Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

July 2, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By KFFL Staff
Edited by KFFL Staff

Hines Ward | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-foot, 205 pounds | 12th year

Bye

Rec

Rec Yds

Rec TD

Run Att

Run Yds

Rush TD

Tot TD

Wk

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

8

72

82

857

1007

5

7

0

5

0

25

0

1

5

8

Pros: Ward remains quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target. The South Korea native's reliable hands have been a security blanket for years, especially when a first down is needed. He has recorded at least 69 receptions in each of the last eight seasons. Ward's 81 cradles and 1,043 receiving yards last year were each his highest since 2003; age doesn't seem to bother the physical player. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians helped Ward outperform expectations by opening up the offense to more aerial showmanship. Ward tallied at least 10 PPR points in 10 contests last season and caught seven scores for the second straight year. 

Cons: Despite rebounding in the yards-per-catch department (12.9 average last year compared to 10.3), he hasn't contributed much with the deep ball in recent years, catching longs of 49 ('08) and 25 ('07). Ward, 33, is prone to missing a few games per year; despite playing in each regular season contest in '08 (starting 15), he missed a combined six games in the previous three seasons. Those big blocks he throws may start taking a toll. A healthy backfield of Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) may allow the Steelers to slow things down this year and take some weight off the passing game.

Fantasy tip: Even if the Steelers bring back the ground game en masse, Ward shouldn't be too deprived of chances to contribute, especially given how well Arians' changes have worked. You'll be able to squeeze more out of him in PPR setups, where he could be a low-end No. 2 if you're desperate. He's safest as a No. 3, though, given his penchant for aggressive playing style and advancing age.

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