Best value at WR (1 Viewer)

[The Ref]

Granted "it's early" - But for those of you who believe as I do, that WR value is a key component to fielding a championship team, it's never too early to start to look for potential value.

With this in mind I see two disconnects between projections that I think will pay off for WR value hunting. It's a very, very, very simple way of looking at things, but in this case I think it works.

Look at the top QB's being projected. Most of them appear to have at least one and in some cases two top flight WR. Stands to reason for the most part, you can't a good year at QB without someone hauling in passes and most good QB have projected WR near the top of the WR list.

Brady (Moss, Welker), Peyton (Wayne), Brees (Colston), McNabb (Westy), Romo (Headcase), Cutler (Headcase Part II), Palmer (Headcase Part III, TJ).

So I guess my point is this - Where is Roethlisberger and Hasselbecks main targets in the rankings? Both Holmes (who is also a 3 year guy) and Engrahm are down in the WR projections considering the total projections of the QB who will be throwing them the ball.

I see these two players as value plays - tell me why I am wrong.

 

[Pictus Cat]

Seattle

Engram holdout concerns, health history

Burleson health, past performance

Branch currently injured

Obomanu showing promise

Kent has high upside

so, who's going to be the 'guy'

Pittsburg

Lots of changes

OL, RB, WR

Holmes, Ward, Sweed and Miller will all be used effectively.

Effectively in that they will sap eachother of yds or TDs.

 

[a_troll00]

I honestly think that Holmes and Engram are projected fairly right now. According to FBG projections, Holmes is projected as a top 15 WR. He's definitely talented, but with the Steeler's philosophy and desire to be a run first team (even though they have been better at it previous years), I don't see Holmes breaking out a 1200 yd double digit td season. He is what he's projected to be: a solid WR2 for a fantasy squad.

Engram is most likely Seattle's best WR this season. He posted his best season by far last year. However, looking over his career, he is a WR that has been hampered by either injuries or underachieving. He is currently ranked a top 25 WR who could potentially be a top 20 receiver.

Here is where I see value at WR.

1) Holt - currently ranked a top 10 receiver with the potential to be top 5. He continued to produce even when the Rams were decimated by injury.

2) Donald Driver - he is currently ranked outside of the top 25. Enough said

3) Vincent Jackson - after blowing up in the playoffs, I expect the Rivers-Jackson express to continue.

4) Anthony Gonzalez - I'm not sold at all about Harrison being healthy this year, it sounds like the knees are still causing problems. Gonzalez could very well be Manning's #2 receiver.

5) Mark Clayton - a solid 2006 season but was slowed down with injuries last season. He could be drafted as WR 4-6 and very possibly wind up in your starting lineup.

6) Darrel Jackson - talented and was slowed down in an ineffective SF offense and is now completely off the radar. He could very well be the Broncos #2 receiver with Cutler feeding him the ball.

 

[Dirty Weasel]

The best value this year at WR is crystal clear, and is down to only 2 people. Of these 2 people, currently one of them is overrated, and the other one is underrated. The problem is, I don't know which one is which. So, who are these 2 WR's? Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez. Currently, the FBG staff has Gonzalez as WR38 and Marvin as WR39. There is no way either of those rankings are correct. Simply put, either Marvin will play or he won't. If he does, he is grossly underrated. If he doesn't play, Gonzalez is grossly underrated. I don't see it any other way.

 

[MCguidance]

I like the Engram pick, as long as he stays healthy, he is of high value in a PPR league.

The other receiver I really like - again if he can stay healthy - is DJ Hackett. Currently at WR64 on FBG, I thought that last year he was primed for a good season. In weeks 9, 10, 11 he showed flashes of what I think he is capable of. Do I think he will light the world on fire? No. But with a healthy Delhomme he could see time behind SS and MMuhammad. Just a gut feeling that this guy could help some teams out.

 

[travdogg]

The best value this year at WR is crystal clear, and is down to only 2 people. Of these 2 people, currently one of them is overrated, and the other one is underrated. The problem is, I don't know which one is which. So, who are these 2 WR's? Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez. Currently, the FBG staff has Gonzalez as WR38 and Marvin as WR39. There is no way either of those rankings are correct. Simply put, either Marvin will play or he won't. If he does, he is grossly underrated. If he doesn't play, Gonzalez is grossly underrated. I don't see it any other way.

 

[valhallan]

3) Vincent Jackson - after blowing up in the playoffs, I expect the Rivers-Jackson express to continue.5) Mark Clayton - a solid 2006 season but was slowed down with injuries last season. He could be drafted as WR 4-6 and very possibly wind up in your starting lineup.

These are two I'm watching closely. Jackson has steadily improved each season and really looked like a big-time WR in the playoffs. Even with Gates returning, you have to think Rivers is more comfortable putting the ball up for Jackson now. I think we could be looking at a very solid WR3 at the end of the season.Clayton certainly looked like the next breakout receiver after his '06 campaign but a myriad of injuries totally derailed him last season. Mason is still viable, but his declining ypr should be cause for concern. With the new west coast system and Smith or Flacco tossing the rock, I could see Clayton picking up where he left off in '06.. a legit WR3, bordering on WR2

 

[The Ref]

SeattleEngram holdout concerns, health historyBurleson health, past performanceBranch currently injuredObomanu showing promiseKent has high upsideso, who's going to be the 'guy'PittsburgLots of changesOL, RB, WRHolmes, Ward, Sweed and Miller will all be used effectively. Effectively in that they will sap eachother of yds or TDs.

Two very valid points. I can't disagree with either. But my original points still apply. In my PPR leauge scoring, my draft dominator has Bobby Engram as WR22 and a ADP of 8.09 in a 12 teamer. Thats 3 RB 2WR a QB and your TE on your roster BEFORE you have to invest in Engram. And I still think that as a player who projects as the #1 WR in Seattle 77/932/6 could be low. If (I know, I know, IF) he playes in 16 games a TJ Housh type season is not out of reach IMHO (High receptions, low YPC, moderate TD totals). Thats value in my eyes, and all the other things that will hold him back from this "other then injury" will be well played out before most of our drafts. I'm still very interested in Engram.In my PPR leauge scoring, my draft dominator has Santino Holmes as WR18. He is a top draft pick with good skills on a team with a good if not great QB. In his second year he was a top 20WR while missing 3 games and he hauled in around 60% of his catches even though most were down the field shots. I will be watching come training camp, but I don't think a rook WR is going to take time away from either Ward or Holmes. Ward will get his touches, there is no doubt to that. But I just can't see Holmes not gting 1200/12 if you think Ben R is going to go for 3500/32. That puts Holmes in the WR8-10 area.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

does anyone else see Joey Galloway as extreme value once again? Yes, I know he is older than many on this board. But, who else can the Bucs rely on to make plays in the passing game?

 

[Fiddles]

holmes has been going too early imo

ward is the value play this year

 

[Bri]

The best value this year at WR is crystal clear, and is down to only 2 people. Of these 2 people, currently one of them is overrated, and the other one is underrated. The problem is, I don't know which one is which. So, who are these 2 WR's? Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez. Currently, the FBG staff has Gonzalez as WR38 and Marvin as WR39. There is no way either of those rankings are correct. Simply put, either Marvin will play or he won't. If he does, he is grossly underrated. If he doesn't play, Gonzalez is grossly underrated. I don't see it any other way.

Well they could each start for half the year or Marvin goes on PUP or...alot of monkey wrenches could be thrown in. However, I do agree with you.Derrick Mason's age and questionable QB seem to be the only thing holding him back, it's not like he doesn't have a track record of success in PPR leagues. He seems like the easiest or most obvious Seem to be forgotten, might be huge value-Mark Clayton and Ernest Wilford. Where they're drafted now it would probably be a good pick if ya got a bye week out of them. I'm curious if Koren will play in KC. Read a rumor the other day that I couldn't "backup" by anything googling so....seems to me though he'd be a good fit there.

 

[KCC]

The best value this year at WR is crystal clear, and is down to only 2 people. Of these 2 people, currently one of them is overrated, and the other one is underrated. The problem is, I don't know which one is which. So, who are these 2 WR's? Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez. Currently, the FBG staff has Gonzalez as WR38 and Marvin as WR39. There is no way either of those rankings are correct. Simply put, either Marvin will play or he won't. If he does, he is grossly underrated. If he doesn't play, Gonzalez is grossly underrated. I don't see it any other way.

I don't expect that level of undervaluing to contnue until most FF drafts take place, though. As soon as Harrison's status is known, one of the two will skyrocket in value. Here's one player from the FBGs rankings who may still be a great WR value-pick on the day of most fantasy drafts:

44 WR Bryant Johnson, SF

 

[greyone]

Good chat. Plenty of nice quick hits.

Jerry Porter is my pick yet to be mentioned. Porters qb, Garrard is smart, patient, great vision, very capable and is prime to continue if not bust out incredible numbers. Porter has the size, body, hands and decent speed. Routing running needs work, not much. Where he excels is with his body control and balance creating passing and catching angles. In not out on the hunt for him. Will draft accordingly.

Vincent Jackson 4th option :crossing fingers he proves everybody wrong: Homeboy has no heart. Been watching him extensively. Gives up on the ball quickly. Unless the ball is falling straight into his arms with little to no contest, Vincent doesn't fight for the right to own the ball. As a fantasy owner and football fan...hard to watch. All that being said....I would only draft him in a very deep league....or pick him up of waivers early in the season, should he change his playing style.

Sant Holmes questions come from his qb. Big Ben wasn't a huge scorer during the first half of game iirc. I was a big ben owner last season, traded favre for him. Point being i watched him intently. I would watch Favre blow up early in the game(leaving more time for him to produce), while bigben slugged along with his points down to the end of games. That being said, Ben was an overall beast last season. His late game heroics made my stomach turn.

Hines Ward...needs a seconding. Mark me down for this as well. Good value.

 

[massraider]

Using FBG rankings:

Kevin Curtis--I like him over Chambers, Cotchery, Roddy White, and probably Jennings and Calvin Johnson. Love him as a 3rd WR. I figure whenever McNabb starts, he puts up good numbers.

Reggie Williams--Designated TD catcher in Jax. Don't like the player, but like his role. He's like Leroy Hoard or something.

Arnaz Battle/Jason Hill---Hoping to grab the next Mike Furrey here.

Roydell Williams--Best of the lot in TEN, I think.

 

[Tanner9919]

Derrick Mason is money in the bank, relative to his ADP..I'm not sure where FBG's lists him, but its probably nowhere near the WR top 25..the guy is a stud, a 5-yr avg of 89/1076/5..

Numbers that I just don't see coming from the likes of Arnaz Battle, Darrell Jackson, Burleson, Engram, Reggie Williams, Santana Moss, Santonio Holmes, etc..

Mason is probably the best value at WR .

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

My four, given the ADP in the DD

Lav. Coles

Bobby Engram

Nate Burleson

Ted Ginn

 

[bcr8f]

2) Donald Driver - he is currently ranked outside of the top 25. Enough said

He had a shoulder injury from the season before and ankle injury in TC so I expect him to rebound this year. Just took him in 7th round of a 16 team IDP dynasty. 28th receiver taken after Chambers and Berrian.

 

[Hue G]

6) Darrel Jackson - talented and was slowed down in an ineffective SF offense and is now completely off the radar. He could very well be the Broncos #2 receiver with Cutler feeding him the ball.

I'm thinking DJax could be Denver's new Rod Smith, if Cutler playes well I don't see any reason he doesn't have a very solid year.

 

[Bri]

6) Darrel Jackson - talented and was slowed down in an ineffective SF offense and is now completely off the radar. He could very well be the Broncos #2 receiver with Cutler feeding him the ball.

I'm thinking DJax could be Denver's new Rod Smith, if Cutler playes well I don't see any reason he doesn't have a very solid year.

Keary Colbert might beat him out. It could be thought of as Keary Colbert? might beat him out. OR The Colbert guy that looked pretty good as a rook is getting a 2nd chance with a new team

 

[Clayton Gray]

Bryant Johnson will be the #1 WR in a Mike Martz offense and can be had in the 10th round. That's mega value.

 

[Captain Hook]

Bryant Johnson will be the #1 WR in a Mike Martz offense and can be had in the 10th round. That's mega value.

Clayton what would make you think that Johnson will be the #1 WR in San Francisco over Isaac Bruce?Bruce has worked with Martz before; knows the plays and routes as well as the coach.Johnson had his moments down here but often was very inconsistent; ran the wrong routes and let's be kind and say has some tendencies in common with the family pet.

 

[Fiddles]

Bryant Johnson will be the #1 WR in a Mike Martz offense and can be had in the 10th round. That's mega value.

Clayton what would make you think that Johnson will be the #1 WR in San Francisco over Isaac Bruce?Bruce has worked with Martz before; knows the plays and routes as well as the coach.Johnson had his moments down here but often was very inconsistent; ran the wrong routes and let's be kind and say has some tendencies in common with the family pet.

from the matt barrows transcript with lammey and bloom:And I'll tell you, the guy who has looked the best to me so far has been Bryant Johnson. He's a big target. Alex Smith in particular loves to throw to him. If there is one guy who is catching the bulk of balls in these practices, it's Bryant Johnson. He's looked every bit the part the number 1 receiver so far.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

SeattleEngram holdout concerns, health historyBurleson health, past performanceBranch currently injuredObomanu showing promiseKent has high upsideso, who's going to be the 'guy'PittsburgLots of changesOL, RB, WRHolmes, Ward, Sweed and Miller will all be used effectively. Effectively in that they will sap eachother of yds or TDs.

I think someone will emerge in Seattle.I'm keeping an eye on Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, and Logan Payne.

 

[jaylasoul14]

Whether it be a healthy chad pennington or clemmens throwing the ball, the jets improved o-line should help out coles tremendously. he can be a receptions and yardage monster, 90 cathces for 1200 yards and 6 td's! will make a great wr3

 

[Kiddnets]

Whether it be a healthy chad pennington or clemmens throwing the ball, the jets improved o-line should help out coles tremendously. he can be a receptions and yardage monster, 90 cathces for 1200 yards and 6 td's! will make a great wr3

The real value though likely lies in cotchery who is on the way up while coles is on the way down....

 

[Fantaholic]

Bryant Johnson will be the #1 WR in a Mike Martz offense and can be had in the 10th round. That's mega value.

Clayton what would make you think that Johnson will be the #1 WR in San Francisco over Isaac Bruce?Bruce has worked with Martz before; knows the plays and routes as well as the coach.Johnson had his moments down here but often was very inconsistent; ran the wrong routes and let's be kind and say has some tendencies in common with the family pet.

Bump. I also am curious as to why Johnson is the clear #1 over Bruce?

 

[LBH]

I like both seahawk starters in Engram and Burleson. I also like Courtney Taylor right now as the one to emerge out of the unkowns in Seattle.

 

[Bri]

Bryant Johnson will be the #1 WR in a Mike Martz offense and can be had in the 10th round. That's mega value.

Clayton what would make you think that Johnson will be the #1 WR in San Francisco over Isaac Bruce?Bruce has worked with Martz before; knows the plays and routes as well as the coach.Johnson had his moments down here but often was very inconsistent; ran the wrong routes and let's be kind and say has some tendencies in common with the family pet.

Bump. I also am curious as to why Johnson is the clear #1 over Bruce?

AFAIK Bruce is playing the same spot he did and Johnson is playing Holt's spot

 

[the spanker]

Whether it be a healthy chad pennington or clemmens throwing the ball, the jets improved o-line should help out coles tremendously. he can be a receptions and yardage monster, 90 cathces for 1200 yards and 6 td's! will make a great wr3

The real value though likely lies in cotchery who is on the way up while coles is on the way down....

While I like Cotch, I think Coles still has the upside this year.

 

[C Boswell]

Engram cannot stay healthy and it was crystal clear who hasslebeck targeted last season. that would be Nate Burleson. Nate has produced twice in his short career. how many times has engram really produced??

 

[Tyrion]

Patrick Crayton is a guy who I like to have a good year. He has increased his numbers every year he has been in the league and I think he has something to prove this season. Of course if Glenn is healthy all of this stuff changes.

 

[Jeff Haseley]

does anyone else see Joey Galloway as extreme value once again? Yes, I know he is older than many on this board. But, who else can the Bucs rely on to make plays in the passing game?

JT - Dodds and I were talking about Galloway the other night. He likes him, I don't. We both had good reasons for our beliefs, but I am standing my ground that he is going to be just so-so. I recently completed the low side face off of Galloway that should be released this wknd. The way I see it, Galloway has decreased in every major category each of the last three years. His age will also eventually catch up to him. History shows that WRs decrease in production dramatically from age 35 to 36 to 37 to 38. While Joey G may still have some hops, there have been several other veteran WRs with his accomplishments that hit the wall before or at his age and never recovered. I'm afraid that wall is coming for Galloway, as early as this season. It may not be in the first five weeks, but I will be surprised to see him reach top 30 status at the end of the year. Tampa doesn't do it for me this year. Garcia is also another year older, their WRs after Galloway are mediocre at best and Earnest Graham had a fluke season, IMO. Just my opinion here, but I am not high on Galloway to produce anything near what people think he will.

 

[Yamato]

No one is showing my boy Santana Moss any love. Skins are going to a more pass oriented offense with an ex QB as a coach. Jason Campbell has one of the pretties long balls in the league. If the 2 large rookie WR's can take some heat of him (Smurf Randle El was no help, past 2 years with RE Moss's stats have have dropped off severly) and he stays healthy you might end up with a high WR2 rank while being drafted in the 8th round.

 

[Tyrion]

does anyone else see Joey Galloway as extreme value once again? Yes, I know he is older than many on this board. But, who else can the Bucs rely on to make plays in the passing game?

JT - Dodds and I were talking about Galloway the other night. He likes him, I don't. We both had good reasons for our beliefs, but I am standing my ground that he is going to be just so-so. I recently completed the low side face off of Galloway that should be released this wknd. The way I see it, Galloway has decreased in every major category each of the last three years. His age will also eventually catch up to him. History shows that WRs decrease in production dramatically from age 35 to 36 to 37 to 38. While Joey G may still have some hops, there have been several other veteran WRs with his accomplishments that hit the wall before or at his age and never recovered. I'm afraid that wall is coming for Galloway, as early as this season. It may not be in the first five weeks, but I will be surprised to see him reach top 30 status at the end of the year. Tampa doesn't do it for me this year. Garcia is also another year older, their WRs after Galloway are mediocre at best and Earnest Graham had a fluke season, IMO. Just my opinion here, but I am not high on Galloway to produce anything near what people think he will.

I have to support Dodds on this one. Galloway had a down year but was playing with a hurt shoulder and seemed to have the same jets of old. The guy takes tremendous care of his body and he averaged 17.8 yards per reception last season which is the second highest of his career.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

does anyone else see Joey Galloway as extreme value once again? Yes, I know he is older than many on this board. But, who else can the Bucs rely on to make plays in the passing game?

JT - Dodds and I were talking about Galloway the other night. He likes him, I don't. We both had good reasons for our beliefs, but I am standing my ground that he is going to be just so-so. I recently completed the low side face off of Galloway that should be released this wknd. The way I see it, Galloway has decreased in every major category each of the last three years. His age will also eventually catch up to him. History shows that WRs decrease in production dramatically from age 35 to 36 to 37 to 38. While Joey G may still have some hops, there have been several other veteran WRs with his accomplishments that hit the wall before or at his age and never recovered. I'm afraid that wall is coming for Galloway, as early as this season. It may not be in the first five weeks, but I will be surprised to see him reach top 30 status at the end of the year. Tampa doesn't do it for me this year. Garcia is also another year older, their WRs after Galloway are mediocre at best and Earnest Graham had a fluke season, IMO. Just my opinion here, but I am not high on Galloway to produce anything near what people think he will.

Well, let's look back at what Galloway has done. Last season, he finished as WR21 in just 15 games. This follows WR5 and WR15 finishes. The competition for targets is the same. The Bucs have not addressed the WR position, leaving just Galloway as a threat. While history might suggest a decline, the exact age of the decline is not known. If it was, people would have avoided Harrison last year. Until I see Galloway slowing down on the field, have debilitating injuries, or not being able to get open, I will continue to draft Galloway at his current ADP .. which is thievery. When we look back at the former Buckeye's career, we know that if he stays healthy, there is a very high probability of him finishing in the top twenty-four (WR2 for fantasy). So, to predict a downturn in production, you are predicting an injury. If that is the case, cool. The quarterback situation should not impact Galloway at all. Griese and McCown are not huge downgrades from Garcia at this stage in his career. The one worry would be that Griese would favor Clayton like he did Clayton's rookie year. But, that fear is minimal. Hilliard had over 700 receiving yards in 2007 and Joey still got his. Given the proven production, here is why I think Joey Galloway offers great value:Consensus Staff Rankings: WR28 with one ranking him as a WR4 (WR37)ADP: WR31Pick Used: 82, so very late 7th rounderSo, I would be able to draft a WR that should produce as a low-end WR2 in the last of the 7th round? That screams value to me. If people want to point to injury-risk, there are several being drafted in front of him that are bigger risks.

 

[Rushmore]

Whether it be a healthy chad pennington or clemmens throwing the ball, the jets improved o-line should help out coles tremendously. he can be a receptions and yardage monster, 90 cathces for 1200 yards and 6 td's! will make a great wr3

The real value though likely lies in cotchery who is on the way up while coles is on the way down....

Cotchery is very under the radar in terms of redraft and dynasty. At such an early stage in his career, and with a seemingly low floor in terms of production, you can make a selection that is both conservative by nature, but one that also poses some very legitimate upside. With the question marks of the guys before and around him in terms of ADP, this is a perfect complimentary pick. I think this kid is underrated as a playmaker, and also has shown to be a reliable producer in terms of receptions.

 

[rotorooter]

Granted "it's early" - But for those of you who believe as I do, that WR value is a key component to fielding a championship team, it's never too early to start to look for potential value. With this in mind I see two disconnects between projections that I think will pay off for WR value hunting. It's a very, very, very simple way of looking at things, but in this case I think it works.Look at the top QB's being projected. Most of them appear to have at least one and in some cases two top flight WR. Stands to reason for the most part, you can't a good year at QB without someone hauling in passes and most good QB have projected WR near the top of the WR list.Brady (Moss, Welker), Peyton (Wayne), Brees (Colston), McNabb (Westy), Romo (Headcase), Cutler (Headcase Part II), Palmer (Headcase Part III, TJ).So I guess my point is this - Where is Roethlisberger and Hasselbecks main targets in the rankings? Both Holmes (who is also a 3 year guy) and Engrahm are down in the WR projections considering the total projections of the QB who will be throwing them the ball.I see these two players as value plays - tell me why I am wrong.

i like your thinking and i agree with Big Ben (holmes but i may also add ward and then there's h. miller-- in other words the TDs may be very spread out but I think holmes will be the man). I think the faulty thinking with Engram lies in hasselbeck's rating. every year top 10 QB fall out --either due to injury, change in system, competition or they just have a bad year. I think hasselbeck's your candidate to fall out of the top 10.my guess to be in the top tier? derek anderson ( braylon edwards)

 

[Duckboy]

I do like Holmes this year to rise to a borderline WR1 level, but I think Burleson is a better option in Seattle (unless you are in PPR, where Engram would be about even).

Steve Smith (expect top 5 if Delhomme plays), Jerricho Cotchery (top 15 likely), and Sidney Rice (top 25) are guys I think are underrated at this point.

 

[bcr8f]

I do like Holmes this year to rise to a borderline WR1 level, but I think Burleson is a better option in Seattle (unless you are in PPR, where Engram would be about even).Steve Smith (expect top 5 if Delhomme plays), Jerricho Cotchery (top 15 likely), and Sidney Rice (top 25) are guys I think are underrated at this point.

Burleson just dorps to many balls for me o wrap my arms around him.James Jones is going very late. I took him at 42nd WR in an ongoing draft. He is rated at 51. He has worked hard this off season to be ready. If Jennings or Driver go down(and even if they don't) he is a value there.

 

[kerpow]

The best value this year at WR is crystal clear, and is down to only 2 people. Of these 2 people, currently one of them is overrated, and the other one is underrated. The problem is, I don't know which one is which. So, who are these 2 WR's? Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez. Currently, the FBG staff has Gonzalez as WR38 and Marvin as WR39. There is no way either of those rankings are correct. Simply put, either Marvin will play or he won't. If he does, he is grossly underrated. If he doesn't play, Gonzalez is grossly underrated. I don't see it any other way.

I don't expect that level of undervaluing to contnue until most FF drafts take place, though. As soon as Harrison's status is known, one of the two will skyrocket in value. Here's one player from the FBGs rankings who may still be a great WR value-pick on the day of most fantasy drafts:

I'm not sure about this. I believe (as a Colts fan) that if Marvin is physically fit and has the desire to compete, neither of which he seemed to have at all last season, he will return to a top 10 WR. Can anyone really question that? However, if his knee breaks down or anything else sidelines him I see a repeat of last year where Clark and Gonzalez share the spoils. Clark often lined up in the slot and by drafting Tamme they may continue to use Clark in this way.

 

[bcr8f]

6) Darrel Jackson - talented and was slowed down in an ineffective SF offense and is now completely off the radar. He could very well be the Broncos #2 receiver with Cutler feeding him the ball.

I'm thinking DJax could be Denver's new Rod Smith, if Cutler playes well I don't see any reason he doesn't have a very solid year.

I do. I gave up on him last year. He is always hurt and drops too many balls. If I were Smith I'd be at the comparison. Wishful thinking.

 

[pizzatyme]

Bryant Johnson will be the #1 WR in a Mike Martz offense and can be had in the 10th round. That's mega value.

Clayton what would make you think that Johnson will be the #1 WR in San Francisco over Isaac Bruce?Bruce has worked with Martz before; knows the plays and routes as well as the coach.

Johnson had his moments down here but often was very inconsistent; ran the wrong routes and let's be kind and say has some tendencies in common with the family pet.

He can lick his own junk? He hikes his leg to pee?

He likes to fetch the frisbee?

 

[Max Power]

I think the answer here is clearly Marty Booker. The Bears O will not be as bad as everyone thinks. The OL and running game should be more stable this season. I'll take the Orton/Grossman combo over the Lemon/Beck combo anyday.

Booker should be the #1 in the offense. He has the best hands on the team and will be the guy looked at on 3rd downs. People are too quick to give the love to Olsen, Hester, Bradley or Bennett on that corps.

I'm also amazed at how low people are on him. I generally see him ranked between WR55 - WR60. Everyone is ready to give Chris Chambers a free pass on his Miami stay because he had a bad QB, but when it comes to Booker, it was because he is "too old" or has "lost it".

Booker will finish the season as a solid option at WR. 80-900-5

 

[Bob Henry]

Some very good posts in this thread so far..

I'll agree with the following:

Anthony Gonzalez - I don't believe Harrison has the desire or youthful knees to continue putting up elite numbers.

Donald Driver - He really wasn't used at all in the red zone last year after Jennings emerged. Did he suddenly become less effective in that area? I don't think so. He was a little banged up and Jennings/Jones both emerged. With Rodgers, we'll have to figure out who the new favored WR will be in different situations. I think Driver is a pro's pro and he'll be a reliable, proven guy that Rodgers will leverage. His ADP and value is as low as it's been in a long while, so he's definitely a good player to gamble on, especially as a WR3 or later.

Vincent Jackson - As others have said, he had a strong playoffs, but he does still drop too many big balls.. With Gates potentially starting slowly, VJ and Chambers will get more work potentially and Buster Davis is someone else that could get some targets there.

Mark Clayton - He was hurt all year and never regained his bounce or separation in/out of his cuts. If healthy again, he should return to his productive self of two years ago.

Others:

Devin Hester - I know the Bears offense looks like a train wreck, particular at QB and WR, but Hester is going to have the opportunity to make the leap from special teams stud to full-time WR like Steve Smith and Derrick Mason did earlier in their careers. With so many QB issues, why not leverage your best player and get him the ball as much as possible on slants, screens, bubble screens and take your shots with him deep, too. Booker is still a physical player and he can be useful, but he lacks explosiveness at this stage of his career and I don't think we should count on him for much more than the usual 40ish receptions per year.

Steve Smith - Even as WR7-9 where he's listed in many rankings/projections, Smith looks like a great value for those who can pluck him in the draft in that area. I guess it depends on whether you are a buyer on Delhomme's elbow or not. The running game should be better. Muhammad and Hackett provide more reliable options beyond Smith than they had last year. The main downside here is if Delhomme gets hurt again. If he doesn't, Smith should easily live up to his ADP and then some, unless he is the one who gets hurt. Very little downside with Smith at his current spot (ADP).

Josh Cribbs - I can't shake the feeling that Cribbs will be one of those waiver gems early-mid season. Stallworth may be a better fantasy name, but I just think that Cribbs is the one who could be a better football player. It's not looking good for Jurevicius. Despite the recent nice things the staff is saying about Travis Wilson, I'm not buying him at all. Cribbs has been the better player there the last couple of seasons and he is going to get a chance to play a bigger role in the offense. JJ hurt, Stallworth is inconsistent, but beyond Braylon and Winslow - Cribbs has a shot to be the #3/#4 target in this offense and I think he has just as much big play ability as Stallworth and he probably will go undrafted.

Mike Walker - He could be cut in training camp or, if he stays healthy, he could emerge as a playmake in the Jags offense to compliment Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams. Problem is targets. I don't think any of the Jags WRs will emerge with enough targets to be more than a WR3. I don't think Williams will catch another 10+ TDs, so someone like Walker, Porter and TE Marcedes Lewis could surprise a bit with an increase in scoring. Walker is a player to watch in camp and preseason. If he starts flashing his potential like last year, get him on your roster.

Will Franklin - Ooof. Devard Darling and Jeff Webb? Meh. Franklin is only a rookie, but opportunity here is the key. Franklin might be enough of a playmaker and athlete to beat out those two and earn a starting job immediately or soon into the season. He's another guy that could be a waiver gem, or a last round flyer. The Chiefs QB looks dreadful right now, but Bowe did alright last year and with Bowe/Gonzo/LJ being the focus of defenses there is room here for someone like Franklin to be a surprise.

Chad Jackson - Will he finally emerge? Great situation if he can make the most of it. Jabar Gaffney had plenty of value down the stretch last season, so Jackson could be worthwhile, especially if Moss/Welker get hurt.

Antonio Bryant - I've never liked the guy much, but he does have plenty of talent. It's too soon to know if Galloway will lose anything. He sure has resisted the natural aging process for speed players thus far, but he can't evade it forever. The Bucs under Jon Gruden are almost a lock to produce in the passing game. If Bryant stays clear of trouble he could emerge as the WR2 here over Hilliard, Stovall, Clayton, etc. That's not much of a stretch. If he doesn't screw up his opportunity, we're talking extremely low ADP and a pass-friendly offense looking for a viable WR2. Hilliard was useful last year in that spot and arguably Bryant has more game. We'll see. I'm still skeptical, but the situation screams value.

Tennessee WR - Like the Jags, the Titans want to run the ball a LOT. VY isn't a WR-friendly QB yet and Alge Crumpler's addition to the team doesn't send warm fuzzies to me with regards to the # of targets or fantasy production that is likely to come from this position. That said, I'm keeping my eye on a couple of deep sleepers here - Biren Ealy and Paul Williams. Rookie Lavelle Hawkins bears watching, too. First, they have to beat players who have produced in spots like Roydell Williams and Brandon Jones, but both of those guys aren't healthy. McCareins, to me, seems like he's holding a spot to keep it warm for one of these other guys to emerge. I don't see him regaining the Heimerdinger magic he had in his first tenure with the team.

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Bob - Good all on Josh Cribbs too. He's someone that could make a splash, just like Derrick Mason and Steve Smith did. Start off as a kick returner (a good one) and thrive into a WR role. With Stallworth and Edwards ahead of him, the ceiling may not be that great, but he is a great talent that has impressed me so far. It will be interesting to see what role he'll play if Jurevicius is done. He does have NFL blood in him.

 

[GECKO]

How about the pass happy Saints. David Patten can be had very, very late in redraft leagues this year. He should start out the season as WR2 and if Colston or Bush have health issues he could easily move up to a 1a or 1b option for the Saints.

.02

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I think the answer here is clearly Marty Booker. The Bears O will not be as bad as everyone thinks. The OL and running game should be more stable this season. I'll take the Orton/Grossman combo over the Lemon/Beck combo anyday.Booker should be the #1 in the offense. He has the best hands on the team and will be the guy looked at on 3rd downs. People are too quick to give the love to Olsen, Hester, Bradley or Bennett on that corps. I'm also amazed at how low people are on him. I generally see him ranked between WR55 - WR60. Everyone is ready to give Chris Chambers a free pass on his Miami stay because he had a bad QB, but when it comes to Booker, it was because he is "too old" or has "lost it". Booker will finish the season as a solid option at WR. 80-900-5

Since becoming a starter, Booker's season average has been approximately 65-800-4He hasn't reached those yardage or reception numbers since 2002.

 

[Almas_4th_Child]

The best value goes to owners that draft veterens tailored to the scoring system.

If its a ppr, don't take a santonio holmes....take a D. Mason(much later), Driver, or K. Curtis.

 

[Max Power]

I think the answer here is clearly Marty Booker. The Bears O will not be as bad as everyone thinks. The OL and running game should be more stable this season. I'll take the Orton/Grossman combo over the Lemon/Beck combo anyday.Booker should be the #1 in the offense. He has the best hands on the team and will be the guy looked at on 3rd downs. People are too quick to give the love to Olsen, Hester, Bradley or Bennett on that corps. I'm also amazed at how low people are on him. I generally see him ranked between WR55 - WR60. Everyone is ready to give Chris Chambers a free pass on his Miami stay because he had a bad QB, but when it comes to Booker, it was because he is "too old" or has "lost it". Booker will finish the season as a solid option at WR. 80-900-5

Since becoming a starter, Booker's season average has been approximately 65-800-4He hasn't reached those yardage or reception numbers since 2002.

I don't think 15rec 100yrds and 1 td are too much more to project.I think Booker is a lock for the #1 job. Bennett and Hester are not ready to start yet. Bradley will be a decent #2. Lloyd might or might not make the team. Davis should be the starting slot. I think it is fair to project the Bears to throw close to 500 times this season. Even completing 50% of those is 250 completions to go around. I have a hard time seeing Booker not catching at least 75 balls. It should be a conservative offense this year. Booker will make his living running slants, curls and outs all day. I guess I am just high on Booker. The numbers will come from somewhere, I think he wins out by default.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I think the answer here is clearly Marty Booker. The Bears O will not be as bad as everyone thinks. The OL and running game should be more stable this season. I'll take the Orton/Grossman combo over the Lemon/Beck combo anyday.

Booker should be the #1 in the offense. He has the best hands on the team and will be the guy looked at on 3rd downs. People are too quick to give the love to Olsen, Hester, Bradley or Bennett on that corps.

I'm also amazed at how low people are on him. I generally see him ranked between WR55 - WR60. Everyone is ready to give Chris Chambers a free pass on his Miami stay because he had a bad QB, but when it comes to Booker, it was because he is "too old" or has "lost it".

Booker will finish the season as a solid option at WR. 80-900-5

Since becoming a starter, Booker's season average has been approximately 65-800-4He hasn't reached those yardage or reception numbers since 2002.

I don't think 15rec 100yrds and 1 td are too much more to project.I think Booker is a lock for the #1 job. Bennett and Hester are not ready to start yet. Bradley will be a decent #2. Lloyd might or might not make the team. Davis should be the starting slot.

I think it is fair to project the Bears to throw close to 500 times this season. Even completing 50% of those is 250 completions to go around. I have a hard time seeing Booker not catching at least 75 balls. It should be a conservative offense this year. Booker will make his living running slants, curls and outs all day.

I guess I am just high on Booker. The numbers will come from somewhere, I think he wins out by default.

Nonetheless, he still hasn't been able to do this since 2002.