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In 2009, Wide Receiver was much stronger than it has typically been in past drafts. There were many receivers taken in the first couple of rounds in the draft, which we don't always see very often. Also, generally rookie wide receivers are not counted on to make a big impact early in their rookie seasons, but it seems as if some of them will be counted on heavily early on in their careers.

The consensus top WR prospect heading into the draft was Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech, who was taken by the San Francisco 49ers. He posted ridiculous numbers in his two seasons with Texas Tech, and could have set all sorts of records if he had stayed and played 4 years for Mike Leach. He dropped a little bit in the draft because of some slower 40 times (because of a bad foot), but he looks like he should be a star in the league and one of the true impact performers from the wide receiver position. He is very big and physical, and knows how to use his body to position himself to make tough catches. He also has the explosiveness to make big plays, and the hands to pull in bad balls. He is the total package at WR and should make the 49ers very happy with their selection.

The next best WR prospect was Jeremy Maclin of Missouri, who got picked by the Philadelphia Eagles. He is an explosive athlete that can help in many ways. In addition to being a big-play receiver, he also showed that he can make big plays happen in the return game. In an Eagles offense that is not afraid to utilize its playmakers in any way possible, Maclin should be able to help add yet another element to Andy Reid's offense.

Darrius Heyward-Bey was the first receiver off of the board, much to everyone's surprise. He was not especially productive in college, but the Oakland Raiders were tantalized by his athletic ability. He has the speed to stretch the field and make big plays. He needs to show he has the hands, toughness, and is refined enough to be a productive player at the NFL level, and this is something that many scouts doubted. He definitely looks like he was a reach at 7, but the Raiders will give him every opportunity to have an impact in their organization.

Percy Harvin might be the most interest WR taken, as he was selected by the Minnesota Vikings. There were some character concerns which caused him to drop in the draft, but there are no questions about his ability. He might be the most explosive player in the draft, and will help out the Vikings offense in many ways. He is an explosive receiver, he has experience running the ball out of the backfield, he can help in the return game, and they are even experimenting with him out of the Wildcat formation. No matter where he lines up on the field, if he can stay healthy, he will make an impact for te Minnesota Vikings.

These are the top members of a very good draft class of wide receivers. Though typically not called upon to bring a lot of production as rookies, these guys might be the exception, as a few of them look ready to contribute right out of the gate.

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