This is for Dan in Charlottesville, who took me to task via e-mail for my comparison of K-State’s Jordy Nelson to the Pats’ Wes Welker on the PFW Draft Prospect Database on Patriots.com.

First off, I wrote my all my comments before Tom, our resident, self-proclaimed “draft expert” (the 859th nickname he’s given himself in the past year, if anyone’s counting).  So, when he saw what my description of Nelson was, he hollered over to me, “Hey, Erik, I’m gonna set you up here.” We all take shots at each other in the office all the time, but we always alert one another first.

Now, to my reasoning. Yes, I realize he’s much taller (6-3) and stronger (220 lbs) than Welker, and perhaps a bit faster (4.5 40). But after watching Nelson’s tape, I didn’t envision him as a #1 or 2 receiver right away in the pros. Down the road, perhaps. I think he’d make more of a contribution (and a lot sooner) as a slot guy, particularly given his aforementioned skills.

Everyone knows the kind of damage the diminutive Welker inflicted on teams last year. Heck, even Jabar Gaffney made big catches when the Pats put him in as the second slot receiver last season.

Now just imagine what a team with two established outside receivers could do with 6-3, 220-pound receiver going over the middle. Apparently, a lot of NFL teams are considering the mismatch possibilities, because Nelson has been steadily rising on some draft watchdog websites. He’s projected to be a 3rd or 4th rounder on most boards I’ve seen, and he’s generally ranked among the top ten receivers in this year’s draft.

Granted, some clubs may see Nelson as a future 1 or 2 receiver. Maybe he is. I just don’t see it happening right away.