NFL draft: Wide receivers, tight ends

THE CREAM

DEVIN THOMAS, MICHIGAN STATE

In two seasons with the Spartans, Thomas caught 85 passes. Seventy-nine of those catches came in 2007, officially making Thomas one of the draft's biggest one-year wonders.

He declared himself for the draft despite having a year of eligibility remaining. It appears to be a good decision. Based on his 2007 performance and some strong offseason workouts, Thomas has a good chance to be the first receiver selected in the draft

"I felt I proved enough [in college]," Thomas said. "I had a solid season, and there's a lot more I can improve on. I have the ability and potential to improve my career in the NFL."

Thomas had only six receptions in 2006 after transferring from Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College. But the coaching transition from John L. Smith to Mark Dantonio worked wonders, enabling Thomas to get downfield for eight touchdowns and an average of nearly 16 yards per catch in 2007.

So why is the NFL so excited about him? Two predictable reasons: size and speed. Thomas has the new prototypical size -- 6-2 and 215 pounds -- for a downfield receiver. And after he turned in a 4.4-flat in the 40-yard dash, NFL scouts were convinced he had more than enough speed to explode on the NFL scene the same way he did in the Big Ten.

THE CROP

1. LIMAS SWEED, TEXAS

His 6-4 frame and well-developed ball skills make him an ideal red-zone threat. But 4.52 speed in the 40 and a lingering wrist injury make him a bit of a question mark.

2. MALCOLM KELLY, OKLAHOMA

Some considered him the top receiver available until a horrendous speed test at his Pro Day -- he recorded a 4.68 on FieldTurf -- drew gasps. He will fall some, but 19 touchdown catches combined in 2006 and '07 still count for something.

3. DUSTIN KELLER, (TE) PURDUE

Seven of his 68 receptions last season went for touchdowns. Athleticism will seduce some team.

SLEEPER

JEROME SIMPSON, COASTAL CAROLINA

He will be the second Chanticleer drafted after the Vikings took QB Tyler Thigpen last season. Simpson has a chip on his shoulder, along with legitimate 4.42 speed.

PURPLE FEVER

The Vikings took three receivers in the 2007 draft, but adding further depth couldn't hurt behind Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson. The team doesn't have enough playmakers that it can ignore a good one if he's available, no matter what the pick.

However, the Vikings seem more likely to invest a mid-to-lower-round pick in a receiver than to select one high. It's rare that a rookie receiver contributes immediately, and from a depth perspective the team is positioned to select a receiver who could use time to develop.

They appear set at tight end and almost certainly won't use a significant draft pick on another one.