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ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down the quality at the top of the draft.
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Wednesday, April 18

Book on WR Reggie Wayne

Here's a rundown of what I've had to say about Miami WR REGGIE WAYNE since the beginning of the college-football season.

April 2
Ranks as the most skilled route-runner in the draft and also has the strongest hands of any wideout on the board. The only reason he'll likely drop into the late first or early second round is due to his less-than-spectacular 40 time of 4.56 to 4.59. With Wayne, however, he plays faster than he times. It's always important to remember that we're looking for football players, not track stars.

Feb. 28
With Freddie Mitchell delivering such an impressive workout, the pressure now shifts to Wayne, Robinson, Terrell, Moss and Gardner to post the type of numbers that are expected during individual testing. As a true football player, Wayne is top-notch. He's a skilled route-runner, knows how to utilize positioning against the CB and has the strong hands necessary to just snatch the ball out of the air.

Feb. 7
Skilled route-runner who is quicker and more explosive than people give him credit for. Since he's so smooth and fluid, CBs often get lulled into a false sense of security. If Wayne's workout shows he can be a No. 1 option in the NFL, he would then figure as a sure-fire mid-first rounder.

Jan. 12
Very polished receiver, but needs to show speed at the combine. He's quick out of his cuts, runs precise routes and has great hands.

Jan. 4
Smooth and polished, figuring to come right into the NFL and immediately become a productive No. 2 option.

Dec. 31
At 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, Wayne has the size offensive coordinators in the NFL are looking for along with impressive natural pass receiving skills. He's a smooth, fluid athlete who is quick out of his cuts and rarely if ever drops a pass. The key for Wayne to secure a mid-first round grade will be proving to the NFL brass that he has the speed to justify such a high ranking.

Dec. 7
The quality veteran of the collegiate wars is smooth, experienced and polished, but will have to prove during workouts that he has the speed and burst out of his break that is required in order to gain the necessary separation against highly skilled NFL cover men.

Nov. 29
Has shown the ability to go across the middle and make the tough catch in traffic. Against Boston College, Wayne hauled in five receptions for 96 yards and one TD.

Nov. 22
Caught just one pass against Syracuse, but it turned out to be a key 32-yard TD reception from sophomore QB Ken Dorsey.

Nov. 15
Came through with a productive effort against Pittsburgh, hauling in six receptions for 86 yards and one TD.

Nov. 8
Not as flashy or versatile as Moss, but his size and overall polish are just what the NFL is looking for. Against Virginia Tech, Wayne hauled in one reception for 41 yards.

Nov. 1
Steady, reliable veteran who makes consistency his forte. Against Louisiana Tech, he hauled in two receptions for 38 yards and one TD.

Oct. 26
Reliable veteran of the collegiate wars, hauling in five receptions for 73 yards against Temple this past week. Wayne runs precise routes, knows how to work a CB and rarely if ever fights the ball when pulling in the reception. In the end, it will be Wayne's 40 clocking that determines if he carries such a lofty grade into the NFL draft.

Sept. 25
Aiding Miami's cause was the quality effort turned in by senior wideout Reggie Wayne. It will be interesting to see whether Wayne or his talented teammate, Santana Moss, ends up with the higher pro grade.


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