TOP OF THE CROP
E Malcolm Kelly, 6-feet-4, 224 pounds, Oklahoma
He may not be fast on any surface, but he’s the largest of the top receivers. It’s all about what a team wants.
Devin Thomas, 6-2, 215, Michigan State
Combination of speed and strength. Played a little tailback last year, too.
Limas Sweed, 6-4, 215, Texas
Was the top-rated receiver entering his senior year but couldn’t overcome torn wrist ligaments.
James Hardy, 6-6, 217, Indiana
Naturally, he initially went to Indiana primarily for hoops. But after one season, he concentrated on football and shattered all the school’s receiving records.
DeSean Jackson, 5-10, 169, California
Fastest of the top-rated receivers and great kick returner, he would be a top-12 pick if he were 6-1, 185.
UNDERRATED
Mario Manningham, 6-0, 181, Michigan
Has only 4.59 speed, and there are character issues. But he can flat-out play.
OVERRATED
Early Doucet, 6-0, 209, LSU
A tweener who’s not super explosive and not super big. Once projected to go late in the first round, he now appears to be a second-rounder.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
After adding Darrell Jackson and Samie Parker to Keary Colbert and Brandon Stokley, the Broncos have enough No. 2 and No. 3 receivers. And Brandon Marshall, his right forearm willing, is the most physical possession receiver in the league. The Broncos need a down-the-field threat, but Jackson figures to fall between their first- and second-round picks
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
49ers
Mike Martz is their new offensive coordinator and Arnaz Battle (50 catches, 600 yards in 2007) is their top receiver. Any questions?
Titans
As Broncos fans saw in a 2007 game at Invesco Field at Mile High, Vince Young needs receivers with hands.
Bears
Top two receivers, Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad, are gone. Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd aren’t the answers, either.
Chiefs
Dwayne Bowe was a nice pick last year. Now they need one more.
Area prospects
D Johnny Walker, 6-0, 197, CSU, free agent
Damon Morton, 5-10, 178, CSU, free agent
Chad Hall, 5-8, 185, Air Force, free agent
