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NFL Tickets - Rookie Wide Receiver Roles
Aside from quarterback, the wide receiver position could present the biggest adjustment for college players making the transition to the pros. It usually takes receivers a few seasons to really grasp the NFL game, as many young pass-catchers don't have the route-running ability and discipline that is required to succeed against NFL defenses. There is a supposed three-year rule when it comes to receivers, in that they often experience their breakout season in their third year in the league. Let's take a look at what roles each receiver selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft will likely be thrust into.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland Raiders: Oakland's selection of Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick in the draft made a lot of waves on draft day, especially considering that two-time Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree was still on the board. While Heyward-Bey certainly has the kind of speed and explosiveness that sells NFL tickets, he's unpolished as a receiver at this point. His hands have come into question, as has hit route running and knowledge of the game. He'll certainly stretch the field, though, and will be looked to as a deep threat for former number one overall pick JaMarcus Russell. There will be a lot of pressure on this rookie, especially with Crabtree playing across the bay in San Francisco, though none of it was his own doing.
Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers: Crabtree has as much potential to make an immediate impact as any receiver we've seen drafted as of late. He had a fantastic college career and boasts great hands and fundamentals. He doesn't have the blazing speed that Heyward-Bey has, but can still make long gains for his team. He reminds me a lot of Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald. He could start from day one and will be looked to as a possession receiver on the run-oriented offense the Niners are expected to run. He could have been a steal at the 10th pick and we could see that as early as this season.
Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles: Maclin slid on draft day, as he was expected by many to be a top-10 pick. He's got great physical gifts and has a ton of potential, but he's probably not ready to make a huge impact in year one. He'll get his chances, though, as the Eagles don't have the best receiving corps. He's a big play threat and should be in for some long gains playing with DeSean Jackson.
Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings: Harvin is going to have to find his niche in the NFL, and the role of a slot receiver could fit him very nicely. He's a dynamic playmaker, so running him on slants and receiver screens could be the way to go this season in an effort to enhance his big play ability.
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants: Nicks is going to have a big role for the Giants this season. Now that Plaxico Burress is out of town, Nicks will be looked to as a bigger target for Eli Manning. He's got great hands and should be ready to play from the get-go, as long as he can keep is weight under control.
Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans: The Titans really needed help at wide receiver and Britt should be able to contribute right away. He's big and has good fundamentals, which should greatly aid him in his transition to the pro game. He could start from day one.
About the Author The preceding article sponsored by StubHub. If you are looking for NFL tickets, or sports tickets like baseball tickets, and even concert tickets and theater tickets, StubHub.com is your best bet.
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