February 5, 2008

This year's draft features plenty of small school talent at receiver that should be drafted and a few projects at tight end worth a look in the late 7th round or in free agency. The receiver group is headlined by Senior Bowl participant Dexter Jackson from App State and East-West Shrine participant Jerome Simpson from Coastal Carolina. Jackson, Georgia Southern's Jayson Foster and Jackson State's Jaymar Johnson are speedsters who could be steals.

Jackson torched Michigan and Jayson foster won the Walter Payton Award. Mount Union's Pierre Garcon is considered the best D3 receiver in recent memory.

At tight end, Kolo Kapanui, a former USC transfer, is one of the best in the D2 ranks and shows the athletic ability to make an impact.

Below is a look at the top receivers, tight ends, and a look at possible future NFL prospects from three-time FCS Champion Appalachian State:

TOP 5 SMALL SCHOOL WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State, 5097, 179lbs, 4.36 40

Jackson is most known for his two touchdown performance against Michigan on September 1st; however, his career had plenty of other big moments to be looked at to project his NFL prospects. Jackson is a proven winner as he has won three national championships on the gridiron at Appalachian State and taken home accolades on the track as well. He has been inconsistent catching passes in all-star game workouts but has shown great return ability and the speed to break a play open at any time. He displays great quickness, excellent straight-line speed, and explosiveness. He will need to work on catching the ball, route running, and add some muscle weight before he is ready to start in the NFL. Word on the street is thaThe will run a sub 4.3 at the NFL Scouting Combine. Look for Jackson to land as high as the early 3rd round and no later than the late 4th round.

2. Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina, 6014, 193lbs, 4.62 40

Simpson is a three-time All-Big South Conference performer and two-time All-America selection at Coastal Carolina, where he holds virtually every school record in game, season, and career receiving categories. He has great size and natural hands and the ability to snag the ball over defenders with his excellent vertical. His biggest question marks are his lack of strength, ability to understand an NFL system, and his level of competition. Adding bulk, spending time learning NFL playbooks, and becoming a better block will be the key. Due to his lack of blazing speed, he will be a possession receiver in the NFL. He'll participate in the NFL Scouting Combine later this month and should land somewhere in the 3rd-5th round of the draft.

3. Pierre Garcon, Mount Union, 6000, 209lbs, 4.45 40

Garcon was an All-America selection at Division III Mount Union where he showed he was a man amongst boys. He has solid size at 6'0 209lbs and the speed to be a real threat at the next level. He adjusts well to the ball in the air and has shown the ability to contribute on special teams. He returned a punt for a touchdown recently in the Texas vs. Nation All-Star Challenge. The ability to create separation, get off jams, and block downfield are concerns for NFL Scouts. His level of competition is another red flag as very few from Division III have made the jump to the NFL. He is believed to be a superior athlete who can do that. Expect him to run a sub 4.4 at the NFL Scouting Combine and he should land in the 5th-7th round range.

4. Jaymar Johnson, Jackson State, 5115, 176lbs, 4.41 40

According to his trainer he could run as low as a 4.29 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. His speed has been shown over the last two years as he averaged over 17 yards per catch and showed the speed to be a good downfield threat in the NFL. He will have to become more polished for the next level and add weight but has a chance to be a day two steal. Johnson is considered a late round pick as of now but could surprise and go in the 5th round with a great workout at the combine. M