The fevered pitch that comes with the anticipation of a new fantasy football season is almost as paramount as the apparent state of awe most television viewers are currently in as they wait for the Desperate Housewives Wives series finale. With that anticipation, however, comes the daunting task of not only getting ramped up for a new season, but also having the fortitude to rifle through the myriad of articles that offer keen advice.
With that said, we all know that 2012 fantasy football mock drafts and ADP info are in full swing because fantasy football owners are trying to not only get a leg up on what they are going to do on actual draft day, but also trying to figure out some sort of game plan for whom they are going to consider drafting.
Ireland fantasy football owners, I'm looking your way!
I thought I would do a little piece for everyone that highlights a few underrated receivers you may want to consider since the receivers are the real money-shot outside of that marquee quarterback leading your hopeful "tour de force".
Ready?
Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans:
Nate Washington had a career year last year filling in for injured receiver Kenny Britt. The man posted career numbers in receptions (74), receiving yards (1,023) and TDs (7).
The most current news out of the smoky mountains is that Kenny Britt may need additional surgery. While the mentioned procedure would be "comparatively minor" to his surgery that repaired a torn ACL and MCL, it will still be left in the air as to whether or not Britt will be able to even return at full strength.
Washington proved that he deserves more time on the field, and the Titans now know what the kid is capable of. If they become weary of Britt's recovery, or if Britt doesn't respond well in the coming months, Washington would obviously be the go to guy. If Britt does return, however, Washington is still going to be on the field. Britt's return could cause defenses to pay more attention to him than anybody else—a situation that could still add tremendous value to Washington.
Washington has a current ADP of 169.23 among receivers which potentially makes him not only a solid value pick, but a borderline sleeper candidate regardless of what he did last season.
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Seeing a trend yet? I am not only targeting players who have potential sleeper tags attached to their rumps, I am also targeting players who have such a high ceiling, it's really difficult to ignore once you look up.
Here's a quick overview.
The Steelers are trying like hell to get Mike Wallace signed. But they also have the ability to cut his salary from $2.7 million to $577,500 if he hasn't signed by June 15 which could make for a very angry receiver who thinks he is worth a ton of money—which he appears to be so.
Antonio Brown, on the other hand, still isn't getting the sort of attention from fantasy owners he himself deserves, especially after catching 69 balls for 1,108 yard and 2 TDs.
The problem here is that everyone is looking at his 2 TDs and thinking that's the ceiling for Brown, when in fact that simply isn't the case.
Mike Wallace is sure to get his deal which means the Steelers will have their "number one" deep-threat target on the field for16 games, which also means Brown is potentially in-line to see more single coverage just as he did in 2011, in an offense that is expected to be primarily pass-first in 2012.
In other words, an extreme value pick for a guy who is currently averaging out as a sixth to seventh round pick in most draft formats (Draftcal.com)
Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Consider this.
1. Randall Cobb was only on the field 30.8 percent of the Green Bay Packers offensive snaps and still managed to haul in 25 catches for 375 yards and a TD.
2. While Donald Driver is expected to return to Green Bay (no guarantees, mind you) his role is expected to diminish ever-so-slightly, to give way for the young and explosive Cobb.
3. The Packers DO NOT look away from high end talent, lending favor to the notion that Cobb could see a bigger role than many expect.
Look, the Packers are going to find a way to get Cobb more offensive snaps in 2012 than he had in 2011, and in an already pass-first offense led by Aaron Rodgers, that just screams potential. While I can't see him being a guy you would draft higher than say fifth or sixth round, I can see this guy being one player you should not ignore, simply because of the potential alone.
If you can scoop him up in the fifth or sixth (PPR and Standard) then do so, and if he is available in re-draft, don't be spooked if Driver returns because it may not hinder his ceiling as much as people will initially think.
Honorable Mentions:
- Leonard Hankerson, Washington Redskins: New QB could mean greater value for a back-end draft selection
- Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks: Expected to begin the season as the number three receiver, but it is worth noting that he was on pace with Larry Fitzgerald from a production standpoint, and he did lead the Seattle receivers in receiving.
- Tommy Streeter, Baltimore Ravens: At 6'5", 219 the Ravens could utilize Streeter's presence in red-zone packages and even a possible additional deep-threat option, according to carrollcountytimes.com
- Danny Coale, Dallas Cowboys: Laurent Robinson is gone which opens up a vacant spot for WR3....think about, guys.
- Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos: The youngster is simply bound for a breakout season, especially with Peyton Manning under center.
