College Football Draft Kit: Wide Receiver Rankings

College Football Draft Kit: Wide Receiver Rankings

This article is part of our College Football Draft Kit series.

1. Marqise Lee, Jr., USC

The loss of quarterback Matt Barkley hurts, but Lee's 2012 production was so hysterically strong he could still emerge as the top fantasy receiver this season even if his numbers decline. Lee's 1,721 receiving yards from last year outpace the next closest returning receiver (Jordan Matthews) by nearly 400 yards. Still, the transition to new quarterback Max Wittek is a concern - after eight 100-yard performances in 10 games with Barkley last year, Lee totaled just 116 yards on 11 catches in two games with Wittek under center. Wittek, though, would really have to bomb for Lee to fall out of the positions' top three, particularly with Robert Woods no longer stealing targets. USC also plays a 13-game schedule this season, one more game than any other team.

2. Sammy Watkins, Jr., Clemson

After 1,450 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman, Watkins was perhaps the nation's most disappointing fantasy player last season. Injuries and a two-game suspension limited him to nine games (he played one snap of Clemson's bowl game), and while his receptions per game - 6.3 - matched the previous year's, his yards per reception dropped by 2.5 to 12.4 YPC, leaving him with 708 yards. Worse, teammate DeAndre Hopkins totaled an ACC-record 18 receiving touchdowns to Watkins' three. Hopkins, though, is gone, as is the 61-catch duo of Brandon Ford and Jaron Brown, leaving Watkins to again be quarterback Tajh Boyd's favorite target. Also,

1. Marqise Lee, Jr., USC

The loss of quarterback Matt Barkley hurts, but Lee's 2012 production was so hysterically strong he could still emerge as the top fantasy receiver this season even if his numbers decline. Lee's 1,721 receiving yards from last year outpace the next closest returning receiver (Jordan Matthews) by nearly 400 yards. Still, the transition to new quarterback Max Wittek is a concern - after eight 100-yard performances in 10 games with Barkley last year, Lee totaled just 116 yards on 11 catches in two games with Wittek under center. Wittek, though, would really have to bomb for Lee to fall out of the positions' top three, particularly with Robert Woods no longer stealing targets. USC also plays a 13-game schedule this season, one more game than any other team.

2. Sammy Watkins, Jr., Clemson

After 1,450 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman, Watkins was perhaps the nation's most disappointing fantasy player last season. Injuries and a two-game suspension limited him to nine games (he played one snap of Clemson's bowl game), and while his receptions per game - 6.3 - matched the previous year's, his yards per reception dropped by 2.5 to 12.4 YPC, leaving him with 708 yards. Worse, teammate DeAndre Hopkins totaled an ACC-record 18 receiving touchdowns to Watkins' three. Hopkins, though, is gone, as is the 61-catch duo of Brandon Ford and Jaron Brown, leaving Watkins to again be quarterback Tajh Boyd's favorite target. Also, the 6-2 Watkins will move to Hopkins' position in the slot this year, which should allow him to use his blazing speed after the catch to break big plays.

3. Davante Adams, So., Fresno State

Fresno State coaches insisted last season that Adams was a freak athlete who would take the nation by storm. Turns out, they weren't exaggerating. A redshirt freshman, Adams dominated from start to finish last season, totaling 102 catches for 1,312 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games. He had six 100-yard games and scored at least one touchdown in his last eight games. He could be even more busy in 2013 because running back Robbie Rouse (63 catches) is no longer around. With star quarterback Derek Carr back to keep feeding him the ball in Fresno State's spread offense, Adams is one of the elite fantasy targets this year.

4. Brandin Cooks, Jr., Oregon State

A strong fantasy option last season with 67 receptions for 1,151 yards and five touchdows, Cooks could leap into elite territory this year. Top Oregon State wideout Markus Wheaton graduated, leaving the Beavers the task of replacing 91 catches, 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns. No other Oregon State receiver made it to the 20-catch mark last season, so Cooks could be in position to push for 100 receptions this year. A speedster at 5-10, 180, Cooks is difficult to corral in the open field and is always a threat to break a long gain. Although Oregon State has a quarterback controversy between Sean Mannion and Cody Vaz, it should mean little to Cooks, who produced regardless of the quarterback last year.

5. Eric Ward, Sr., Texas Tech

Coach Kliff Kingsbury's arrival means Texas Tech should continue to operate its Air Raid offense at a high level in 2013, and with last year's leading receiver Darrin Moore (92 catches) gone, Ward should be in for a busy workload this season. Ward was a big deal even with Moore around, finishing 2012 with 82 receptions for 1,053 yards and 12 scores in 12 games. And other than tight end Jace Amaro, no returning Red Raider had more than 300 receiving yards last year. With most of the passing game to himself it would be disappointing if Ward didn't push 100 catches this year.

6. Noel Grigsby, Sr., San Jose State

Only Kansas' Nick Harwell has more career receptions among active players than Grigsby, who has 227 catches heading into his senior year. Grigsby figures to move way up the all-time rankings by the end of 2013 because star quarterback David Fales is back after throwing for 4,193 yards and 33 touchdowns last year. Grigsby is clearly the top target after snagging 88 catches for 1,307 yards and nine scores. Grigsby likely will improve his rate of 6.3 catches per game from last year, as second-leading receiver Ryan Otten (47 catches for 742 yards) graduated.

7. Alex Neutz, Sr., Buffalo

Neutz posted 1,015 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, but his consistency was particularly exceptional. The 6-3 wideout scored or surpassed 80 yards in all 11 of his games last year, and that's despite facing tough defenses like Georgia, Connecticut and Bowling Green. Neutz should have even more opportunities this season because Buffalo likely will be more willing to throw as quarterback Joe Licata heads into his sophomore season. The Bulls attempted only 31.7 passes per game last year; this season they should look more like the 35.2-pass 2011 team.

8. Tevin Reese, Sr., Baylor

He's not Terrance Williams, but Reese should still post huge numbers as Baylor's probable top wideout in 2013. Even with Williams around, Reese managed strong fantasy production last season, finishing with 53 catches for 957 yards and nine touchdowns. Williams' exit leaves a 97-catch shortage in the offense, however, meaning Reese should reach at least 70 receptions this season. Given his 17.6 yards per catch the last two years, Reese could exceed 1,200 yards this season.

9. Amari Cooper, So., Alabama

Despite playing in one of the nation's least pass-happy offenses, Cooper looks poised for a big season. Cooper totaled 59 catches for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman last year, including 26 receptions for 520 yards and six touchdowns in the final five games. Alabama has a talented group of receivers, including Kevin Norwod (29-461-4), Christian Jones (27-368-4) and Kenny Bell (17-431-3), but none is a playmaker of Cooper's caliber, and Cooper shouldn't have to share more targets than he did last season.

10. Jordan Leslie, Jr., UTEP

Leslie caught 51 passes for 973 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore last year and likely has the opportunity for much more this season with Michael Edwards and his 820 yards and eight scores lost to graduation. Not only that, but he's also getting a quarterback upgrade with the transfer of former Texas A&M QB Jameill Showers, who was expected to start for A&M before Johnny Manziel's improbable arrival last season. All told, Leslie could be in for a huge season.

11. Tommy Shuler, Jr., Marshall

Aaron Dobson was a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but Shuler easily outproduced his fellow wideout last season, leading the nation with 9.2 catches per game while totaling 110 receptions for 1,138 yards and six scores. Marshall brings back third-year starting quarterback, and Shuler's high school teammate, Rakeem Cato, and Shuler could catch even more passes in 2013 now that Dobson and Antavious Wilson are out of the picture. Dobson and Wilson accounted for 126 receptions last year, giving Shuler the opportunity for 10-plus catches a game this season.

12. Justin Hardy, Jr., East Carolina

After two standout years at East Carolina, Hardy should be in for his best campaign yet. East Carolina brings back most of its offensive line and an impressive quarterback in Shane Carden, who totaled 22 touchdown passes in 11 starts last year. While East Carolina's quick-pass offense probably won't give Hardy many chances to go deep, his consistency makes him a weekly fantasy threat. He had five 100-yard games last season and scored in 10 games, missing both of those marks only twice. A strong receiving corps around him in East Carolina's four-WR set means the 6-0, 185, Hardy can't be often double-teamed. With 152 receptions in 24 career games, Hardy is especially valuable in PPR leagues.

13. Jamison Crowder, Jr., Duke

Even with quarterback Sean Renfree gone to the NFL, Crowder should still establish himself as one of the nation's elite fantasy receivers this season. He caught 76 passes for 1,074 yards and eight touchdowns last season and should improve those numbers in 2013. Duke must replace two of its top three receivers from a year ago, as Conner Vernon and Desmond Scott graduated after totaling 151 catches. With no obvious replacements on the roster, Crowder could push for 100 catches as the lone established receiver.

14. Mike Evans, So., Texas A&M

Evans gets an A+ for consistency, as he is A&M's automatic top target when it's time to move the chains, catching at least four passes in every game last year. With Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu gone, the 6-5 Evans figures to increase his numbers across the board this season, including his five touchdowns from 2012, as Swope and Nwachukwu accounted for 98 catches for 1,398 yards and 15 touchdowns. And with Johnny Manziel at the helm, the A&M offense should stay red hot, giving Evans the opportunity for a big season.

15. Stefon Diggs, So., Maryland

Despite playing on one of the nation's least talented offenses last season, Diggs wasted no time making a name for himself as a freshman. Even with injuries forcing Maryland down to its fifth-string quarterback, Diggs somehow totaled 54 catches for 848 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games, numbers he supplemented with 114 yards on the ground, a passing touchdown and two kickoff return touchdowns. With his starting quarterback returning from injury and Maryland losing senior pass catchers Kevin Dorsey and Matt Furstenburg to graduation, Diggs should dominate again in 2013.

16. Je'Ron Hamm, Sr., Louisiana-Monroe

Hamm is a bit of gamble, but he could have a breakout 2013 campaign. Hamm is already a standout receiver, as he finished last season with 62 catches for 915 yards and six touchdowns, but the loss of teammate Brent Leonard leaves Louisiana-Monroe with a 104-catch shortage - and it leaves Hamm with a huge opportunity. Quarterback Kolton Browning is back for a fourth year, and four of Monroe's starting linemen are back. Hamm presents a reliable combination of talent, opportunity and continuity.

17. Dawan Scott, Jr., Miami (OH)

It's too bad that star quarterback Zac Dysert is no longer around, but any damage done to Scott's fantasy prospects is offset by Miami losing Nick Harwell (Kansas) and Andy Cruse (graduation), leaving the RedHawks with a 142-catch void from the 2012 offense. Scott was quite good last year even while competing with those two for catches, finishing with 57 catches for 851 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games while running for 80 yards and another touchdown. Moreover, Dysert's replacement, senior Austin Boucher, seems more than capable given that he totaled 622 yards and three scores as a two-game postseason starter in 2010.

18. Jeremy Gallon, Sr., Michigan

Coming off a modest junior season of 49 receptions for 829 yards and four touchdowns, Gallon could provide great draft-day value as he should easily outperform his likely late-round status. Michigan should have its best passing game in ages as Devin Gardner takes over at quarterback. Gallon's numbers soared when Gardner played in 2012. Gardner's five starts yielded 31 catches, 511 yards and three touchdowns for Gallon. Expect more of the same this season.

19. DeVante Parker, Jr., Louisville

The Cardinals figure to be aggressive through the air this season as they play up quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as a Heisman candidate, which should increase Parker's fantasy value. Parker's 58 career receptions have gone for 16 touchdowns, and he figures to push the 60-catch mark after finishing 2012 with 24 receptions for 407 yards and eight touchdowns in the final six weeks. Consistency could be an issue as Louisville is deep at receiver with Eli Rogers, Damian Copeland and Michaelee Harris threats to steal targets from Parker, but Parker is clearly the team's top playmaker at wideout.

20. Josh Stewart, Jr., Oklahoma State

Stewart is a top-5 receiver in PPR leagues, as few receivers in the nation figure to catch more passes this season. But Stewart's lack of touchdown opportunities hurts his fantasy value. At 5-10, 178, Stewart is never going to be a red-zone threat, and bigger targets like Blake Jackson, Tracy Moore and Charlie Moore are better bets to provide touchdowns and big plays. Stewart primarily moves the chains. While he totaled 1,210 yards, he scored only seven touchdowns on 101 receptions last season. Jackson and the Moores combined for 13 touchdowns on 84 catches. Stewart added 120 yards and a score on the ground last season, but he's probably a little overvalued as a receiver in standard leagues.

21. Bernard Reedy, Sr., Toledo

Reedy is coming off a season in which he totaled 88 catches for 1,113 yards and six touchdowns despite a down year for the Toledo passing game. Reedy is exceptionally elusive, and he supplemented that receiving production with a punt return touchdown and three kickoff return touchdowns last season. Even though his red-zone prospects are hurt by his lack of size (5-9, 175) and the presence of 6-4 teammate Alonzo Russell, Reedy is still Toledo's No. 1 receiver and should do better in the TD department in what ought to be a bounce-back year for quarterback Terrance Owens.

22. Robert Herron, Sr., Wyoming

A shin injury disrupted what might have been a breakout campaign for Herron in 2012 as he totaled 657 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games. After posting 173 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener, Herron missed three of the next four games. He finally got back on track in the final three games of the season, though, conclusively showing he was Wyoming's best receiver with 16 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns. He should produce at a similar pace this season because Wyoming must replace 63-catch wideout Chris McNeill. Quarterback Brett Smith made Herron his go-to receiver last season, and Smith should be as good as ever as he heads into his third year as starter.

23. Jordan Matthews, Sr., Vanderbilt

The loss of quarterback Jordan Rodgers is a concern for Matthews' fantasy value, but Matthews should remain one of the nation's top receivers. The Commodores have a decent replacement quarterback in Austyn Carta-Samuels, and it's not as if Rodgers was a particularly talented passer, anyway. Matthews proved his worth last season, as he posted 94 catches for 1,323 yards and eight touchdowns despite Vanderbilt throwing fewer passes than all but 22 teams.

24. Brandon Coleman, Jr., Rutgers

Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova reportedly looked much improved this spring. If that continues into autumn, Coleman could really go off this season. The 6-6, 220, field-stretching wideout has shown unparalleled big-play ability the last two years, totaling 16 touchdowns on just 60 catches while averaging 21.2 yards per catch. Those numbers are highly impressive regardless of context, but it's especially remarkable given Rutgers' awful quarterback play. If Nova is remotely competent in 2013, Coleman should get locked into 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown territory.

25. Alonzo Russell, So., Toledo

Russell is a smart bet to become one of the nation's elite receivers as a sophomore this season. He was a pretty big deal as a freshman last year, too, as the 6-4 wideout caught 55 passes for 953 yards and five touchdowns despite a sputtering Toledo passing game that scored just 19 touchdowns after throwing for 34 in 2011. While the 5-9 Bernard Reedy is Toledo's No. 1 receiver, Russell's size gives him a clear advantage in the red zone. Russell was recruited by a wide variety of BCS schools before joining Toledo, and that talent figures to shine through even more in his second season.

26. Quinshad Davis, So., North Carolina

Davis has top-15 upside as a fantasy receiver. The 6-4, 185, wideout is the No. 1 receiver in an offense that averaged 291 passing yards per game last season. Davis gave a glimpse of what his this season might look like during the final three weeks of 2012 when he caught 32 passes for 417 yards and three scores. He's a good bet to increase his 61 catches from last year with Erik Highsmith and Giovani Bernard gone after combining for 101 receptions last season.

27. Cody Hoffman, Sr., BYU

Hoffman will be drafted as a top-10 receiver, but he could be poised for a decline. It's unlikely teammates Ross Apo, JD Falslev and Skyler Ridley combine for just 791 yards and four touchdowns again this season - Apo alone scored nine touchdowns in 2011, after all. Hoffman's 100 catches for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns last year look like a best-case scenario. And five of those touchdowns came in a single game (eight in two games), so he wasn't a consistent fantasy producer last year anyway.

28. Donte Moncrief, Jr., Mississippi

Moncrief might be one of the nation's five most talented receivers, and if it weren't for a deep group of pass catchers at Mississippi and a relatively run-heavy offense, he'd be ranked quite a bit higher. He should benefit from improved quarterback play as Bo Wallace heads into his second year this season, but Vince Sanders and Ja-Mes Logan combined for 82 catches last year, and incoming five-star freshman LaQuon treadwell is another threat to Moncrief's targets. Moncrief's 66 catches for 979 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore last season likely are his ceiling, which he probably won't hit this year.

29. Austin Franklin, Jr., New Mexico State

Franklin likely will be overvalued this season after catching 74 passes for 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games last season. Franklin's a standout talent, but the team around him is changing, and the new look might not be as conducive to fantasy production this season. New Mexico State will use a read-option offense this season, and running quarterback Travaughn Colwell doesn't figure to get Franklin the ball as often as did 2012 pocket-passing quarterback Andrew Manley, who transferred.

30. Alex Amidon, Sr., Boston College

Amidon seemingly came out of nowhere last season to post mammoth numbers, catching 78 passes for 1,210 yards and seven touchdowns while running for 55 yards and another touchdown in 12 games. It's difficult to see him matching those numbers this season, however. Boston College averaged an uncharacteristic 39.4 passes per game in 2012, and Amidon could lose some of his targets to fellow wideouts Bobby Swigert and Johnathan Coleman. And while Boston College returns quarterback Chase Rettig, the loss of both starting tackles could be an issue for the passing game.

31. Michael Campanaro, Sr., Wake Forest

If not for a broken hand in Wake Forest's fifth game last season, Campanaro could have surpassed triple-digit receptions. As it was, he finished with 79 catches in less than 10 games while playing through the injury. He'll likely improve that rate this season as Wake Forest returns its fourth-year, senior starting quarterback Tanner Price. Campanaro's fantasy upside is limited, however, by a lack of yardage (9.7 YPC in 2012) and touchdowns - three last season. He's more valuable in PPR leagues, as he could lead the nation in receptions this season.

32. Kasen Williams, Jr., Washington

Williams hasn't lit up college football like many anticipated as one of the nation's top recruits in 2011, but he just might do it this year. He snagged 77 passes in 2012 despite a Washington passing game that struggled to average just 6.3 yards per pass and score 19 touchdowns in 13 games. He finished the year strong with 28 receptions in the final four games, and quarterback Keith Price figures to be more consistent this season, which would make Williams a good bet to surpass 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Huskies.

33. Willie Snead, Jr., Ball State

Quarterback KeithWenning figures to be sharp in his fourth year as starter, and Snead is clearly his top target after totaling 89 catches for 1,148 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games last year. Ball State returns all of its pass catchers from last year, so players like Jamill Smith and Connor Ryan could harm Snead's targets, and it's a bit of a concern that four offensive linemen must be replaced, but there's little reason to think those isues will keep Snead from producing as one of the nation's best receivers this season.

34. Keyarris Garrett, Jr., Tulsa

Garrett emerged as Tulsa's clear go-to receiver last season, including in the red zone, which bodes wll for his fantasy value considering the Golden Hurricane offense figures to make many trips to the end zone this year. Garrett's yardage upside might be limited because quarterback Cody Green lacks skill as a downfield passer, but the 6-4 Garrett has a high floor due to his red-zone prowess. The Tulsa running game is powerful, and Garrett figures to finish off plenty of drives after catching nine touchdowns in the first 12 games of 2012.

35. Brandon Carter, Jr., TCU

LaDarius Brown is another top wideout talent at TCU who could step up this year, but the smart money is on Carter establishing himself as the top Horned Frog receiver in 2013. Carter showed excellent explosiveness as a sophomore last year, taking 36 catches for 590 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. He'll be counted on for much more production this year, though, as Josh Boyce and Skye Dawson are both gone after accounting for 100 catches last year. The TCU passing game could get an additional boost in the potential return of quarterback Casey Pachall, who played only four games last year.

36. Allen Robinson, Jr., Penn State

Robinson was an elite fantasy option last season, catching 77 passes for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. But quarterback Matt McGloin graduated, and throwing Robinson passes this season likely will be freshman Christian Hackenberg. While Hackenberg is a five-star recruit, the Penn State offense will struggle to replace the 272 yards and two touchdowns per game that McGloin provided last season. That leaves Robinson in a difficult spot, and probably not worth what it will take to land him this season.

37. Levi Norwood, Jr., Baylor

Tevin Reese understandably hogs the headlines, but Norwood might prove the better draft value this season. Reese will be one of the top picks in all leagues, but Norwood will come at a much cheaper price after serving as Baylor's fourth wideout in 2012. With Terrance Williams and Lanear Sampson gone from last year's squad, though, Norwood's 40 catches for 487 yards and a touchdown last year will almost certainly skyrocket given that Williams and Sampson accounted for 149 catches.

38. Eric Thomas, Sr., Troy

Thomas lacks big-play ability and might not snag anything more than modest receptions, but he has quietly established himself as one of the nation's more consistent touchdown sources the last two years. Wideout Chip Reeves' return last season limited Thomas to 55 catches for 667 yards and seven scores. Without Reeves this season, Thomas could return to his 2011 production of 67 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. In addition, two other senior wideouts are gone from last year's squad, leaving 126 catches up for grabs. The low-profile Thomas could prove a good value this season.

39. Mike Davis, Sr., Texas

Jaxon Shipley is a threat to emerge as Texas' top receiver, but Davis should be penciled in as the Longhorns' leading receiver for 2013 after earning the distinction last season. Davis hauled in 57 passes for 939 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games last year, and the departure of wideout Marquise Goodwin should leave a few more targets up for Davis and Shipley this season. It also helps that quarterback David Ash has another year of experience after somewhat of a breakout campaign last season.

40. Titus Davis, Jr., Central Michigan

Davis is one of the nation's most explosive big-play threats with the talent to emerge as an elite receiver this season. Davis has averaged 19.4 yards per catch over 83 receptions in his first two seasons, and his 16 touchdowns over that span further indicate big-time upside. He finished with 860 yards and eight touchdowns on just 43 receptions last season, but injuries and a suspension for Central Michigan's bowl game limited him to three catches for 29 yards in CMU's last four games. With Cody Wilson (74 catches in 2012) gone, Davis could explode this year if he keeps his head on straight and stays healthy.

41. Josh Harper, Jr., Fresno State

Injury derailed Harper's 2012 season after a promising start, but there's no reason to think he won't get back into the groove this year. Few receivers in the country have been as quietly impressive in their freshman and sophomore seasons as Harper, who totaled 56 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns over the last 17 games, a span in which he primarily served as a backup behind the likes of Jalen Saunders and Davante Adams. Harper isn't on the level of those two, but he could still turn into a 1,000-yard player as a junior.

42. Shaquelle Evans, Sr., UCLA

It's difficult to tell how much upside Evans has, but he likely established his floor last season when he led UCLA with 60 catches for 877 yards. He should improve his weak touchdown total of three since Joseph Fauria (12 touchdowns last year) is no longer around to hog red-zone targets. The Bruins lack any established receivers to challenge Evans for targets, giving Evans the opportunity to once again be the go-to receiver in the UCLA passing game.

43. Paul Richardson, Jr., Colorado

Richardson is a top talent whosse fantasy value is limited by the circumstances around him. He suffered an ACL tear in spring 2012 that knocked him out for the season, and he plays for a team that lacks quarterback talent. With a little help and a little luck, though, Richardson can possess a lot of upside. He burned opponents for 474 yards and five touchdowns in the first five weeks of 2011.

44. Kenny Bell, Jr., Nebraska

In a run-oriented offense, Bell doesn't get a mammoth target volume, which hurts his consistency. He is clearly the team's top receiver, though, and his talent definitely stands out. Bell needed only 50 catches to total 863 yards and eight touchdowns last year. He should increase his production now that Nebraska will be without Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton, a tandem that totaled 42 catches in 14 games last year. Quarterback Taylor Martinez showed improvement as a passer last year, as well, so it's possible that Bell will again benefit from improved quarterback play.

45. Jordan Thompson, So., West Virginia

Coach Dana Holgorsen publicly expressed skepticism over Thompson's ability to produce but Thompson still looks like the top remaining receiver in a pass-happy offense. West Virginia lost Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey and J.D. Woods, a trio that accounted for 285 catches last year and 41 of the team's 44 passing touchdowns. West Virginia will keep throwing the ball in 2013, and someone has to catch it. Thompson seems to be the likeliest candidate.

46. J.D. McKissic, So., Arkansas State

McKissic was a monster in PPR leagues as a freshman last year, as his 7.9 catches per game ranked seventh in the country. His big-play ability was muted, however, and he averaged just 9.9 yards per catch while scoring five times. Adding to McKissic's risk is a new coaching staff that possibly won't feature him as prominent in the playcalling this season. Still, McKissic should at least be a strong PPR consideration.

47. Jalen Saunders, Sr., Oklahoma

Saunders is one of the nation's most talented receivers, and if it weren't for a potentially increased emphasis on the running game in Oklahoma this year, Saunders would be ranked much higher. He hauled in 62 passes in nine games last year despite battling Kenny Stills, Justin Brown and Sterling Shepard for targets. Stills and Brown are gone, so Saunders should stay relevant despite the fact that his likely quarterback (Blake Bell) has more career rushing touchdowns (24) than pass attempts (20).

48. Jaxon Shipley, Jr., Texas

Although he might be the more talented player between the two, it appears that Jaxon is unlikely to match the production that his brother Jordan posted at Texas. Still, the younger Shipley has consistently shown promise since arriving at Texas two years ago, and the circumstances around him are such that he could find himself breaking out in 2013. Quarterback David Ash should improve this year as he heads into his third as the team's primary starter, and with the entire Longhorn offensive line in tact, Shipley should have time to get open.

49. Darryl Surgent, Sr., Louisiana-Lafayette

Surgent was a bit of a disappointment in 2012, catching just 34 passes for 569 yards and three scores after pulling in 28 catches for 518 yards and six scores the year before. It would seem, however, that Surgent should finally take the next step as a senior this year. Lafayette lost two of its top three receivers from last year to graduation, and their exit leaves a shortage of 104 catches in the offense. Surgent is the team's leading returning receiver, and the Lafayette offense is poised for a big year with Terrance Broadway leading the squad.

50. Martavis Bryant, Jr., Clemson

Bryan is a boom-or-bust investment after catching just 19 passes the last two years, but a big opportunity awaits now that DeAndre Hopkins is in the NFL, and Bryant has consistently shown enormous big-play ability at Clemson. Those 19 catches went for a ridiculous total of 526 yards and six touchdowns, including 10 catches for 305 yards and four scores last year. Even if he only catches about 45 passes - a likely event with Hopkins and fellow graduates Brandon Ford and Jaron Brown leaving a 143-catch void in the offense - Bryant appears to be a threat to approach 1,000 yards.

51. Deontay Greenberry, So., Houston
52. Tyler Lockett, Jr., Kansas State
53. Michael Bennett, Jr., Georgia
54. DeWayne Peace, Sr., Houston
55. Rashawn Scott, Jr., Miami

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mario Puig
Mario is a Senior Writer at RotoWire who primarily writes and projects for the NFL and college football sections.
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