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Wide Receiver Defining Traits and Comparisons

Disclaimer: I'm not advocating the Rams drafting one of these guys in round 1 this season. Our receivers are really beginning to round out nicely, and assuming we bring Kenny Britt back, there are FAR bigger holes on this team.

All that being said, this year's WR class has been a REALLY fun one to watch due to the plethora of different skill sets found within it. I'm almost sure it won't stack up favorably in terms of year one production to this past year's class, but some teams will be getting some real treats at the receiver position.

Today, I'm looking at three guys who look like they'll be #1 receivers within the next few years on whatever team they end up on.

1. Kevin White - West Virginia

Defining Trait: TENACITY

Pro Comparison: Brian Quick's Body, Larry Fitzgerald's Attitude

Kevin White is my favorite receiver prospect in this class. If the Rams were looking for a #1 receiver, I'd target this guy before Amari Cooper or anyone else. White seems to put out maximum effort on every play I've watched. He looks not only to make plays, but to absolutely DOMINATE his opponent while doing so. From a skill-set standpoint, he's a tall, possession receiver. He will likely run in the low 4.5's on his 40. He has better hands than Brian Quick, but the two players look similar in terms of athleticism.

Bottom Line: Kevin White belongs in the NFC West. I thoroughly look forward to watching him battle with Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman in a few years... wherever he lands.

2. Amari Cooper - Alabama

Defining Trait: RELIABILITY

Pro Comparison: Roddy White

Amari Cooper has been as consistent as any receiver in college football in 2014. If you're an NFL team running a West Coast Offense, Amari Cooper is the guy you want on the outside: Great hands, good route running, good athleticism, average size, Cooper is a high-floor, medium-ceiling guy. He could produce at Roddy White-levels within a few years, and could potentially do so as consistently as White has throughout his career.

3. DeVante Parker - Louisville

Defining Trait: ATHLETICISM

Pro Comparison: A.J. Green, Demariyus Thomas

I enjoyed watching DeVante Parker while evaluating Teddy Bridgewater last year, and I enjoyed watching him even more without Bridgewater this year. Parker has shown that his production wasn't a product of having a first-rounder under center. DeVante Parker appears to be the best overall athlete at the receiver position that I've watched this year. He has a fantastic catch radius and the speed and agility to make plays after the catch. If I'm a specialist-type offensive team looking for someone to use in a Demariyus Thomas role, I'm looking right at DeVante Parker.

Let me know your thoughts. Also, let me know if you'd like me to continue doing this with some more of this year's receivers!