Allen produced at a very high level at the University of California. In his 3 year career, he caught 205 passes for 2,570 yards and 17 touchdowns; even more impressive when considering his uninspiring QB-play. One of his most impressive attributes is his ability to beat press coverage. Allen uses physicality with his hands, flexibility in his hips, and his body placement to create separation. He is professionally compared from anywhere from Percy Harvin to Justin Blackmon. I see Allen as an Anquan Boldin type talent.

Cordarrelle Patterson is a 6’3 216 lbs prospect who will be a 22 year old rookie. Patterson has all the physical skills necessary to be an elite NFL receiver. He runs a sub 4.4 forty, has an incredible vertical, and has the size that ties all the talent together. He was a junior college transfer, who played one year at Tennessee. Patterson is clearly a playmaker, and the only physical attribute Patterson lacks is his hand size. Patterson has relatively small hands which may have contributed to some of the drops suffered throughout the combine drills. His small hands might have also led to frequent body catching. Patterson did not typically use his physically imposing body to his advantage either. Patterson is a very raw player, but many continue to question his ‘mental make up.’ Russ Lande, of the Nation Football Post, states Patterson’s interviews have been “very unimpressive” which raises major questions. Patterson was also questioned by the Tennessee coaching staff for his lackluster blocking effort. Will Patterson be another diva receiver? This is a question many scouts will be asking come draft time.

As a junior, Patterson caught 46 passes for 778 yards, he also rushed 25 times, averaging 12.3 yards per rush. Patterson totaled 8 offensive TD’s. However, almost more impressive than that, Patterson added 2 TD’s as a returner, averaging 28 yards per kickoff and 25.3 per punt. Patterson is a very raw route runner who has not developed the intricacies as Allen has. Patterson often relied on the deep ball and the cushion CB’s gave him to pad his stats.  Patterson reminds me of Bronco’s WR Demaryius Thomas. Both provide excellent size and speed, but need to refine their techniques to become a  productive player in the NFL.

So, who is the #1 WR in the 2013 draft?

If you are interested in seeing more metrics regarding these draftees and more check out http://secondroundstats.com/ and follow Greg Peshek, NU_Gap on twitter. Has some extremely useful information.

And of course follow-me on twitter @Phinfanalyst for more day-to-day draft talk!