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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 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) reaches for a pass against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs cornerback Prince Sam (23) during the first half of the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) reaches for a pass against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs cornerback Prince Sam (23) during the first half of the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Interestingly, even after balancing for differences in schedule quality by division, the top few receivers available in this year’s NFL Draft hail not from Power Five schools but rather lower-tier programs. Taywan Taylor, the productive pass catcher from Western Kentucky, tops this evaluation. Last year, Taylor finished fifth in the FBS in receiving yards per game and also tied for third nationally in touchdowns.

What was most impressive, though, was how he performed against Power Five opponents over his last two seasons. Taylor averaged eight catches for 117 yards, capped by a nine-reception, 121-yard performance against Alabama last September.

Given his Combine performance, he stands out as a solid talent among slot receivers available to NFL teams. He finished ahead of all receivers in the three-cone drill, reinforcing the fact that he can change direction in tight spaces quickly.

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At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, the Hilltopper prospect is one of the best pro prospects among mid-major receivers. Taylor could ultimately emerge as the steal of the 2017 NFL Draft depending on where he lands.

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