2014 Combine: Broncos Should Feel Good About Wide Receiver Group

Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Brandin Cooks (13) catches the ball during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

We knew going into the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine that the wide receiver group was deep. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN had even projected nine wideouts in a first round mock not too long ago.

However, Saturday’s performances at the Combine was confirmation and then some of the depth of this class, not just in the first round.

These kids are big, they are fast, and they are good. There are guys that will go in the third round that would otherwise go in the second. There are guys that will go in the second round that might have first round talent. It’s not something we’ve never seen before with wideouts going a round later than they should (Alshon Jeffery comes to mind) but this draft in particular has some really good players.

One name that keeps popping up in connection with the Broncos is a bit of a sleeper, Saginaw Valley State’s Jeff Janis. Janis is a 6’3″ 212 pound receiver who unofficially ran in the 4.3 range, which is incredible for his size obviously, but this is also a guy who catches everything thrown his way and he could be had with a fourth rounder or later.

The Broncos have found a small school gem before, an athletic freak by the name of Julius Thomas, a former basketball player and tight end at Portland State.

Other guys that really intrigue me for the Broncos:

Davante Adams, Fresno State

Adams was a touchdown machine for the Bulldogs over the last two seasons, and left school after his sophomore season. At 6’1″ 212 pounds Adams ran a 4.56 officially but his game really isn’t about straight line speed. He’s been a monster in the red zone.

Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

Quickly becoming my favorite receiver prospect in this draft. He can return punts, he has huge hands, and he’s an athletic freak. Clocked a 4.43 in the 40 yard dash with a 38.5-inch vertical.

Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

Cooks clocked a 4.33 after a stellar junior season at Oregon State. He was incredibly productive taking over the #1 WR spot from Markus Wheaton a year ago, and could be a late first round pick.

These are just a couple of guys that I really like right now, and for a full list of wide receiver measurables, check out this list.