Saturday Blitz
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 16
Next
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) tries to push off Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Jared Collins (29) in the third quarter during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) tries to push off Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Jared Collins (29) in the third quarter during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Ford’s touchdown rate dropped in 2016, but the Virginia Tech receiver still finished with a 1,000-yard campaign for the second straight season. He has a propensity for making highlight-reel catches, but has also struggled with drops at times and isn’t the most technically gifted pass catcher.

That said, Ford led the ACC in receiving yards as a sophomore in 2015 and finished fourth in the league last year. He has demonstrated a consistent level of production over multiple seasons of ACC play.

At the NFL Combine, Ford didn’t do a ton that would tip the scales on his draft position. The Hokies receiver had one of the 12 worst times in the 40 and finished in the middle of the pack in every other drill in which he participated. That could be the difference between first-round potential and getting drafted on the second day, but Ford still has plenty of game tape to demonstrate his ability to play at the next level.

There might be some concern among franchises about Ford’s slim build, but he has been durable at the college level. Wherever he gets the chance to begin his pro career, Ford should develop into a valuable contributor in little time.

Home/NFL Draft