Commentary: Floyd Should Be Drafted Higher Than Blackmon

There is no question that Blackmon and Floyd are the two best receivers in this year's draft. However, there are common misconceptions that lead scouts and media pundits to believe that Blackmon is better than Floyd. Therefore, Floyd should be drafted higher than Blackmon in April's upcoming NFL draft. Even if Floyd is not, here are some reasons as to why Floyd will make a better pro player than Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon.


Size
At the NFL combine, Justin Blackmon measured 6'1'' 205 lbs. This is not prototypical NFL wide receiver size. Michael Floyd measured 6'3'' 220 lbs. This closer to the prototypical NFL size. Floyd definitely has the edge in this categoy.

Speed
Michael Floyd ran a 4.47 at the NFL combine. Blackmon ran a 4.46 at a fast track at his Oklahoma State Pro Day. Floyd and Blackmon are virtually the same in this category although a lot has been made about the differences in running at the Combine and at a Pro Day. Pundits argue that running at a Pro Day as opposed to at the Combine leads to much faster times. Neither player has an edge in this category.

Production
Many media pundits have discussed Blackmon's production. However, over the course of their careers, Floyd has 271 catches for 3,686 yards with 37 TDs while Blackmon produced 3,564 on 252 catches with 40 TDs. Furthermore, Floyd's lack of further production can be explained by two things. First, Blackmon plays in an offense that throws the ball the vast majority of the time. Second, Blackmon has always played with an excellent college Quarterback.


Off-The-Field Questions
Michael Floyd has a highly publicized off-the-field DUI that would lead many GMs and scouts to questions his character. However, he has proven that he wants to make himself better. A less publicized event was the arrest of Justin Blackmon on October 27, 2010. Blackmon was arrested while driving 92 MPH in a 60 MPH speed zone.

Taken together, the information demonstrates why Floyd should be the number one wide receiver taken. Floyd also is an excellent run blocker and is more physically developed than Blackmon. Possible destinations are St. Louis (#6), Jacksonville (#7) and Buffalo (#10).