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.

SENIOR PROSPECTS

1. Brandon LaFell, LSU
6-2 3/8, 207, 4.55e

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

The go-to receiver in a prolific, high-powered offense, Gilyard is a game-breaking threat who ranks among college football's top five all-purpose runners, factoring highly in the return game as well as he does when split wide. He has a wiry, muscled frame that could stand to use more bulk, but it does not stop him from entering traffic or crossing the middle. Long-term durability questions could arise, with a history of ankle injuries. His character will require closer scrutiny because of adversity that he has had to endure, having had his scholarship pulled after struggling academically earlier in his career, but his versatility will add to his value.

3. Eric Decker, Minnesota
6-3 1/8, 207, 4.55e

Lost for the season after tearing ligaments in his left foot against Ohio State in late October, Decker has an NFL future that remains up in the air, as he must show that he is fully recovered from a surgery that is expected to take five months to heal. Speed is not his game, and his inability to run before the draft potentially could alter his draft value. However, Decker is field-fast and shows the ability to uncover with quickness and route savvy. He needs to spend more time in the weight room after toying with a baseball career, but Decker possesses very good concentration and ball skills and could be a very reliable short-to-intermediate receiver in the pros, with a chance to develop into a No. 2.

4. Jordan Shipley, Texas
5-10e, 190e, 4.5e

An ideal No. 3 slot receiver in a similar mold as Brandon Stokley, Shipley shows good field awareness and catches the ball with ease outside his frame and in stride, having developed a great rapport with his roommate, QB Colt McCoy. The sixth-year senior has a history of injuries that might not disappear in the NFL given his slight stature and lack of a special quality. He is not overly sudden, but he has enough quickness to contribute as a punt returner in the pros. He was contained easily against Oklahoma and could struggle against better competition, but his production still could attract mid-round interest.

5. Jeremy Williams, Tulane
6-0 3/8, 205, 4.5e

Williams is a bit of an enigma coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament that he had injured once before, earlier in his career. He still does not appear fully recovered from the latest knee injury, and questions about his overall toughness could be limiting in the pro game. However, he looks the part with fluid movement skills and shows big-time flashes of ability. If he can return to full health, he stands a chance to become a solid No. 3 receiver in the pros.

UNDERCLASSMEN

1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (Jr.)
6-2e, 215e, 4.4e

Despite playing only three games as a junior, Bryant has all the tape he needs from his first two seasons to show NFL evaluators how special he is. He's big, fast, strong and physical and clearly possesses big-time playmaking ability. Makes some ridiculous, acrobatic, over-the-shoulder grabs while suspended in mid-air that very few NFL receivers are capable of producing. Although he is not as big or as clean-cut as Calvin Johnson, Bryant is every bit as intimidating and difficult to cover. After being suspended by the NCAA for the remainder of the season for lying to investigators and having had to overcome a rough upbringing, Bryant will have questions to answer, but he is way too talented to escape the top 10 and might be the most physically gifted specimen in the entire draft.

2. Golden Tate, Notre Dame (Jr.)
5-10½e, 195e, 4.45e

A compactly built, dynamite playmaker with extremely strong hands, Tate warrants comparisons to Panthers WR Steve Smith. Tate really stepped up after the injury to teammate Michael Floyd, competitively carrying the offense on his shoulders this season. Tate ignited a stagnant ground game in the second quarter against Purdue, when he operated out of the "Wildcat" formation, and again provided a spark rushing the ball against Washington State. Despite having extra coverage rolled his way, he continually has produced at a high level against better competition and has shown he can change games by producing in the clutch. He projects as a mid-to-late first-round talent.

3. Arrelious Benn, Illinois (Jr.)
6-1e, 220e, 4.5e

Despite being grossly underutilized following the departure of offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, Benn showed last season that he was a playmaker with the ability to create when he touches the ball. He shows some tightness in his hips; lacks elite, top-end speed; and has a tendency to body the ball, but he is strong, can veer and weave through traffic and looks like a running back after the catch. The Illini's offensive struggles with a revolving door at quarterback and a major lack of creativity in play-calling potentially could affect his status, as his production has dipped. But with an NFL coach who knows how to maximize Benn's talents, he could be an impact player in the pros.

4. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech (Jr.)
6-3e, 230e, 4.5e

Is not a blazer and does not separate with speed or run a lot of NFL-type routes in a triple-option offense. But the fourth-year junior does possess outstanding size to uncover at the last second and can elevate and take the ball away from defenders with very good ball skills. He will make some easy drops, but Thomas has become more consistent catching the ball this season. Lacking great quickness, he does not produce much yardage after the catch, and he's a few cheeseburgers away from warranting some attention as a tight end or H-back. But Thomas has been most effective outside the numbers and could develop into a solid No. 2 receiver.

5. Damian Williams, USC (Jr.)
6-1e, 195e, 4.55e

A lanky long-strider who lacks top acceleration or burst, Williams is not going to win a lot of foot races with speed, but he is smooth and fluid as a route runner with soft, natural hands and could fit into a West Coast offense as a potential No. 2 receiver. He did not pull away from anyone against Arizona State on a 75-yard bubble screen on which he scored while weaving across the field, but he showed good field vision following his blocks and has a good feel for the game. He's smart, runs precise routes and consistently can be trusted to produce in the clutch.

Next Friday: TE prospects

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the second issue being released later this month. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.