TOP 5: Wide Receivers

(1) Michael Crabrtree, Texas Tech
(2) Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
(3) Percy Harvin, Florida
(4) Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
(5) Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
(5) Brandon LaFell, LSU

There's no doubt that Crabtree is the top of the class. He's a physical specimen with a world of talent, and if the Detroit Lions didn't have the first overall pick, I'd say Crabtree had a shot to be the top selection in April. (If Detroit takes another wide receiver, all hell may break loose).

After Crabtree clearly comes Maclin, who is quite the talent himself. I wanted to put Nicks above Harvin, because I think Nicks is a better route-runner and pure receiver than Harvin. But the Florida product is more explosive and a pure playmaker. Don't discount Nicks, though.

After those two come two fine receivers. I know this is a top five, but I can't differentiate between Darrius Heyward-bey and Brandon LaFell. Both are similar in size (LaFell has an inch and a half and nine pounds on Heyward-Bey) and skill, and I think they're largely interchangeable on draft boards.

Other names to watch: Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma), Mike Thomas (Arizona)
I've always liked Iglesias' style of play and his big-play ability. He thrived with Sam Bradford at the helm, and I think he could slot into a third receiver role very well in the NFL. As for Thomas, he is certainly undersized (5'8", 197), but he plays with a lot of heart and he's a very quick receiver. With some good workouts, he could rise up teams' boards. He also has a bit of special teams potential.

Mock Critique: SI.com's Don Banks

[Don Banks' mock draft can be found here]

The big break from a lot of different drafts here is that Banks has the Detroit Lions taking Alabama OT Andre Smith instead of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford. I can't say I completely disagree, but I have the feeling that Stafford and Mark Sanchez are pro-type quarterbacks who would fit well. Can I see Detroit going non-QB? Absolutely. Do I think they will? No. The rest of Banks' top 10 is pretty feasible, although you already know my feelings on the Kansas City Chiefs and their QB situation. Give Tyler Thigpen a chance.

I'd be stunned if the Buffalo Bills took TE Brandon Pettigrew at 11. Sure, the Bills need help on offense, but not from the TE position. WR Jeremy Maclin seems more likely for Buffalo if they choose an offensive player. I also disagree with Banks' prediction at 12. The Denver Broncos should grab DT B.J. Raji if he's on the board, which he is in this mock. The success of the 3-4 defense is predicated on the defensive tackle position moreso than the ILB position.

I don't have too many qualms with the rest of Banks' draft either. Again, at this point, I'm not going to critique each and every pick. I will say one thing though: If the Tennessee Titans are able to grab Percy Harvin at 30, Nashville should throw a party. He's a very versatile player and I think he would give the Titans the explosive receiving threat they didn't have this year.