rookie WR class (1 Viewer)

[Bizkiteer]

Donnie Avery. The Rams were in need of a WR2, and had their choice of any of the 2008 WR's they wanted. Avery goes to a very good situation on a team with a great, but aging #1 WR, a top QB and RB, and no #2 WR to speak of. The defense is bad enough that the Rams should be throwing alot. I know Holt got down on Avery a bit during OTA's, but he may just be doing his job as a mentor for the young receiver. Also, the Rams have a pretty good track record at drafting WR's.

I think they drafted him for his potential upside, but Burton will be the better pro now and when their careers are over.

What do you base this on?

Burton was an excellent player in college. He showed the ability to get deep and run in the open field. He is versitile in that he can leap for balls very well, which helps in the redzone. More importantly, he can take a short route and turn it into a big gain. He's not a super physical type that will bowl someone over, but he is elusive and could take over games. He's basically strong or good in every area as a WR with no glaring weakness. He made Woodson look good on a regular basis and even excelled in the return game for Kentucky. He has an AWESOME junior year and nagging injuries is the only reason why he fell in the NFL draft. Prior to the Senior season, he was ranked in the top 5 of almost every expurt's list of top 5 WR's in college. Again, if he hadn't had the injuries he was one of the best receivers in this class. He very well could be the steal of the NFL draft, compared to where STL got him. I personally think they made up their mistake for drafting Avery so early, by taking Burton.

With that said, i think it is safe to say that Burton was drafted for his potential upside, and Avery is more of the sure thing. Certainly Burton looked good between his many injuries, but their was a reason Avery was the first WR taken in the draft and Burton the 20th.

You mean there is another reason than the fact that it provided a good laugh for the other 31 teams that Avery was the first WR taken? Don't kid yourself, just because he was the 1st WR taken...doesn't mean he was the best. Not saying I know more than a professional GM or scout, but there were plenty of teams that were stunned and still in shock that Avery was the first WR taken.

Sure, there were people surprised by the pick. But that's as much a testament to how much the Rams thought of him as anything else. Despite there being a number of WRs on the board who most "pundits" didn't expect would still be available, the Rams took their guy. Fantasy success = Ability + Opportunity. No greater endorsement of Avery's opportunity than the fact STL could've chosen any WR in the rookie class and opted for him.

You mentioned Avery beating out Bennett in previous post, but Avery is much more raw than Burton. Yes, he is great with the ball in his hands, but Avery is more suited for the slot. If Bennett is going to get beaten out...it's by Burton. As also the reason they took him high, someone else pointed out that he was more or less taken for his return ability as his receiving ability. Holt and Bennett are not deep threats, so they added speed for their 3 WR sets. I did not say Avery would be a bum, but pointed that I think Burton will do better this year and for his career over Avery.

Yeah, Avery probably doesnt fit the size/speed the Rams look for in a #2 WR.Isaac Bruce 6'0" 188, 4.31 forty

Donnie Avery 5'11" 190, 4.32 forty

Just saying.

There is this thing called style of play. An example, there is a reason Az hakim was a GREAT WR in the slot, while he didn't have great success as an outside WR. Shaun McDonald is another fine example of this type of player. If size was everything, Anthony Mix would be a BEAST. We all know he isn't...I'm not saying, but just saying..

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Avery or Sweed. The former could grab a lot of balls and the latter score a good number of TDs.Also, I like Jordy Nelson and Mario Manningham.

I like Nelson as a WR but I don't think he will get a chance to shine. He has too many better options ahead of him. Jennings, Driver and Jones will all probably play ahead of him for at least a couple years.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I like Royal better than most. It helps that the league I drafted him in has return points, but I think he's closer to being a good WR than most think.

 

[EBF]

I like Royal better than most. It helps that the league I drafted him in has return points, but I think he's closer to being a good WR than most think.

Yea, I agree. I have a good feeling about him. What I really like is how cheap he is compared to Avery/Thomas/Kelly/Sweed/Nelson. He was picked higher than a lot of those guys, but he's available several rounds later in most dynasty drafts. Very nice value. There's no reason why he can't win the long term #2 job in Denver. Everyone looks at him as strictly a return man, but teams don't use a high 2nd round pick on a punt returner. He's a talented receiver prospect.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I like Royal better than most. It helps that the league I drafted him in has return points, but I think he's closer to being a good WR than most think.

Yea, I agree. I have a good feeling about him. What I really like is how cheap he is compared to Avery/Thomas/Kelly/Sweed/Nelson. He was picked higher than a lot of those guys, but he's available several rounds later in most dynasty drafts. Very nice value. There's no reason why he can't win the long term #2 job in Denver. Everyone looks at him as strictly a return man, but teams don't use a high 2nd round pick on a punt returner. He's a talented receiver prospect.

No, they only use high 1st rounders for returners (ie Desmond Howard). Many would argue that Ginn is another example of a high pick used on a returner. Then again, Devin Hester was taken only 15 spots behind Royal in comparison. Granted, they were all taken for their return ability, but each team hopes they can grow and bring more to that table than just returns.

 

[Kleck]

Avery or Sweed. The former could grab a lot of balls and the latter score a good number of TDs.Also, I like Jordy Nelson and Mario Manningham.

I like Nelson as a WR but I don't think he will get a chance to shine. He has too many better options ahead of him. Jennings, Driver and Jones will all probably play ahead of him for at least a couple years.

Just my opinion, and other Packer fans may disagree, but I could Jennings being a possible contract issue/holdout. He'll be a RFA after the 2009 season, but he has already outplayed his current contract (2008 Base: $445,000), and might make some noise about a new one before this contract ends. Especially if he continues to improve and has a solid 2008 season. Donald Driver's contract doesn't end until after the 2010 season, but his cap hit this year is $5.68M, and I believe will be in that ball park again next year. Green Bay does have the cap room to afford Driver's contract and extend Jennings, but I'm not completely sold on the idea that Thompson will over pay to extend Jennings or let Driver finish out his contract if his performance drops. Thompson has done a great job finding WR talent, he keeps a very tight leash on the cap and he's confident/arrogant enough to believe he can find solid, cheaper replacements. So, and not to hijack the thread or start a debate, I could see Nelson getting a chance to shine sooner rather than later.

 

[EBF]

I like Royal better than most. It helps that the league I drafted him in has return points, but I think he's closer to being a good WR than most think.

Yea, I agree. I have a good feeling about him. What I really like is how cheap he is compared to Avery/Thomas/Kelly/Sweed/Nelson. He was picked higher than a lot of those guys, but he's available several rounds later in most dynasty drafts. Very nice value. There's no reason why he can't win the long term #2 job in Denver. Everyone looks at him as strictly a return man, but teams don't use a high 2nd round pick on a punt returner. He's a talented receiver prospect.

No, they only use high 1st rounders for returners (ie Desmond Howard). Many would argue that Ginn is another example of a high pick used on a returner. Then again, Devin Hester was taken only 15 spots behind Royal in comparison. Granted, they were all taken for their return ability, but each team hopes they can grow and bring more to that table than just returns.

Ted Ginn was a pretty productive WR in college. I'm still a bit puzzled why people were so surprised to see him go high in the draft. I had tabbed him as the potential WR2 and a possible top 15 pick before his final college season. He showed plenty of flashes at WR last season. I don't think it's really accurate to say he's just a return man. As for Hester, he's a KR/PR. I think Royal is strictly a PR. I can't remember a player being drafted in the the top 75 picks strictly because of his PR skills. Royal is definitely an underappreciated talent at WR. I don't mind the skepticism though. That's what makes him a good value play.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Avery is a dynamite athlete, but he plays small and I don't know if he has the X-factor to be great in the NFL. Lately I've been thinking that Eddie Royal is a better version of the same type of player. It will definitely be interesting to see how this WR class shakes out. It's a deck full of wild cards.

I like Royal as well. I do think he is slightly more returner than WR compared to Avery. I also think he has more competition for the #2 WR role. I also prefered Avery to Royal going into the draft, but i do think they are both pretty similar players, and Royal may have more value considering where both are going in rookie drafts. I especially like Royal in Zealots, or any league that scores for return yardage.

 

[shader]

Two sleeper picks are Eddie Royal of Denver and Harry Douglas at Atlanta.

Due to the success of Wes Welker last year, and the fact that both are more polished than most of the other rookie receivers, I could see both of these two WR's having some early success. I doubt either of them will ever be top ten number 1 receivers (I don't see many of those in this class anyway). But I think both could put up some solid numbers as a number 2.

Royal especially this year in Denver could surprise if Cutler really breaks out this year.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Donnie Avery. The Rams were in need of a WR2, and had their choice of any of the 2008 WR's they wanted. Avery goes to a very good situation on a team with a great, but aging #1 WR, a top QB and RB, and no #2 WR to speak of. The defense is bad enough that the Rams should be throwing alot. I know Holt got down on Avery a bit during OTA's, but he may just be doing his job as a mentor for the young receiver. Also, the Rams have a pretty good track record at drafting WR's.

I think they drafted him for his potential upside, but Burton will be the better pro now and when their careers are over.

What do you base this on?

Burton was an excellent player in college. He showed the ability to get deep and run in the open field. He is versitile in that he can leap for balls very well, which helps in the redzone. More importantly, he can take a short route and turn it into a big gain. He's not a super physical type that will bowl someone over, but he is elusive and could take over games. He's basically strong or good in every area as a WR with no glaring weakness. He made Woodson look good on a regular basis and even excelled in the return game for Kentucky. He has an AWESOME junior year and nagging injuries is the only reason why he fell in the NFL draft. Prior to the Senior season, he was ranked in the top 5 of almost every expurt's list of top 5 WR's in college. Again, if he hadn't had the injuries he was one of the best receivers in this class. He very well could be the steal of the NFL draft, compared to where STL got him. I personally think they made up their mistake for drafting Avery so early, by taking Burton.

With that said, i think it is safe to say that Burton was drafted for his potential upside, and Avery is more of the sure thing. Certainly Burton looked good between his many injuries, but their was a reason Avery was the first WR taken in the draft and Burton the 20th.

You mean there is another reason than the fact that it provided a good laugh for the other 31 teams that Avery was the first WR taken? Don't kid yourself, just because he was the 1st WR taken...doesn't mean he was the best. Not saying I know more than a professional GM or scout, but there were plenty of teams that were stunned and still in shock that Avery was the first WR taken.

Sure, there were people surprised by the pick. But that's as much a testament to how much the Rams thought of him as anything else. Despite there being a number of WRs on the board who most "pundits" didn't expect would still be available, the Rams took their guy. Fantasy success = Ability + Opportunity. No greater endorsement of Avery's opportunity than the fact STL could've chosen any WR in the rookie class and opted for him.

You mentioned Avery beating out Bennett in previous post, but Avery is much more raw than Burton. Yes, he is great with the ball in his hands, but Avery is more suited for the slot. If Bennett is going to get beaten out...it's by Burton. As also the reason they took him high, someone else pointed out that he was more or less taken for his return ability as his receiving ability. Holt and Bennett are not deep threats, so they added speed for their 3 WR sets. I did not say Avery would be a bum, but pointed that I think Burton will do better this year and for his career over Avery.

Yeah, Avery probably doesnt fit the size/speed the Rams look for in a #2 WR.Isaac Bruce 6'0" 188, 4.31 forty

Donnie Avery 5'11" 190, 4.32 forty

Just saying.

There is this thing called style of play. An example, there is a reason Az hakim was a GREAT WR in the slot, while he didn't have great success as an outside WR. Shaun McDonald is another fine example of this type of player. If size was everything, Anthony Mix would be a BEAST. We all know he isn't...I'm not saying, but just saying..

Hakim and Mcdonald were "great" slot WR's because of Mike Martz. Avery might not pan out they way the Rams hope, but i have no doubt they drafted him to be the #2 WR. They obviously thought he was the best WR in the class, and they do have a pretty good track record drafting WR's.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Per Rotoworld:

Earl Bennett-WR-Bears Jul. 24 - 1:36 am et

Coach Lovie Smith praised rookie wideout Earl Bennett after he made some dazzling catches on the first day of Bears training camp.

If there's one Bear who could really benefit from Devin Hester's holdout, it's Bennett. A big camp could have the third-round pick in the race to start.

 

[m_sell31]

Any chance Thomas returns some kicks? I know he was a great returner at State? I am in a ppr league where return yards help, if he catches 40 balls for 600 yards and 3tds, but has 1000 return yards, he has imediate value.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Any chance Thomas returns some kicks? I know he was a great returner at State? I am in a ppr league where return yards help, if he catches 40 balls for 600 yards and 3tds, but has 1000 return yards, he has imediate value.

Highly unlikely.

 

[mcintyre1]

Any chance Thomas returns some kicks? I know he was a great returner at State? I am in a ppr league where return yards help, if he catches 40 balls for 600 yards and 3tds, but has 1000 return yards, he has imediate value.

Highly unlikely.

Agreed... not likely with Randle El still on the team.

 

[ffguru56]

Two sleeper picks are Eddie Royal of Denver and Harry Douglas at Atlanta.Due to the success of Wes Welker last year, and the fact that both are more polished than most of the other rookie receivers, I could see both of these two WR's having some early success. I doubt either of them will ever be top ten number 1 receivers (I don't see many of those in this class anyway). But I think both could put up some solid numbers as a number 2.Royal especially this year in Denver could surprise if Cutler really breaks out this year.

Can short (say, under 6') WR excel in the NFL?

 

[The Man With No Name]

Two sleeper picks are Eddie Royal of Denver and Harry Douglas at Atlanta.Due to the success of Wes Welker last year, and the fact that both are more polished than most of the other rookie receivers, I could see both of these two WR's having some early success. I doubt either of them will ever be top ten number 1 receivers (I don't see many of those in this class anyway). But I think both could put up some solid numbers as a number 2.Royal especially this year in Denver could surprise if Cutler really breaks out this year.

Can short (say, under 6') WR excel in the NFL?

Ever hear of Steve Smith?

 

[Colin Dowling]

Two sleeper picks are Eddie Royal of Denver and Harry Douglas at Atlanta.Due to the success of Wes Welker last year, and the fact that both are more polished than most of the other rookie receivers, I could see both of these two WR's having some early success. I doubt either of them will ever be top ten number 1 receivers (I don't see many of those in this class anyway). But I think both could put up some solid numbers as a number 2.Royal especially this year in Denver could surprise if Cutler really breaks out this year.

Can short (say, under 6') WR excel in the NFL?

Yes. Some of the most productive guys in recent years were under 6 feet (Coles, S.Moss, S.Smith...)

 

[Bizkiteer]

STL Today.com

Rams Notes: Burton puts on a show

By Bill Coats

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

07/26/2008

MEQUON, WIS. — Once Donnie Avery hears how fellow rookie wide receiver Keenan Burton did Saturday in the opening practice of Rams training camp, he might be more motivated to get his name on a contract.

While Avery, the team's second-round draft choice, was awaiting a contract offer that meets with his approval, Burton, a fourth-round pick, was opening eyes at Concordia University.

The speedy Burton made three dazzling catches in 11-on-11 drills, one on each sideline and another across the middle. While showering Burton with praise, coach Scott Linehan also sent a message to Avery.

"When you put pads on, guys start to stand out," Linehan said. "If I was going to go on the first day, I would say (Burton has) a pretty good handle on things. I'm very excited about that."

Burton, 6 feet and 202 pounds, was impressive during spring workouts, too. Recovered from knee and ankle injuries that slowed his senior season at the University of Kentucky, Burton has his hot wheels back.

That was especially noticeable when he burst past cornerback Ron Bartell and hauled in a long pass down the left side. Still, Burton insisted he's not looking past Friday's two-hour practice.

"The goal is do everything the coach tells me to do every day ... compete and make plays," Burton said. "And if they feel like I'm fit to be ready to play in September, then I am. If not, I need to do what I (can) to be ready."

He chose diplomacy in addressing his showing in Avery's absence. "He's handling the situation the way he feels is best," Burton said. "We don't really play the same side (of the formation), so it's not really a competition between the two of us."

After a pause, he quipped, "But he needs to hurry and get here so I can have a roommate."

...and away we go!!!

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Two sleeper picks are Eddie Royal of Denver and Harry Douglas at Atlanta.Due to the success of Wes Welker last year, and the fact that both are more polished than most of the other rookie receivers, I could see both of these two WR's having some early success. I doubt either of them will ever be top ten number 1 receivers (I don't see many of those in this class anyway). But I think both could put up some solid numbers as a number 2.Royal especially this year in Denver could surprise if Cutler really breaks out this year.

Can short (say, under 6') WR excel in the NFL?

Yes. Some of the most productive guys in recent years were under 6 feet (Coles, S.Moss, S.Smith...)

Harry Douglas is an interesting sleeper.I think his success will be directly related to that of Matt Ryan. If he impresses in TC,then he could move up the depth chart as the ATL is WR situation is wide open.