Pair of Productive Wideouts Head to NFL

Vanderbilt University Junior WR Earl Bennett will forgo his Senior season to enter the Draft. The once lightly-recruited Bennett has made himself quite a football player in the ultra-competitive SEC, and he leaves school with the all-time SEC record for receptions (236). At the conclusion of the 2007 season, Bennett became the only wideout in conference history to record at least 75 receptions in each year of play, and his career totals in yards receiving (2,852) and TD catches (20) stand out as well. Bennett has the size, at 6’1,” 200 lbs., to be effective as a #2 possession receiver in the NFL. Bennett’s 40-yard dash time will be important toward determining his Draft grade, but the prediction here is that Bennett will be selected by the end of Round 3.

http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011008aaa.html


West Virginia University Junior WR Darius Reynaud will not return to school for his 5th year, instead opting to enter the 2008 Draft. Reynaud is obviously on the small side at only 5’10,” but he does have very good speed, and may become an effective slot receiver in the NFL. While running routes in Rich Rodriguez’s spread-option offense, Reynaud found himself wide open in gaping holes between loose Safety coverage many times, leading to a good number of long TD catches. Reynaud is a solid bet to impress with his 40-yard dash time, but he must prove to GM’s and NFL coaches alike that he can run routes as a #3 receiver at the professional level. Reynaud must also learn to catch the ball with his hands more, rather than cradling balls thrown to him with his arms/chest. As of now, Reynaud looks like a mid-round Draft prospect.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3191008