Third Year's a Charm for Bowe?
Anthony Gonzalez, IND ~ Gonzalez has 620 yards and a few TDs each season so far. In his third season there are high expectations, as former Colts WR Marvin Harrison moved on leaving a massive fantasy void for Gonzalez to fill. He is currently be drafted earlier than he should be, based in anticipated returns on Harrison's absence. A-Gonz is currently the 21st WR off the board at ADP 56.47.
Ted Ginn, Jr., MIA ~ While Ginn has improved his yardage each of his two seasons in Miami, he has only 2 TDs each season to show for his efforts. If his preseason performance this year is any indication, season three will be no better than season two's 790 yards and two scores. Ginn may soon be wearing a BUST label. He is currently the 37th WR taken at ADP 111.31.
Steve Breaston, ARI ~ Breaston took a giant leap forward in 2008, but it was a mixed bag. He had 77 receptions for 1006 yards, but only found the endzone three times. His improvement bodes well for the Cardinals, but leaves fantasy owners torn between fluke and promise. 2009 should tell the tale for Breaston who is currently the 38th receiver off the board at an ADP of 112.76.
--The Under Achievers--
Steve Smith, NYG ~ Smith hasn't been that impressive so far for the Giant's. In 2008, Smith played his first full 16 game season and had 574 yards, but one paltry score. Even the absence of Plaxico Burress did not get Smith jumpstarted. I don't expect Smith to suddenly come alive this season. In fact I believe rookie receiver Hakeem Nicks surpasses Smith who is currently the 45th WR taken; ADP 132.97.
Sidney Rice, MIN ~ Rice was stagnant in his second season in the NFL. The arrival of Brett Favre to the Vikings may just be the catalyst Rice needs to make a name for himself. I wouldn't put too much faith in that hope though with Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin on the field as well. Rice is currently the 63rd receiver grabbed with an ADP of 179.82.
Robert Meachem, NOS ~ The Saints and fantasy owners have been buzzing this preseason about Meachem. The "sleeper" word has been thrown around quite a bit that this will be his breakout campaign. If there is any place for a receiver to shine it's with Drew Brees hucking the pigskin to you. I like his odds better than Smith's or Rice's above. He's currently then 68th WR taken; ADP 186.82.
Mike Sims-Walker, JAX ~ Sims-Walker, like Meachem was another sleeper candidate this summer as odds on favorite to line up opposite Torry Holt as the Jaguars WR2. After missing the majority of 2008, Sims-Walker is already hurt this preseason and has seen his coveted position swaying towards Troy Williamson, who has been on fire so far. Sims-Walker's currently going as the 71st receiver off the board at ADP 188.20. By the way, how does a man suddenly grow a hyphenated last name?
--Other 3rd Year Notables--
Laurent Robinson, STL ~ Robinson was originally thought to be starting the season as the Rams WR1 with Donnie Avery hurt. However, Avery has healed quickly and will return in time for game one of the regular season. Robinson was officially handed the WR2 role yesterday (8/31). Current ADP 202.55.
James Jones, GBP ~ Jones had been making great inroads this summer towards sewing up the WR3 job. However, of late, Jordy Nelson has been raining on his parade and the two are now neck and neck in the battle for the slot. My guess is both will be used regularly, with Jones as the deep threat/big play receiver. Current ADP 213.03.
David Clowney, NYJ ~ Clowney had resoundingly beaten out Stuckey for the WR2 job, and the Newark Star Ledger reported last week he had in fact won the spot, which he is better suited to. How quickly things change (see Stuckey below). Clowney is a real threat to break out with a nice 2009 campaign, but he's stuck on a run first team. Current ADP 228.50.
Johnny Lee Higgins, OAK ~ Higgins came on strong late last season for the befuddled Raiders. He showed flashes of his long term potential, but the Raiders are an absolute mess and right now no one seems to know who will be catching the ball in Oakland. Current ADP 230.15.
Chansi Stuckey, NYJ ~ Stuckey is best served as a WR3 in the slot, however new coach Rex Ryan has oddly enough handed the WR2 job to him, based on Monday's news (8/31). Even fantasy owners are leaning towards David Clowney. Current ADP 237.15.
