Impact Analysis: Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams

October 23, 2008 @ 00:00:00

By Mat Hehr
Edited by Herija C. Green

Heading into the 2008 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams had an opportunity to build a very strong future for their club. Having the second overall pick in a draft means a lot of decisions have to be made. In the second round, 33rd overall, the St. Louis Rams selected speedy, playmaking wide receiver Donnie Avery, making him the first receiver to be selected in the draft. The Rams took some heat for drafting Avery with bigger names still on the board, but the rookie's recent play is making the Rams look smart.

The season so far

Entering the season, Avery was penciled in as a backup to starting receivers Torry Holt and Drew Bennett. Avery didn't get many opportunities to start the year off, being declared inactive in Week 1 with a knee injury and not being targeted in Week 2. He got his opportunity in Week 4 when he was named the starter ahead of Bennett and opposite Holt. Given his chance, Avery would make an impression on the coaching staff.

In his first career start, Avery had three catches for 22 yards and a surprising 37-yard touchdown run. In the following game, Avery hauled in four passes for an impressive 73 receiving yards. He recorded his first career receiving touchdown the very next game as part of a four-catch, 55-yard effort. He also added 17 yards on the ground.

The future

In the two weeks since quarterback Marc Bulger has been back at the helm, Avery has been targeted 13 times to Holt's 16 and has emerged as a solid No. 2 receiver, taking a lot of pressure off of and actually posting better numbers than Holt. Avery's speed makes him a threat that defenses have to respect, which should leave more room on the field for Holt. This also helps Bulger, who has struggled in the passing game this year, as he never really gelled with Bennett.

Avery is expected to continue on in his starting role and provide an emerging one-two punch with Holt at receiver. He has a bright future ahead of him and should only get better from here.

Fantasy football outlook

Avery's fantasy value is on a steady increase. He's currently exceeding expectations and playing alongside Holt should prevent him from seeing many double teams. In both standard and point-per-reception leagues, Avery has enough value to be a No. 3 fantasy receiver on your roster. He hasn't reached the level of being a weekly starter, but he should earn the nod against weaker pass defenses. If he's available in your league scoop him up as at worst he should provide good depth and a matchup play.

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Mat Hehr
Hehr has been a KFFL contributor since 2008.

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