NFL draft: Top 10 wide receivers

The Observer’s top 10 wide receivers available in the 2016 NFL draft:

1. Corey Coleman

College: Baylor.

Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 194.

Projected round: 1.

Comment: He didn’t run many routes in the pass-happy Baylor offense, but his speed in the slot is great for NFL teams. He could be another Emmanuel Sanders.

2. Laquon Treadwell

College: Mississippi.

Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 221.

Projected round: 1.

Comment: Several outlets have him as the top wideout, and he may very well be the first off the board after playing amazingly well despite injuries last season. But he tested poorly against other first-round receivers in pre-draft workouts.

3. Josh Doctson

College: TCU.

Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 202.

Projected round: 1.

Comment: Great size and great upside. Doesn’t possess world-class speed, but Doctson is a play-maker with his clutch hands.

4. Michael Thomas

College: Ohio State.

Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 212.

Projected round: 1-2.

Comment: The most complete Buckeye receiver in this year’s draft. He had 781 receiving yards last season.

5. Sterling Shepard

College: Oklahoma.

Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 194.

Projected round: 1-2.

Comment: Such a good route runner with 86 catches for 1,288 yards last season. As the league continues its slot trend, Shepard will fit in nicely.

6. Will Fuller

College: Notre Dame.

Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 186.

Projected round: 1-2.

Comment: Can get down the field quickly and blow the top off the defense. He had 30 total touchdowns in two seasons with the Irish.

7. Braxton Miller

College: Ohio State.

Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 204.

Projected round: 2.

Comment: A converted quarterback, Miller wowed in his debut against Virginia Tech. That game alone shows the potential for this guy.

8. Tyler Boyd

College: Pittsburgh.

Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 197.

Projected round: 2.

Comment: A quick receiver who had 91 catches in 2015.

9. Pharoh Cooper

College: South Carolina.

Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 203.

Projected round: 2.

Comment: A slot receiver who only ran short and intermediate routes at his pro day for that reason alone.

10. Leonte Carroo

College: Rutgers.

Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 211.

Projected round: 2-3.

Comment: A two-year starter for the Scarlet Knights with 29 receiving touchdowns in those seasons.

Panthers’ perspective

Carolina views the return of Kelvin Benjamin and what it possibly has in Kevin Norwood as draft picks. Because of that it’d be tough to envision the Panthers getting a receiver in the first two rounds, but it’s certainly possible Carolina goes after one in a later round.

Local connection

Duke’s Max McCaffrey ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at his pro day last month. He also caught every pass thrown his way and showed a good ability to turn upfield. His father, Ed, won three Super Bowls during his career, and Max clearly has the genes.

Sleeper

Michigan State’s Aaron Burbridge was very quiet for his first three seasons with the Spartans. Then he exploded in 2015 with 85 catches for 1,258 yards. Could that progression continue in the league?

Worth noting

Tennessee’s MarQuez North starred at Mallard Creek before becoming a Volunteer. He could be picked on the third day. ... UNC’s Quinshad Davis battled through numerous injuries during his career and will likely be an undrafted free agent signing.

This story was originally published April 22, 2016 at 3:07 PM with the headline "NFL draft: Top 10 wide receivers."