2013 NFL draft big board: Wide Receivers

We started our big board series Monday taking a look at the top 5 prospects at two of the Eagles biggest need positions in the 2013 NFL draft. Safeties were up first, then we looked at offensive tackles, guards, corners, tight ends, outside linebackers and defensive ends.

Today, we're looking at Mel Kiper's top 5 WRs.

Here's Kiper's take on the class.

The combine is huge for this group. Who blows people away with speed and agility? Patterson isn't a truly known commodity. Patton had a great week at the Senior Bowl and has decent size for winning one-on-one battles for the ball. Hopkins could be a sleeper to be the first WR taken. Austin could be deadly in the slot.

Related: Mocking the Draft's WR rankings

Scouting reports

Cordarrelle Patterson -Transferred from a community college only a year ago, but still had a great season in the SEC. Has good size and speed for the position and is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Could improve his route running and is maybe too physical with DBs. Got away with pushing off in college, but probably won't in the NFL. Was an effective punt returner, but was prone to questionable decisions.

Pro comparison - Nate Burleson

Keenan Allen - Good size, great route runner who isn't afraid to go over the middle or catch balls in traffic. Tough guy who fights for extra yards and is a willing blocker. Does not have elite top end speed and has been prone to drops at times. Interestingly, Nick Saban wanted him to come to Alabama to play safety and actually got him to sign a letter of intent. However, he changed his mind and decided to play WR at Cal where his half brother, Zach Maynard, was the QB. Allen also broke DeSean Jackson's freshman records at Cal for receptions and yards.

Pro comparison - Jordy Nelson

DeAndre Hopkins - Had a crazy productive year at Clemson with 18 touchdowns. Not a very big guy, but built solidy. Runs good routes, creates separation and does a good job catching the ball away from his body. Could stand to be more physical and according to CBS sports profile will "dance around defenders and run backwards after short catches."

Pro comparison - Roddy White

Tavon Austin - Is arguably the fastest WR in the draft who creates separation and makes big plays. Has the ability to make defenders look silly when trying to tackle him in the open field. Was used as a WR, RB and return man with the Mountaineers and was effective in all facets. Problem is he's 5-9, 174 and there's obvious concerns about his ability to take hits at the NFL level.

Pro comparison - Dante Hall (As a note, you'll hear comparisons to other little guys like Percy Harvin or DeSean Jackson, but Austin isn't as physical as Harvin or as much of a deep threat as Jackson).

Quinton Patton - Solidly built guy with long arms who catches the ball away from his body. Shows good body control and keeps his feet in bounds on catches. Was also a good punt returner. However, he doesn't have elite speed and like Patterson, can be a bit too physical with DBs at times. Could get called for more OPI at the NFL level.

Read a lot more about Quinton Patton in Dan Klausner's senior bowl practice report.

Pro comparison - Nate Washington