Indianapolis Colts 2009 NFL Draft: Wide receiver: Who'll be available?

Jeremy Maclin (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

As we look at the Colts' wide receiver needs in the 2009 NFL Draft, we previously took a look at the wide receivers on the Colts' roster. Now, we'll take a look at who might be available at wide receiver when the Colts are on the clock with the No. 27 overall selection:

Who'll probably be gone: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech; 
 

Who might be there:

1) Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, 6-0, 198. As it stands now, he's a long shot to be available late in the first round. Projected as a potential Top 10-15 selection, Maclin – who declared for the draft after his sophomore season – ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which has hurt his draft stock in the minds of some analysts. Still, when you troll the mock drafts, most analysts consider him a certain first-round selection, possibly in the Top 10. He caught 95 passes for 1,221 yards and 12 touchdowns this past season after setting the NCAA freshman record for all-purpose yardage as a freshman.

2) Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina, 6-1, 212. Few prospects in the draft have improved their stock so much in the past few months – first during the season, then at the combine. Many now believe he could move into the first round. If scouts judge only on production, his stock will continue to rise. He caught 68 passes for 1,222 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior this past season.

3) Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland, 6-2, 210. There have been rumors that the 40-yard dash times at the combine were slow because of timing malfunctions. That doesn't explain Heyward-Bey's 4.3-second 40-yard dash. He declared early for the draft, and his speed has moved him into a range of four or five receivers who are being discussed as late first-round possibilities. He had 38 receptions for 553 yards and five touchdowns as a senior. The Colts typically have leaned toward college players with  solid collegiate production, but Heyward-Bey is considered by some to have huge potential.

4) Kenny Britt, Rutgers, 6-3, 218. Physically, Britt is as impressive as any of the top receivers. He ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the combine and bench-pressed 225 pounds 23 times. Here are his stats and bio, and analysts are now speculating he could be worth a late first-round selection.

5) Percy Harvin, Florida, 5-11, 192. Few players in college football were as versatile and effective as Harvin last season. He helped Florida to a second national title in three years and showed heart by playing in the national-title game despite injuries. He played running back and receiver in college, but considers himself a receiver first. He played more receiver than he would have liked at Florida, but said the Gators needed him at running back, so he played there. He scored 16 touchdowns rushing and receiving during the regular season. Florida has a history of disappointing wide receivers selected early Reidel Anthony, Travis Taylor, Jacquez Green, Reche Caldwell, Jabar Gaffney and Chad Jackson  – but Harvin's potential and production likely will alleviate such concerns.

Please follow the links to examine the Colts' draft-day wide receiver scenarios:
Indianapolis Colts 2009 NFL Draft: Wide receiver
Indianapolis Colts 2009 NFL Draft: Wide receiver: Who's on the roster?
Indianapolis Colts 2009 NFL Draft: Wide receiver: Draft-day approach.

Or, for other Colts stories, please visit: 

* 2009 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks.

* 2009 NFL Draft: Running backs.

* Why Jeff Saturday stayed in Indianapolis.

* TO's signing with Buffalo ended Indy's "hopes"

* Will Marvin Harrison end up in Philly?