I'll start with a brief ranking of these WRs from a Patriots perspective.
Later on things may change as we hear about injuries, character concerns, interviews, smarts, etc. My ranking will not necessarily agree with the general rankings bc I'm drafting specifically for the Patriots. Minimum physical requirements will probably knock some of these out when Pro Days are finished. This isn't a finished list.
Outside WRs
1. Hakeem Butler, Iowa State, 6'5", 227. 4.48 40, 3c NA, VJ 36".
He's a primary weapon no matter where he's lined up. He's as close to
Calvin Johnson as we've seen and he's being trained by Calvin Johnson.
Butler is best WR1 in this draft imo.
2. Miles Boykin, NDame, 6'4", 220. 4.42 40, 6.77 3 cone, VJ 43.5".
Boykin was the wonder of the combine & he has the talent and athleticism to be a great WR1 at flanker or X. Under rated on most rankings.
3. AJ Brown, Miss., 6', 226. 4.49 40, VJ 36.5".
Brown is a thick, durable, strong player known for his slot work but he can do just as much damage at
flanker or even outside. Brown may be the safest WR in this draft. WR1 at slot or flanker.
4. DK Metcalf, Miss, 6'3", 228. 4.33 40, 7.38 3c, 40.5 VJ.
Metcalf wins on go routes and jump balls and that's good enough for a lot of teams. He drops for the Pats bc
he is far from a complete WR even though he's a beast as a deep threat and in the RZ.
5. Deebo Samuel, S.Carolina, 5'11", 214. 4.48 40, 6.83 3c, VJ NA.
Samuel will kill opponents with a quick strike or 1000 paper cuts. ++ quicks and he's gone.
All 3 WR positions and RB. Name it and he'll win wherever he's put.
6. N'Keal Harry, Az St., 6'2", 228. 4.53 40, 3c NA, 38.5 VJ.Harry is a big, strong (27 BP) slot WR who may earn X duties bc of his
toughness and high pointing skill. Right now he's a big slot guy with a
potential for outside fades and RZ catches. WR2 upside.
7. Stanley Morgan, Jr., Nebraska, 6', 202. 4.53 40, 6.78 3c, VJ NA.
Morgan is a physical, quick and sure-handed flanker or slot guy who has ++ possession skill.
He reminds me a little of Malcolm Mitchell on the field with a little more physicality than MM.
I'm surprised to rank him this high but he's another one I could see as a Patriot. Slot or Flanker possession guy.
8. Parris Campbell, OSU, 6', 205. 4.31 40, 3c NA, 40" VJ.
Explosive, big play slot guy who is a threat on the field. He needs refinements in his game but his
fundamentals are solid. He should develop quickly to be a star focal point if he wants to be.
Lots to work with here.
9. Kelvin Harmon, NC St., 6'2", 221. 4.6 40, 7.15 3c, 32.5" VJ.
Harmon's lack of athleticism will eventually drop him from Patriots' consideration. He's a physical possession guy from the flanker position who lacks speed for the X position. He'd benefit by being on a run first team with a surprise pass thrown in.
