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Fantasy Football Draft GuideFantasy football: Characteristics of successful wide receivers
By Nicholas Minnix Fantasy football stood on a foundation of maxims that for years went unchallenged. The new millennium, however, has ushered in new philosophies. It's unavoidable, really. On the field, defenses must unearth new methods for the containment of offenses, and offenses must develop fresh strategies to conquer defenses. It's a never-ending cycle of countermeasures. As the game evolves, so must fantasy football. Committees of running backs have altered the valuation of the position. Tight end is deep because more teams consider players at the spot weapons. And the adage that wide receivers don't break out until their third or fourth season? Players and coaches have conspired to put that one to rest. It goes without saying: It helps to join a productive NFL offense, particularly one that passes proficiently. However, most rookie wideouts, like any other freshmen, won't contribute heavily; the game is too difficult. What, then, does it take for first- and second-year pass catchers to be integral cogs, specifically for fantasy football teams? Standing outAn examination of receivers who, in the last five or six years, were considered mildly to extremely successful in their freshman or sophomore season, or both, has revealed a couple of interesting denominators. Obviously, talent is a requirement. Most wideouts who have succeeded very early on were, not surprisingly, draftees in the first couple of rounds. The true freaks of football nature are always on every fantasy player's radar. The Houston Texans' Andre Johnson, the Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald, the Cleveland Browns' Braylon Edwards (to an extent) and the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson were all top-three draft choices. When you're eligible for such a fraternity, you have a rare combination of speed, size and many other tools.
Success is expected - right away, usually, which is why fantasy players sometimes overvalue this type. That quartet delivered, to varying degrees. Analysis of their situations would only lead to conclusions about why any receiver might or might not be successful in the same position. Nearly all receivers who are or will be under discussion played in an offense that had pro-style elements or, in the rarer cases, pass-heavy systems. The less gimmicky a college playbook, the more beneficial it is to future NFL players. A big-time program isn't necessary, but it helps, more so for exposure. The University of Miami, the University of Michigan, Georgia Tech, the University of Texas, Ohio State, etc., run or ran attacks with such ingredients. An early introduction to a pro-style offense increases "football intelligence," making the adaptation to the NFL less of a struggle. Side note: Universal intelligence can be an outstanding complement - or substitute, even - for players who must learn complex offenses, like variations of the West Coast system. The NFL doesn't release official Wonderlic scores (or, at least, most of them; league personnel must have selective loose lips), so scouting reports and other measures must serve the purpose. Generally, the farther a position lines up from the ball at the snap, the lower the expectations are for "measurable intelligence." Therefore, most coaches don't expect much from receivers in this department. However, proficiency here aids potential. Obviously, the "smarter," more instinctive and more experienced the receiver, the greater his chance is to transition quickly. Edwards reportedly scored an exciting 27 on this test. Then-Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams (seventh overall, 2004), the Buffalo Bills' Lee Evans (13th overall, 2004) and the Miami Dolphins' Ted Ginn Jr. (ninth overall, 2007) performed pretty well as newbies. They fall outside the realm of that group of top-three talents, but that doesn't mean they're handicapped.
Analysis of what it takes beyond supreme ability begins with players like them. It's not that they don't have talent; they're just not freaks. For any receiver, it's not just about having it, but using it properly. It's just a little easier for some than it is for others. What IT helps with, in particular, is the ability to create separation. That's the name of the game in the NFL. As we descend the talent staircase, those with less IT depend more on other methods to make, well, it. Separation is achieved in a variety of ways. Those who do it separate themselves from the pack. When size mattersThe scouting report on Williams (6-foot-3, 211 pounds): It's nearly impossible to jam him. His toughness (injury issues aside) makes him a handful. Despite little help, he performed admirably as a deep threat - when he was on the field. "Big" is a relative term, so for argument's sake, we'll define "big" as at least 6-foot-2 and more than 210 pounds. Big receivers, especially those not blessed with top-end speed, often must use their size and strength to achieve separation. This is no surprise, although possessing both doesn't mean it's a given; players have to employ that combo.
In addition, some just "play big." Some, like Boldin (6-foot-1, 217 pounds), who's notably physical, a beast. He's not fast, but he's remarkably quick and a hard worker. Marshall (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) is also fast and considered very intelligent; the smarts helped him adapt to then-Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan's complicated West Coast-based power-running and vertical offense. He might have fallen into the "freak" category had he not attended Central Florida. Bowe (6-foot-2, 221 pounds) has some speed, but scouting reports were quick to point out how strong he was and how commandingly he gained separation. Clayton (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), like Bowe a Louisiana State product, stood out as a rook in then-Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden's WCO. After his initial explosion, he underwent offseason arthroscopic knee surgery and gained a rep for laziness; it appears he has never recovered.
Colston (6-foot-4, 225 pounds), a virtual unknown as a seventh-rounder from Hofstra, is not exactly fleet of foot but was labeled "physical" as well as "project"; some expected him to be converted to tight end given his other "limitations." Despite the lack of pedigree, Colston had his shot thanks to first-year head coach Sean Payton. Payton was installing a high-flying offense and didn't play favorites. Colston, a bright kid, took advantage, with strong offseason workouts and an impressive training camp. It was obvious that defenders would have trouble chucking him. Tangential lesson: Players, including youngsters, who consistently - consistently - stand out in training camp (not necessarily the preseason; Colston reined in a combined eight passes for 84 yards in his first four exhibition contests) are usually on the right path. Coaches and the press blow smoke, but when they constantly blow smoke, check for fire.
Cautionary tale: Wilford (6-foot-4, 225 pounds), then a Jacksonville Jaguars rookie, is a Virginia Tech product who had some pro-style experience and put up solid numbers in a conservative offense. In his second season, an injury to rookie Matt Jones opened the door to a starting job. The Jags put Wilford in a position to succeed - opposite Jimmy Smith, the Z man and one of the most unheralded receivers in NFL history. Wilford didn't have to be physical to get off the line; despite his size, it's not one of his strong suits. The following year, Smith was a retiree and J-ville needed someone to step up. Wilford's inability to gain separation and lack of speed prompted the Jags to try him in the slot in the offseason. With few alternatives, though, he became a starter. No oomph and no fellow receivers to respect left Wilford exposed. His production has reflected that. In small packagesIf it's not already, it should become clear that diminutive receivers need elite speed or quickness in order to produce in the league. Let's define small as 6-foot or under and less than 200 pounds. Evans (5-foot-10, 197 pounds) is somewhat of a rarity in his class: He's also quite physical. He's compact and very strong, in addition to having outstanding deep speed. At the University of Wisconsin, he played in an offense that contained pro fundamentals, with the foundation of a power running attack. He recorded a 27 on the Wonderlic, according to reports. The Badgers utilized Evans as a deep threat, something that was innate for him. Buffalo, with Mike Mularkey directing the vertical attack, did nothing to alter that. Although other factors (quarterback play, lack of assistance) have held him back, he has excelled in that role. Ginn (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), on the other hand, is more representative of his dimensional brethren. He tasted pro-style parts of the Buckeyes offense before hitting the NFL, where he was still a bit raw. First-year head coach Cam Cameron's offense didn't favor rookies with steep learning curves. Nonetheless, Ginn had other factors working for him. He's a coach's son, with a deliberate understanding of the game. He's faster than lightning, too. In 2008, Cameron was gone, offensive coordinator Dan Henning ran a simple pro-style offense (save for the Wildcat formations), and Ginn was a year wiser. The 'Fins took advantage of his unique skills. What stands out about Ginn and many others in his class? Their experience and proficiency on special teams.
Royal (5-foot-10, 182 pounds) and Jackson (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) earned starting spots out of training camp, while Holmes (5-foot-11, 192 pounds), Breaston (6-foot, 189 pounds) and Avery (5-foot-11, 184 pounds) didn't receive significant playing time right away. Holmes, who's pretty sturdy, lacked the maturity it takes to graduate to an NFL offense. Breaston didn't start until Boldin went down or when the Cards opened in three-wide sets. All of them were exceptional return men in college (and may be or have been at times in the NFL). Like Wilford, these receivers often set up off the line. However, unlike Wilford, they don't necessarily need help to create separation. The attributes that make them dangerous returners - quickness, lateral speed, fluidity in the hips - make them effective in small spaces. They can turn on a dime away from a defensive back. They can take a 3-yard hitch or a pass in the flat, step away from a defender and turn it into a big gain. Worth noting: Royal may miss the presence of Marshall should the Broncos grant the latter's request for a trade. The former performed well in Denver's only Marshall-less effort last year, though, and poor quarterback play at Virginia Tech held him back as a receiver. Jackson is notably weak, and Philly takes measures to ensure he avoids jams. Breaston lacks polish as a pass catcher and benefited from extraordinary surroundings (like, say, Fitz). Avery may see doubles now that Torry Holt has moved on and Keenan Burton is his expected wingman. Regardless, all still have high ceilings.
Miami's Bess (5-foot-10, 190 pounds), an undrafted free agent last year, performed well when his role increased. He was a quality return man at the University of Hawaii, too. Other factors limit his potential, though. He's a run 'n' shoot product and will likely require teammates to attract attention so he can find space.
Burleson (6-foot, 198 pounds) is a novelty; he didn't return punts or kicks often at the University of Nevada, with mixed results when he did. His second campaign, when he was with the Minnesota Vikings, remains his best to date: An injury to Randy Moss gave Burleson the chance to run under quarterback Daunte Culpepper's hopeful rainbows just as Moss did. He parlayed that into a huge contract extension after a trade to the Seattle Seahawks, despite a down 2005, and he has been a disappointment in the Emerald City. Former Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren ran a complex offense, and Burleson's difficulties grasping it were well-documented. However, he demonstrated tremendous growth as a return man, particularly on punts. He had also gained Holmgren's praise as a student of the playbook and began 2008 as a starter. Cruel twist: He sustained a torn ACL in Week 1, leaving his full-circle accomplishments up to conjecture. It's reasonable to think Burleson can be a quality contributor given his progress in several facets of the game, especially in coordinator Greg Knapp's less mentally taxing offense. It all depends on his recovery from knee surgery.
Clayton (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) hasn't completely delivered on his first-round promise yet. He returned kicks in college, but that wasn't considered his strength. His speed and quickness allow him to gain separation, but he operates as more of a deep threat. Will his conflicting identity keep him from reaching the heights of others in his genus?
Jennings (5-foot-11, 197 pounds), like Evans, is more of an exception. He thrilled Green Bay Packers staffers with his potential in minicamps and training camp and ended up starting for a large portion of his rookie season. The Western Michigan product had toiled in an offense with pro-style facets. He returned punts at times for his alma mater, but what stood out to scouts was his ability to avoid jams at the line of scrimmage. He has incredible quickness and a slew of moves in his arsenal. Like Evans, Jennings is a threat to take it to the house every time. Unlike Evans, Jennings' unique skill set makes him ideal for turning a quick slant into a 75-yard TD. He's a perfect fit for the Pack. What about so-and-so?Other wideouts have posted quality fantasy lines in the past five years, but a quick examination shows why they haven't lived up to since-heightened expectations.
Colbert (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), a Carolina Panthers draftee, displayed moderate promise initially while playing opposite Muhsin Muhammad, who had a huge season (93 catches, 1,405 yards, 16 touchdowns) in his walk year. Colbert, a Southern California product, was never considered a dynamic player and didn't do anything to improve, even as Steve Smith was emerging. Lloyd (6-foot, 194 pounds), taken by the San Francisco 49ers, isn't physical or fast, despite his penchant for acrobatics. Neither is Brown, although to a lesser degree. The Philadelphia Eagles' 2005 second-rounder was solid as a replacement for deactivated malcontent Terrell Owens and demonstrated solid growth in Year 2. However, Brown's ever-present nagging injuries and lack of physicality held him back; observers note he lacks passion for the game.
The Jags knew when they drafted Jones (6-foot-6, 218 pounds) in the first round that he was a project. The college quarterback was a physical specimen with great speed, but he had much to learn about the nuances of receiver-hood. Jones progressed last season (65 catches, 761 yards, two scores), but it's difficult to work on your game after multiple run-ins with the law.
Gonzalez (6-foot, 193 pounds) and Smith (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) are the latest editions of wide receivers in this mold. Neither is physically imposing nor exceptionally fast, although both have a pair of excellent hands and the required smarts. Each has taken advantage of the absence of a player ahead of him on the depth chart, but nothing about either says future stud. They don't have immense upside, but they could continue to produce as complements. None of these players, with the exception of Jones, has the size or strength to break free from the line of scrimmage on his own time after time. None of them has mentionable experience returning kicks, nor do they have the ability to perform such duties at a high level. Jones possesses the height, but he doesn't have the weight and power to gain leverage at the line repeatedly. What it takesSome have it, some don't. Beyond the players with unmistakable and wide-ranging gifts, wideouts seeking early rewards in the NFL have specific attributes that help them gain separation. Scouts often pinpoint the receivers who have an inherent ability to create it. Typically, they're large, smart or football-schooled players who have demonstrable power and use it to create an advantage at the line of scrimmage. Or, they're small, heady players who boast dazzling speed or quickness, often honed in the return game. We have the criteria. Next up: Identify the 2009 season's first- and second-year wide receivers who fit the mold.
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Author Bio
Nicholas Minnix KFFL's baseball editor plays in LABR and Tout Wars and won the FSWA Baseball Industry Insiders League in 2010. The University of Delaware alum is a regular guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and Baltimore's WNST AM 1570. Follow him on Twitter. Featured LinksTalk Sports 24/7! Recent articles:
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