3 Wide Receivers Who Increased Their Draft Stock at NFL Combine

There were a number of wide receivers that put up impressive performances at the NFL Combine. As a whole, the group looks blazing fast. Teams seeking to inject some speed into their lineups should be thrilled.

A few wideouts separated themselves from the pack and increased their draft stock significantly - let's take a look at them:

Christian Watson, North Dakota State

At 6'4" and 208 pounds, Watson already had the size teams covet to win contested passes. But apparently he's also incredibly fast, as well.

Watson ran a ridiculous 4.36 second 40-yard dash and added a 38.5 inch vertical and 11'4" broad jump to boot. An AP Second-Team All American this year, Watson had 57 plays that went for 20+ yards in his career and was productive for three years in his time at North Dakota State.

He had 43 catches for 801 yards (18.6 yards-per-catch) for seven touchdowns during his senior season and it's easy to imagine him speeding past defenders to make outstretched catches at the second level. With a career average of over 20 yards per catch, he represents the kind of size and athleticism that could separate him from a stacked wide receiver group come draft day.

Calvin Austin, Memphis

Despite an illustrious college career that saw him post two consecutive 1,000 yard seasons, there were still questions about Austin's athleticism. At 5'7" (and three-quarters, don't short-change him) and 173 pounds, Austin needed to have a strong combine performance to solidify himself as a Day 2 pick.

And oh boy, did he ever. Austin was a nine-time track champion in high school and his 4.32 second 40-yard dash was no surprise, but his 39-inch vertical leap and 11'3" broad jump were impressive. His broad jump is twice his height. That's bananas.

His broad jump was the 9th-highest of all wide receivers since 2008 and his reputation is growing.

He should be a 2nd-round pick, but don't be shocked if we start hearing murmurs of him at the end of the 1st.

Alec Pierce, Cincinnati

At 6'3" and 211 pounds, Alec Pierce may have helped himself the most with a 4.33 second 40-yard dash run. He added a 40.5 inch vertical leap and caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns his senior season.

Pierce played a important role in the Bearcats college football playoff run and the biggest question about him was his speed and agility. He answered those questions resoundingly and is rising up teams' draft boards.

This article was originally published on www.fansided.com/betsided as 3 Wide Receivers Who Increased Their Draft Stock at NFL Combine.