Player Spotlight: Antonio Bryant (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2009 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 120 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Player Page Link: Antonio Bryant Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[Blackjacks]

I still can't believe Bryant was the #8 wr last year.

A few things have changed in Tampa Bay since last year though

Gruden's pass happy offense.......gone

Garcia........gone

D. Ward.........in

I still think Bryant can have a good year but not what he did last year

75 receptions

1100 yards

7 td's

 

[doubletrouble]

I still can't believe Bryant was the #8 wr last year.

A few things have changed in ampa Bay since last year though

Gruden's pass happy offense.......gone

Garcia........gone

D. Ward.........in

I still think Bryant can have a good year but not what he did last year

75 receptions

1100 yards

7 td's



No way he get over 65 rec 900 yds and 6td

Bucs will be aweful this year and run run run the ball

also with a rookie qb at the helm by week 7 = not good news for Bucs WRs

 

[Blackjacks]

I still can't believe Bryant was the #8 wr last year.

A few things have changed in ampa Bay since last year though

Gruden's pass happy offense.......gone

Garcia........gone

D. Ward.........in

I still think Bryant can have a good year but not what he did last year

75 receptions

1100 yards

7 td's



No way he get over 65 rec 900 yds and 6td

Bucs will be aweful this year and run run run the ball

also with a rookie qb at the helm by week 7 = not good news for Bucs WRs

I would think if you think they will be awful you would also think they would have to pass a little more. You usually don't see teams that losing in the second half of a game sticking to the run. I do think they will run more than they did last year but when they start losing in the second half it's bombs away.

 

[doubletrouble]

I would think if you think they will be awful you would also think they would have to pass a little more. You usually don't see teams that losing in the second half of a game sticking to the run. I do think they will run more than they did last year but when they start losing in the second half it's bombs away.

see raiders for that

 

[Blackjacks]

I would think if you think they will be awful you would also think they would have to pass a little more. You usually don't see teams that losing in the second half of a game sticking to the run. I do think they will run more than they did last year but when they start losing in the second half it's bombs away.

see raiders for that



but they are special

 

[doubletrouble]

see raiders for that



but they are special



can't argue with that!

 

[rzrback77]

Antonio Bryant burdt on the scene in 08, actaully reappearing like a Phoenix. He has better skills that most will admit as the tendency is to magnify his knuckleheadedness. He and TB lost their QB in the off-season, but they have possibilities to maintain their passing effectiveness. Leftwich has had his moments and is probably looking at his last opportunity. The Bucs added an awesome TE in Winslow and swapped an effective although elderly Dunn for the ex-Giant Derrick Ward. Both Ward and Graham are solid receiving RBs so even if Tampa limits their WR targets to primarily Bryant, they still have several folks to targer.

Anthony Bryant is slotted close to my expectations as WR 19 and 56 overall.

Anthony Bryant 140 targets 80 receptions 57% 1120 yards 14.0 ypc 8 TDs

 

[switz]

I still can't believe Bryant was the #8 wr last year.A few things have changed in ampa Bay since last year thoughGruden's pass happy offense.......goneGarcia........goneD. Ward.........inI still think Bryant can have a good year but not what he did last year75 receptions1100 yards7 td's

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time. 82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

 

[MAC_32]

Special talent with a $0.02 head, the one year contract should keep him motivated but you never know with him.

That's not my biggest concern though. Josh Freeman QB'ing is. With him under center I see Bryant little different than I saw Berrian last year. A lot of lemons with a few unpredictable big games mixed in, where he's going? Not worth it imo. If Leftwich gets the leg up in camp I'll move Bryant into the top 20 but if it's Freeman then he's hovering in WR3 territory, a place I don't expect him to fall.

 

[Spike]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

Antonio Bryant is a better WR than Jimmny Smith ever was?

Um, I've got to disagree on that one.

 

[valence]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

Antonio Bryant is a better WR than Jimmny Smith ever was?

Um, I've got to disagree on that one.

seriously.

 

[switz]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

Antonio Bryant is a better WR than Jimmny Smith ever was?

Um, I've got to disagree on that one.

From a talent and physical ability standpoint, yeah... Bryant was a Biletnikoff winner, as a sophomore, joined only by Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, and Michael Crabtree. Outstanding company. Bryant is the elite of the elite when it comes to physical ability as a WR.The problem is keeping his head in the game.

In 10 seasons, Smith only had 3 better than what Bryant did last season. And Bryant did it with three different QBs throwing him passes last year, maybe only Garcia the calibre of Mark Brunell in his prime.

Bryant also put up over 1,000 yards with Trent Dilfer and Charlie Frye at QB.

As long as he keeps his head on straight, he has 3 or 4 years in this league to make a big impact. I'm pretty sure being on a one year deal will motivate him to keep working hard.

 

[doubletrouble]

seriously.



Bryant wishes he could have a career like J Smith...he did it year in and year out..A Bryant does it every 3 years and falls off

Look at J Smith stats and then please don't compare or even mention Bryant being better than J Smith

 

[Steed]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

Antonio Bryant is a better WR than Jimmny Smith ever was?

Um, I've got to disagree on that one.

From a talent and physical ability standpoint, yeah... Bryant was a Biletnikoff winner, as a sophomore, joined only by Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, and Michael Crabtree. Outstanding company. Bryant is the elite of the elite when it comes to physical ability as a WR.The problem is keeping his head in the game.

In 10 seasons, Smith only had 3 better than what Bryant did last season. And Bryant did it with three different QBs throwing him passes last year, maybe only Garcia the calibre of Mark Brunell in his prime. Bryant also put up over 1,000 yards with Derek Anderson at QB. Bryant made Anderson look good, as we saw last year how Anderson fared without him.

As long as he keeps his head on straight, he has 3 or 4 years in this league to make a big impact. I'm pretty sure being on a one year deal will motivate him to keep working hard.

FYI - Derek Anderson never completed a pass to Antonio Bryant.

 

[joffer]

In 10 seasons, Smith only had 3 better than what Bryant did last season. And Bryant did it with three different QBs throwing him passes last year, maybe only Garcia the calibre of Mark Brunell in his prime. Bryant also put up over 1,000 yards with Derek Anderson at QB. Bryant made Anderson look good, as we saw last year how Anderson fared without him.As long as he keeps his head on straight, he has 3 or 4 years in this league to make a big impact. I'm pretty sure being on a one year deal will motivate him to keep working hard.

FYI - Derek Anderson never completed a pass to Antonio Bryant.

forget it, he's rolling

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

In 10 seasons, Smith only had 3 better than what Bryant did last season. And Bryant did it with three different QBs throwing him passes last year, maybe only Garcia the calibre of Mark Brunell in his prime. Bryant also put up over 1,000 yards with Derek Anderson at QB. Bryant made Anderson look good, as we saw last year how Anderson fared without him.As long as he keeps his head on straight, he has 3 or 4 years in this league to make a big impact. I'm pretty sure being on a one year deal will motivate him to keep working hard.

FYI - Derek Anderson never completed a pass to Antonio Bryant.

forget it, he's rolling

To me bryant is a avoid player.

 

[switz]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

Antonio Bryant is a better WR than Jimmny Smith ever was?

Um, I've got to disagree on that one.

From a talent and physical ability standpoint, yeah... Bryant was a Biletnikoff winner, as a sophomore, joined only by Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, and Michael Crabtree. Outstanding company. Bryant is the elite of the elite when it comes to physical ability as a WR.The problem is keeping his head in the game.

In 10 seasons, Smith only had 3 better than what Bryant did last season. And Bryant did it with three different QBs throwing him passes last year, maybe only Garcia the calibre of Mark Brunell in his prime. Bryant also put up over 1,000 yards with Derek Anderson at QB. Bryant made Anderson look good, as we saw last year how Anderson fared without him.

As long as he keeps his head on straight, he has 3 or 4 years in this league to make a big impact. I'm pretty sure being on a one year deal will motivate him to keep working hard.

FYI - Derek Anderson never completed a pass to Antonio Bryant.

Ah, that's what I get for not looking at the year's he played in CLE, I thought he was there in '06, but he was in SF.

 

[dirty_martini]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

I just choked on my coffee ... Are you serious?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was,

Jimmy Smith 1996-2002:

2002 80 1,027 7

2001 112 1,373 8

2000 91 1,213 8

1999 116 1,636 6

1998 78 1,182 8

1997 82 1,324 4

1996 83 1,244 7

Umm, Switz... not to put too fine a point on it, but all that talk about Derek Anderson has left you more confused than you realize.Jimmy Smith put up three consecutive seasons where he averaged 106-1407-7.

And seven straight seasons where he averaged 92-1286-7.

 

[switz]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

I just choked on my coffee ... Are you serious?

Let's see... let's compare their careers up through age 27, as Bryant will be 28 this year:Smith through age 27 had 105 rec, 1,532 yards, 14.6 YPC, 10 TDs

Bryant through age 27 has 333 rec, 5,085 yards, 15.3 YPC, 26 TDs

Bryant had his first 1,000 yard season at 24 years old, Smith at 27 years old.

If you want to compare their first 6 years, they are pretty comparable:

Smith's first 6 years compiled 381 rec, 5,674 yards, 14.9 YPC, 28 TDs

Bryant's first 6 years compiled 333 rec, 5,085 yards, 15.3 YPC, 26 TDs

Smith put up his numbers with some pretty solid QB play in Brunell, then decent play with Leftwich

Bryant has done it with pretty horrible QBs in Chad Hutchinson, Quincy Carter, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Alex Smith, Brian Griese, and finally a decent QB in Jeff Garcia

Bryant entered the league with high expectations, Smith was put on the practice squad.

There's nothing to guarantee that Bryant will go on to have 8-1,000 yard seasons after the age of 27, like Smith did, but he clearly has the talent to do so. He's just entering his prime, and he's at this age accomplished much more than Smith had.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

I just choked on my coffee ... Are you serious?

Let's see... let's compare their careers up through age 27, as Bryant will be 28 this year:Smith through age 27 had 105 rec, 1,532 yards, 14.6 YPC, 10 TDs

Bryant through age 27 has 333 rec, 5,085 yards, 15.3 YPC, 26 TDs

Bryant had his first 1,000 yard season at 24 years old, Smith at 27 years old.

If you want to compare their first 6 years, they are pretty comparable:

Smith's first 6 years compiled 381 rec, 5,674 yards, 14.9 YPC, 28 TDs

Bryant's first 6 years compiled 333 rec, 5,085 yards, 15.3 YPC, 26 TDs

Smith put up his numbers with some pretty solid QB play in Brunell, then decent play with Leftwich

Bryant has done it with pretty horrible QBs in Chad Hutchinson, Quincy Carter, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Alex Smith, Brian Griese, and finally a decent QB in Jeff Garcia

Bryant entered the league with high expectations, Smith was put on the practice squad.

There's nothing to guarantee that Bryant will go on to have 8-1,000 yard seasons after the age of 27, like Smith did, but he clearly has the talent to do so. He's just entering his prime, and he's at this age accomplished much more than Smith had.

you think Bryants QB play will be improved this season? I dont

 

[switz]

and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was,

Jimmy Smith 1996-2002:

2002 80 1,027 7

2001 112 1,373 8

2000 91 1,213 8

1999 116 1,636 6

1998 78 1,182 8

1997 82 1,324 4

1996 83 1,244 7

Umm, Switz... not to put too fine a point on it, but all that talk about Derek Anderson has left you more confused than you realize.Jimmy Smith put up three consecutive seasons where he averaged 106-1407-7.

And seven straight seasons where he averaged 92-1286-7.

But... the 1996 season that kicked off that 7-year stint Smith was 27 years old. Bryant was 27 last year. By that point in time, Bryant had already accomplished far more than Smith had. Here's Smith's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,244 yds, 14.98 YPC, 7 TDs

Here's Bryant's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,248 yds, 15.03 YPC, 7 TDs

 

[switz]

you think Bryants QB play will be improved this season? I dont

He'll have the same QB that Jimmy Smith put up multiple 1,000 yard seasons with. I don't see how his QB play could be any worse either, if you recall Brian Griese started I believe 5 games last year.

 

[Demian]

Here's a guy that I rode to the championship game last year and won't even be trying to draft him this year. I don't like the changes in Tampa and especially don't like the QB situation so I'm avoiding Antonio.

 

[-jb-]

i'll be thrilled if he falls to me as a WR3...i'll pass at WR2.

 

[waybackwhen]

and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was,

Jimmy Smith 1996-2002:

2002 80 1,027 7

2001 112 1,373 8

2000 91 1,213 8

1999 116 1,636 6

1998 78 1,182 8

1997 82 1,324 4

1996 83 1,244 7

Umm, Switz... not to put too fine a point on it, but all that talk about Derek Anderson has left you more confused than you realize.Jimmy Smith put up three consecutive seasons where he averaged 106-1407-7.

And seven straight seasons where he averaged 92-1286-7.

But... the 1996 season that kicked off that 7-year stint Smith was 27 years old. Bryant was 27 last year. By that point in time, Bryant had already accomplished far more than Smith had. Here's Smith's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,244 yds, 14.98 YPC, 7 TDs

Here's Bryant's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,248 yds, 15.03 YPC, 7 TDs

So, by looking at the stats, Smith averaged for seven straight years what it took the stars aligning perfectly for Bryant to achieve those numbers. I'll pass on him unless he falls terribly far in my drafts.

 

[Jason Wood]

Not sure how this got devolved into an Antonio Bryant vs. Jimmy Smith discussion, but let's get back on track. It's fair to say Bryant was one of the most shocking players last season, and the Bucs obviously think he can repeat, which is why they moved quickly to franchise him. But as others have pointed out, the Bucs have immense uncertainty this year. New coach, new OC, a passel of new passers [with no idea who gets the Week One start], a new RB into the mix, a new All Pro tight end. How will things shake out? I honestly think we can't base anything in 2009 on what happened in the Gruden Era, which means you're flying blind here.

But intuitively, Bryant should be the WR1 and one of the top 2 targets. Does that make him an attractive option at his current ADP? Where would YOU draft him if you had the chance?

 

[jaybebo]

Antonio Bryant is an extraordinary talent...I would even put him in the same category as T.O. based on physical ability to play the position...however, his focus needs to be on the game and not on things going on in his life outside of the game...Parcells saw his ability, but just could not put up with his inability to respect the coaching staff much less the head coach...

I believe he will see around 75/950/8...I believe that Tampa will utilize him and Winslow accordingly and much like Dallas has used T.O. and Witten over the past three seasons...with Ward in the backfield and Graham complimenting...defenses cannot swing to Bryant's side of the field...he should have a solid season...

 

[Ned]

Total fools gold, IMO. People are way underestimating the risk associated with this character. I'm all for guys turning it around, but color me 100% skeptical that he can keep it on the straight and narrow.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

Antonio Bryant is a better WR than Jimmny Smith ever was?

Um, I've got to disagree on that one.

seriously.

not better, but more natural talent for sure. JS was Hines ward without the defensive licks.

 

[therokie0070]

if he falls in the draft and you get him as a WR3/4 he is one of those players who could help you win it all. He could be average or finish in the top 5 any year making him a risk I will take for the right price!!!!

 

[-jb-]

if he falls in the draft and you get him as a WR3/4 he is one of those players who could help you win it all. He could be average or finish in the top 5 any year making him a risk I will take for the right price!!!!

this says it pretty well for me. if he's there in the 5th, i will take him. probably won't be though.

 

[stewartcjae]

Leftwich led Jimmy Smith to two 1,000+ yard seasons, and Bryant is a better WR than Smith ever was, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Ward and Graham will give the team a solid running game, and Leftwich some time.

82 receptions, 1280 yards, 9 TDs.

I just choked on my coffee ... Are you serious?

Let's see... let's compare their careers up through age 27, as Bryant will be 28 this year:Smith through age 27 had 105 rec, 1,532 yards, 14.6 YPC, 10 TDs

Bryant through age 27 has 333 rec, 5,085 yards, 15.3 YPC, 26 TDs

Bryant had his first 1,000 yard season at 24 years old, Smith at 27 years old.

If you want to compare their first 6 years, they are pretty comparable:

Smith's first 6 years compiled 381 rec, 5,674 yards, 14.9 YPC, 28 TDs

Bryant's first 6 years compiled 333 rec, 5,085 yards, 15.3 YPC, 26 TDs

Smith put up his numbers with some pretty solid QB play in Brunell, then decent play with Leftwich

Bryant has done it with pretty horrible QBs in Chad Hutchinson, Quincy Carter, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Alex Smith, Brian Griese, and finally a decent QB in Jeff Garcia

Bryant entered the league with high expectations, Smith was put on the practice squad.

There's nothing to guarantee that Bryant will go on to have 8-1,000 yard seasons after the age of 27, like Smith did, but he clearly has the talent to do so. He's just entering his prime, and he's at this age accomplished much more than Smith had.

Sorry but Technically you are right, but really not sure any one else would count a year where he got hardly any snaps, and a year he was mainly a returner. Those first 2 years he hardly lined up at WR. Once given the opportunity Smith started contributing in a big way. Back to Bryant.....has had 2 solid seasons, and has showed flashes throughout his career. Personally, with the changes to the system, coach, qb.....I just dont think he will produce like he did the year before. He will probably go too high for my liking.

70rec 1000yd 7tds

 

[citsalp]

if he falls in the draft and you get him as a WR3/4 he is one of those players who could help you win it all. He could be average or finish in the top 5 any year making him a risk I will take for the right price!!!!

WR 3/4, I think many are closing there eyes to his talents...Blockhead yes...But he's in a contract year. He's not that stupid , I've followed him for years. He has always placed blame on others, without recognizing, he was also to blame. $$$...This is the year to own him. "I hope"I'll gladly take him as WR2...with the potential to be WR1.In a dynasty league...I wouldnt bet the farm...but this year, and I don't care who the QB is, he will exceed..79-1141- and 9 TDs.Boneheads know when contract years come up...

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

Knucklehead,yes, but may be trying to change that. Sometimes some players just need to mature a little and go to the right situation which Bryant may have seemed to have found. Since it is his contract year he'll play hard but that will have nothing to do with the amount of targets he sees. QB situation won't be resolved until training camp. Unless Freeman completely wows them in camp and really picks up the playbook I can't see them starting him. Bryant's chances for success this year lie more with Leftwich or McCown. Bucs added some players so his opps may reduce slightly. Ward and KWII will take away some targets.

65-75 receptions

1000-1100 yards

7-8 tds

He's 28 so he'll play good enough to get a contract but will it be enough money? If he doesn't improve on last years numbers, which could be hard to do, I don't see the Bucs offering him the contract HE may have in mind. We'll find out about his maturity after this year.

 

[facook]

i'll be thrilled if he falls to me as a WR3...i'll pass at WR2.

This.Too much risk to take as a WR2. Too much potential to pass as a WR3.

 

[switz]

But... the 1996 season that kicked off that 7-year stint Smith was 27 years old. Bryant was 27 last year. By that point in time, Bryant had already accomplished far more than Smith had.

Here's Smith's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,244 yds, 14.98 YPC, 7 TDs

Here's Bryant's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,248 yds, 15.03 YPC, 7 TDs

So, by looking at the stats, Smith averaged for seven straight years what it took the stars aligning perfectly for Bryant to achieve those numbers. I'll pass on him unless he falls terribly far in my drafts.

And let's see, prior to Smith ever hitting those numbers he had played one season, then got booted to the practice squad because he SUCKED, got moved back up as a kick returner, and finally after 4 years in the league had a decent season. What would you have said to people then who were predicting Smith would continue to have success?The stars must have aligned perfectly because his previous years were rubbish.

I'm also wondering how the stars aligned perfectly? Great QB - No. Pass happy O - No. Great supporting offensive cast to allow him single coverage - No. Sorry, I just don't buy it.

Bryant has at least proven he has elite level talent. The reasons to doubt his continued excellence are far lesser than the reasons to think he'll succeed.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

But... the 1996 season that kicked off that 7-year stint Smith was 27 years old. Bryant was 27 last year. By that point in time, Bryant had already accomplished far more than Smith had.

Here's Smith's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,244 yds, 14.98 YPC, 7 TDs

Here's Bryant's season at 27:

83 rec, 1,248 yds, 15.03 YPC, 7 TDs

So, by looking at the stats, Smith averaged for seven straight years what it took the stars aligning perfectly for Bryant to achieve those numbers. I'll pass on him unless he falls terribly far in my drafts.

And let's see, prior to Smith ever hitting those numbers he had played one season, then got booted to the practice squad because he SUCKED, got moved back up as a kick returner, and finally after 4 years in the league had a decent season. What would you have said to people then who were predicting Smith would continue to have success?The stars must have aligned perfectly because his previous years were rubbish.

I'm also wondering how the stars aligned perfectly? Great QB - No. Pass happy O - No. Great supporting offensive cast to allow him single coverage - No. Sorry, I just don't buy it.

Bryant has at least proven he has elite level talent. The reasons to doubt his continued excellence are far lesser than the reasons to think he'll succeed.

Give it up Switz. Jimmy Smith had a good career - not just one big year. Bryant has been incredibly inconsistent and Smith was solid year after year until his skills finally faded.

 

[switz]

Give it up Switz. Jimmy Smith had a good career - not just one big year. Bryant has been incredibly inconsistent and Smith was solid year after year until his skills finally faded.

Come on, do I ever give up? Seriously though - if this wasn't Antonio Bryant, everyone would be falling all over this guy. Everyone who passes on him is going to regret it.

 

[baconisgood]

Question 1. Will Kellen Winslow take targets away from Bryant? I don't see why he would. The Bucs targeted their TEs 116 times last year- thats plenty of targets to shove toward KWIII without tapping into Bryants targets by more than a handful.

Q2. Will the Acquisition of D Ward take plays away from Bryant? I don't see why again. Warrick Dunn had 68 targets and 47 receptions last year, and TB had 451 total carries. One large concern is that TB ran the 6th most plays in the league last year- a decline in total number of plays could mean a decline in targets for sure.

Q3. QB situation. If Leftwich is the Q I drop AB on my board. Leftwich is exactly the wrong kind of QB to lead a team with a good pass catching TE and RBs. Big arm, poor accuracy will lead to a handful of spectacular plays and many stalled drives. A smarter more accurate QB would do better for this offense- and AB will still be getting targeted (though his y/r could drop). If its the rook its probably better than Leftwich.

Q4. Can Bryant keep his head out of his ###? I think the indications are very positive. He sat out the 2007 season but kept in shape and clicked into the TB offense very quickly and hasn't been heard from negatively this off season. He is also playing under a tag meaning his performance will directly affect his next pay day.

Will get #1 targets and will do a good job with them.

I see a repeat of last years totals.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Give it up Switz. Jimmy Smith had a good career - not just one big year. Bryant has been incredibly inconsistent and Smith was solid year after year until his skills finally faded.

Come on, do I ever give up? Seriously though - if this wasn't Antonio Bryant, everyone would be falling all over this guy. Everyone who passes on him is going to regret it.

Those bad character guys make me nervous. But I do think Bryant will still go pretty high based upon his finish.I remember drafting him a few years ago as a sleeper and he did nothing.

 

[two_dollars]

The new coordinator has expressed more interest in a vertical passing attack. Does this help Bryant or hurt him?

I got him as a WR3 in a PPR league (actually picked him over Edwards, Royal, Deshaun Jackson, Anthony Gonzalez, and Vincent Jackson) and if I get 70-1050-7 I'd be thrilled as can be.

 

[Rovers]

That is why the OC was fired, reporedly... not enough downfield passes. I think Bryant had no catches in preseason, and Clayton had only 2. I drafted Bryant in the 7th round in one league... worth a gamble there I think, we shall see.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

That is why the OC was fired, reporedly... not enough downfield passes. I think Bryant had no catches in preseason, and Clayton had only 2. I drafted Bryant in the 7th round in one league... worth a gamble there I think, we shall see.

He's hurt I think

 

[-jb-]

Got him as my WR3...I think he'll produce. Leftwich may not be the best QB, but he can wing it. He's been back at practice for over a week now, with no reported setbacks. His return to practice has been very quiet, and I'm interpreting that as a good thing.

 

[Rovers]

That is why the OC was fired, reporedly... not enough downfield passes. I think Bryant had no catches in preseason, and Clayton had only 2. I drafted Bryant in the 7th round in one league... worth a gamble there I think, we shall see.

He's hurt I think

Both he and Clayton battled hamstring problems in preseason, which is part of why they did nothing in these meaningless games. Reports I've read say they should both be OK for game 1.

 

[-jb-]

That is why the OC was fired, reporedly... not enough downfield passes. I think Bryant had no catches in preseason, and Clayton had only 2. I drafted Bryant in the 7th round in one league... worth a gamble there I think, we shall see.

He's hurt I think

Both he and Clayton battled hamstring problems in preseason, which is part of why they did nothing in these meaningless games. Reports I've read say they should both be OK for game 1.

Uh, no. Actually, Bryant had arthroscopic surgery to repair his meniscus. He's been rehabbing for a month. No hammie.eta - sorry, just saw the hammie. he hasnt missed any game time from it, though.

 

[Lord Lucan]

Fantasy points, PPR league, each player's last eight games of 2008 regular season.

Antonio Bryant 152

Andre Johnson 151

Larry Fitzgerald 149

Calvin Johnson 133

Steve Smith 133

Marques Colston 132

Wes Welker 130

I understand the reasons why people might think he will fall back this year, but that's a pretty lofty ceiling given his current ADP in comparison with the other guys on this list.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

After the surgery news he started falling a lot. I didn't specifically target him but he is my WR3 on a couple teams. Not sure I'll start him in Week 1, but he's still in a decent fantasy situation. Experienced QB, not the only guy who defenses can focus on, team will be behind and need to throw fairly often.