Six late-round receivers worth a flier
Let’s be clear from the start here. Redskins WR Devin Thomas was never one of my deep sleepers for this season anyway. Maybe it’s because I’m a Redskins fan and what they did in that 2008 draft tilted me from Day 1 (I don’t care what your needs are, going WR, TE, WR with three second-round picks can’t be smart. And while we’re on the subject, DeSean Jackson and Martellus Bennett would have looked a lot better in the burgundy and gold.).
But more likely, Thomas was never on my list because despite his significant talent, I never saw him doing much of anything as the fourth-option in a Jason Campbell-run offense.
With yesterday’s news that Malcolm Kelly (also part of that 2008 draft) has passed Thomas on the depth chart, I think it’s clear this situation can safely be ignored on draft day, even if Thomas eventually wrestles the flanker job back.
But since I put the kibosh (like Crazy Joe Davola) on “deep sleeper” Chaz Schilens in this space a couple weeks back, I feel like I owe the rest of the receivers a little something. Hopefully they won’t contract the swine flu or fall off a golf cart tomorrow. Here are the receivers I have circled on my draft board as fliers that are going after pick No. 150 in ESPN’s online drafts:
Troy Williamson, Jac. – The former first-round pick (No. 7 overall!) is having a big camp. Jack Del Rio suggested that Williamson has had “an epiphany” and he looks like the favorite to hold off Mike Sims-Walker and start across from Torry Holt. His ADP should be on the move in tougher leagues.
Earl Bennett, Chi. – Greg Olsen will probably be Jay Cutler’s first option, followed by Matt Forte and Devin Hester. I just can’t shake the feeling that these old teammates will hook up enough to make Bennett worth a roster spot.
Kenny Britt, Ten. – Today’s bad news about Nate Washington is great news for Britt. He’s expected to start in Week 1 and is well-worth a look while we see what develops with the Titans' receiving corps.
Davone Bess, Mia. – We’re all aware on this one, even if Brian Hartline is making a push. No need to go into detail. Keep a close eye on his battle with Hartline.
Austin Collie, Ind. – As Chris Wesseling pointed out in his AFC draft notes, Pierre Garcon got all the hype coming into camp. But it’s Collie that has Peyton Manning and Jim Caldwell’s eye. The No. 3 receiver for the Colts is always worth flier.
Robert Meachem, NO – The 2007 first-round pick appears to have beaten out Devery Henderson for the No. 3 job, which is somewhat surprising considering Henderson signed a four-year, $12 million contract in March. As the No. 3 receiver last year, Henderson benefited from some injuries to the receiving corps and had 793 yards and three touchdowns. Targets will be an issue, but Meachem has the skills to at least match those numbers.
Also, just a quick not-related-to-anything note: Will there be a better reality show moment this year than when the ref said “child, please” to Chad Ocho Cinco on “Hard Knocks”? I really, really, doubt it.
Comments
Wess,
Thx for the analysis, but why post a column on the ESPN fantasy show? Everyone knows that these big name sites are just for show value with no real insight. If u want to lose ur league i suggest going with them. I remember a few of these sites pegged Chris Taylor as the best rb option in Houston last year, among other forgettable advice. woops.
Posted by: scott c | August 27, 2009 02:55 PM
I have a feeling that when we look back at this crop of rookie wrs (that most pundits called the deepest in a long time) after a few years Britt will be the best. I honestly think that maclin and crabtree will not live up to their hype. I'm equally confident that britt will be a no.1 wr for many years. oh and you gotta love the fact that he's only 20.
Posted by: mark in mi | August 27, 2009 02:59 PM
i see people sleeping on josh morgan sometimes in mocks. not a sleeper, per se but hey. if he falls, i feel he's worth a look.
Posted by: bernard blankem erty | August 27, 2009 05:52 PM
can't believe i bought the rotoworld hype on Bess -- he can't even beat out Hartline! thanks guys!
p.s. i enjoy the Rotoworld backtracking on Devin Thomas....
Posted by: veggieb | August 27, 2009 10:08 PM
Well, I guess that's why they were called sleepers. They are risk/reward type picks that might not work out.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 28, 2009 12:07 AM
I never loved Bess but the reasoning was sound.. specially in ppr leagues. Someone in that offense is going to catch a ton of short accurate passes from Pennington (^ Jet Fan). If it is/was going to be Bess he could be/could have been very valuable. Hartline is an interesting Dynasty player to keep an eye on. Everything I read has Meachem pushing the #2 job by mid season if not now
Posted by: Smit | August 28, 2009 09:45 AM
Whoa, slow down. Based on one Preseason game people are dismissing Bess as a sleeper? He's in a position battle, give him time to show what he's got. Coaches see him play everyday, we only get to see him once a week. Stop trying to be Uberanalyzers.
Posted by: Love It or Leave It | August 28, 2009 11:43 AM