Weaknesses:
Summary: Justin Blackmon was the best wide receiver in college football in 2011. He could have been a first-rounder last year, but decided to return for another season with the Cowboys. It paid off, as he is now considered to be a top-10 pick. Blackmon is a dangerous playmaker. He is a threat to score on any reception. Blackmon is extremely well built and is physical with defensive backs. He has the dual ability to be a possession receiver and a deep threat who stretches the field. He breaks tackles and gets yards after contact.
In his final season at Oklahoma State, Blackmon caught 121 receptions for 1,522 yards with 18 touchdowns. He produced despite teams constantly sending double coverage his direction. In 2010, Blackmon caught 111 passes for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns. He went over 100-yards in every game as a sophomore. To conclude his college career, Blackmon had a massive game against Stanford despite playing with a leg infection.
Blackmon projects as a starter immediately as a rookie, and it shouldn’t be long before he is a No. 1 receiver. He has the skill set to be in contention for the Pro Bowl annually.
Player Comparison: Terrell Owens. There are a ton of similarities between Blackmon and Owens in terms of route running, explosiveness and dynamic ability after the catch. Both have a rare combination of speed and strength.
It is never fair to put expectations of production like Owens on a draft prospect, but the way that Blackmon plays the game is reminiscent of Owens.
NFL Matches: St. Louis, Minnesota, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Washington
Blackmon could be a fit for a lot of teams at the top of the first round. The Rams need a true No. 1 receiver for Sam Bradford. Minnesota needs a receiver to replace Sidney Rice and take the pressure off of Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin. The Browns need to upgrade the playmaking ability of their skill position players.
The Buccaneers saw Mike Williams become a massive disappointment and struggle to get separation in 2011, and they are in serious danger of ruining Josh Freeman. Taking Blackmon would help prevent that. Sources have indicated that the Redskins could make receiver a priority this offseason in the draft or free agency.
RELATED LINKS:
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
