Looking deep for wide receiver sleepers
Deep wide receiver sleepers are a lot of fun. I’m not talking about names like Kevin Walter, Anthony Gonzalez or Lance Moore. To me (and I’m sure all of you), those guys are not sleepers.
When I think of good, wholesome, little risk/big reward receivers, I’m thinking of names like Davone Bess, Earl Bennett and Pierre Garcon. (By the way, if you haven’t read Evan Silva’s report on Bess, it’s right here; I’ll be reaching for Bess in all my drafts.)
And after the dust settled on the first full slate of preseason games, I’m adding one name to that group: Raiders flanker Chaz Schilens. The cat is certainly out of the bag at least halfway already, but there’s not a single No. 1 WR flying further under the radar than Schilens right now.
On a side note, every time I think of this guy I can’t help but think of the scene in Bronx Tale where Chazz Palminteri says “Now you’s can’t leave.” Great scene.
Anyway, Schilens has become the receiver JaMarcus Russell trusts most, right there with tight end Zach Miller. Normally that would put him near the top of the deep sleepers. But we’re still talking about the Raiders passing game here with Russell at the helm, so expectations must be tempered. Still, he’s definitely worth a bench spot as a WR4 or WR5. In keeper leagues he’s a very nice pick.
Schilens isn’t exactly jumping out of nowhere. The second-year product of San Diego State is 6-foot-4 and ran a 4.38 40 at the draft combine. He caught a touchdown pass in each of the Raiders’ final two games last season. And reports from the local media say Schilens is the obviously the team’s best receiver, ahead of rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey.
I’ll be going after Bess first, then Schilens and Bennett a tier below. Garcon will probably need an injury to be a real factor, but he's worth keeping an eye on. There's plenty of upside to be had from the double-digit rounds, when the competition is taking Isaac Bruce, Deion Branch, Muhsin Muhammad etc.
*** Also, a quick note that I’m representing Rotoworld in Tuesday night’s SOFA Experts League 10-team draft. It’ll be my first real draft of the season, so I’m looking forward to it.
The draft starts at 7 p.m. and I’ll be live-blogging with some quick analysis and a list of how the draft goes. It’s a PPR league and we have the first pick. Here’s the draft order:
1. Rotoworld.com
2. KFFL.com
3. FantasyFootball.com
4. Sirius NFL Radio
5. Fantasy Insights
6. Fantasy Guru
7. FootballGuys.com
8. Sports Weekly
9. Sports Grumblings
10. The Huddle
Comments
hello MJD
Posted by: scott c | August 16, 2009 11:34 PM
Great call with Bess and Schillens - and wow- you called one of the greatest scenes in Movie History!
Posted by: scott l. | August 17, 2009 01:05 AM
There goes scott c again with the wordy posting.
:-)
Posted by: Juggs | August 17, 2009 09:29 AM
Scott C right on - MJD clear no. 1 in that format. Wonder if the FootballGuys will look to make waves with odd picks.
Posted by: John R | August 17, 2009 09:37 AM
Be carefull what you wish for.....You just might get it...... That post was very un-scott c. like.
Posted by: mark in mi | August 17, 2009 10:07 AM
I'm willing to stick my neck out to defend scott c on this one. If you look at his history, his postings are usually (... usually) as clear and concise they are well-formulated. You guys are probably confusing his postings with those of The Dude Abides.
Posted by: Juggs | August 17, 2009 10:55 AM
oh god, am i building a bad rep on here? my fault. ill keep the comments more concise next time.
although i really do enjoy The Dudes longwinded posts. pretty insightful with things i dont even catch on a player till he points it out.
John R,
god i hope not. we dont need another debate do we.
Posted by: scott c | August 17, 2009 12:31 PM