WIDE RECEIVERS
Editor's note: This is the first in a series of capsules previewing the NFL draft. Coming Wednesday: Offensive linemen and defensive linemen.
1. Braylon Edwards, 6 foot 2, 211 pounds, senior, Michigan -- Edwards isn't just the top receiver in the draft. He's the best player in the draft. Edwards set Michigan records in receptions (97) and yards (1,330) last season. Unlike other star athletes, Edwards stayed all four years in college, making him one of the most experienced and pro-ready prospects. He brings the full package of size, speed and strength. He's a tough cover for any defensive back.
Prediction: Chicago Bears, fourth pick.
2. Mike Williams, 6 foot 4, 229 pounds, junior, USC -- Williams would have been a top-10 pick in last year's draft, but he was prohibited from entering after the Maurice Clarett court decision. Williams is the ideal NFL receiver. His size and speed made him impossible to cover at USC. The same will hold true in the NFL. Williams did not play football last season. He spent an entire year trying to improve his strength and skills. He has the potential to be the next Randy Moss.
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings, seventh pick.
3. Troy Williamson, 6 foot 1, 203 pounds, junior, South Carolina -- Williamson is one of the fastest receivers in the draft, making scouts drool over his ability to break away from defensive backs. He's the ideal receiver for a quarterback who loves to throw the deep ball. Drafting Williamson also provides a boost on special teams. Williamson returned kickoffs for South Carolina last season. The only knock on Williamson is that he didn't play in a big-time passing game at South Carolina, meaning he'll need some work.
Prediction: Carolina Panthers, 14th pick.
4. Matt Jones, 6 foot 6, 244 pounds, senior, Arkansas -- Jones might have played quarterback for Arkansas, but he's quickly rising as a top prospect at wide receiver. At the NFL Combine, Jones clocked a 4.37-second time in the 40-yard dash -- a ridiculously fast time for a player his size. Many scouts remarked that Jones was the best overall athlete at the NFL Combine. Jones stands an outside chance of playing quarterback in the NFL, although he's probably better suited as a wide receiver. He has soft hands and a 40-inch vertical. Jones is a risky pick but has tremendous potential.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens, 22nd pick.
5. Mark Clayton, 5 foot 10, 193 pounds, senior, Oklahoma -- Clayton is the best all-around receiver in the draft. He has the right combination of speed, agility, strength and knowledge to be successful in the NFL. Clayton is smaller than most receivers, but he's willing to go over the middle to make the tough catch.
Prediction: San Diego Chargers, 28th pick.
Sleeper pick: Vincent Jackson, 6 foot 4, 241 pounds, senior, Northern Colorado -- Jackson is not well known, but he impressed scouts at the NFL Combine with his combination of strength and speed.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers, 93rd pick.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. Antrel Rolle, 6 foot, 201 pounds, senior, Miami -- Rolle exhibits all the qualities of a new breed of NFL cornerbacks. He's physical and he possesses superior strength. Rolle plays best in bump-and-run coverage and he has great field awareness. Rolle was a Thorpe Award finalist during a productive senior season in which he started all 12 games and made one interception. He has had a couple off-the-field issues, making him a risky pick.
Prediction: Tennessee Titans, sixth pick.
2. Adam "Pac-Man" Jones, 5 foot 9, 188 pounds, junior, West Virginia -- Jones was built to play cornerback. He has excellent coverage speed and terrific body control. Though undersized, Jones is terrific in bump-and-run coverage because of his closing speed. Jones also plays on special teams, returning both kickoffs and punts. With the right guidance, Jones can develop into one of the league's top defensive backs.
Prediction: Washington Redskins, ninth pick.
3. Carlos Rogers, 6 foot, 196 pounds, senior, Auburn -- Rogers won the Thorpe Award last season as the nation's top cornerback. He was the leader of an Auburn defense that ranked in the top five nationally. Rogers has great field presence and a 41-inch vertical. He's billed as a great deep-cover cornerback. Rogers is best in zone coverage and has the ability to deliver hard hits.
Prediction: St. Louis Rams, 19th pick.
4. Fabian Washington, 5 foot 10, 188 pounds, junior, Nebraska -- Washington watched his draft stock go through roof after he posted a jaw-dropping time of 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. No one had run that fast since Deion Sanders. Washington is able to control his body when running at full speed and he boasts a 41-inch vertical. He has all the tools needed to be great, and he'll only get better with the right coaches.
Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars, 21st pick.
5. Marlin Jackson, 6 foot, 197 pounds, senior, Michigan -- Jackson was the leader of Michigan's secondary last season, recording 47 tackles and an interception. He was made better by matching up in practice against Braylon Edwards, one of the top wide receiver prospects. Jackson has good size for a cornerback and also can play safety. He's a quality defensive back who figures to make his presence felt.
Prediction: New England Patriots, 32nd pick.
Sleeper pick: Ronald Bartrell Jr., 6 foot 1, 211 pounds, senior, Howard -- Bartrell is a bigger-than-average defensive back with top-notch speed. Being from Howard, Bartrell hasn't played against strong competition but he has the ability to become a threat.
Prediction: Denver Broncos, 239th pick.
-- Compiled by Matt Reinick