1. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys (Dynasty Rank: 1)
2008-09 Stats: 87 REC, 1480 YDS, 19 TD
The Cowboys took a leap of faith and selected a Top 10 talent (and possible headcase) with the 24th pick. There is no question that Bryant has the skills to be an elite wide receiver in this league, but character issues and lack of work ethic could derail an otherwise promising rookie season. Still, with Miles Austin and Jason Witten drawing defenders away from him, he should have plenty of freedom to make plays all over the field. He has a flair for spectacular catches, and he'll definitely benefit from playing in an offense that likes to throw. Expect a roller coaster ride with the potential to explode for 150 yards and 3 scores at any time, provided he keeps his head on straight. Still, he's the most talented WR of this bunch and the best rookie WR for your team.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FJcT_NYV2Q
2. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos (Dynasty Rank: 2)
2009-10 Stats: 46 REC, 1154 YDS, 8 TD
With Brandon Marshall gone, the rookie from Georgia Tech might start the season as the Broncos #1 receiver. They drafted him as the first WR off the board over Dez Bryant, and their scouts compare him, talent-wise, to disgruntled Chargers WR Vincent Jackson. He has strong, secure hands and is great after the catch. There are concerns his stats were inflated due to opposing defenses playing against the run, but ignore that; he's the real deal. Thomas has the potential to be a very good receiver in the NFL, but who will get him the ball? Orton, Quinn, or Tebow don't inspire much confidence, but if they develop a rhythm with Demarius, look out!
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMK59U6nCuw
3. Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dynasty Rank: 5)
2009-10 Stats: 49 REC, 746 YDS, 6 TD
Tampa Bay doesn't have a lot of WR talent, and Mike WIlliams could prove to be a steal for the Bucs. He put up good numbers while with the Orange, has an NFL body, and I like him to put up better numbers than fellow rookie Arrelious Benn, who was also drafted by Tampa. Like Dez Bryant, there are character issues aplenty. He was suspended before his junior season due to academics, suspended again for a violation of team rules, and ultimately left the team. So why do I have him ranked so high? Call it a hunch, but if this guy takes advantage of this opportunity, he clearly has the talent to excel in the NFL. Sometimes you have to go out on a limb to get ahead in fantasy football, and if Williams pans out like I think he will, you'll be glad you trusted me and took a chance on him.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlFFS-KfMho
4. Mardy Gilyard, St. Louis Rams (Dynasty Rank: 3)
2009-10 Stats: 87 REC, 1191 YDS, 11 TD
Mardy Gilyard reminds me of Eagles WR Desean Jackson, who had an outstanding first year in the NFL. Now, I'm not saying Gilyard will repeat those numbers, but he's basically the same player and has extra motivation because many think he's too small to play in the NFL. He has a great work ethic and with not much competition in St. Louis, he could be a star sooner rather than later. Hopefully, the Bradford-Gilyard connection will be a staple in St. Louis for a long time. Both are young, talented, and hope to return a level of respectability to a flagging franchise. The best thing the Rams can do is get him the ball and be amazed!
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwkfF54rAEk&feature=related
5. Jordan Shipley, Cincinnati Bengals (Dynasty Rank: 8)
2009-10 Stats: 116 REC, 1485 YDS, 13 TD
The Bengals became a run-first team last year because they lacked weapons in the passing game. Shipley could fill the void T.J. Housh left as a possession guy when he bolted for Seattle via free agency. Shipley's biggest strength is route running, which could get him on the field early and often, either as the 2nd WR or as the slot receiver, and his rank for this year is a reflection of that potential. However, I also believe there are several receivers that have brighter futures than the sixth year senior, so take note in keeper/dynasty leagues.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnhauBSSm58
6. Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks (Dynatsy Rank: 4)
2009-10 Stats: 93 REC, 1496 YDS, 15 TD. 25 CAR, 186 YDS, 2 TD
I was a little perplexed with this pick by the Seahawks because all of their receivers are basically the same: possession receivers that are good after the catch but lack top flight speed. However, maybe I shouldn't underestimate a Biletnikoff Award winner with something to prove. He runs routes well and is a threat to go deep, but with Matt Hasselbeck nearing the end of his career, Seattle needs to get a quarterback to get this talented player the ball. He's very athletic, being drafted in the amateur baseball draft twice and while there's no doubt in my mind that he'll be productive at the next level, will he be the elite player some people expect him to be? We'll see.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikQaUdZrET8
7. Arrelious Benn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dynasty Rank: 6)
2009-10 Stats: 38 REC, 490 YDS, 2 TD
Benn is a talented but raw player, and while he isn't as polished as the players above him, his potential is through the roof. He has good speed, but didn't perform as well in the 40-yard dash as people expected. His biggest problem is holding onto the football, and if you can't catch, you can't get yards. This ranking is based on his potential and nothing else. There's a chance he'll be a productive player, but there's an equal chance he'll have a clunker season like DHB did for the Raiders. He was easily frustrated last year due to shaky quarterback play, and it won't get a whole lot better in Tampa with the erratic Josh Freeman chucking the ball. He's elusive enough to return kicks and punts, so he should get some playing time, even if it's not at wide receiver.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99YXtr4teGs&feature=fvst
8. Jacoby Ford, Oakland Raiders (Dynasty Rank: 9)
2009-10 Stats: 56 REC, 779 YDS, 6 TD. 18 CAR, 122 YDS, 2 TD
Another Al Davis staple with this pick, and you can laugh all you want; but I honestly think Ford will be a good receiver in this league. Ford was one of the fastest receivers at the combine, but he was very inconsistent at Clemson. He reminds me of Devery Henderson in that he could have 5 catches for 120 yards one game and nothing the next. He needs to improve his "short game", running curls and slants instead of going 50 yards downfield every play if he hopes to become an every down receiver, and if he works at it, there's no reason to believe he won't improve. Oakland got a huge upgrade at quarterback with Jason Campbell after releasing bust Jamarcus Russell, and if Ford works hard, he should find himself in the mix for catches with the Raiders less than stellar receiving corps.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrWEO_PXOU
9. Damian Williams, Tennessee Titans (Dynasty Rank: 7)
2009-10 Stats: 70 REC, 1010 YDS, 6 TD
After playing in a pro system at USC, Williams doesn't have to adjust as much as other receivers, which earns him this ranking. Some talent evaluators have compared him to Greg Jennings of the Packers. He has good acceleration and reliable hands, but the Titans don't throw the ball, which is a big problem if you're a receiver on the team. Chris Johnson will run, run, and run some more, giving receivers little chances to produce. Still, he's one of the most polished receivers of this rookie class and has all the tools to be successful except a great quarterback and a team whose offensive scheme favors the pass. Because of this his fantasy value will be limited.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wwbTD7_PUc
10. Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh Steelers (Dynasty Rank: 12)
2009-10 Stats: 98 REC, 1339 YDS, 7 TD
The Steelers traded Santonio Holmes in the offseason, and with Limas Sweed lost for the season with an achilles injury, Sanders actually has a chance to make an impact this season. Coming from a red gun offense at SMU, he's a little like Michael Crabtree; both came from pass heavy schools, but are better than the other receivers in similar systems. Roethlisberger is suspended for the first few games, so don't expect too much from him early on, but when he returns, keep an eye on his progress and be ready to pluck him out of the pool.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNo-AznJ73I
11. Brandon LaFell, Carolina Panthers (Dynasty Rank: 10)
2009-10 Stats: 57 REC, 792 YDS, 11 TD
LaFell was one of the highest rated receivers coming out of college, but Carolina isn't a throwing team at all. He is capable of putting up great numbers in the right system, but this isn't it. With Steve Smith breaking his arm, LaFell will get extra reps in practice, which could move him up the depth charts at a more rapid pace, but don't expect too much out of him or his quarterback, Matt Moore. Eventually, though, this will be Jimmy Clausen's team and the Panthers will be more comfortable throwing the ball. Until then, he'll put up a couple of solid games, but ho-hum stats are probably what you're going to get this year and next.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYCjP8cqe1w
12. Marcus Easley, Buffalo Bills (Dynasty Rank: 13)
2009-10 Stats: 48 REC, 893 YDS, 8 TD
The Bills don't have a great second receiver, so why not Easley? He didn't put up amazing numbers with UCONN, but he got the job done. He had one good year in college, after earning a scholarship with three years of hard work, so the potential is there. However, Buffalo is one of the teams with serious questions at QB, and it looks like they'll be a run-first team with Jackson, Spiller, and Lynch (barring a trade) dominating the offense. Easley has impeccable work ethic and sometimes effort trumps skill. He won't impress you in any category, but he has strong hands and a great vertical leap and warrants keeping an eye on.
Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhfVcTDNAAE
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