Just a few years ago, names like Marvin Harrison, Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson, Torry Holt and Donald Driver were must haves, or at least early targets when fantasy football drafts get underway. Now the draft class has revolutionized into a group of young stars. Teammates Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin dominate like teammates Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne did en route to the their super bowl championship. Greg Jennings has slowly become the go to guy in Green Bay, and up and coming Calvin Johnson has the ability to put yardage numbers similar to Torry Holt did in his prime. It’s a whole new world out there when it comes to the Wide Receiver position. Here are some names that you should keep your eye on later in the draft, as you look for your number two receiver.
Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos- Many think that Royal can get his first 1000 yard season in 2009 and with Brandon Marshall trade talks looming, He could become the number one option for Kyle Orton. Ok, Orton isn’t going to throw the ball deep, but Royal is a good slot receiver that can run shorter routes with more YPC. Royal is probably a third receiver with Orton behind center, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts flying off the board in the sixth round. Royal isn’t a real threat on the ground, but he did have 100 yards rushing in 2008.
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles- Jackson could be slated as the go to guy in the Eagles offense in 2009. Donovan Mcnabb has become accustomed to throwing to the flashy receiver. The problem with Jackson is that he isn’t going to be getting in the end zone. The Eagles spread the ball around too much to depend on Jackson, but he could have added value if Westbrook doesn’t have the type of season that we are accustomed to.
Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints- The Saints throw the ball more than anyone in the NFL. Moore caught 79 passes for 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. Marques Colston will fly off your draftboard, but some will forget about what Moore did last year. Much like Pierre Thomas did for the running game, Moore will be a solid number two option. The only downfall on Moore is that he had shoulder surgery in the off-season. Head Coach Sean Payton is confident that he will be ready to go when the season starts.
Donnie Avery, St. Louis- Who the heck are you going to throw to Marc Bulger? With added protection Avery could come out of nowhere in 2009. Though I like rookie Brooks Foster’s chances to break out, Avery will be the go to guy to start the season. Who knows how many touchdowns he will put together, but I think he will form his talent into a real weapon for the Rams this upcoming season.
Braylon Edwards, Cleveland- It is hard to gauge Edwards, simply because that he dropped more balls than usual, and had multiple quarterbacks throwing to him all season long. Rumors broke this off-season that Braylon Edward’s personal life was getting in the way of his football, but I don’t think this is the case. Edwards is a hit or miss draft pick, but if he falls to the 4th round or lower, you might want to take a chance on him.
Devin Hester, Chicago- Is Jay Cutler going to go to Marty Booker? I was on the Hester bandwagon last year, and I’m jumping on again. Hester will have to learn to run deep routes to be truly effective. I think that he can do it though. Cutler has a true burner in Hester….Hopefully. I wouldn’t take Hester in the top 8 rounds, but if he slips past that or you can get him for a dollar, pull the trigger. Somebody has to catch the ball consistency in Chicago.
Torry Holt, Jacksonville- I really think that Holt can resurrect his late career in the warm weather of Florida. I believe that the former member of the greatest show on turf can get back to 1000 yards of receiving. One dip we will continue to see in his numbers will be touchdown receptions. Maurice Jones-Drew will get most of the carries around the end zone. Plus, Holt has never been in the end zone much during his career.
Domenik Hixon, New York Giants- Eli Manning, more than any other quarterback in the NFL, favors his go to receiver. It seems that Hixon is going to be that man, now that Plax is out of the big apple. Only 596 yards gained in 2009, Hixon is 24 and ready to take charge. If he starts the whole season, imagine the value he could have. He only played in seven games last year.
Receivers to Stay Away From:
Antonio Bryant. Tampa Bay- A solid season last year, but this journeyman has never put back to back solid seasons together. Though I believe he will put together a solid season, Bryant will be taken way too high in this draft, and not where his real value lies.
Steve Breaston, Arizona- What are the chances that three wide receivers go over 1,000 yards again? Breaston is a solid possession receiver, but yet agin he will go way too fast in your draft.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland- Sorry folks, still not sold on Bey just yet. Once preseason begins, and I can get a real good look at him, I might change my mind. Beyond Randy Moss and Tim Brown, when has their been a truly valuable Oakland wide receiver? Zach Miller, Oakland’s tight end led their squad in receiving yards last season.
FanSided