Player Spotlight: Mark Clayton (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Player Page Link: Mark Clayton 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 sustainable 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: 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 TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[kurtrudder]

80 receptions

1150 yds

9 TD's

Since he has established himself as the primary target in the Baltimore offense, I expect big things from him with his speed and game breaking ability. I wouldn't be surprised for him to be overlooked/undervalued in many drafts since the Ravens offense hasn't really set the world on fire over the past few years. The addition of McGahee will add further balance and give their offense a better opportunity to shine......Clayton being one of the major contributors and benefactors

I think he will continue to develop and perhaps 2008 his numbers will be even better with double digit TD's as the Ravens offense improves.

 

[TaxMan]

80 receptions1150 yds9 TD'sSince he has established himself as the primary target in the Baltimore offense, I expect big things from him with his speed and game breaking ability. I wouldn't be surprised for him to be overlooked/undervalued in many drafts since the Ravens offense hasn't really set the world on fire over the past few years. The addition of McGahee will add further balance and give their offense a better opportunity to shine......Clayton being one of the major contributors and benefactorsI think he will continue to develop and perhaps 2008 his numbers will be even better with double digit TD's as the Ravens offense improves.

Clayton is good, but i dont believe he will reach those numbers in BAL. Heap is still the 1A target, along with an aging QB.70-1000-7

 

[shadyridr]

I love Clayton's ability and think he is a major deep threat. But the fact is this is still a run first, defensive team and Heap is still their #1 target.

70 rec, 1050 yds, 6 tds, -100 yds rush, 0 tds

 

[Banger]

80-1050-7

 

[BGP]

The thing to look at with the Ravens offense is the firing of Fassel as offensive co-ordinator after week 6.

+ Todd heap averaged 39 yards per game with Fassel. After Fassel, he averaged 53 yards per game.

+ Clayton averaged 48 yards per game with Fassel. After Fassel, his average rose to 65.2 yards per game.

I could see a full-year without Fassel, coupled with self-improvement, leading to Clayton's best year yet.

75 - 1100 - 7.

 

[rzrback77]

Mark Clayton is a first round drafted third year WR that came into his own for the Baltimore Ravens in 2006. Consider that his targets increased from 86 in his first year to 114, an increase of 33%. Consider that his receiving yardage went up from 471 to 939, an increase of 99% and his ypc went from 10.7 to 14.0. Reports at the Ravens first minicamp stated that he had gained 10 pounds in an effort to increase his strength.

Additionally, in the first half of 06, Mason was the favorite target, having 55 against Clayton's 44. But in the second half of the year, Clayton turned the tables as he was targeted 70 to Mason's 57. Clayton's per game target went from 5.5 per game to 8.8.

I believe that his play will continue to improve in 07. I give him 130 targets 78 catches 1100 yds (14.1 ypc) and 8 TDs.

 

[tombonneau]

If your league awards bonus points for TDs off deflected passes, Clayton is 1.1, easy.



Seriously though, loved Mark Clayton coming out of college. Was good to see him start to develop this year.

From a FF, I don't think in the BAL offense he is ever going to consistantly be much more than a WR3.

HOWEVER, savvy owners will keep an eye on this talented WR. If he ends up going to a quality offensive team in FA, Clayton could be a solid FF WR.

Just not in BAL (given Heap and the consistant lack of BAL passing stats year in and year out).

I'm not a stat guy so won't predict, but i'd be shocked if he had >65.

EDIT.

Nevermind. He had >65 catches last year. I guess I'll just be shocked if he is a consistant WR2. He's a v. good WR3, with potential if Mason goes down.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

If your league awards bonus points for TDs off deflected passes, Clayton is 1.1, easy.

He's the king of the tip drill for offense. In his defense, one of those two was actually intended for him IIRC, and it shows his outstanding concentration.

 

[a_troll00]

This guy is going to be a great value pick, IMO. I've been expecting big things out of him since watching him play at Oklahoma. He showed real signs of promise the latter part of his rookie year, and last year he really started coming out unto his own.

Starting off at WR2 last season, he finished as WR1 and had 67 receptions for 939 yards. This year we will see even more improvement from him.

80/1100/9

Clayton will be an absolute steal from the 6-9 round range.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I like Clayton's talent, but just don't see a monster year coming in Baltimore. Two main resons:

1. The Ravens are a defensively-oriented football team. This was a balanced team last year, and it went out and made a splash in free agency, getting McGahee to improve the running game. You've also got an aging QB in Mc Nair who has taken more than his share of hits and could fall off the table at any time. As much as Billick likes to throw, he knows when not to throw as well, a situation that comes up all the time when you're as good on defense as Baltimore.

2. Clayton isn't much of a target in the red zone. This team has Todd Heap at TE and even Daniel Wilcox caught three touchdowns last year. Clayton has to get his touchdowns off of long passes, and there's a lot of variance in how often those occur.

For those reasons I predict only marginal improvements for Clayton this year:

70/1015/6

 

[BigRed]

bump

It's amazing how many dirt-cheap WRs will get at least 1000/6 this year. He might but I'm not convinced.

 

[Banger]

bumpIt's amazing how many dirt-cheap WRs will get at least 1000/6 this year. He might but I'm not convinced.

He's got a good shot IMO. Last year, he started as the #2 wr and took over by the end of the year. Ya, the Ravens aren't the most pass happy offense but I know they want to stretch the field this year and that means more Clayton/D. Williams. His downside is fairly high and I wouldn't be shocked if he got 8 td's. He's a good upside pick.

 

[kevthegrad]

How bad is the ankle injury? Will he be healthy in time for week 1?