By Jeff Chudnofsky – Staff Writer
1) Terrell Owens– Through seven games in Philadelphia last year, Owens amassed 763 receiving yards and six touchdowns before the infamous locker room brawl got him booted from Philly for good. Owens is the most versatile WR in the game and will be motivated to destroy the Eagles and the rest of the NFC East. If he can stay healthy, 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns is a lock. He is a risky pick due to his behavioral issues, but his upside is tremendous.
2) Steve Smith– Returning from a broken leg, Steve Smith set the NFL on fire in 2005. Although Owens is ranked higher on my board, it is not out of the question to take Smith as the first receiver off the board. A threat to take it to the crib on any play, Smith is likely to have high reception totals and touchdowns. With Keyshawn Johnson in the fold in Carolina, Smith’s numbers could even improve.
3) Marvin Harrison– With Edge gone, Manning and Harrison will shoulder more offensive responsibility. Although Reggie Wayne is stealing some of Marvin’s thunder, No. 88 will still eclipse 100 catches, 1,300 yards and 12-16 touchdowns. No longer as explosive, Harrison is the safest receiver in the draft.
4) Randy Moss– Hampered by injuries for two consecutive seasons, Moss has not been himself. Although Moss returned from his respective injuries, one must wonder how a speed receiver can recover his explosiveness. I believe he will, and that his injuries were freak to say the least. I was in attendance for Moss’ week 5 injury vs. SD, as Kerry Collins threw a duck 40 yards downfield, causing Moss to get cracked on both sides of his ribs. By week 17, Moss seemed to be his speedy self. No longer the consensus No. 1 Fantasy WR, Moss is still “one of the elite.”
5) Torry Holt– Joins Marvin Harrison as one of the safer options in the draft. The acquisition of Scott Linehan could propel Holt to the top of this list. There is a catch though – Marc Bulger must have time to stay upright and healthy, something that has not happened as of late.
6) Larry Fitzgerald– Entering his third year, look for Fitzgerald to continue to give cornerbacks the ‘Fitz. Some may argue that Fitzgerald is not even the best WR on his team, as the gap between him and Boldin is thinner than Mary-Kate Olsen. A case can be made for Boldin, but Fitzgerald is more durable and is a greater red zone target. He could potentially lead the NFL in touchdown receptions this year.
7) Chad Johnson– If Carson Palmer returns healthy, Johnson’s value remains high. With the loss of back-up QB Jon Kitna, the Bengal offense is dependent on Palmer’s return. Without Palmer, CJ will still be a top tier receiver but will not challenge the likes of TO, Smith and company.
8) Anquan Boldin– A younger version of TO (on the field), Boldin has the ability to take a quick slant 70 yards. Agile and powerful, Boldin will rack up at least 90 catches and serve as Arizona’s possession receiver. He is a lock for 1,300 yards and will approach 10 TDs.
9) Reggie Wayne– More than just second fiddle to Marvin Harrison, Wayne also benefits from Peyton Manning’s arm and a matchup driven offense. Although Wayne scored a measly five touchdowns last season (he had 12 in 2004), look for him to recover with double digits in 2006, along with 80 receptions and 1,100 yards.
10) Darrell Jackson– Why the ‘Hawks stopped throwing to him in the Super Bowl is beyond me. Look for Jackson to rebound to his 2004 totals of 1,200 yards and 10-12 touchdowns if he stays healthy. Opposing defenses will look to stop Shaun Alexander first.
11) Plaxico Burress– Plax notched 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season in New York, and his rapport with Eli Manning will improve as the young QB develops. Although he will not catch 100 balls, yards and touchdowns will be there. He is automatic in the red zone off fade patterns, as TE Jeremy Shockey demands double teams near the goal line.
12) Chris Chambers– Chambers had a monster second half in ’05 and will look to continue where he left off after scoring eight times in the final two months. If Gus Frerotte and Sage Rosenfels could get him the ball, I am confident that Duante Culpepper and Joey Harrington can do the same. 1,200 yards and 10-12 TDs seem appropriate.
13) Hines Ward– The Super Bowl MVP is not an elite WR by fantasy standards, but the Steelers will open up the playbook more this year. Where he lacks in receptions and yards, Ward makes up for in touchdowns, as he scored ten times in 2005.
14) Andre Johnson– He has the potential to be elite, provided that David Carr can stay upright. Newly acquired WR Eric Moulds should take away some double teams, while Gary Kubiak’s offense should isolate Johnson on Carr’s bootlegs.
15) Donald Driver– He is Green Bay’s only proven option in the passing game, and we all have seen how Favre locks onto one receiver. Not the flashiest pick, Driver will eclipse 1,100 yards and 10 TDs.
16) Joey Galloway– His career was reborn in 2005 with 83 catches, 1,287 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jon Gruden’s offense is a wide receiver’s dream.
17) Santana Moss– Moss will benefit from the acquisitions of Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randel El, as Moss was double teamed the entire second half of 2005. Still, fewer looks are also on the way.
18) Joe Horn– Horn was not his normal self due to injuries last season, but Drew Brees will be sure to get him close to 90 receptions in 2006.
19) T.J. Houshmanzadeh– Depending on Palmer’s health, he should be a fine WR2.
20) Roy Williams– Mike Martz and Jon Kitna will provide Williams with great playcalling and veteran execution, something the Lions lacked last season.
21) *Deion Branch– Tom Brady’s favorite receiver.
22) Derrick Mason– Mason will be reunited with Steve McNair in Baltimore.
23) Laveranues Coles– Another reunion, as Patrick Ramsey may take the reigns for the Jets. Not a glamorous combo, but Ramsey will get him the ball.
24) Terry Glenn– Having TO in town will let Glenn work out of constant single coverage. Still, wideouts opposite Owens historically don’t put up big numbers.
25) Muhsin Muhammed– If Rex Grossman stays healthy, Moose will return to 1,000 yard status with double digit scores.
26) *Koren Robinson– After putting down the bottle, K-Rob is now the No. 1 target in Brad Childress’ offense in Minnesota.
27) Rod Smith– I think he has one more solid season left in the tank. A decent No. 2 fantasy option, he would be better served as your third receiver.
28) Jerry Porter– He has the potential to be great, but his selfish attitude and inconsistency has plagued him his entire career. Porter can only get better, so taking a flier on him as your No. 3 is fine.
29) *Nate Burleson– A smooth compliment to D-Jax in Seattle, Burleson is a great fit for the West Coast offense.
30) Eddie Kennison– The WR position is not the Chiefs’ strength, but that is by design. On a run first offense, Kennison benefits from a lot of play action routes and will be a solid third receiver for your team.
31) Drew Bennett– Bennett was a fantastic option for Billy Volek in 2004, but injuries got the best of him in 2005.
32) Lee Evans– I like his ability, but he’s inconsistent, much in part to the Bills’ QB situation.
33) Michael Clayton– Clayton defined the term “sophomore slump” in 2005. He should rebound this season, but don’t expect ’04 numbers right away.
34) Reggie Brown– McNabb has to throw to somebody other than Westbrook.
35) Braylon Edwards– If he can recover from ACL surgery in time, B-Easy will be a decent reserve for your team with plenty of upside.
36) Troy Williamson– He can get down the field with ease, but does Brad Johnson still have the arm? Williamson might not be the best fit for the West Coast offense.
37) *Javon Walker– Potentially a solid No. 2 option, Walker must prove he is recovered form ACL surgery and adapt to the Denver playbook. He could rank much higher come training camp.
38) Antonio Bryant– For what it’s worth, Bryant is the No. 1 WR in San Francisco.
39) Brandon Stokley– The Colts operated out of two-tight end sets for the majority of 2005, but that might change with Edgerrin James out of town.
40) Donte Stallworth– A weekly hit or miss, Stallworth must stay healthy and show some signs of consistency.
*Denotes sleeper
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