Taking a Serious Look at 2016 NFL Draft Receivers for the St. Louis Rams

Josh Doctson, Texas Christian University (6’4”, 190 lbs)

After spending his freshman year at the University of Wyoming, Josh Doctson decided to travel to transfer to TCU, where his mother works as the vice chancellor of marketing and communications.

Coach Gary Patterson did not regret taking a chance on the talented athlete, as Doctson compiled 180 receptions for 2,785 yards and 29 touchdowns in three years as a Horned Frog.

Why the Rams SHOULD Pick Doctson:

"“[Josh Doctson] has unbelievable hands… he’s like a security blanket for a quarterback… you put the ball in the air and… he comes down with it most of the time, and that’s really all you can ask for out of a guy like that.” – TCU Quarterback Trevone Boykin"

Quarterback always say generic things like that about their receivers when speaking to the media, but Boykin (Yes, the guy who got suspended for public intoxication and resisting arrest) is spot-on with his description of Doctson. He is a tall receiver who can go up and make the quarterback look good. You either have hands or you don’t. Josh Doctson definitely has hands, and they’ll be very useful in the NFL.

He’s also a very smart player when he runs his routes, especially considering Trevone Boykin’s scrambling ability. He knows how play with quarterbacks, and in turn, quarterbacks know how to play with him.

Why the Rams SHOULD NOT Pick Doctson:

Once again, it’s tough for spread offensive players to make the transition to the NFL. Especially with Jeff Fisher’s infatuation and persistence with the running game, Doctson might struggle to find his fit in the system.

He lacks the explosive speed desired at the next level, so he needs to bulk up from 190 pounds to become more of a possession receiver. Doctson’s height and strength was enough to dominate in the NCAA, but he’ll need to add at least 15 pounds of muscle to survive a 16-game regular season against some of the hardest hitters in the world.

Pro Comparison: Austin Pettis, Free Agent

That name look familiar? It should, because the Rams drafted Pettis in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft and then cut him in 2014. Doctson is pretty much Austin Pettis with much more upside. Both are tall with exceptional length and have soft hands even when catching in traffic. Whereas Pettis was a decent compliment receiver during his tenure with the Rams, Doctson would provide the team with a real threat on the outside as a starter.

Next: Will Fuller