Sophomore Sleepers - Wide Receivers
March 1, 2009 at 1:38 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Astute fantasy owners are by now well are of Denver’s Eddie Royal and Philly’s DeSean Jackson, as both are on their way to becoming fantasy superstars after a stellar rookie season. However, dynasty, keeper and seasonal owners alike may not have taken the time quite yet to familiarize themselves with the other noteworthy members of last year’s rookie WR class.
Sophomore Studs -
Eddie Royal, Denver WR - 91 catches, 980 yards and five TDs as a rookie was darn impressive, but we think he can greatly surpass those totals in 2009 as one of the focal points of Josh McDaniels’ offense. Denver’s new head coach is likely to feature Royal in a role similar to that of Wes Welker in New England, which means the 5′11″ speedster should be a good candidate to catch six or more balls per game - thus putting a huge smile on many PPR owners’ faces.
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia WR - Jackson is a similar type of threat to Royal, but may be utilized as more of a number one receiver option in Philly. He has unbelievable game-breaking speed, but absolutely isn’t afraid to go over the middle. Head coach Andy Reid has a ton of confidence in him, and is likely to make him the focal point of the Eagles’ offense for the next few seasons. Dynasty owners should consider Jackson a future fantasy superstar.
Next To Step Up -
Donnie Avery, St. Louis WR - Avery is a lot like Jackson, only he plays for a horrible team, who’s QB and offensive line haven’t been able to stay healthy the last few seasons. Despite the poor surroundings, he managed to haul in 54 balls for 684 yards and three TDs as a rookie, and set himself up nicely as the Rams top pass catching target heading into 2009. Dynasty and keeper owners should deal for him now, while his price is at an all-time low.
Jordy Nelson, Green Bay WR - The 6′3″ former second round pick from Kansas State didn’t put up huge digits as a rookie, but he definitely showed flashes of being able to be a consistent fantasy playmaker. We love his toughness and durability, and we believe he has what it takes to eventually become a number one WR in the NFL. His statistical output may not be consistent in 2009, but eventually Donald Driver has to fade away, making Nelson a nice dynasty prospect in one of the league’s more prolific passing attacks.
Devin Thomas, Washington WR - We loved the 6′2″, 218 lb. pass catcher last off-season coming out of Michigan State. He looks and plays like a larger version of Carolina’s Steve Smith, but unfortunately couldn’t earn very much time in 2008, buried below Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El on the depth chart. However, his dynasty owners shouldn’t get too down on the 22 year old, as neither Moss nor Randle El are prolific WRs, and the opportunity still exists in Jim Zorn’s offense for Thomas to make an impact. We expect to see a drastic improvement in his game in 2009.
Super Sleepers -
Malcolm Kelly, Washington WR - Thomas’ teammate was also a 2008 second round pick who didn’t really have the opportunity to get on the field much last season. However, the 6′4″, 219 lb. Kelly is expected to be fully healthy heading into 2009, and should absolutely earn some playing time - especially in red zone situations. As a “super sleeper,” he’s a guy that holds some dynasty value due to his potential, but isn’t likely to make a huge impact any time soon.
James Hardy, Buffalo WR - Hardy falls into the exact same category as Kelly. He’s 6′7″, and was a 2008 second round pick who showed flashes as a rookie, but couldn’t earn consistent time. He tore his ACL in Week 15, and may not be fully healthy for training camp. Even though there were high hopes for Hardy coming out of Indiana last year, the fact that the Bills have signed Terrell Owens definitely dashes his hopes of getting on the field in 2009.
Steve Johnson, Buffalo WR - The former Kentucky standout was a seventh round pick in 2008, but after earning some playing time late in the year, and hauling in TD passes in Weeks 15 & 16, he has gained the attention of some dynasty owners. He has great size (6′2″, 202 lb.), and is someone to follow closely during training camp and the preseason, as he could emerge as the Bills’ third receiver. His fantasy hopes are limited by the presence of new free agent signee Terrell Owens.
Harry Douglas, Atlanta WR - At 5′11″, 171 lb., Douglas is the same size as Royal and Jackson. Selected in the third round out of Louisville, he was seen as a dark horse impact rookie heading into last season, and he definitely ended up carving out a role for himself as the Falcons’ third receiver. With Matt Ryan becoming more comfortable as an NFL signal caller, OC Mike Mularkey can do a lot more and incorporate three WR sets on a frequent basis, allowing Douglas more opportunities to get on the field. Regardless, Mularkey and Mike Smith will find a way to get him the rock often in 2009, making him someone to follow closely.
Not Likely To Make It -
Jerome Simpson, Cincinnati WR - Seen as a huge sleeper candidate as a second round pick out of Coastal Carolina, the 6′2″, 185 lb. Simpson hasn’t shown us anything at all to generate excitement. Fellow second year man Andre Caldwell has been more impressive. With Chad Johnson and Chris Henry on the roster, and Cincy likely to pound the rock more in 2009, don’t expect much from Simpson.
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