[DYNASTY] Antonio Bryant (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Pasquino]

Ok, I moved him up some, but frankly I can't get him much higher. There's too much talent in front of him, and frankly I think that some of the guys in the 50s warrant better long term consideration.

This is why I don't like to mess with dynasty rankings terribly much during preseason. The preseason is a tease, (and the autumn wind is a pirate), so anything we see here has to be taken with more than one grain of salt.

AB still has a mediocre at best QB and will be facing the #1 DB every week. I think he will struggle to even get close to 1,000 yards.

 

[switz]

Ok, I moved him up some, but frankly I can't get him much higher. There's too much talent in front of him, and frankly I think that some of the guys in the 50s warrant better long term consideration.This is why I don't like to mess with dynasty rankings terribly much during preseason. The preseason is a tease, (and the autumn wind is a pirate), so anything we see here has to be taken with more than one grain of salt.AB still has a mediocre at best QB and will be facing the #1 DB every week. I think he will struggle to even get close to 1,000 yards.

He has improved every year in the league, is at that 3-4 year explosion level, and has already had a 1,000 yard season. I'm not sure what's not to like about him for the long term. Especially considering he is on the 9ers. Rememeber the Bengals a couple years ago? Laughable. Kitna (an experienced QB) came in, as well as Palmer (a top rookie QB). They got Chad Johnson (a tremendous WR) and a decent RB (Rudi Johnson). And hired a solid coach.Very similar to the 9ers right now. I would expect this year may be a building year, but they will be explosive at times, and next year will be high octane.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Ok, I moved him up some, but frankly I can't get him much higher. There's too much talent in front of him, and frankly I think that some of the guys in the 50s warrant better long term consideration.This is why I don't like to mess with dynasty rankings terribly much during preseason. The preseason is a tease, (and the autumn wind is a pirate), so anything we see here has to be taken with more than one grain of salt.AB still has a mediocre at best QB and will be facing the #1 DB every week. I think he will struggle to even get close to 1,000 yards.

Like he did last year in Cleveland with the great Trent Dilfer/Charlie Frye throwing the ball and facing the #1 corner every week? The Browns' offense was ridiculously conservative last year and Dilfer's arm didn't scare anyone, and he STILL managed 69-1009-4 as the #1 receiver.As Alex Smith improves, Bryant's going to improve right along with him.

 

[amnesiac]

Ok, I moved him up some, but frankly I can't get him much higher. There's too much talent in front of him, and frankly I think that some of the guys in the 50s warrant better long term consideration.This is why I don't like to mess with dynasty rankings terribly much during preseason. The preseason is a tease, (and the autumn wind is a pirate), so anything we see here has to be taken with more than one grain of salt.AB still has a mediocre at best QB and will be facing the #1 DB every week. I think he will struggle to even get close to 1,000 yards.

Like he did last year in Cleveland with the great Trent Dilfer/Charlie Frye throwing the ball and facing the #1 corner every week? The Browns' offense was ridiculously conservative last year and Dilfer's arm didn't scare anyone, and he STILL managed 69-1009-4 as the #1 receiver.As Alex Smith improves, Bryant's going to improve right along with him.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I understand the bandwagon here, so I'll just state that I'm not alone in this opinion. The rankings, the projections, not one say 1,000 yards for Bryant this year. Others on staff really like him, but I think that he won't get 1,000 yards. That's my opinion.

 

[switz]

I understand the bandwagon here, so I'll just state that I'm not alone in this opinion. The rankings, the projections, not one say 1,000 yards for Bryant this year. Others on staff really like him, but I think that he won't get 1,000 yards. That's my opinion.

Jeff, I agree in a redraft.Are you pessimistic for the long term? From a dynasty perspective?

 

[EBF]

I think his talent is somewhat underrated. In college, he became the youngest receiver to ever win the Biletnikoff award when he caught 68 passes for 1,302 yards and 11 TDs as a true sophomore.

In 2002, he led all NFL rookies with 44 catches for 733 yards and 6 TDs. He's the leading WR from his draft class in terms of catches and receiving yards (although Javon Walker would probably be ahead if not for injuries).

I definitely don't think Bryant has Larry Fitzgerald level talent, but he could be the next Eddie Kennison or maybe even the next Jimmy Smith. Given his respectable pedigree (2nd round NFL pick, college superstar), his NFL production (top rookie WR from his class, a 1,000 yard season), and his age (25), I think it's extremely difficult to justify ranking him outside the top 30 dynasty WRs.

I've been following the 49ers pretty closely and I can tell you that there's no doubt who their #1 target is. It's Bryant. He's been tearing it up all training camp and all preseason. He should be a very nice play in 2006 and beyond.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

He has improved every year in the league, is at that 3-4 year explosion level, and has already had a 1,000 yard season.

Are we looking at the same player?This will be Bryant's SIXTH year. He has NOT improved every year either. He had his best TD total and his 2nd best yardage total in his rookie year (5 years ago). Since then he was dumped by the team that drafted him and let go by a team that was (and is) in need of playmakers at WR.Now I am sure you are going to say he never got an opportunity to show his stuff, but there are ALWAYS excuses for guys with "potential" who don't live up to the hype.To imply that he's just going through the natural WR improvement progression of an NFL WR is a stretch at best.What's also hillarious is that all of these same things were said about Brandon Lloyd last year at this time. They are actually very similar receivers - prone to making spectacular catches and drops that make you grind your teeth. Both less than imposing, neither particularly fast or exceptional after the catch.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I think his talent is somewhat underrated. In college, he became the youngest receiver to ever win the Biletnikoff award when he caught 68 passes for 1,302 yards and 11 TDs as a true sophomore.

In 2002, he led all NFL rookies with 44 catches for 733 yards and 6 TDs. He's the leading WR from his draft class in terms of catches and receiving yards (although Javon Walker would probably be ahead if not for injuries).

I definitely don't think Bryant has Larry Fitzgerald level talent, but he could be the next Eddie Kennison or maybe even the next Jimmy Smith. Given his respectable pedigree (2nd round NFL pick, college superstar), his NFL production (top rookie WR from his class, a 1,000 yard season), and his age (25), I think it's extremely difficult to justify ranking him outside the top 30 dynasty WRs.

I've been following the 49ers pretty closely and I can tell you that there's no doubt who their #1 target is. It's Bryant. He's been tearing it up all training camp and all preseason. He should be a very nice play in 2006 and beyond.

While I can appreciate you exuberance, but this is August, not November.

 

[EBF]

I think his talent is somewhat underrated. In college, he became the youngest receiver to ever win the Biletnikoff award when he caught 68 passes for 1,302 yards and 11 TDs as a true sophomore.

In 2002, he led all NFL rookies with 44 catches for 733 yards and 6 TDs. He's the leading WR from his draft class in terms of catches and receiving yards (although Javon Walker would probably be ahead if not for injuries).

I definitely don't think Bryant has Larry Fitzgerald level talent, but he could be the next Eddie Kennison or maybe even the next Jimmy Smith. Given his respectable pedigree (2nd round NFL pick, college superstar), his NFL production (top rookie WR from his class, a 1,000 yard season), and his age (25), I think it's extremely difficult to justify ranking him outside the top 30 dynasty WRs.

I've been following the 49ers pretty closely and I can tell you that there's no doubt who their #1 target is. It's Bryant. He's been tearing it up all training camp and all preseason. He should be a very nice play in 2006 and beyond.

While I can appreciate you exuberance, but this is August, not November.

You're right. Practices only count during the season.

 

[EBF]

This will be Bryant's SIXTH year.

FIFTH

Now I am sure you are going to say he never got an opportunity to show his stuff, but there are ALWAYS excuses for guys with "potential" who don't live up to the hype.

Did you miss the 1,000 yard season in Cleveland? That's more than potential.

What's also hillarious is that all of these same things were said about Brandon Lloyd last year at this time. They are actually very similar receivers - prone to making spectacular catches and drops that make you grind your teeth. Both less than imposing, neither particularly fast or exceptional after the catch.

Virtually all 49ers observers (the guys who actually watch the team play) feel that Bryant is a major upgrade over Lloyd. Bryant has become known for his intensity and his competitiveness, whereas Lloyd was known to play soft and coast.

 

[Mark Wimer]

Just to be clear, when I wrote earlier in the thread that I have drafted him in every one of my leagues, I meant redraft and keeper leagues. I can't pry him away from his owner in my IDP dynasty league.

MW

 

[Moniker]

Clevelander here...

Bryant is an extremely talented receiver with a ton of potential, his problem is that he can't keep his head in the game. He wanders off to la-la-ville and starts dropping passes and doing stupid things. Then he gets aggravated with himself and can't get his head back into the game.

For those of you who watch baseball... it's like watching Manny Ramirez in the outfield when his mind wanders off and he starts counting daisies/clouds...

 

[switz]

He has improved every year in the league, is at that 3-4 year explosion level, and has already had a 1,000 yard season.

Are we looking at the same player?This will be Bryant's SIXTH year. He has NOT improved every year either. He had his best TD total and his 2nd best yardage total in his rookie year (5 years ago). Since then he was dumped by the team that drafted him and let go by a team that was (and is) in need of playmakers at WR.

Huh? He was drafted in 2002. He was awesome as a rookie, on a team that sucked! Bill Parcells came in the next year, and hated Bryant, brought in his own WRs, and Bryant didn't get a chance to develop, he only played in 5 games. It was a wasted year.

Now I am sure you are going to say he never got an opportunity to show his stuff, but there are ALWAYS excuses for guys with "potential" who don't live up to the hype.

Actually the only year he "never got an opportunity to show his stuff" was his second year. And he only played in 5 games, how anyone could deny that is beyond me.

To imply that he's just going through the natural WR improvement progression of an NFL WR is a stretch at best.

Let's see, as a rookie he had 733 yards and 6 TDsHis "real" second year was when he was traded to the Browns in 2004, in which he improved upon his rookie season stats, putting up 812 yards and 4 TDs Then in his "third" year he broke the 1000 yard plane, on a still terrible team, but 1009 yards and 4 TDs.So yes, he is in the 3-4 year break out explosion level.

 

[switz]

article

MOST VALUABLE (OFFENSE): It's only the preseason, but Antonio Bryant looks like a great addition and is clearly the 49ers' best receiver since Terrell Owens.

Nolan said Arnaz Battle remains the No. 2 receiver, followed by Bryan Gilmore, even though Battle has been slowed in camp by knee problems. "He's a lot better now than he was," Nolan said of Battle. "I thought today was the best he's looked. I'm pretty optimistic about where he's headed." Still, Nolan was unsure how much Battle will play in Dallas. ... Nolan avoided answering whether Eric Johnson or rookie Vernon Davis will be the starting tight end. He is able to avoid an answer because most of the time, they are on the field at the same time. ...

 

[Ron_Mexico]

article

MOST VALUABLE (OFFENSE): It's only the preseason, but Antonio Bryant looks like a great addition and is clearly the 49ers' best receiver since Terrell Owens.

Nolan said Arnaz Battle remains the No. 2 receiver, followed by Bryan Gilmore, even though Battle has been slowed in camp by knee problems. "He's a lot better now than he was," Nolan said of Battle. "I thought today was the best he's looked. I'm pretty optimistic about where he's headed." Still, Nolan was unsure how much Battle will play in Dallas. ... Nolan avoided answering whether Eric Johnson or rookie Vernon Davis will be the starting tight end. He is able to avoid an answer because most of the time, they are on the field at the same time. ...

Arnaz Battle could be a very nice sleeper WRin a dynasty format.

 

[cstu]

Here's something mildly interestingonte Stallworth career numbers:2002 - 13 games - 42 catches, 594 yards, 8 TDs2003 - 11 games - 25 catches, 485 yards, 3 TDs2004 - 16 games - 58 catches, 767 yards, 5 TDs2005 - 16 games - 70 catches, 945 yards, 7 TDsAntonio Bryant career numbers:2002 - 16 games - 44 catches, 733 yards, 6 TDs2003 - 16 games - 39 catches, 550 yards, 2 TDs2004 - 15 games - 58 catches, 812 yards, 4 TDs2005 - 16 games - 69 catches, 1009 yards, 4 TDsBryant has had more catches and receiving yards every year that these two have been in the league, but Stallworth is ranked 24 slots higher on the dynasty WR list. That strikes me as being a little off.

They are very similar players, but IMO Bryant should be rated higher because I don't believe Stallworth has the hands to be a true #1 WR. Not that Bryant's hands are the greatest but he's more sure-handed than Stallworth. I don't get the ranking either and have him in the #21-25 range and just chose him over Coles and Mark Clayton.

 

[cstu]

He has improved every year in the league, is at that 3-4 year explosion level, and has already had a 1,000 yard season.

Are we looking at the same player?This will be Bryant's SIXTH year. He has NOT improved every year either. He had his best TD total and his 2nd best yardage total in his rookie year (5 years ago). Since then he was dumped by the team that drafted him and let go by a team that was (and is) in need of playmakers at WR.

Huh? He was drafted in 2002. He was awesome as a rookie, on a team that sucked! Bill Parcells came in the next year, and hated Bryant, brought in his own WRs, and Bryant didn't get a chance to develop, he only played in 5 games. It was a wasted year.

Now I am sure you are going to say he never got an opportunity to show his stuff, but there are ALWAYS excuses for guys with "potential" who don't live up to the hype.

Actually the only year he "never got an opportunity to show his stuff" was his second year. And he only played in 5 games, how anyone could deny that is beyond me.

To imply that he's just going through the natural WR improvement progression of an NFL WR is a stretch at best.

Let's see, as a rookie he had 733 yards and 6 TDsHis "real" second year was when he was traded to the Browns in 2004, in which he improved upon his rookie season stats, putting up 812 yards and 4 TDs Then in his "third" year he broke the 1000 yard plane, on a still terrible team, but 1009 yards and 4 TDs.So yes, he is in the 3-4 year break out explosion level.

Good post. Also, despite it being his 5th year he just turned 25 in March and is the age of most wide receivers going into their 3rd year.

 

[amnesiac]

i am on the Bryant bandwagon, but the fuzzy math going on here is .

 

[ImTheScientist]

Im starting him week 1

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Here's something mildly interestingonte Stallworth career numbers:2002 - 13 games - 42 catches, 594 yards, 8 TDs2003 - 11 games - 25 catches, 485 yards, 3 TDs2004 - 16 games - 58 catches, 767 yards, 5 TDs2005 - 16 games - 70 catches, 945 yards, 7 TDsAntonio Bryant career numbers:2002 - 16 games - 44 catches, 733 yards, 6 TDs2003 - 16 games - 39 catches, 550 yards, 2 TDs2004 - 15 games - 58 catches, 812 yards, 4 TDs2005 - 16 games - 69 catches, 1009 yards, 4 TDsBryant has had more catches and receiving yards every year that these two have been in the league, but Stallworth is ranked 24 slots higher on the dynasty WR list. That strikes me as being a little off.

They are very similar players, but IMO Bryant should be rated higher because I don't believe Stallworth has the hands to be a true #1 WR. Not that Bryant's hands are the greatest but he's more sure-handed than Stallworth. I don't get the ranking either and have him in the #21-25 range and just chose him over Coles and Mark Clayton.

My God, have you ever seen Bryant play? He drops balls CONSTANTLY. You can look at the stats, or you can watch games, or both. Bryant's "hands" may be fine, but his concentration is HORRIBLE. Stallworth is bad too, but come on are you seriously pointing to the guy's reliability as a STRENGTH over other receivers? You guys are right about his 5th year vs 6th year, but I still don't see how that puts him in the "3rd year breakout" category (which is a myth anyway). Again, that's a BIG stretch. Whether it's 5th year or 6th year, it's NOT when great receivers typically break out. You can make all the excuses you want, but it just isn't.5th year vs 6th year also doesn't change the fact that he's on his 3rd team. There is a REASON he is on his 3rd team, and it isn't a good one. You may believe that the reason or reasons that he has been dumped two teams in a short career have been resolved, but the smart money says those reasons are still there.

 

[thecatch]

Here's something mildly interestingonte Stallworth career numbers:2002 - 13 games - 42 catches, 594 yards, 8 TDs2003 - 11 games - 25 catches, 485 yards, 3 TDs2004 - 16 games - 58 catches, 767 yards, 5 TDs2005 - 16 games - 70 catches, 945 yards, 7 TDsAntonio Bryant career numbers:2002 - 16 games - 44 catches, 733 yards, 6 TDs2003 - 16 games - 39 catches, 550 yards, 2 TDs2004 - 15 games - 58 catches, 812 yards, 4 TDs2005 - 16 games - 69 catches, 1009 yards, 4 TDsBryant has had more catches and receiving yards every year that these two have been in the league, but Stallworth is ranked 24 slots higher on the dynasty WR list. That strikes me as being a little off.

They are very similar players, but IMO Bryant should be rated higher because I don't believe Stallworth has the hands to be a true #1 WR. Not that Bryant's hands are the greatest but he's more sure-handed than Stallworth. I don't get the ranking either and have him in the #21-25 range and just chose him over Coles and Mark Clayton.

You guys are right about his 5th year vs 6th year, but I still don't see how that puts him in the "3rd year breakout" category (which is a myth anyway). Again, that's a BIG stretch. Whether it's 5th year or 6th year, it's NOT when great receivers typically break out. You can make all the excuses you want, but it just isn't.

Nobody is saying he's the next Marvin Harrison... I haven't personally seen these rankings people are referencing, but I'm dumbfounded anybody would rate him in the 50-60 range in a dynasty league. If anybody is in a dynasty league where his owner values him like that, BUY NOW. The upside is definitely worth taking a shot at that ridiculous price.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Since I totally bashed Jeff on his ranking of journeymen over potential in other posts, I thought I'd send some kudos for his ranking of Bryant.

Bryant guy was SOOO overpaid by the 9ers. I think his massive talent and potential might be the single most over-rated talent in the fantasy game.

Guy is just NOT a great receiver at the NFL level and never has been. Yet every year we see puff-pieces and silly FBG posts on how this guy will be taking the league by storm.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Since I totally bashed Jeff on his ranking of journeymen over potential in other posts, I thought I'd send some kudos for his ranking of Bryant.Bryant guy was SOOO overpaid by the 9ers. I think his massive talent and potential might be the single most over-rated talent in the fantasy game.Guy is just NOT a great receiver at the NFL level and never has been. Yet every year we see puff-pieces and silly FBG posts on how this guy will be taking the league by storm.

We all miss on some players, but it's very cool of you to bring this back up. 14 games, 40 catches, 733 yards, 3 TDs. 42nd overall in fantasy points in FBG scoring with 92.7. Ouch.On the positive side, if you put him in your lineup in September then yanked him for a Colston or another upstart reciever (Berrian, Furrey), you probably did OK. The problem was spending a 5th-9th round pick to get Bryant. (His ADP was about 102).I think the real info here is Mr. Battle, whom I think will once again be underrated next year.

 

[EBF]

Yep. Not a great year by AB. Looks like I was wrong on him. I never expected a monster season, but I thought he'd be above 1,000 yards.

On that note, I wouldn't get too excited about Arnaz Battle. He's never looked more than slightly above average.

I think the truth is that the Niners don't have a true #1 WR on their roster right now. I think it would be very wise of them to make a play for Dwayne Jarrett or possibly Ted Ginn. Their defense still needs some work, but with another legit weapon in the passing game, this will be a very promising offense.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Yep. Not a great year by AB. Looks like I was wrong on him. I never expected a monster season, but I thought he'd be above 1,000 yards. On that note, I wouldn't get too excited about Arnaz Battle. He's never looked more than slightly above average. I think the truth is that the Niners don't have a true #1 WR on their roster right now. I think it would be very wise of them to make a play for Dwayne Jarrett or possibly Ted Ginn. Their defense still needs some work, but with another legit weapon in the passing game, this will be a very promising offense.

I think a more thought-provoking discussion would come from why did AB have a bad year?Lack of Vernon Davis?Lack of a solid RB2?Too much Gore?Or did he just not execute on the chances he had?I don't have a definitive answer yet, but I think we learn more by looking at what was missing from either his game or the 49ers offense and then watch how SF addresses the hole.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Yikes, here's a start:

41 catches on 91 targets.

Ouch.

 

[EBF]

Yikes, here's a start:41 catches on 91 targets.Ouch.

I wouldn't read too much into that. Bryant is a big play receiver and big play receivers (Burress, Berrian, Lelie, etc.) tend to have a lower reception %. As for why he struggled, I'd say it's a combination of several factors:- Low number of targets- Inexperienced QB (who's not known for his deep ball)- Double coverage. He was pretty much the only real threat in the passing game for the Niners. Their WRs are awful from top to bottom.- Overrated talent. Bryant is a good player, but he's probably not a great player. I'd liken him to Eddie Kennison. On the right team with the right supporting cast, he can put up some numbers, but he'll never be great. I recommend holding him for dynasty purposes. He should continue to be a decent depth guy and he offers the potential to put together a decent season if everything clicks for him. It will be very interesting to see how he performs next year.

 

[x260bm]

Actually, I think Battle is the problem and not the solution. Bryant had two big games to start the season. They could have been bigger if a couple of long TDs had not been called back on penalty. Then teams figured out they had to cover him, so he had to deal with double teams the rest of the season. I didn’t help matters when Davis went down at the same time. In my opinion, Battle and Johnson didn’t draw enough respect to give Bryant a realistic chance with Smith at QB. A better QB could have gotten him the ball anyway, but Smith is still learning. Personally, I think having Battle as their WR2 cost the 49ers a playoff spot this year.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Actually, I think Battle is the problem and not the solution. Bryant had two big games to start the season. They could have been bigger if a couple of long TDs had not been called back on penalty. Then teams figured out they had to cover him, so he had to deal with double teams the rest of the season. I didn’t help matters when Davis went down at the same time. In my opinion, Battle and Johnson didn’t draw enough respect to give Bryant a realistic chance with Smith at QB. A better QB could have gotten him the ball anyway, but Smith is still learning. Personally, I think having Battle as their WR2 cost the 49ers a playoff spot this year.

Really?Battle had 60 catches on just 83 targets, posting almost as many yards (683 vs. 747 for AB) and both scored 3 times. Battle had a few extra yards rushing, so these players were nearly equal in FBG scoring. Battle was truly the fantasy steal of the two, especially in PPR leagues.Now, forgetting the FF implications, I can't see how Battle could really take that much away from AB. There's many teams with a possession-type receiver / move the chains kind of guy at WR2 to be the foil to a True #1 guy (see Keyshawn/SSmith, Rod Smith/JWalker, Toomer / Plaxico, etc.).

 

[x260bm]

Actually, I think Battle is the problem and not the solution. Bryant had two big games to start the season. They could have been bigger if a couple of long TDs had not been called back on penalty. Then teams figured out they had to cover him, so he had to deal with double teams the rest of the season. I didn’t help matters when Davis went down at the same time. In my opinion, Battle and Johnson didn’t draw enough respect to give Bryant a realistic chance with Smith at QB. A better QB could have gotten him the ball anyway, but Smith is still learning. Personally, I think having Battle as their WR2 cost the 49ers a playoff spot this year.

Really?Battle had 60 catches on just 83 targets, posting almost as many yards (683 vs. 747 for AB) and both scored 3 times. Battle had a few extra yards rushing, so these players were nearly equal in FBG scoring. Battle was truly the fantasy steal of the two, especially in PPR leagues.Now, forgetting the FF implications, I can't see how Battle could really take that much away from AB. There's many teams with a possession-type receiver / move the chains kind of guy at WR2 to be the foil to a True #1 guy (see Keyshawn/SSmith, Rod Smith/JWalker, Toomer / Plaxico, etc.).

I think he is another Brandon Lloyd. Somebody had to catch passes for that team. The 49ers were 29th in passing yards. Like you said, there is difference between real football and fantasy football. I think the 49ers look to get Smith some more weapons this off-season. I think there is a good chance Battle is out of the starting lineup next year.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Yikes, here's a start:

41 catches on 91 targets.

Ouch.

I wouldn't read too much into that. Bryant is a big play receiver and big play receivers (Burress, Berrian, Lelie, etc.) tend to have a lower reception %. As for why he struggled, I'd say it's a combination of several factors:

- Low number of targets

- Inexperienced QB (who's not known for his deep ball)

- Double coverage. He was pretty much the only real threat in the passing game for the Niners. Their WRs are awful from top to bottom.

- Overrated talent. Bryant is a good player, but he's probably not a great player. I'd liken him to Eddie Kennison. On the right team with the right supporting cast, he can put up some numbers, but he'll never be great.

I recommend holding him for dynasty purposes. He should continue to be a decent depth guy and he offers the potential to put together a decent season if everything clicks for him. It will be very interesting to see how he performs next year.

To touch on the targets issue:
There were 42 players this season with 90 or more targets.
These 42 players averaged 56% catch efficiency, including the poor performers.
Our poster boy, Chris Chambers (for whom we now call this "Chris Chambers Disease", or CCD for short) led the league once again with his terrible catch efficiency - 59 catches on 154 targets, for a meager 38.9% catch efficiency.
Seven receivers were under 50% - Chambers (38.9%), Joey Galloway (43.7%), Braylon Edwards (48.8%), Greg Jennings (42.9%), Drew Bennett (46.9%), Randy Moss (43.3%) and Bryant (45.1%).
Fourteen players, or 1/3 of them, had an average per catch of 15 yards or more. I chose 15 as that included two of the players EBF mentioned for comparison - Burress (52.1%) and Berrian (50.5%), whom both were between 15 and 16 yards per catch.I don't have AB's drops numbers, but if he had a 50% target-to-catch ratio I think he'd be comparable to Berrian's production this season. Burress was certainly superior, but again it all goes back to the value of getting Bryant, and he was closer to Berrian than Burress - and we all know how cheap Berrian came this season. Burress had 30 more targets, so if AB could get more passes in his direction and get into the end zone more, he'd warrant better consideration.

 

[EBF]

Battle is a lot like David Givens. Decent player. Nothing more. I wouldn't bother with him in a dynasty draft.

I definitely see the 49ers making some moves to bolster the WR corps in the offseason. If Jarrett is still somehow available for them at 1.11, then I think they'll take him.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Actually, I think Battle is the problem and not the solution. Bryant had two big games to start the season. They could have been bigger if a couple of long TDs had not been called back on penalty. Then teams figured out they had to cover him, so he had to deal with double teams the rest of the season. I didn’t help matters when Davis went down at the same time. In my opinion, Battle and Johnson didn’t draw enough respect to give Bryant a realistic chance with Smith at QB. A better QB could have gotten him the ball anyway, but Smith is still learning. Personally, I think having Battle as their WR2 cost the 49ers a playoff spot this year.

Really?Battle had 60 catches on just 83 targets, posting almost as many yards (683 vs. 747 for AB) and both scored 3 times. Battle had a few extra yards rushing, so these players were nearly equal in FBG scoring. Battle was truly the fantasy steal of the two, especially in PPR leagues.Now, forgetting the FF implications, I can't see how Battle could really take that much away from AB. There's many teams with a possession-type receiver / move the chains kind of guy at WR2 to be the foil to a True #1 guy (see Keyshawn/SSmith, Rod Smith/JWalker, Toomer / Plaxico, etc.).

I think he is another Brandon Lloyd. Somebody had to catch passes for that team. The 49ers were 29th in passing yards. Like you said, there is difference between real football and fantasy football. I think the 49ers look to get Smith some more weapons this off-season. I think there is a good chance Battle is out of the starting lineup next year.

36 of his 59 catches were for a first down. I don't think that's very high.I like to look at that as a stat that points to him being a reliable "go to" receiver for Alex Smith, and I don't see it.I still like his catching the ball at over a 70% clip, though.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Battle is a lot like David Givens. Decent player. Nothing more. I wouldn't bother with him in a dynasty draft. I definitely see the 49ers making some moves to bolster the WR corps in the offseason. If Jarrett is still somehow available for them at 1.11, then I think they'll take him.

I'd agree on the Dynasty viewpoint on Battle - he won't amount to better than a WR3 long term or short term, but has a weekly fill-in flavor to him. That's WW fodder in most leagues, but if you are in a deep redraft or very deep Dynasty league, he might have some value.I'll have to re-check him on my Dynasty rankings - I think everyone over 50 is in danger of a demotion on my list.

 

[EBF]

Seven receivers were under 50% - Chambers (38.9%), Joey Galloway (43.7%), Braylon Edwards (48.8%), Greg Jennings (42.9%), Drew Bennett (46.9%), Randy Moss (43.3%) and Bryant (45.1%).

I also think it's important to consider who's throwing these guys the ball:Chambers - Harrington/Culpepper

Edwards - Frye/Anderson

Galloway - Simms/Gradkowski

Jennings - Favre

Bennett - Collins/Young

Moss - Brooks

Bryant - Smith

It could be worse, but that's not exactly a "who's who" of NFL QBs. I think a guy like McNabb, Brady, Roethlisberger, or Manning will automatically make a WR's reception % better due to better pass accuracy.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Seven receivers were under 50% - Chambers (38.9%), Joey Galloway (43.7%), Braylon Edwards (48.8%), Greg Jennings (42.9%), Drew Bennett (46.9%), Randy Moss (43.3%) and Bryant (45.1%).

I also think it's important to consider who's throwing these guys the ball:Chambers - Harrington/Culpepper

Edwards - Frye/Anderson

Galloway - Simms/Gradkowski

Jennings - Favre

Bennett - Collins/Young

Moss - Brooks

Bryant - Smith

It could be worse, but that's not exactly a "who's who" of NFL QBs. I think a guy like McNabb, Brady, Roethlisberger, or Manning will automatically make a WR's reception % better due to better pass accuracy.

I was with you 100% until you said Big Ben and McNabb and accuracy in the same sentence.... I've never been that impressed by Big Ben's accuracy, and McNabb is rather known for a lack of accuracy at times.

 

[cstu]

Seven receivers were under 50% - Chambers (38.9%), Joey Galloway (43.7%), Braylon Edwards (48.8%), Greg Jennings (42.9%), Drew Bennett (46.9%), Randy Moss (43.3%) and Bryant (45.1%).

I also think it's important to consider who's throwing these guys the ball:Chambers - Harrington/Culpepper

Edwards - Frye/Anderson

Galloway - Simms/Gradkowski

Jennings - Favre

Bennett - Collins/Young

Moss - Brooks

Bryant - Smith

It could be worse, but that's not exactly a "who's who" of NFL QBs. I think a guy like McNabb, Brady, Roethlisberger, or Manning will automatically make a WR's reception % better due to better pass accuracy.

I was with you 100% until you said Big Ben and McNabb and accuracy in the same sentence.... I've never been that impressed by Big Ben's accuracy, and McNabb is rather known for a lack of accuracy at times.

McNabb is all or nothing with regards to accuracy - either dead on or he'll bounce the ball off the ground. When he's on, he's very accurate but he'll throw those sinkers once in awhile that will leave you scratching your head.

 

[x260bm]

It also should be pointed out that Bryant is suspended for the first two games next year. He is a wait and see player, but it won’t cost a lot to get him in the off-season. If the 49ers improve their passing offense, he could be a good value play.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

I took him in the 7th round last year....and he performed pretty poorly over the course of the year.

Horribly inconsistant on a bad team.

I thought Smith would be developing.....He may be but not what I expected.

Arnez Battle is a clone of Bryant. Shrouded in Mediocrity,

I have the option to trade my no.7 pick to keep Bryant in o7....i will not do so.

You can do MUch better than Bryant. He had ONE good week. My league has 16 men, and I still think Bryant eludes our draft this year. We kinda need to get off this speculation that he may turn out, take Battle 1st...he'll at least play the first 2 weeks. Bryant wasnt worth having after week 2 this year.