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2016 NFL Draft: Top 5 WR prospects the Los Angeles Rams should consider

There is clear need for a No. 1 wide receiver on the Los Angeles Rams’ roster. Luckily, this year’s draft has a good amount of prospects, but the Rams will need to use their early picks in order to draft them. Here’s a look at the top five receivers that best fit the Rams’ offense:

1. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss

The prized wide receiver in this year’s draft is Laquon Treadwell and for good reasons. He is a decent size (6’2”), has excellent hands, plays aggressively and is an efficient blocker. In fact, the reason he isn’t a top five prospect is his lack of speed. This definitely diminishes his value some, but the Rams don’t need a slot receiver, they need a receiver capable and willing to catch the ball in traffic and across the field. Also, considering that Case Keenum may be their starting quarterback, he isn’t likely to throw the deep ball too often, but that’s what Tavon Austin is for anyways. Expect the Rams to give Treadwell a good luck pick 15.

Photo credit: Getty Images.

Photo credit: Getty Images.

2. Michael Thomas, Ohio State

Looking at Michael Thomas’s strengths, he has the potential to be the best receiver in this year’s draft. He stands at 6’2” and can be an explosive receiver. He creates separation effortlessly and is generally guaranteed to reel in the football. That said, Thomas is far from perfect. He needs to be a more aggressive, his route running is atrocious and is relatively non-existent at times when it comes to blocking. He will likely be a late first round, early second round pick. Consider Thomas a “boom-or-bust” candidate.

Photo credit: Associated Press.

Photo credit: Associated Press.

3. Josh Doctson, TCU

Josh Doctson is the epitome of a playmaker. He is extremely agile, can play physical at times and can create separation with ease. Give him a little cushion, and he will make defenders pay every time. One of the biggest issues he has is his physique. He is too skinny and will be pushed around at the NFL level if he doesn’t bulk up. His routes could use some polishing, and  he doesn’t block well. Really, all of those skills can be coached up and adjusted. Doctson could be a steal in the second or third round.

Photo credit: Getty Images.

Photo credit: Getty Images.

4. Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh

An interesting prospect is Tyler Boyd due to his great potential, but he needs to absorb plenty of knowledge. He’s intriguing, because he is a true possession receiver and can be a quarterback’s top target. That said, he is by no-means a playmaker. He really didn’t find the endzone much at Pittsburgh, and Boyd needs to secure the ball a lot better. If Boyd can work on his game, he can truly be a great find in the third round.

Photo credit: Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports photographer.

Photo credit: Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports photographer.

5. Braxton Miller, Ohio State

Why is Braxton Miller No. 5 on my list? True, Miller will likely be drafted before Boyd and Doctson, but he is the definition of a project player. Miller really should be drafted later, but his name and athleticism will be too tempting to pass up for some NFL teams. Miller particularly excels at juke moves. If he catches the ball with some space, good luck getting a hit on him. Much of his success came from short and long-range passes, but he wasn’t really used for mid-range passes. He is relatively new to the position, so he will need some polishing at running his routes, manipulating defensive backs and holding on to the football. Depending on where he is drafted, he can be worth a look, but a second round pick might be a bit much for a project receiver.

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

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