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07-26-2005, 11:11 AM
Here are some third-year wide receivers to watch in 2005 - from NFL.com
Third-year wide receivers
Anquan Boldin, Arizona
Boldin's unbelievable rookie campaign made him an instant stud, but an injured knee forced him to miss six games last season and put a small damper on his value. Nonetheless, the former Florida State Seminole has proved he possesses the skills and physical attributes to be a reliable option in what promises to be an improved Cardinals offense. Owners should look to land Boldin in the early- to middle-rounds as a No. 2 option.
Nate Burleson, Minnesota
Burleson broke out last season with an impressive 1,006-yard, nine-touchdown season. He should be able to duplicate those totals in the absence of WR Randy Moss, who was traded to Oakland and left Burleson the top spot on the depth chart. While he could have some inconsistent weeks now that he must face top cornerbacks, Burleson should still find success as the top option for QB Daunte Culpepper and is a nice early- to middle-round choice.
Tyrone Calico, Tennessee
The release of WR Derrick Mason allows Calico a chance to start opposite WR Drew Bennett this season, which bodes well for his statistical success. Though he missed most of 2004 with a bum knee, Calico proved as a rookie that he has the skills and abilities to make an impact. Though injuries are a small concern, Calico will no doubt serve in a prominent role in the Titans' pass attack and should emerge as a favorite for QB Steve McNair.
Kevin Curtis, St. Louis
The presence of WRs Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce will limit his statistical success, but Curtis proved last postseason that he can be a solid option in the pass attack. He posted 11 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown in games against Seattle and Atlanta, showcasing the hands and fifth-gear speed that makes him a favorite of head coach Mike Martz. Look for the Rams to utilize Curtis much like the Colts use WR Brandon Stokley in the slot.
Justin Gage, Chicago
The addition of veteran WR Muhsin Muhammad will limit Gage's appeal as a potential sleeper, but he's still slated to start for the Bears and should have at least some success in the team's pass attack. Gage does have the talent to produce good numbers against lesser opponents and will warrant at least some late-round consideration in leagues with 12-plus teams, but he still has a lot to prove on the field.
Andre Johnson, Houston
Johnson has the tools to become the next elite wide receiver in fantasy football. He has drawn comparisons to WR Terrell Owens because of his size and strength, which have been evident in his first two seasons. A solid rapport with QB David Carr in an offense that should be improved are both positives for Johnson, who should produce 1,200-plus yards and eight touchdowns. Expect him to be one of the first 10 receivers selected in most seasonal drafts.
Brandon Lloyd, San Francisco
Based on San Francisco's lack of a true No. 1 threat in the pass attack, Lloyd is one of the most attractive third-year receivers in the league. He showed great potential in his second pro season with 565 yards and six touchdowns, so a 1,000-yard campaign is on the horizon. Questions about the team's quarterback position are a hurdle that need to be cleared, but Lloyd still warrants middle- to late-round consideration in leagues with 12-plus teams.
Shaun McDonald, St. Louis
McDonald showed some real promise in his second season with the Rams, recording career bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns. But with studs like Holt and Bruce and the presence of Curtis on the roster, McDonald will be hard pressed to have a breakout season. Still, he remains worthy of a late-round flier in leagues with 12-plus teams because of his abilities and the potential for the Rams to score a ton of points in what is sure to be a defenseless NFC West.
Charles Rogers, Detroit
Injuries have hindered Rogers in his first two seasons, and the addition of WR Mike Williams in the 2005 NFL Draft hurts his value. While he remains a talented option with immense potential, Rogers must be more durable and have a solid preseason to hold off Williams. He is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward player, but remains worth a middle-round selection due to his immense talent and presence in what should be a solid Lions' pass attack.
TC
Third-year wide receivers
Anquan Boldin, Arizona
Boldin's unbelievable rookie campaign made him an instant stud, but an injured knee forced him to miss six games last season and put a small damper on his value. Nonetheless, the former Florida State Seminole has proved he possesses the skills and physical attributes to be a reliable option in what promises to be an improved Cardinals offense. Owners should look to land Boldin in the early- to middle-rounds as a No. 2 option.
Nate Burleson, Minnesota
Burleson broke out last season with an impressive 1,006-yard, nine-touchdown season. He should be able to duplicate those totals in the absence of WR Randy Moss, who was traded to Oakland and left Burleson the top spot on the depth chart. While he could have some inconsistent weeks now that he must face top cornerbacks, Burleson should still find success as the top option for QB Daunte Culpepper and is a nice early- to middle-round choice.
Tyrone Calico, Tennessee
The release of WR Derrick Mason allows Calico a chance to start opposite WR Drew Bennett this season, which bodes well for his statistical success. Though he missed most of 2004 with a bum knee, Calico proved as a rookie that he has the skills and abilities to make an impact. Though injuries are a small concern, Calico will no doubt serve in a prominent role in the Titans' pass attack and should emerge as a favorite for QB Steve McNair.
Kevin Curtis, St. Louis
The presence of WRs Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce will limit his statistical success, but Curtis proved last postseason that he can be a solid option in the pass attack. He posted 11 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown in games against Seattle and Atlanta, showcasing the hands and fifth-gear speed that makes him a favorite of head coach Mike Martz. Look for the Rams to utilize Curtis much like the Colts use WR Brandon Stokley in the slot.
Justin Gage, Chicago
The addition of veteran WR Muhsin Muhammad will limit Gage's appeal as a potential sleeper, but he's still slated to start for the Bears and should have at least some success in the team's pass attack. Gage does have the talent to produce good numbers against lesser opponents and will warrant at least some late-round consideration in leagues with 12-plus teams, but he still has a lot to prove on the field.
Andre Johnson, Houston
Johnson has the tools to become the next elite wide receiver in fantasy football. He has drawn comparisons to WR Terrell Owens because of his size and strength, which have been evident in his first two seasons. A solid rapport with QB David Carr in an offense that should be improved are both positives for Johnson, who should produce 1,200-plus yards and eight touchdowns. Expect him to be one of the first 10 receivers selected in most seasonal drafts.
Brandon Lloyd, San Francisco
Based on San Francisco's lack of a true No. 1 threat in the pass attack, Lloyd is one of the most attractive third-year receivers in the league. He showed great potential in his second pro season with 565 yards and six touchdowns, so a 1,000-yard campaign is on the horizon. Questions about the team's quarterback position are a hurdle that need to be cleared, but Lloyd still warrants middle- to late-round consideration in leagues with 12-plus teams.
Shaun McDonald, St. Louis
McDonald showed some real promise in his second season with the Rams, recording career bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns. But with studs like Holt and Bruce and the presence of Curtis on the roster, McDonald will be hard pressed to have a breakout season. Still, he remains worthy of a late-round flier in leagues with 12-plus teams because of his abilities and the potential for the Rams to score a ton of points in what is sure to be a defenseless NFC West.
Charles Rogers, Detroit
Injuries have hindered Rogers in his first two seasons, and the addition of WR Mike Williams in the 2005 NFL Draft hurts his value. While he remains a talented option with immense potential, Rogers must be more durable and have a solid preseason to hold off Williams. He is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward player, but remains worth a middle-round selection due to his immense talent and presence in what should be a solid Lions' pass attack.
TC