EBF
Footballguy
I'm always on the lookout for good players that can be had for discount prices. That usually means focusing on young, unproven players who are valued below their talent level. The 2012 WR class presents a lot of options, with 22 receivers taken in the first four rounds (including Josh Gordon).
Who are the best players from this group?
Blackmon, Hilton, and Gordon were the most productive, followed by Givens, Wright, and Floyd. Blackmon was the highest pick of the bunch and also the most productive, so I think he'd be my clear choice for the #1 spot. After that things get more hazy. Hilton and Gordon had very good rookie years, but that doesn't guarantee progression in the future. Likewise, the fact that a lot of the rookie receivers had quiet debut seasons doesn't mean they can't blow up in the future, as many other great wideouts have done in the past.
Who represents the best value per cost?
The problem with Blackmon and Gordon is that they won't come cheap. I have tried to get Blackmon in 3-4 leagues to no avail. Everyone who owns Blackmon used an early pick on him. He's valued as a 4th-5th rounder in startups, but the people who actually own him seem to view him as a 2nd-3rd round value. With Gordon, he's become a trendy "next big thing" choice, meaning a lot of the people who are buying/selling are operating under the assumption that he's going to become a big player. So while the upside is there, it's reflected in his cost. In the deals I've seen this offseason he's commanded pretty significant value. It's the same with Hilton and Givens, albeit to a lesser extent.
On the surface, I'd say Floyd is a better value. I think his long term outlook is similar to that of Gordon and Hilton, but he doesn't seem to command as much respect. On paper he might be the best value play of last year's first round RB/WR. I also like the value of Jenkins, Randle, Toon, and Matthews. Not because they're locks to succeed. More so because they're cheap. Jeffery, Graham, Quick, Hill, Posey, and Broyles are also pretty cheap. I don't particularly like any of those players, but if you're a believer they're certainly available for less than superstar prices in most leagues.
Who will take a big step forward in 2012?
The obvious candidates are the guys who did well as rookies. Blackmon, Wright, Gordon, Hilton, and Givens should all be opening day starters for their teams. You have to figure that 1-2 of them will threaten the 1000 yard barrier with a year of experience under their belt. Jeffery, Graham, Quick, and Hill also appear to have good opportunity if they can seize it.
2-3 years from now we will probably look back at this group and know who the gems are. Right now I think a lot of that is up in the air though. I'm Interested to hear your thoughts on this WR class. Who are the best players? Who are the best values? Who, if anyone, are you going after?
There are probably some impact players in this group, but as of right now most of these guys can be had for a reasonable price. What do you make of this bunch?2012s 1 2 0 0 Josh Gordon Browns Baylor
2012 1 1 5 5 Justin Blackmon Jaguars Oklahoma State
2 1 13 13 Michael Floyd Cardinals Notre Dame
3 1 20 20 Kendall Wright Titans Baylor
4 1 30 30 A.J. Jenkins 49ers Illinois
5 2 1 33 Brian Quick Rams Appalachian State
6 2 11 43 Stephen Hill Jets Georgia Tech
7 2 13 45 Alshon Jeffery Bears South Carolina
8 2 22 54 Ryan Broyles Lions Oklahoma
9 2 31 63 Rueben Randle Giants Louisiana State
10 3 5 68 Devier Posey Texans Ohio State
11 3 6 69 T.J. Graham Bills North Carolina State
12 3 20 83 Mohamed Sanu Bengals Rutgers
13 3 29 92 T.Y. Hilton Colts Florida International
14 4 1 96 Chris Givens Rams Wake Forest
15 4 5 100 Travis Benjamin Browns Miami (FL)
16 4 9 104 Joe Adams Panthers Arkansas
17 4 12 107 Devon Wylie Chiefs Fresno State
18 4 23 118 Jarius Wright Vikings Arkansas
19 4 26 121 Keshawn Martin Texans Michigan State
20 4 27 122 Nick Toon Saints Wisconsin
21 4 39 134 Greg Childs Vikings Arkansas
Who are the best players from this group?
Blackmon, Hilton, and Gordon were the most productive, followed by Givens, Wright, and Floyd. Blackmon was the highest pick of the bunch and also the most productive, so I think he'd be my clear choice for the #1 spot. After that things get more hazy. Hilton and Gordon had very good rookie years, but that doesn't guarantee progression in the future. Likewise, the fact that a lot of the rookie receivers had quiet debut seasons doesn't mean they can't blow up in the future, as many other great wideouts have done in the past.
Who represents the best value per cost?
The problem with Blackmon and Gordon is that they won't come cheap. I have tried to get Blackmon in 3-4 leagues to no avail. Everyone who owns Blackmon used an early pick on him. He's valued as a 4th-5th rounder in startups, but the people who actually own him seem to view him as a 2nd-3rd round value. With Gordon, he's become a trendy "next big thing" choice, meaning a lot of the people who are buying/selling are operating under the assumption that he's going to become a big player. So while the upside is there, it's reflected in his cost. In the deals I've seen this offseason he's commanded pretty significant value. It's the same with Hilton and Givens, albeit to a lesser extent.
On the surface, I'd say Floyd is a better value. I think his long term outlook is similar to that of Gordon and Hilton, but he doesn't seem to command as much respect. On paper he might be the best value play of last year's first round RB/WR. I also like the value of Jenkins, Randle, Toon, and Matthews. Not because they're locks to succeed. More so because they're cheap. Jeffery, Graham, Quick, Hill, Posey, and Broyles are also pretty cheap. I don't particularly like any of those players, but if you're a believer they're certainly available for less than superstar prices in most leagues.
Who will take a big step forward in 2012?
The obvious candidates are the guys who did well as rookies. Blackmon, Wright, Gordon, Hilton, and Givens should all be opening day starters for their teams. You have to figure that 1-2 of them will threaten the 1000 yard barrier with a year of experience under their belt. Jeffery, Graham, Quick, and Hill also appear to have good opportunity if they can seize it.
2-3 years from now we will probably look back at this group and know who the gems are. Right now I think a lot of that is up in the air though. I'm Interested to hear your thoughts on this WR class. Who are the best players? Who are the best values? Who, if anyone, are you going after?