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NFL Draft 2017: Ranking the top 15 wide receivers

By Zach Bigalke

Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver KD Cannon (9) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first half against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver KD Cannon (9) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first half against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Gabe Marks (9) is defended after a catch by Minnesota Golden Gophers cornerback Coney Durr (16) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Gabe Marks (9) is defended after a catch by Minnesota Golden Gophers cornerback Coney Durr (16) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Some NFL teams will probably look at Gabe Marks and see a system player. He certainly benefitted from Mike Leach’s air-raid offense. But Marks also showed himself to be a versatile receiver both outside and in the slot. His production fell in 2016 even as Washington State improved, yet he still completed his college career as the Pac-12’s all-time leader in receptions and second in career receiving touchdowns.

At the Combine, Marks participated in all events except the 60-yard shuttle. None of his performances were especially noteworthy, especially a 40 time that ranked outside the top 30 times among receivers. His best showing, in the 20-yard shuttle, still fell two-tenths of a second off the winning pace in the drill. That could hurt Marks over the NFL Draft weekend and cause him to fall down the rounds.

The team that ultimately does take a chance on Marks, though, will be getting a 6-foot-0 receiver who showcased his skills against Pac-12 competition. They’ll also be getting someone who isn’t merely a possession receiver but who also scores touchdowns on every seventh catch.

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