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Meet The Prospects: Williams, Davis lead diverse crop of pass-catchers

Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports

Get to know the top prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, most of whom will take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine from March 3-5.

Wide receivers

Mike Williams, Clemson

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 225 lbs.

2016 stats: 98 catches, 1,361 yards, 11 TDs

A name known even to casual fans after shining on a national stage in Clemson's triumph over Alabama, Williams' ability to win contested balls will have scouts licking their lips. But tied up in Williams' propensity to make tough catches in traffic are questions about whether he can consistently separate from defenders. It's also unclear if he possesses the long speed necessary to force defenses to respect him as a deep threat. Williams should hear his name called in the first round, but he might not be the first pass-catcher off the board.

Corey Davis, Western Michigan

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 213 lbs.

2016 stats: 97 catches, 1,500 receiving yards, 19 TDs

A small-school prospect, Davis was utterly dominant in gaining separation downfield and racking up yards after the catch in his four years as starter in the FCS. Scouts will love Davis' route-running polish, but scrutinize his occasional double-catches and drops. Davis was considered a possible second-round pick before deciding to return for his senior year. He might have done enough to elevate himself into the first round.

John Ross, Washington

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Age: 22 Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 lbs.

2016 stats: 81 catches, 1,150 receiving yards, 17 TDs

A smaller, speedy receiver in the mold of DeSean Jackson or Brandin Cooks, Ross' story can't be told without running down his extensive injury history. He's damaged his meniscus twice, torn an ACL, and undergone microfracture surgery. Ross plans to participate in most drills at the combine, where his skills should really pop, then will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. He could slide in the draft - and it could mean whichever team selects him gets a major bargain.

Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 23 Height: 6'2" Weight: 198 lbs.

2016 stats: 117 catches, 1,700 receiving yards, 17 TDs

An older prospect (Kupp will turn 24 before the NFL season begins) who burst onto the draft scene with an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl, Kupp is being talked about as a possible Day 2 pick. Then again, it's just as likely his hype fizzles out and he takes a slide. Kupp has good hands, plays big, and makes tough catches over the middle, but could be limited to playing in the slot as a pro. He's the most prolific receiver in FCS history, but may lack the explosiveness and high-end speed to beat NFL outside coverage.

Curtis Samuel, Ohio State

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 20 Height: 5'11" Weight: 197 lbs.

2016 stats: 74 catches, 865 receiving yards, 7 TDs

A hybrid running back/receiver akin to players like Percy Harvin, teams must decide whether Samuel has the route-running acumen to consistently win in the slot and on outside routes. Once the ball is in his hands, there's little doubt he has the suddenness to make defenders miss. Versatility is en vogue in the NFL and a creative offensive coach could demand his team add Samuel as early as Day 2 of the draft.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC

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Age: 20 Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs.

2016 stats: 70 catches, 914 receiving yards, 10 TDs

One of the youngest players in the draft, having turned 20 in November, Smith-Schuster already has the physicality to make life miserable for cornerbacks at the line. Down the field, he's far from a finished product. At times, the USC product looked awkward and even downright uncomfortable running routes. Can he display the speed and precise footwork needed to beat NFL cornerbacks deep? Many eyes will be on Smith-Schuster's timed speed at the combine.

Tight ends

O.J. Howard

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 22 Height: 6'6" Weight: 249 lbs.

2016 stats: 45 catches, 595 receiving yards, 3 TDs

The most complete tight end prospect to enter the draft in years, Howard has the chance to be selected within the first ten picks. As a blocker, he's far more polished than most prospects at his position. As a receiver, he is explosive off the line and smooth down the field; he made long gains look routine for the Crimson Tide. Howard was at his best under the brightest lights, scoring a 68-yard touchdown in the 2017 national championship to follow up scores of 53 and 51 yards in the 2016 title game.

David Njoku, Miami

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 20 Height: 6'4" Weight: 245 lbs.

2016 stats: 43 catches, 698 receiving yards, 8 TDs

A freakish athlete, Njoku's already ascending draft stock could skyrocket with a strong showing at the combine. The infamous "anonymous scout" is already talking about how Njoku may have the most athletic upside of any tight end to enter the NFL. But upside doesn't always result in production, and teams will scrutinize Njoku's technique in an attempt to determine if he can learn to play with the polish needed to succeed as a pro at one of football's most difficult positions.

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