Pick Your Prospect: Treadwell vs. Coleman vs. Doctson

theScore's Pick Your Prospect series takes an in-depth, head-to-head look at some of the top players leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft.

Positions
QB - Goff vs. Wentz
RB - Elliott vs. Henry
WR - Treadwell vs. Coleman vs. Doctson
DL - Bosa vs. Lawson

In looking at the receivers at the top of the 2016 draft, a three-player comparison is the only way to accurately assess the talent NFL teams will have to choose from.

Laquon Treadwell, Corey Coleman, and Josh Doctson are each thought to be likely first-round prospects. Depending on the fit of a given team selecting in that range, each has a realistic chance of being the first wideout off the board.

Here's a head-to-head look at all three:

Treadwell vs. Coleman vs. Doctson

Speed/Quickness

Coleman is the superior talent in this regard, and it isn't close. A combination of blazing straight-line speed and impressive short-area quickness allows him to both create separation with ease and make plays after the catch. That ability was confirmed by a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his pro day.

Though a clear step behind Coleman, Docston has more than enough athleticism to make use of his frame at the next level. Showing as much in pre-draft workouts solidified his draft stock. Treadwell, meanwhile, could be limited to a role in the short-intermediate areas of the field after concerns over his speed were backed up with a 40 time of 4.63.

Advantage: Coleman

Route Running

Due largely to the offense each player starred in throughout their college careers, route running is somewhat of a projection across the board. Coleman, despite boasting some incredible athletic traits, may face the most significant transition of the three. His monster production came on a few rather simple routes.

Doctson also ran a somewhat limited route tree as part of a spread attack at TCU, though the subtlety of his movements appear to suggest he'll succeed in transitioning to an NFL playbook. Treadwell can be considered the top route runner of the three, as he's shown the ability to both separate out of his breaks and find the soft spot in a zone to settle down. His best work is done in the short and intermediate areas of the field.

Advantage: Treadwell

Size/Vertical Ability

Treadwell and Doctson each check in at 6-foot-2, making them the tallest of the top receiver prospects, but the latter has the clear advantage when considering the way in which he uses his size. Putting his 41-inch vertical to good use, Doctson is consistently able to win over the top of smaller defenders in one-on-one situations. Treadwell, by comparison, makes his plays on the ground.

While size is one of the few concerns working against Coleman heading in, indeed putting him at a disadvantage when compared to Doctson, it should be noted that he doesn't exactly play like he's 5-foot-11. The Baylor standout will surprise many with his ability to come away with contested catches downfield.

Advantage: Doctson

Hands

As is the case with route running, each player has garnered his share of questions when it comes to bringing the ball in with consistency. Coleman's drops, the majority of which have come when forced into the middle of the field, could pose somewhat of an issue going forward. The traits Doctson and Treadwell show in potentially balancing out their relative occasional drops are more promising.

For Doctson, the catch radius is his most impressive ability in this regard, as he makes difficult catches seem routine. Treadwell's upside comes with the strength he demonstrates in his hands. This allows him to win in contested situations more often than not, which is key against NFL defensive backs who are certain to be in tighter coverage.

Advantage: Doctson/Treadwell

Physicality

This is the one area of Doctson's game that will need to be brought along at the next level. With a relatively slender frame, and his experience having come as part of a spread offense, it's possible he'll struggle to get off the line when defensive backs look to challenge him at the snap.

The fact that Coleman has drawn comparisons to Steve Smith says everything about the physicality and toughness he demonstrates in all facets of his game as a receiver. Treadwell gets the edge here, though. He wins with strength at the catch point, overpowers opposing defensive backs both before and after the catch, and has clear willingness to contribute as a blocker in the running game.

Advantage: Treadwell

Overall comparison

As was the case with the consensus quarterbacks, deciding between this year's top receivers may prove to be a matter of preference.

Coleman's the most explosive player in the group, and quite possibly that of the 2016 draft class as a whole. Doctson excels in the vertical game, while Treadwell has the potential to dominate as a possession receiver underneath.

Who you got?