Juniors rule the WR roost again

This is the third article in a series previewing the top NFL prospects by position for the 2010 draft.

The elite receiving talent, as it typically does, will stem from the underclassman ranks in the 2010 draft with a senior class that may not include a bona fide No. 1 receiver. There's still a chance that a senior or two could sneak into the back of the first round, however, as an overall thin receiving class is likely to force pass catchers to be drafted more highly than their talent warrants. Characteristic of most receiving classes, some big question marks and off-the-field issues could affect this year's group, as will a number of injuries.

Note: "e" indicates the height, weight or 40-time is estimated.

Has yet to prove that he can consistently catch the ball, making too many easy concentration drops with very small hands that always could be an issue. Questions about his work ethic and maturity remain and potentially could keep LaFell out of the first round, as evaluators passing through the LSU program have stamped second- and even third-round grades on the senior. Nonetheless, he is a gifted talent with fluid movement skills and good, smooth route running for as big as he is. He might never be a game-changing, No. 1 receiver, but he is strong, competitive and physical and fits the mold of a complementary No. 2 receiver.

2. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
5-11 7/8, 182, 4.52