Wide receiver is one of the strongest positions in the 2013 NFL Draft. Without the top-flight talent at the position, though, teams will be able to get value at the position.
The top 10 wide receivers all have the ability to make an immediate impact and could come off the board on the first two days of the draft. However, the draft runs even deeper at the position with some talented pass catchers occupying the lower tier of rankings.
While everyone discusses Cordarrelle Patterson and Tavon Austin, let's take a look at some unheralded prospects at the position.
First team: Mark Harrison, Rutgers
Rutgers' quarterback situation was a bit of a mess last season. As a result, Harrison didn't get a ton of opportunities to showcase his abilities. The 6'3, 230-pound wide receiver has the speed to burn and has been working out with Chicago's Brandon Marshall leading up to the draft. He's a physical player that makes big plays on offense. Given his lack of production at Rutgers, Harrison could slip in the draft. But as a day three pick, the value doesn't come much better than Harrison.
Second team: Quentin Sims, Tennessee Martin
Small-school wide receivers have had plenty of success in the NFL, so teams won't be shying away from Sims because of the college he went to. Sims has the ability to make the jump from a small school to the NFL. While he tends to body catch on a few occasions, he has the size and speed to cause trouble on the outside. Add in his leaping ability, and the raw talent is there for him to contribute a few years down the line.
Third team: Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
Stedman Bailey isn't quite as underrated as the first two wideouts on this list, but he isn't getting the recognition he deserves. A polished route runner with reliable hands and understated quickness, Bailey was as productive as they come and Geno Smith's favorite target at West Virginia. Overshadowed some by the explosive Tavon Austin, Bailey has a chance to be the better pro. He won't be drafted until the second day, but he has a chance to outproduce a handful of the players that will be selected before him.
Honorable mention: Zach Rogers, Tennessee
Zach Rogers has been stuck in the shadow of Justin Hunter, Cordarrelle Patterson and Da'Rick Rogers throughout his career at Tennessee, but the undersized wide receiver will soon have a chance to make a name for himself on Sundays. While he doesn't have the physical traits of the other three, he makes up for his shortcomings with sounds footwork in his routes, excellent body control in the air, and sure hands. He's also an underrated athlete and will make a solid value pick on day three of the draft.
Honorable mention: Conner Vernon, Duke
Duke's all-time leading receiver could also be the first player drafted from the school in almost a decade. Vernon had a stellar career for the Blue Devils, and he has the skills that should help him make a smooth transition to the NFL. He is tough as nails when making catches over the middle, and has impressive ball skills. Vernon impressed at Duke's pro day, showing the same athleticism that helped him gain consistent separation in the ACC as a senior. Vernon can be moved all around the offense and run a variety of routes. Given his toughness and willingness to block, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get some playing time on Sundays next year.
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