Is this the year Donald Driver's "reverse slope" starts (1 Viewer)

[the branded hand]

I'm sure many here picked up Driver in later rounds over the years and were rewarded for it (save for '03 & possibly '07). But will he still be on track this coming year. I want to see 75/1100/7, but I'm growing more and more skeptical. Are there players poised to eat into his production, or does Driver have a lock on the X spot? Anyone else have any insights or similar concerns?

More importantly, are there any new late round flyers to take his place?

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Driver played very well last year. He still showed he was a threat deep as well as a crafty veteran in zones. He turned 34 years old last week however. 33 years old is kind of the magical age of WRs, as 30 is to RBs. I am not sure its quite as definitive as 30 is to RBs, but not too many guys are productive after it. (Marvin Harrison is now 36 and put up 656 yards this year after his 247 yards as a 35 year old.) The end of production as a FF player is near for Driver. The question is does he have a season or two left as a reliable 2/3 guy.

I think with the additional pressure of promising young players like James Jones and Jordy Nelson looking for more time, Driver may not be a good bet in 2009. His upside is probably his 2008 numbers, 74/1012/5. He will be a vital part of the Packer offense in 2009, its just whether or not he'll still be fantasy relevant. My guess is no (60/750/3).

I don't really have a great late rd substitute for him as Derrick Mason is probably the most comparable, and he's already 35.

 

[MAC_32]

If he's there late and you're a believer he'll be worth a shot at least. Most late round picks get sent back to waivers anyway, personally I think Jordy Nelson turns the corner next year and pushes Driver to a more limited role but I'm also higher on Jordy than most. Much higher, probably.

It's all about risk, I doubt Driver will carry much and with Mason/Engram 07 like upside if you still believe he'll be worth it in the double digit rounds.