Maybe the least important of the top three positions (QB, RB, WR), but the depth at the position and the depth needed on your team means that they are still a crucial position.
They aren’t usually first round material in most years, but receivers generally dominate the draft after most teams have a running back or two and a quarterback, and usually the top guys go earlier. And while I preach that a good quarterback is crucial along with running back depth, don’t ignore the receiver position, as number one receivers on good teams go very quickly.
Top Player – Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
The near consensus top receiver in the NFL and especially in fantasy football, Johnson should thrive in the Texans system this year. With Matt Schaub at the helm, Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter emerging as legitimate threats opposite him, and a deep group at running back.
His size and speed makes him as complete of a receiver as we’ve seen in the NFL in a while, and his deep play ability along with the short catches for big gains make him a 1,400+ yard near lock and he should have 12+ touchdowns. Treat him like a number two running back in most leagues.
Great Value – Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins had the option to take Dez Bryant in the draft or trade (two second rounders) for Brandon Marshall, and so far in camp, it looks like they made a very, very smart move. Marshall is one of the top five most talented receivers in the NFL, and other than being an off-the-field distraction at times, he’s as impressive of a receiver as you’ll find.
Reports are that Chad Henne and Marshall are already clicking in their routes, and both players as well as the coaching staff are anticipating huge numbers for both, especially when they hook up. With capable receivers around him like Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and Greg Camerillio, there won’t be too much attention on Marshall alone, leaving still some one-on-ones.
Great Value – Micheal Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Started off the season a little late because of a contract dispute, Crabtree began to hit his stride late in the season and showed why he was a top notch prospect coming out of college. His explosion, hands, and great understanding of the game makes him capable of being a number one type receiver.
The 49ers have a very deep crop of receivers, but Crabtree should no question be the top man by the start of the season, and that depth around him will keep him safe from overloading. The main question will be the teams dedication to the pass because of the fact that they have a great running game and a very unproven quarterback. But, Crabtree regardless should break 1,000 yards and get around 8-10 touchdowns.
Great Value – Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys and Jerry Jones had to be ecstatic when Dez Bryant slipped to 23 on draft day, as he was viewed by most, especially myself, as a top 10, top 15 talent. And although Roy Williams is on the team and (as of now) the starter opposite one year wonder Miles Austin, that should be Dez Bryant’s job by mid-season.
His size and speed combo makes me beleive that he will eventually develop into an Andre Johnson-like talent in a few years, and while he won’t be there yet, he still should be one of the favorites for Rookie of the Year, and should boast at least 1,000 yards, some return years, and at least 6-7 touchdowns.
Sleeper – Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons offense should be very impressive this year with 3rd year quarterback Matt Ryan, Micheal Turner back from injury, an improved offensive line, and the weapons at receiver. Roddy White has now become one of the top receivers in the league, but Michael Jenkins has yet to develop into a consistent number two guy.
According to Falcons camp, Atlanta is anticipating Harry Douglas, 2009 mid round draft pick from Louisville, to emerge as that number two receiver, and he should get the bulk of the deep plays and he should be at the least a solid backup receiver, but could end up with 800-1,000 yards this season.
Sleeper – Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 4th round rookie from Syracuse fell in the draft because of the fact that he quit on his Syracuse football team twice in his career and has been a consistent bothersome in college. However, if you talked to any scouts from last year that saw him play, and they will tell you that he was one of the top 3-4 receivers talent-wise in the draft, and was in Dez Bryant’s and DeMaryius Thomas’s area talent-wise.
So far in Tampa Bay, that talent is winning over his other problems. He looks like the number one receiver to start the season. While he wasn’t battling with tons of great talent and will catching passes from a very raw Josh Freeman at quarterback. Still, for a number one receiver, he should be a solid value pick as a rotational receiver.
Sleeper – James Hardy, Buffalo Bills
Definitely a deep sleeper, he is likely to be the number two receiver opposite Lee Evans in Buffalo. However, that unfortunately doesn’t mean that he’s great, as they lack alot of solid receivers, or that he’ll be productive, because they lack any true NFL starters at quarterback as they battle on who will start.
Still, I scouted him heavily in college and I know that the talent is there, and if the Bills offense find a solid quarterback and gets some protection, he could develop quickly as a starter, and he has the potential to be a 800-1,000 yard receiver this year.
NFLHouse.com Wide Receiver Rankings
1. Andre Johnson
2. Reggie Wayne
3. Randy Moss
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Calvin Johnson
6. Greg Jennings
7. Roddy White
8. Brandon Marshall
9. Anquan Boldin
10. Marques Colston
11. Chad Ochocinco
12. Miles Austin
13. Wes Welker
14. Santana Moss
15. Hines Ward
16. DeSean Jackson
17. Micheal Crabtree
18. Sidney Rice
19. Steve Smith (Carolina)
20. Hakeem Nicks
21. Percy Harvin
22. Dwayne Bowe
23. Mike Sims-Walker
24. Eddie Royal
25. Malcolm Floyd
26. Lee Evans
27. Steve Smith (New York Giants)
28. Dez Bryant
29. TJ Houshmandzadeh
30. Mike Wallace
31. Devin Hester
32. Jeremy Maclin
33. Derrick Mason
34. Donald Driver
35. Braylon Edwards
36. Donnie Avery
37. Mike Williams
38. Harry Douglas
39. Pierre Garcon
40. Terrell Owens
41. Kenny Britt
42. Robert Meachem
43. Mohammed Massaquoi
44. Steve Breaston
45. Jabar Gaffney
46. Mike Thomas
47. Chris Chambers
48. Santonio Holmes
49. Devin Thomas
50. Vincent Jackson (Out first 3 weeks)
51. Chaz Schillens
52. Darius Heyward-Bey
53. Brian Robiskie
54. Legedu Naanee
55. Johnny Knox
56. Roy Williams
57. Jericho Cotchery
58. Anthony Gonzalez
59. Brandon LaFell
60. Sammie Stroughter
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