2007 Fantasy Football Preview: Wide receivers
08/10/2007
Sports Channel / Bullz-Eye Home
After running backs, wide receivers are the second most important position to focus on during the draft. In fact, there are a few guys (“The Studs”) that can be taken in the second round instead of a second- or third-tier RB. The first five guys on this list – Steve Smith, Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison – represent the kind of production and dependability that is worth a second-round pick. If you’re not in love with the RBs available and an elite receiver is available, don’t hesitate to grab him. This goes double for leagues that have a RB/WR flex position in lieu of a RB2 and/or a point per reception (PPR) format.
The second tier runs all the way through WR17 (Plaxico Burress), so even if you do grab two RBs with your first two picks, there is an opportunity to grab two very good WRs in rounds three and four. As your draft moves into the middle rounds, keep an eye out for emerging value (such as Jerricho Cotchery) or guys with tremendous upside (such as Vincent Jackson or D.J. Hackett) to give your WR corps good depth.
We’ve ranked the position in tiers in order to give you a better idea of how we view the dropoff within the position. There are circumstances where you may want to select a player from a lower tier. For instance, if the aforementioned Hackett looks good in the preseason, you may want to gamble on his upside and draft him ahead of Terry Glenn or Joey Galloway. In parenthesis, we’ve included the players Average Draft Position (ADP), which is the average round that the player is selected in Antsports’ 12-team leagues with a high performance scoring format. That system includes awarding one point per reception, so keep that in mind as you look through the tiers. We’ve also included the ADP ranking (WR1, WR2, etc.) to see where the player is going relative to his peers. All of the data is from mock drafts conducted at Antsports.com from July 15th to July 31st.
Steve Smith, Panthers (WR1, 2.03)
83 receptions, 1166 yards, 8 TD (+1 rush TD)
Simply stated, Steve Smith is the most electrifying WR in the game today. After missing almost the entire 2004 season and two games in 2006 due to injury, he has a rep for being a bit fragile. But when the guy plays, he’s the best. Moreover, new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson promises to feed him the ball even more, so there’s every reason to think that Smith will have a huge year.
Chad Johnson, Bengals (WR2, 2.03)
87 receptions, 1369 yards, 7 TD
Of the guys in this tier, CJ had the most up and down season. He had a torrid 37-catch, 765-yard, 5-TD run over five games to start the second half of the season. In the other 11 games, he averaged 4.5 catches, 55 yards and 0.2 TD. Those that draft him in the second round will have to live with a few quiet games, but he’s one of those guys that can win a few fantasy games all by himself. Thinking strategically, if you have a late pick (#9-#12), this would be a great year to draft Johnson in the early second round and then draft fellow Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the late third. Having both would offset CJ’s erratic play and they would each provide great insurance for the other in case of injury.
Torry Holt, Rams (WR4, 2.08)
93 receptions, 1188 yards, 10 TD
The Torry Holt downside watch has begun. He had offseason knee injury but has been cleared to play. He just turned 31, and keeps himself in great shape in the summer, so he should have a few more productive seasons in him. He has a great rapport with his quarterback and has posted seven straight 1100+ yard seasons. Assuming the knee is okay, pencil him in for 90 catches, 1200 yards and 10 scores.
86 receptions, 1310 yards, 9 TD
In 2006, Wayne’s numbers nearly matched Marvin Harrison’s; only he’s not quite as dominant in the red zone, so his teammate gets most of those looks. If Harrison starts to show signs of a decline, Wayne will be there to pick up the slack. This is the first year that it’s reasonable to draft Wayne before Harrison, because Wayne continues to rise while Harrison simply stays the same. Both players should have great years, but Harrison is more likely to take a step back.
Marvin Harrison, Colts (WR3, 2.08)
95 receptions, 1366 yards, 12 TD
Here are Harrison’s last five finishes in PPR leagues: 1st, 9th, 5th, 4th and 2nd. That’s not bad for a guy who is supposed to be on the downside of his career. So when will he finally start to decline? It’s hard to say, but last year’s #1 overall finish would indicate it’s still a few years off. He’s the consummate pro – steady, durable and dependable. Grab him in the second round and don’t look back.
90 receptions, 1081 yards, 9 TD
Housh missed the first two games of the season, but still finished in the top 10. He’s steady, has great hands, a great QB, and has been very solid over the last three seasons. He should continue to thrive opposite CJ.
Roy Williams, Lions (WR8, 3.04)
82 receptions, 1310 yards, 7 TD
Don’t worry, even though the Lions drafted Calvin Johnson, Mike Martz will find a way to keep everyone happy. Expect Johnson to cut into Mike Furrey’s numbers (not Williams’), and expect Williams to continue to progress in a very pass happy offense. Jon Kitna isn’t great, but he’s effective and the Lions are bad enough in other areas of the game that they’ll still be trailing most of the time. This all adds up to another big year for Williams.
Jerricho Cotchery, JetsHis work ethic sets him apart from other WRs in the middle rounds. You can’t do much better in the seventh.
D.J. Hackett, Seahawks
He has the inside track to start alongside Deion Branch. He has great hands and toughness and should shine in gloomy Seattle.
Jerry Porter, Raiders
Well, he can’t do any worse than last season. Actually, Porter has a shot to become the WR everyone knows he can be, and is worth a flier in the later rounds.
Terrell Owens, CowboysSure, he might put up great numbers, but he could also freak out and be sent home for the year. He’s not worth the risk in the second round.
Mike Furrey, Lions
Don’t let last season’s numbers fool you. With Calvin Johnson in town, Furrey’s targets are going to take a nosedive.
Derrick Mason, Ravens
He’s starting to show signs of age and is a bad match for the Ravens’ conservative offense.
Anquan Boldin, Cardinals (WR9, 3.07)
83 receptions, 1203 yards, 4 TD
As far as possession receivers go, Boldin is one of the best in the game. There are concerns that the arrival of Ken Whisenhunt means more running plays and fewer short passes, which would hurt Boldin’s numbers, but Whisenhunt has said that we’ll see Boldin throwing and rushing the ball as well. So it looks like he’d like to use Boldin the same way he used Hines Ward in Pittsburgh. He may not catch more than 6 TD, but he might throw for one and rush for one. In PPR leagues, Boldin is a very solid pick in the third round.
Terrell Owens, Cowboys (WR5, 2.09)
85 receptions, 1180 yards, 13 TD
TO actually projects to finish a bit higher, but is he worth the risk? That’s the question you have to answer when drafting the talented yet unreliable WR. He could have another great season or he could flake out and get kicked off the team. For what it’s worth, he has posted at least 80 catches, at least 1100 yards, and at least nine scores in six of the last seven seasons. He’s also turning 34 this season, so age is not on his side. Proceed, but proceed with caution.
Javon Walker, Broncos (WR11, 3.10)
69 receptions, 1084 yards, 8 TD (+ 1 rush TD)
Considering all that Walker had to overcome last season, it’s easy to be optimistic about his potential in 2007. He changed teams, rehabbed from a knee injury and had to adjust to two new quarterbacks. While it’s true that he jived much better with Jake Plummer than he did with Jay Cutler, he and Cutler have had a full year to get on the same page and the combo should be in for a big season.
Marques Colston, Saints (WR13, 4.02)
70 receptions, 1038 yards, 8 TD
Much has been written about Marques Colston and the terrific rookie season he had in 2006. It would have been even better had a sprained ankle not derailed him for four games. With Joe Horn gone, the onus is on Colston to be the #1 guy, but the Saints’ offense is diverse, so defenses won’t be able to focus solely on the sophomore. Expect Colston to improve on his rookie campaign.
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (WR7, 3.02)
68 receptions, 941 yards, 6 TD
Fitzgerald struggled with a bad hammy for much of the season, which was the main reason for his depressed numbers. But Matt Leinart isn’t great at throwing the deep ball, so his game isn’t a natural complement to Fitzgerald’s. Also, the wide receiver was upset about the departure of Dennis Green and the new regime wants to focus on the ground game. Fitz is still a solid pick in the third, but he’s a bit more risky at that point than he was last summer.
92 receptions, 1295 yards, 8 TD
Every year, Donald Driver slips into the fourth round and every year, the guy seems to end up in the top 10. Technically, Driver has finished 14th or better in PPR leagues in four of the last five seasons. He’s 32, so the downside of his career can’t be far off, but as long as Brett Favre is his QB and he’s WR1 for the Packers, he should be a top 15 performer. A healthy Greg Jennings should only give Driver that much more space in which to work. He’s a great value pick in the late third/early fourth, assuming his shoulder injury is behind him by September.
82 receptions, 1290 yards, 8 TD
Evans scored 19% of his fantasy points in Week 11, when he torched the Texans for 11 catches for 265 yards and two scores. He finished the season on a tear, catching four touchdowns over the last four weeks. He and QB J.P. Losman seem to be building a rapport, and the young duo should only improve in 2007. However, keep in mind that, thus far, Evans has been a boom-or-bust guy, so he may have as many quiet games as he does monster games.
Andre Johnson, Texans (WR10, 3.10)
103 receptions, 1147 yards, 5 TD
It’s tough to project how the Texans’ WR1 is going to do heading into 2007. Last season, he started off on a tear – 65 catches for 752 yards and four scores in the first eight games – before fading in the second half. Also, he has to adjust to a new quarterback (Matt Schaub), so suddenly he becomes a risky third round pick heading into the season. However, if Schaub and Johnson jive in the preseason, the pick becomes more solid. AJ is a phenomenal talent and is limited only by his supporting cast.
Plaxico Burress, Giants (WR17, 4.10)
63 receptions, 988 yards, 10 TD
The main knock on Burress (especially in PPR leagues) is that he doesn’t catch a ton of balls. But he’s the unquestioned WR1 in New York and he seems to have built a pretty good rapport with Eli Manning. With Tiki Barber out of the mix, the team will turn to Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns to pick up the slack. How Burress fares has a lot to do with how Jacobs (or Droughns) is able to rush the ball. If you think Jacobs will be effective (and we do), then there’s no reason that Burress can’t have another top 15-type year. The other factor is Eli Manning; if he’s able to turn the corner (and we’re not so sure about that) then Burress could be in for a huge season.
42 receptions, 553 yards, 3 TD
When is a good time to draft Randy Moss? Things will become much clearer in the preseason. If he and Brady look good, then Moss becomes a fairly safe third round pick. If he misses time with injury or looks sluggish, then it’s probably smart to pass on the tumultuous wideout, and let some other owner roll the dice. The Pats have a history of spreading the ball around (and Moss plays better on turf), so Moss’ ceiling could be depressed, but then again, Brady has never had a WR with Moss’ physical skills. Like Terrell Owens, Moss is a risky pick with potential.
Hines Ward, Steelers (WR18, 5.01)
74 receptions, 975 yards, 6 TD
Two things hampered Ward’s season in 2006. First, his QB, Ben Roethlisberger, was not himself. Second, he struggled with hamstring and knee injuries throughout the season. Ward has been very durable throughout his career, but he’s getting to the age (31) where injuries start to creep up more regularly. On the plus side, the Steelers are going to try to implement a Colts-style offense, which should mean more targets for everyone. He should still be a decent WR2 and a good pick in the late fourth/early fifth, but his star is starting to lose some of its luster.
Laveranues Coles, Jets (WR19, 5.05)
91 receptions, 1098 yards, 6 TD
Coles has never caught a lot of touchdowns, but he gets a ton of targets each and every season. He may see a downtick in his looks with the emergence of Jerricho Cotchery and the arrival of Thomas Jones, but Coles should still be a major part of the Jets’ attack. Over the last five years, he has averaged 85 catches for 1072 yards and 4.6 TD, making him a good value in the fifth round.
Calvin Johnson, Lions (WR22, 5.12)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
What can we expect from Calvin Johnson in his rookie season? It’s always tough to predict how first year players will do, but considering Mike Furrey’s output as the Lions’ WR2 last season (98 receptions for 1086 yards and six scores), there is a lot of room in Detroit’s offense for someone not named “Roy.” Don’t expect Johnson to match Furrey’s reception totals, but the yardage and scores are well within reach.
Braylon Edwards, Browns (WR24, 6.03)
60 receptions, 879 yards, 6 TD
Edwards is entering his third year with the Browns, which is the year that many wideouts have their breakout season. There is a lot to be optimistic about when looking at Edwards’ situation. He has all the physical tools, and the Browns’ QB play and offensive line should both be improved, and Edwards should continue to benefit from the presence of Kellen Winslow, assuming he’s not too hobbled. This should be the year that Edwards cracks the top 20.
82 receptions, 961 yards, 6 TD
In his third season with the Jets, Cotchery had a breakout season, finishing in the top 20 in PPR leagues. The fantasy public apparently doesn’t think he has a good chance to repeat, as he’s not going until the sixth or seventh round. He has a terrific work ethic and does just about everything well on the football field (hands, route running, run blocking, etc). He also has the confidence of Chad Pennington, so there’s no reason think he won’t outperform his draft position. He doesn’t have the upside of Chris Chambers or Braylon Edwards, but he doesn’t have the downside, either.
Santana Moss, Redskins (WR23, 5.12)
55 receptions, 790 yards, 6 TD
Moss is coming off a bad year and is being drafted based on his actual output last season, when his upside (two top 10 finishes in the last four years) is so much higher. He should benefit from another offseason with Jason Campbell, though the lack of playmakers in the rest of the receiving corps could hurt his numbers. You could do much worse in the late fifth/early sixth.
Reggie Brown, Eagles (WR20, 5.06)
46 receptions, 816 yards, 8 TD (+1 rush TD)
Brown isn’t a very efficient WR, but he took a step forward in his second season despite having to adjust to Jeff Garcia once Donovan McNabb’s year was over. With Donte Stallworth now a Patriot, it’s interesting to look at Brown’s line during the four games that Stallworth missed: 4.8 catches for 96 yards and 0.8 TD. That projects to 77 receptions for 1536 yards and 13 TD over a full season. Kevin Curtis will steal some looks as the new WR2, but there is certainly reason to be optimistic about Brown’s chances for a 1000-yard/10 TD season in 2007.
Deion Branch, Seahawks (WR21, 5.08)
53 receptions, 725 yards, 4 TD
With the departure of Darrell Jackson, Branch will take over the flanker position in the Seattle offense, which should mean consistent targets each game. Branch has never gone over 1000 yards receiving, and it’s unclear how he’ll respond to becoming the team’s WR1, but he’s playing in a productive offense and has other good players around him (Shaun Alexander, D.J. Hackett, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram) to take the pressure off. Everything points to Branch having his best season.
Mark Clayton, Ravens (WR27, 7.01)
67 receptions, 939 yards, 5 TD
The Baltimore offense isn’t high-flying, but Clayton still managed to have a breakout year in his second season. He has usurped Derrick Mason as WR1 and should continue to progress, especially now that his QBs' legal troubles are behind him.
Chris Chambers, Dolphins (WR25, 6.06)
59 receptions, 677 yards, 4 TD
Every summer it seems like Chris Chambers is heading into a good situation, but for fantasy owners, he’s been pretty spotty throughout his entire career. Last year’s QB play in Miami was brutal, so the arrival of Trent Green should help. Randy McMichael and Wes Welker are gone, which means more targets (and more attention) for Chambers. Over the last four years, he has caught just 48% of the passes thrown his way, which is an alarming statistic. He still has a lot of upside, so he’s not a bad pick in the sixth if you’re feeling good about your team.
Darrell Jackson, 49ers (WR26, 6.11)
63 receptions, 956 yards, 10 TD
D-Jax has the talent to be a perennial top 15 wideout – if he could stay healthy. After two consecutive 16-game seasons in 2003 and 2004, Jackson has missed 13 games in the last two seasons. Considering that he’s moving to a new team that doesn’t have the same offensive punch as his old team, it’s easy to be down on his prospects. However, Alex Smith is an up-and-coming QB, and there is enough talent on offense (Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Arnaz Battle) that the 49ers should be dangerous. If Jackson stays healthy, he’ll be a top 20 WR in 2007.
Joey Galloway, Buccaneers (WR28, 7.02)
62 receptions, 1057 yards, 7 TD
Joey Galloway turns 36 this season, but he hasn’t lost much speed, which is what helps him get open deep. Jeff Garcia doesn’t have a great arm, but he should be better than Bruce Gradkowski. The Bucs will need to throw the ball, so there’s a good chance that Galloway will be able to top 1000 yards with seven scores once again. For a seventh round pick, that represents a lot of value.
70 receptions, 1047 yards, 6 TD
A close look at Glenn’s stats in 2006 reveals a slightly disturbing trend. In the games that Drew Bledsoe was his QB, Glenn averaged 5.0 catches for 68 yards and 0.6 TD. Once Tony Romo took over, Glenn averaged 4.1 catches for 63 yards and 0.3 TD. The yardage was about the same, but the reduction in receptions and scores is worrisome. It’s clear that Romo was more interested in getting the ball to Terrell Owens, but Glenn’s targets only went down from 7.2 to 6.7, so he was still getting some love from Romo. Glenn has been a bit injury prone during his career and, at 33, he’s not getting any younger. He has also played his best ball under Bill Parcells, so with a new regime in place, it’s not a sure thing that he’ll be able to keep up his recent production.
Vincent Jackson, Chargers (WR29, 7.05)
27 receptions, 453 yards, 6 TD
In the Chargers’ last five games (including the playoffs), Jackson caught 16 passes for 329 yards and three scores, which projects to 51/1052/10 over a full season. Understandably, that five-game outburst has many fantasy owners thinking that he’s primed for a breakout season. And why not? Everything is lined up for Jackson – he’s a physical specimen, Keenan McCardell is gone, he’s entering his third season and there are plenty of other weapons around him for defenses to focus on. Just be careful not to overspend.
45 receptions, 610 yards, 4 TD
Hackett was solid last season in a reserve role. If his production over the last 12 games is projected over a full season, he would have racked up 59 catches for 795 yards and five scores. With Darrell Jackson gone, even more opportunity is there, and with Hackett’s great hands and toughness, he should see the biggest jump of any of the Seattle WRs (with the potential to pass Deion Branch). For those reasons, he’s a very nice pick in the seventh or eighth round.
Greg Jennings, Packers (WR35, 8.10)
45 receptions, 632 yards, 3 TD
Before he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 7, Jennings was on pace for 64 catches for 1165 yards and 10 scores. For the remainder of the season, he was bothered by that injury, and he didn’t play well down the stretch. In the Packers’ pass-happy offense, Jennings should continue to develop, making a 900-yard season a distinct possibility.
Santonio Holmes, Steelers (WR36, 9.01)
49 receptions, 824 yards, 2 TD
Holmes won’t have to battle for a starting job this summer. After a slow start, he racked up 42 catches for 751 yards and two scores in the last 12 games, which projects to 56/1001/3 over a full season. He needs more targets to make a big jump, but with Hines Ward on the downside of his career, Holmes has a chance to take over as the Steelers’ WR1 in the next couple of years.
Devery Henderson, Saints (WR38, 10.01)
32 receptions, 745 yards, 5 TD
The only thing standing between Devery Henderson and fantasy stardom is his hands. He averaged more drops per target than Terrell Owens (!), but also had eight plays of 40+ yards. Robert Meachem isn’t a factor right now, so WR2 is his for the taking. Henderson is another third-year wideout that could make a big jump this season.
Bernard Berrian, Bears (WR33, 8.07)
51 receptions, 775 yards, 6 TD
Last season, Berrian emerged as Chicago’s best deep threat, but shaky play at QB limits his upside. He got off to a blistering start with four scores in the first five games, but didn’t score again until week 14. The nature of his skill set makes him a boom-or-bust player, so he doesn’t provide consistent production week-to-week.
Brandon Jones, Titans (WR43, 11.05)
27 receptions, 384 yards, 4 TD
With Drew Bennett in St. Louis, Jones is expected to start this season. He showed his potential in a five-catch, 101-yard performance against Buffalo late last season. A good preseason would make Jones a solid middle round pick.
38 receptions, 725 yards, 5 TD
Throughout his career, Stallworth has had a tendency to get nicked up. He joins the Patriots, who added a ton of WR depth in the offseason. With all the attention paid to Randy Moss on the other side, there’s no doubt that Stallworth will have big games, but Patriot WRs have been notoriously inconsistent, which makes him a risk pick in the eighth round.
74 receptions, 1098 yards, 3 TD
Isaac Bruce just keeps on chuggin’ along. In seven of the last eight seasons, he has caught at least 64 passes and gained at least 981 yards. He turns 35 this season, so the end is approaching. The Rams let Kevin Curtis go and signed Drew Bennett to replace him, but it remains to be seen how much he’ll cut into Bruce’s targets. Even with a 10% drop in production, Bruce is as close to a sure thing as there is in the 10th round, especially in PPR leagues.
Joe Horn, Falcons (WR40, 10.05)
37 receptions, 679 yards, 4 TD
Things are a mess in Atlanta, but Horn is a vet and should provide some help for a passing game that desperately needs it.
Jerry Porter, Raiders (WR39, 10.02)
1 reception, 19 yards, 0 TD
In the 10th round, Porter is worth a flier. He was basically M.I.A. last season, but with a new coaching staff and Randy Moss shipped to the Patriots, there is an opportunity for Porter to be the Radiers’ clear WR1. He has a ton more upside than the other guys drafted at this point, so why not roll the dice?
Kevin Curtis, Eagles (WR37, 9.08)
39 receptions, 469 yards, 4 TD
Curtis becomes the WR2 in a pass-happy offense, so he should put up numbers comparable to his ’05 season, when he went for 60/801/6, with the potential for a bit more.
Muhsin Muhammad, Bears (WR42, 11.02)
60 receptions, 863 yards, 5 TD
Since arriving in Chicago, Muhammad hasn’t been a fantasy standout, but he has been a solid WR3. Bernard Berrian should continue to emerge, which means Muhammad’s role has nowhere to go but down. Still, he’s a solid pick for those that need some stability at WR in the later rounds.
Eddie Kennison, Chiefs (WR51, 13.02)
53 receptions, 860 yards, 5 TD
Kennison’s numbers took a dip last season and Trent Green’s departure and Dwayne Bowe’s arrival aren’t positives. He’s 34 and in a conservative offense, so there’s a lot of downside here.
Derrick Mason, Ravens (WR50, 12.10)
68 receptions, 750 yards, 2 TD
With the emergence of Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason’s role in the Ravens’ offense dropped off considerably in 2006. He’ll face pressure from Demetrius Williams for his starting job, so it would be wise to stay away.
Drew Bennett, Rams (WR48, 12.01)
46 receptions, 737 yards, 3 TD
Bennett should see more looks than the Rams’ WR3 of recent years, which means he could match his yardage and reception totals and possibly increase his scores. If Torry Holt or Isaac Bruce were to go down, his value would skyrocket.
Marty Booker, Dolphins (WR61, 15.01)
55 receptions, 747 yards, 6 TD
With Ted Ginn in town, Booker’s admirable run is coming to an end, though if he’s still starting, he’ll be a decent option for spot-duty in an offense that should improve.
Anthony Gonzalez, Colts (WR49, 12.09)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
Gonzalez has great hands and is a polished route runner. He was drafted to fill the slot in Indy, which means he could put up Brandon Stokley-type numbers. Stokley went for 68/1077/10 in ’04 and 41/543/1 in ’05.
Craig Davis, Chargers (N/A)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
With Eric Parker out for the first part of the season, the sure-handed Davis may start in his place. If he plays well, he might just hold onto the WR2 job when Parker gets back. Along with Vincent Jackson, the Chargers have two talented yet inexperienced wideouts. Rookie receivers are notoriously erratic, so keep your expectations in check.
Brandon Marshall, Broncos (WR45, 11.08)
20 receptions, 309 yards, 2 TD
His continuing struggle with offseason injuries is limiting his breakout potential. If he gets healthy during training camp, move him up.
Matt Jones, Jaguars (WR46, 11.12)
41 receptions, 643 yards, 4 TD
Jones is a gifted athlete, but his transition to WR has been a little rough. He looked dominant at times last season, but he’s been running with the second team this summer, so a starting job may not be locked up. A good preseason will raise expectations.
Troy Williamson, Vikings (WR53, 13.10)
37 receptions, 455 yards, 0 TD
More than a few fantasy owners were burned by Williamson last year, but he’s reportedly fixed a vision problem that may have caused him to drop so many balls last season. He has blistering speed and virtually no competition, so the potential is there.
Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs (WR60, 14.12)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
Herm Edwards regrets not playing Jerricho Cotchery more when he was with the Jets, so expect Bowe to get some run in his rookie season. There are even whispers that he may start, which would definitely boost his value.
Sidney Rice, Vikings (N/A)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
People are understandably down on the Minnesota passing game, but if it does better than expected, Rice will have every opportunity in a WR pool that lacks talent.
Ted Ginn, Dolphins (WR59, 14.10)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
Blessed with spectacular speed and quickness, Ginn isn’t yet a very good route runner. He’s expected to make more of an impact in the return game during his rookie season.
Dwayne Jarrett, Panthers (WR55, 13.11)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
Jarrett doesn’t have good speed, but he’s big (6’5”) and has nice hands, not unlike the guy he’s replacing – Keyshawn Johnson. He needs to beat out Drew Carter and Keary Colbert in order to have any fantasy value.
Robert Meachem, Saints (WR52, 13.10)
No stats in 2006 (rookie)
Meachem was drafted to (eventually) be the team's WR2, but he had some weight issues and knee surgery in the offseason, so he's off to a slow start. How he'll fare has a lot to do with how Devery Henderson plays. If Henderson falters, Meachem will continue to have an opportunity to surpass him.
98 receptions, 1086 yards, 6 TD
Furrey’s numbers are going to take a big hit with the arrival of Calvin Johnson. Look to the Rams’ usual WR3 numbers (40/500/4) as a guide for how he’ll fare.
Brandon Stokley, Broncos (N/A)
8 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
With Brandon Marshall and Rod Smith struggling with injuries, it looks like Brandon Stokely may serve as the team's WR2 to start the season. He has lost a step after tearing his Achilles tendon last season, but has nice hands and could catch a few balls if he can stay healthy.
Ronald Curry, Raiders (WR47, 11.12)
62 receptions, 727 yards, 1 TD
Curry is likely to start alongside Jerry Porter in an improved Oakland offense, but don’t expect a jump in his numbers.
Wes Welker, Patriots (WR54, 13.10)
67 receptions, 687 yards, 1 TD
A pure possession receiver, Welker should find his niche in New England with Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth drawing attention outside.
Reggie Williams, Jaguars (WR57, 14.06)
53 receptions, 615 yards, 4 TD
Williams did well when Byron Leftwich was under center. He’s a good blocker, but is currently in Jack Del Rio’s doghouse.
Amani Toomer, Giants (WR56, 14.05)
32 receptions, 360 yards, 3 TD
Toomer is expected to start opposite Plaxico Burress, but he’s been in a gradual decline for the last few years and, although he’ll go off every so often, he doesn’t have much left in the tank.
Arnaz Battle, 49ers (WR64, 15.10)
59 receptions, 686 yards, 3 TD
Battle performed admirably last season, but he’s at best option #4 in San Francisco and that doesn’t translate to a lot of fantasy production.
Drew Carter, Panthers (WR58, 14.08)
28 receptions, 357 yards, 3 TD
Carter will battle Keary Colbert and Dwayne Jarrett for the right to play second fiddle to Steve Smith. He’ll have some value if he wins the starting job.
Bryant Johnson, Cardinals (N/A)
40 receptions, 740 yards, 4 TD
Johnson only has fantasy value if Anquan Boldin or Larry Fitzgerald get hurt.
Eric Parker, Chargers (N/A)
48 receptions, 659 yards, 0 TD
Having toe surgery in the preseason isn’t going to help him fend off Craig Davis in the battle to be the Chargers’ WR2.
Joe Jurevicius, Browns (N/A)
40 receptions, 495 yards, 3 TD
Jurevicius was nicked up last season, so he should be able to improve on his numbers. He’s a good option in the red zone, but at best he’s bye-week filler for fantasy purposes.
Michael Jenkins, Falcons (N/A)
39 receptions, 436 yards, 7 TD
Jenkins showed flashes last season, but with Joey Harrington under center, things aren’t looking good in Atlanta.
Bobby Engram, Seahawks (N/A)
24 receptions, 290 yards, 1 TD
Expect Engram’s numbers to increase, but a majority of Darrell Jackson’s leftovers will be gobbled up by D.J. Hackett
Bobby Wade, Vikings (N/A)
33 receptions, 461 yards, 2 TD
The Vikings are going to use Wade in the slot with Troy Williamson and Sidney Rice on the outside.