Daniel Guy, Jackson State
Senior, 6-2, 200
Athletic, small-college receiver hopes to follow the footsteps of former teammate Sylvester Morris to the NFL. He has the size and speed to be the highest-rated small-college wideout, but he must improve on the finer points of receiver.

12. Brian Poli-Dixon, UCLA
Junior, 6-4, 210
Big junior is the ideal possession type receiver -- strong frame and the footwork and body control to adjust to the ball. He has suffered with several critical drops this season that are a definite concern if he turns pro this January.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 10 years.

He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Coyle attends NFL minicamps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.