Wide Receiver Rankings

Comments

24 responses to “Wide Receiver Rankings”

1. 

   db

   August 30, 2007

   RS,
   Good stuff as always. I especially appreciate how in the middle to late tiers of your wr rankings (and I guess now that I think about it, in your top tier as well), you’re not just going with everybody else’s fluff…

   In the top group, you’ve got me convinced on Lee Evans for sure. I’m just hoping his preseason performances haven’t caught everyone else in my draft’s attention. Also surprised to see Housh-your-mama up so high as well. I’ve been high on him also, and think he’s a much better value pick and more consistent than Chad, but I haven’t had the courage to move him that far up. Any qualms with Cincy’s slow start on offense in preseason? I know… it’s just preseason…

   Other’s of interest: I’ve moved Plexiglass down out of my top tier. I know the Giants are going to pass more this year, but his injuries have finally given me the excuse I’ve been waiting for to go with his attitude to drop him (rightly or wrongly… I hope rightly.)

   Also surprised to see you move Reggie Brown into the first tier as well. He’s a guy I’ve moved up my rankings tons, but just not into that top tier. He is one of my targets in the top 2nd tier though.

   Why the hate for Driver? I love the guy… is this just his injury talking or James Jones stealing from him?

   Curry… another guy similar to Brown… Everybody loves him, I’ve moved him up, but still not as high as you’ve got him.

   Any thoughts on BMarshall? He’s another everybody has fallen in love with (especially here in Bronco territory.) He’s in my fourth tier right now and I almost moved him up into my third tier. Probably just buying into the homer hype…

   Sorry this is too long to respond to and I’ve thrown out so many names… Thanks again for sharing your rankings and your time and thoughts.

   db

2. 

   Keith

   August 30, 2007

   I like Marshall a lot…but I’m definitely drafting him as a reserve and hoping he develops and starts contributing in the 2nd half.

3. 

   tvac

   August 30, 2007

   I certainly hope Marshall is the real deal. He lasted pretty long in the draft but as fate would have it I have him as my third wr. It is either him or Crayton that I need to break out. Wide receivers went early and often in my draft this year. It allowed me to get the running backs I wanted but by the time I looked around for a third wr the pickings were slim. I hope that Wayne turns out to be the third best wr out there since I got him at the end of the second. I’m starting to second guess taking Gates with the first pick in the third but I wanted a comfort level at tight end and knew he wasn’t going to last another 23 picks 🙂

4. 

   randy

   August 30, 2007

   iam havent been able to trade brandon jacobs and i still have a bad feeling, iam starting to think of trading him for norwood, am i nuts but i still think norwood has bigger upside—————thanks randy

5. 

   Kritter77

   August 30, 2007

   Drafted one last team, had to use the free prize eligible team from ESPN after the Baseball screw up, so from the 6 spot I chose this group.

   QB – Marc Bulger, Ben Roethlisberger
   RB – Joseph Addai, Fred Taylor, Warrick Dunn, Leon Washington, Reuben Droughns
   WR – Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Jerricho Cotchery, Bernard Berrian, Jerry Porter
   TE – Kellen Winslow Jr
   K – Robbie Gould
   D/ST – BEARS, PANTHERS (Play TITANS in Wk 9, Bears bye week)

   Hopefully same grade as before… guys?

6. 

   RotoScoop

   August 30, 2007

   DB – Thanks for the response. I’m glad you asked about some of the rankings – I wanted to do writeups on all of them but didn’t have the time, so this is a good way to touch up on some specific guys of interest. Anyway, here goes:

   Houshmandzadeh – Plays for a top-3 offense in the NFL with a terrible defense. Last year, Chris Henry had nine TDs, but he’ll be suspended for half this year, and Cincy never throws to their TEs, has no alternative viable third WR and Rudi Johnson never catches passes either. Last year, Housh saw 22 red zone looks, while Chad Johnson saw 11. Housh missed two games and still saw twice as many looks in the red zone as CJ, meaning he’s way more likely to get the easy scores. This is a trend that also happened in 2005. I like Chad Johnson, but it’s a whole lot harder scoring from 40-70 yards out. He’s a better deep threat, so he’ll beat Housh in the yardage department, but Housh has the best hands in all of football and is great in traffic – 12-14 TD catches are well within reach. No qualms with the slow start in preaseason.

   I have no problem moving Plaxico to No. 17 on this list (but no lower). I think he’s milking the injuries for the most part, but his back ailment is a concern moving forward, and like you mentioned, he does have a tude. Still, he’s such an awesome red zone target that he’s almost certain to score in double digits, regardless of whether Eli takes a step forward or not.

   The Eagles throw the ball more than any team in football and Donte Stallworth is gone, making Brown an elite option. Sure, they spread the ball around some, but Kevin Curtis isn’t anything special, and Brown averaged 17.7 yards per catch last year – highlighting his playmaking ability. Donovan McNabb has looked extremely sharp in training camp.

   I can see moving Driver up toward the top of my tier-two, but buyer beware. He was targeted 27 times in the red zone last year (2nd most in NFL) and scored just four times on such attempts! Maybe some of Brett Favre’s innaccuracy is to blame, but still, that’s an awful lot of opportunities needed. And in 2005, he went 1-for-16 in similar situations, so it’s a trend. Maybe he’ll continue to get ample opportunities (his 167 total targets last year were 2nd most in NFL), but fantasy owners better hope so, b/c he’s not very good on a per play basis. I also see Green Bay’s defense emerging this year, so the team won’t have to throw quite as much (obviously, Favre’s a gunslinger tho). Jennings seems to have really regressed, but James Jones looks legit. And finally, Driver was still in a walking boot as of today, and while I think he’ll be able to play Week 1, the question still remains how much a foot sprain will hamper someone who already didn’t have blazing speed. It’s an injury serious enough to knock him down 3-6 pegs in my book.

7. 

   RotoScoop

   August 30, 2007

   Brandon Marshall aka “Baby T.O.” is intriguing. Obviously, the physical tools are there, but I expect some more growing pains. He’s the type of late pick that has huge upside/potential, but I’d target him more in a keeper league, as I don’t expect him to become truly fantasy relevant until 2008. But he could surprise. I’ve taken him late in a few leagues.

8. 

   RotoScoop

   August 30, 2007

   tv – Crayton could turn into a sneaky good pick, especially early. He’d definitely become WR3 material if Terry Glenn’s injury lingers…

9. 

   RotoScoop

   August 30, 2007

   Randy – I wouldn’t do it. I understand your hesitation with Jacobs, and I certainly don’t blame you, but he has far less competition for carries and plays for a better team. I love Norwood’s ability – fastest RB in the NFL quite possibly – and while I have my doubts of Warrick Dunn lasting another full season, these veterans play way more than any of us like to believe with all these stubborn head coaches calling the shots. Jacobs is at least in line to get the majority of the carries and is for sure getting all of the goal line work.

   But my best fantasy advice is to go with your own gut…Can you get Adrian Peterson for him? That’s a move I’d fully endorse. What about Vince Young and a WR? Tell me some options, I think you can/should get more than Norwood, especially after it was revealed Dunn is still their starter…

10. 

    RotoScoop

    August 30, 2007

    Kritter – Solid. I worry about your RB2, but you do have decent depth there. Real good WR depth, great QBs, TE and Def. I don’t like it quite as much as your other squad, but you’ll make the playoffs. People keep letting Addai fall too far.

11. 

    Kritter77

    August 30, 2007

    Yeah, I did let RB2 suffer a bit, but there wasn’t anything on the board worth passing up the Bulger/Holt combo to go with Addai and Marvin, I figure Dunn always overachieves and Taylor can be a stud if MJD doesn’t kill his program, which of course with MJD on my other team, doesn’t bother me all that much.

12. 

    db

    August 31, 2007

    RS,

    Again, thanks for all of your time responding to every stinking question or player mention we throw out at you. Looking at the redzone targets, I’m actually more worried about Plaxico than Driver. Fell from ranked 1 in targets in 2005 to 7 in 2007, plus neither year his catch % is great, but fell from 42 to 32%… for only 52 yards and 4 tds.

    2006, 7 Burress, Plaxico (WR) (NYG) 28 9 32% 52 4
    2005, 1 Burress, Plaxico (WR) (NYG) 43 18 42% 185 4

    I don’t see how losing Tiki helps these at all… plus the injuries… could be I’m just trying to justify my dislike for the guy… It looks like from the 2006 targets Shockey is guy I’d want from the Gmen.

    Hadn’t heard about Driver still being in a walking cast though. That definitely is not encouraging…

    And your other comments are extremely helpful as well-on Housh, Reggie Brown, and Marshall.

    My main draft is tonight! I’m getting excited…
    db

13. 

    RotoScoop

    August 31, 2007

    Good stuff regarding Burress. The fact he showed up (for once) to minicamps to work with Eli was a positive sign, but again, I totally understand you not wanting to trust the guy. I also have certain players I just stay away from regardless, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

14. 

    db

    August 31, 2007

    One more off topic question (since my draft is tonight!) One of your colleagues over at Rotowire (who incidently agrees with you on Driver) had some bold predictions on Brandon Jacobs, Cedric Benson, and Ronnie Brown on the football blog. You’ve already commented lots on Jacobs and his injury risk.

    What are your thoughts on Benson and Brown? I’m pretty high on Benson (more from a lots of oppportunities and talent standpoint than a “he’s about to breakout” standpoint) and Brown I just don’t have a clue on at all… I drafted him 1st round last year (followed up by LaMont Jordan in r2, ouch!!!) in my main league and he broke my heart… Their line is young and bad (so far) and all this Chatman coachspeak is freaking me out…

    I guess Benson is a guy I’m targeting in round 2 so I’m more worried about him. Ronnie Brown I’ll probably avoid…

15. 

    db

    August 31, 2007

    and again (as always) thanks for putting so much time and effort into responding on here. If you don’t have time to address Benson, no worries.

    Weird personal question, do you and Robby work other jobs as well or do you get paid enough to focus just on football?

16. 

    RotoScoop

    August 31, 2007

    First off, I fully endorse Chris Liss (and I wouldn’t just say that about anyone). And while I’m less pessimistic regarding Jacobs than he is, I tend to agree with him on the other two, especially Ronnie Brown, whom I’m really down on. Benson is in a terrific situation – plays for a team with a dominating defense and a shaky QB so the team will focus on the ground game. Chicago will be protecting a lot of 2nd half leads in ugly weather conditions. And the most encouraging sign is all the passes he’s been targeted on during preseason. That said, he’s been entirely unimpressive as a pro, and whether or not he can cash in on this opportunity remains to be seen. I get the feeling Adrian Peterson and/or Garrett Wolfe will come into play at some point this season. Still, I’m fine with targeting Benson in round 2.

    Ronnie Brown continues to disappoint. He’ll beat out Chatman for the starting job, but Miami’s O-line is terrible and Trent Green is done. Maybe Cam Cameron turns him into a star, but at this point, I’m worried. The fact Chatman is even being discussed as a possible starter speaks volumes – Brown must really suck during practice.

17. 

    RotoScoop

    August 31, 2007

    Oh, and while Jacobs is a legitimate injury concern, I still like the fact he’s the only game in town and will get all the goal line work. Plus, Tom Coughlin is so underrated as a run game guru. Jacobs has a lot of upside.

18. 

    RotoScoop

    August 31, 2007

    This is more of a hobby for Robby, and as for me, I also have another job. But I do get paid for this, but not quite enough to live on – but I’m hoping to change that in the future…So spread the word about RotoScoop so I blow up…..

19. 

    Robby

    August 31, 2007

    THIS AINT MY JOB – THIS IS MY LIFE!!! Pay me DDD, I gotta put some damn food on the table!

20. 

    Keith

    September 1, 2007

    Robby, are you just upset because Kwame Harris got benched?

21. 

    Robby

    September 2, 2007

    Ha, actually it’s kind of a relief. Now we won’t constantly hear about how bad he is. I’m hoping to see the guy when the Niners play @ NYG this year…

22. 

    Kritter77

    September 2, 2007

    So db how’d that draft go???

23. 

    db

    September 4, 2007

    Draft Update… (thanks for asking Kritter!)

    Not as good as I would have hoped. We find out what pick we have right before the draft and I drew the unlucky 10th pick out of 10… ugh…

    I still think I did alright. Maybe a B or B+ team. Being so low in the draft it forced me to take some risks, so we’ll see. 6pt passing TD league, no flex, 3wrs start league, IDP as well… Here’s how I ended up: It’s only 10 teams, so keep in mind the teams should look deep.

    QB: Kitna, Grossman
    RB: THenry, Benson, APeterson (Min), BJackson, LWhite
    WR: SSmith, Colston, VJackson, RCurry, James Jones
    TE: Witten
    K: Gostkowski
    D: Adrian Wilson, Mike Peterson, Kirk Morrison

    Weakness: QB obviously, was hoping for a top 6 QB, it didn’t work. wanted McNabb or Bulger to fall to my 5th round (pick 50), the QB run had already taken its course.
    Strength: I guess my RB depth. Was excited Henry fell to the last pick of the first round (10). Pleased when Benson fell to me in the third (30). Ecstatic when Peterson fell to the 5th (50). BJackson and LenDale (who I like) were just icing on the cake.

    My overall strategy is to screw depth at all other positions except RB and WR where I try to load up for trades and such. Definitely wanted 2 of the top 15 wrs since we start 3. Forced me to reach early on SSmith (pick 11, my 2nd round). Was really hoping Housh or Lee Evans would fall to my 3rd or 4th pick. They both went the two picks above me, I was forced to settle for Colston. I WAS BITTER… Also was hoping Reggie Brown (giving me 3 of the top 20 wr) would fall to me at 5/6. He also was taken right in front of me. MORE BITTERNESS…

    Stole Witten as the last TE taken in the 12th round. Happy to see my plan to wait work out…

    Thoughts from you guys? Kritter? DDD? What do you guys think? Here’s hoping to a good season from Kitna (yikes) and a top 5 RB season for Henry!

    db

24. 

    db

    September 4, 2007

    don’t know if anybody is still checking the comments this far down, so I’m going to copy my post again up above in some of the newer threads.