The debate about the top receivers in the 2012 NFL Draft figures to be more of the more heated discussions leading up to this year's event. One name in the mix among first rounders is Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd. After missing the Senior Bowl last month, he needs to make a big splash at the Combine later this month. And he might be primed to according to Tony Pauline of SI.com.
Floyd missed the Senior Bowl to recover from injuries sustained late in the season. He plans to to run at the Combine, and he might impress with the results. Per Pauline, Floyd's forty time should beat expectations. Some have Floyd running a 4.54 forty right now. If he were to get that number down to the upper 4.4s, his draft stock would catch fire.
The consensus top receiver now is Justin Blackmon. The Oklahoma State product is a very good receiver, but he is not on the same level as a last year's top receivers, A.J. Green and Julio Jones. That has pushed back on the predictions that Blackmon merits at top five pick, where some want the Rams to take him.
Floyd has the size and hands to win physical battles with defensive backs. He does not explode off the line, but he does know how to use his skills to work well against the press. He also has very quick feet to work his way through defenders. Floyd would be a nice fit for Schottenheimer's offense. He can work the slot or the outside, and he does a good job picking up yards after the catch on short passes.
If the Rams trade down and Floyd looks the part, he would almost certainly have to be in play for the pick.
Posting a surprise forty time will not be Floyd's only task in boosting his draft stock. He will have to satisfy concerns stemming from his alcohol arrests in college as well as his injury history.
For a complete scouting report, check out Mocking the Draft.