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Oakland Raiders: Ranking the Top 10 receivers in the draft

By Austin Gayle

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) scores on a ten-yard catch past the defense by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns (13) and cornerback Kevin Peterson (1) in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) scores on a ten-yard catch past the defense by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns (13) and cornerback Kevin Peterson (1) in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Rashard Higgins reacts prior to the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Nevada defeated Colorado State 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Rashard Higgins reacts prior to the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Nevada defeated Colorado State 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Rashard Higgins, Colorado State

Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins, a three-year starter at Colorado State, is entering the 2016 NFL draft as the Ram’s all-time leader in receptions (238), yards, (3,643), and touchdowns (31) despite leaving after just his junior year, according to Colorado State University’s Official Athletic Site. In 2015, Higgins failed to mirror the success he had as a sophomore (96 receptions, 1,750 yards, and 17 touchdowns) with just 75 receptions for 1,068 yards and eight touchdowns, but his drop in production can somewhat be related to Garrett Grayson’s departure to the NFL and his adjustment to the Rams new offense.

After earning a poor time in the 40-yard dash (4.64 seconds) at the combine, Higgins’ draft stock plummeted. Though Higgins has developed into a solid possession receiver with above-average hands, his lack of athleticism and quickness will significantly hurt him at the next level.

Given his lack of burst, Higgins will need some time to develop his craft as a route runner in order to effectively get off press coverage and create separation in routes, but his production shouldn’t be overlooked. If Higgins can remain as dedicated as he is confident, he will find a way to make plays as an outside receiver in the NFL.

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