Chaos Commish
Footballguy
This class of WRs was considered marginal to be kind, but it had intriguing depth. I drafted a few of them in a dynasty league and information has been hard to come by, but I think several situations are clearing up. So, some notes.
Jason Avant (4th), Hank Baskett (UDFA) - Philly
Baskett's getting a lot of playing time (and hype) and he is already penciled in to start. Avant is listed right behind him on the depth chart. Greg Lewis made his case recently, Pinkston is the veteran around here, so Gaffney may be on the chopping block. In three WR sets, it's very likely McNabb will have two rookies and Brown in his second year in the pattern. Baskett is getting the hype, but don't discount Avant as eventually turning into the more productive receiver.
Marques Colston (7th) and Mike Hass (6th) - Saints
A somewhat surprising development here. Colston is earning regular season targets and making a big impression on Brees who has been looking to Colston in the same situations he sought Gates in SD. He is listed as a TE in most fantasy leagues, but he is lining up wide and in the slot. Hass hasn't been making plays and seems a little dejected. While Colston has likely earned a role in the offense as a rookie, Hass is battling for a roster spot, probably headed for the practice squad.
Skyler Green (4th), Sam Hurd (UDFA), Miles Austin (UDFA) - Dallas
Green was drafted primarily to return punts and kicks, but he has a real challenge from Jamaica "Playmaka" Rector. Green could be cut, he could go to the practice squad like Rector a year ago. Things are very unsettled between Rector, Hurd, and Crayton for WR3, and Miles Austin (who I really liked prior to the draft) is the odd man out. If you saw Austin's TD, you know he can play in this league, but he's probably going to have to catch on elsewhere. I know the Chargers had some interest.
Greg Jennings (2nd), Cory Rodgers (4th) - Green Bay
Sounds like the Packers hit the jackpot on Jennings. He's been discussed enough. Rodgers was pretty pricey as a 4th rounder and it sounds like he's in the same spot as Skyler Green. Hoping he'd be a quality return man isn't working out, he's on the bubble, and may not make the squad.
Derek Hagan - 3rd round - Dolphins
After a miserable post season that saw him downgraded dramatically, he has more than met lowered expectations in Miami. A lock to make the team, likely WR3a with Welker and a threat to Booker before long. From the Miami Herald:
He hasn't had a great camp, but the competition is doing worse. He blew any easy play this weekend, and had a foolish penalty, but word is, he has secured the WR4 slot in KC. From Scout.com:
Brazell has played well enough to stick around on the practice squad, McNeal will likely make the roster, but he's a long way from playing time on this team. There's some talk that his heart is really in being a QB, and a rumored "decision" about his future may be coming.
Jonathan Orr - 6th round - Tennessee
After a shaky start, Orr has had some good to great days of practice. He's been listed as eye catching more than once, and reportedly made some spectacular plays. With Givens, Bennett, Jones, Roby, Williams, and Calico there, he may end up elsewhere... he may end the Calico experiment. Long way to the field of play though.
Brad Smith - 4th round - New York Jets
Smith made waves with the long reverse, but he's struggling to make the conversion from QB. The good news for him is the talent ahead of him isn't all that, and he's come a long way very fast. A recent article claims he's making an easy transition, but that doesn't seem to be the case. A respectable transition? Yes. Easy? No.
Santonio Holmes (1), Willie Reid (3rd) - Pittsburgh
Reid has locked up a job returning punts, and interestingly, seems to be stride for stride with Holmes in the offense. Holmes off field problems have been discussed at length, but he's doing a fine job learning and playing. I expect both of them to have big moments as rookies, but niether to make much of an impact overall, as rookies. If Reid is still available in deep dynasties, he shouldn't be.
Maurice Stovall - 3rd round - Tampa Bay
Stovall has given a nice accounting of himself in camp with 11 other receivers. Clayton and Galloway are the starters here, and David Boston is battling Ike Hilliard for the #3 slot. After them Stovall seems to be next in the pecking order and he could be considered 3c, as he and Boston are playing different roles. Gruden likes him. I think he'll snatch a few (3-5) TDs this season. He needs Galloway to retire to have a real impact.
Demetrius Williams - 4th round - Baltimore
They call him Spider Man.
I can't find much about Williams, except he should have an impact in the return game. Delanie Walker is making fans out of SF coaches. He's been looked at as a FB, a HB, a TE, a WR, and KR. He is a playmaker with a great size speed ratio. From Scout.com:
Jason Avant (4th), Hank Baskett (UDFA) - Philly
Baskett's getting a lot of playing time (and hype) and he is already penciled in to start. Avant is listed right behind him on the depth chart. Greg Lewis made his case recently, Pinkston is the veteran around here, so Gaffney may be on the chopping block. In three WR sets, it's very likely McNabb will have two rookies and Brown in his second year in the pattern. Baskett is getting the hype, but don't discount Avant as eventually turning into the more productive receiver.
Marques Colston (7th) and Mike Hass (6th) - Saints
A somewhat surprising development here. Colston is earning regular season targets and making a big impression on Brees who has been looking to Colston in the same situations he sought Gates in SD. He is listed as a TE in most fantasy leagues, but he is lining up wide and in the slot. Hass hasn't been making plays and seems a little dejected. While Colston has likely earned a role in the offense as a rookie, Hass is battling for a roster spot, probably headed for the practice squad.
Skyler Green (4th), Sam Hurd (UDFA), Miles Austin (UDFA) - Dallas
Green was drafted primarily to return punts and kicks, but he has a real challenge from Jamaica "Playmaka" Rector. Green could be cut, he could go to the practice squad like Rector a year ago. Things are very unsettled between Rector, Hurd, and Crayton for WR3, and Miles Austin (who I really liked prior to the draft) is the odd man out. If you saw Austin's TD, you know he can play in this league, but he's probably going to have to catch on elsewhere. I know the Chargers had some interest.
Greg Jennings (2nd), Cory Rodgers (4th) - Green Bay
Sounds like the Packers hit the jackpot on Jennings. He's been discussed enough. Rodgers was pretty pricey as a 4th rounder and it sounds like he's in the same spot as Skyler Green. Hoping he'd be a quality return man isn't working out, he's on the bubble, and may not make the squad.
Derek Hagan - 3rd round - Dolphins
After a miserable post season that saw him downgraded dramatically, he has more than met lowered expectations in Miami. A lock to make the team, likely WR3a with Welker and a threat to Booker before long. From the Miami Herald:
Miami 7th rounder Devin Aromashodu is in a battle with a half dozen others for the final WR spot. I think he has a shot because of solid special teams play. Jeff Webb - 6th round - Chiefs
He hasn't had a great camp, but the competition is doing worse. He blew any easy play this weekend, and had a foolish penalty, but word is, he has secured the WR4 slot in KC. From Scout.com:
Bennie Brazell (7th), Reggie McNeal (6th) - Cincy
Brazell has played well enough to stick around on the practice squad, McNeal will likely make the roster, but he's a long way from playing time on this team. There's some talk that his heart is really in being a QB, and a rumored "decision" about his future may be coming.
Jonathan Orr - 6th round - Tennessee
After a shaky start, Orr has had some good to great days of practice. He's been listed as eye catching more than once, and reportedly made some spectacular plays. With Givens, Bennett, Jones, Roby, Williams, and Calico there, he may end up elsewhere... he may end the Calico experiment. Long way to the field of play though.
Brad Smith - 4th round - New York Jets
Smith made waves with the long reverse, but he's struggling to make the conversion from QB. The good news for him is the talent ahead of him isn't all that, and he's come a long way very fast. A recent article claims he's making an easy transition, but that doesn't seem to be the case. A respectable transition? Yes. Easy? No.
Brandon Marshall (4th), Domenik Hixon (4th) - BroncosMarshall made an early splash with rave reports coming from Bronco camp. Then he sprained a knee ligament and missed several weeks. He is hoping to play in the 31st, but it's too late for him to move "back" ahead of Watts and/or Kircus (who's been surprising). Hixon broke his foot and his fate will be PUP or IR for this season. Both are quality athletes who could have bright futures in the NFL. Neither will likely do much this year do to the setbacks. I guess Marshall could be such a freak he picks up where he left off, but he missed a crucial stretch for a rookie.
Santonio Holmes (1), Willie Reid (3rd) - Pittsburgh
Reid has locked up a job returning punts, and interestingly, seems to be stride for stride with Holmes in the offense. Holmes off field problems have been discussed at length, but he's doing a fine job learning and playing. I expect both of them to have big moments as rookies, but niether to make much of an impact overall, as rookies. If Reid is still available in deep dynasties, he shouldn't be.
Maurice Stovall - 3rd round - Tampa Bay
Stovall has given a nice accounting of himself in camp with 11 other receivers. Clayton and Galloway are the starters here, and David Boston is battling Ike Hilliard for the #3 slot. After them Stovall seems to be next in the pecking order and he could be considered 3c, as he and Boston are playing different roles. Gruden likes him. I think he'll snatch a few (3-5) TDs this season. He needs Galloway to retire to have a real impact.
Sinorice Moss - 2nd round - GiantsHe's been battling an injured quad. Tim Carter is the clear #3 going into the season, and he could be set to have his break through season in Sinorice's rookie season.
Demetrius Williams - 4th round - Baltimore
They call him Spider Man.
Brandon Williams (3), Delanie Walker (6) - San Fran
I can't find much about Williams, except he should have an impact in the return game. Delanie Walker is making fans out of SF coaches. He's been looked at as a FB, a HB, a TE, a WR, and KR. He is a playmaker with a great size speed ratio. From Scout.com:
Of those impressing, I think Colston and Walker should be the easiest to pick up at this point.
