Fantasy Football Draft Guide

Fantasy football: Characteristics of successful wide receivers - Part II

September 3, 2009 @ 18:45:00

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Tim Heaney

In Fantasy football: Characteristics of successful wide receivers, we learned about the traits common among first- and second-year wide receivers who have made an impact in fantasy football in the past five or six seasons.

Obviously, an inexperienced receiver's propensity to succeed increases if he joins a team with a productive offense. His level of talent (which can be loosely correlated to draft position) is a large factor, as is the collegiate offense that groomed him. His level of intelligence, work ethic and, oftentimes, showing in training camp go a long way.

It's a player's natural ability to separate from a defensive back that gives him an initial edge. Tall receivers, especially those who aren't fast, gain it by using their size and, if they have it, strength. Short receivers, particularly those who aren't physical, create it with speed and, more so, deftness and agility. Players who have made their mark on kick returns, punt returns or both often headline the diminutive category.

With that established, the question is: Who fits the profile for the 2009 fantasy football season? For further examination of each player, click his KFFL.com fantasy football "Player Analysis" link.

Rated rookies

Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland Raiders | Player Analysis

The fastest 40 time at the NFL Scouting Combine belonged to this man. That alone can give Heyward-Bey instant separation; he rarely saw a bump. He has solid instincts in space and with the football in his hands. Mix the rest of the ingredients, though, and you have yourself a project with minimal expected fantasy impact for a couple of seasons.

At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Heyward-Bey disappoints because he's quite short on power and polish as a receiver. The University of Maryland's simplified pro-style offense provides him with a solid background, but how much - besides go deep - was asked of him? The Terrapins never utilized his speed in the return game. Though Heyward-Bey has the inside track at a starting job, Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is still raw himself, and he's operating a lowbrow passing offense.

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers | Player Analysis

The 10th overall pick in the 2009 draft has exceptional hands and body control. He can use his size (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) as well as his quickness to gain separation, but Crabtree lacks the top-end speed we ordinarily see from receivers taken in the top five. He can be very physical but isn't always. San Fran's aerial attack has improved, it's worth noting.

Crabtree MIA from San Fran

Texas Tech's high-flying spread is very gimmicky. Crabtree would have succeeded in just about any offense in college, but he doesn't have the pro-style experience one would like to see. This offseason he missed tons of valuable practice time that would've helped him acclimate to the Niners offense. Crabtree has a lot of catching up to do, and his attitude has come into question. He has the look of a receiver who will disappoint after fantasy draft day, at least early on in Year 1.

Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles | Player Analysis

The Eags traded up to select Maclin (6-foot, 198 pounds) at No. 19; head coach Andy Reid later revealed that the University of Missouri product was the highest-rated player on their board. Reid is infatuated with Maclin's speed, explosiveness, hands and, in particular, intelligence; the 2009 rookie reportedly scored higher than any other receiver on the Wonderlic test. The 21-year-old goes through occasional mental lapses and isn't a precise route runner, but his incredible athleticism allows to him break away from defenders easily.

The Tigers' spread offense required wideouts to read coverages and communicate with the quarterback at the line of scrimmage. He was a dangerous return man in college and should be one in the NFL. Maclin may need only an opportunity - made more possible if Kevin Curtis (hernia) isn't 100 percent - to become a valuable fantasy performer. He has a little catching up to do in camp and must learn to escape jams better, though.

Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings | Player Analysis

The Vikes took Harvin three picks after Philly took Maclin, for similar reasons. Harvin has the dexterity of an unparalleled return man (top-notch speed and the agility to make tacklers look silly in small areas). Alas, he didn't perform such duties at the University of Florida. Nevertheless, Minnesota is willing to try him there if he progresses in camp.

Vikes will find uses for speedy Harvin

Harvin may struggle to adapt on offense. The Gators employ a spread attack that relies on deception and motion; they utilized Harvin as a back, signal caller and, of course, receiver. His pro club has similar plans, some that involve the trendy wildcat formation. With a couple of players ahead of him and a bit of a learning curve, he won't be a consistent performer, though. However, he should make highlight reels some weeks and has great upside.

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants | Player Analysis

Nicks (6-foot-1, 212 pounds) is in essence the long-term replacement for Amani Toomer, only - potentially - better. In fact, Nicks draws comparisons to the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin. The University of North Carolina man has a good burst and is shifty as well as very strong, with hands coated in glue. Like Boldin, he can take a short pass and turn it into a big gain.

The likeness of course means Nicks also doesn't possess great measured speed. True, the Tar Heels run a fairly balanced, pro-style offense. He rarely returned kicks and is ill-suited for that job, but the Giants think he's a candidate for it. Don't expect that to pan out. Nicks creates separation with his strength and explosiveness; he "plays big," although it remains to be seen if he can to the extent that Boldin does. If he's assertive, Nicks should be a weekly though perhaps middling contributor at some point.

Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans | Player Analysis

The offense at Rutgers should have prepared Britt for the NFL, to a degree. The Big East's all-time leader in receiving yards (impressive when you consider the conference's legacy) can change direction very quickly, especially for a receiver his size (6-foot-3, 218 pounds). Britt is physical after the catch, too.

That isn't the product of a strong upper body or hands, though. Britt has trouble escaping the line of scrimmage against physical cornerbacks. That's not a great trait to combine with moderate speed. He has to make strides in a couple of areas to improve his release. He might get the chance to do so with Nate Washington (hamstring) likely to miss a few regular season games. Understanding the offense probably won't be an issue, but the offense itself might. Do the Titans pass?

Brian Robiskie, Cleveland Browns | Player Analysis

Experience is Robiskie's greatest asset. Ohio State's offense has some pro elements. The son of longtime NFL coach Terry Robiskie knows football. That's not to say he brings nothing else to the table. Robiskie (6-foot-3, 209 pounds) uses his size to gain leverage at the line, particularly against small corners. He likes to tangle.

He may not be strong enough to take on the larger NFL versions, though. Robiskie isn't very fast or quick, and he's not an asset as a returner. He has only the aptitude to be more successful than the Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Gonzalez. Sadly, Cleveland's offense isn't as conducive to fantasy points right now. He's a low-upside gamble, even if he wins a job.

Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns | Player Analysis

Like Robiskie, Massaquoi (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) is now a member of a team with a not-so-impressive offense. Also like Robiskie, he has a small chance to win a starting job opposite Braylon Edwards. The Georgia Bulldogs run a somewhat pro-style attack. Massaquoi is a good athlete but not exceptional in any one area; he's a solid package.

He's strong, but he doesn't use that asset to gain an advantage at the line, and he doesn't have the quick feet or dexterity to beat defenders easily. Edwards' prowess will benefit either receiver, but it's likely not enough for a rookie wideout on the Browns to have a profound fantasy impact. The Browns need a quarterback to take the reins and show tremendous growth.

The frosh fillers

Inconsistency plagued the Detroit Lions' Derrick Williams (6-foot, 194 pounds) at Penn State, but he was at times an electric return man. He may not be elusive enough to survive at receiver in the NFL, especially in his first season, buried on the Lions' depth chart. | Player Analysis

Brandon Tate was almost exclusively a kick returner at the University of North Carolina. He was emerging before torn knee ligaments ended his 2008 season. He's behind and buried on the depth chart, making him a project at receiver for the New England Patriots.

Mike Wallace (6-foot, 199 pounds) has elite speed, which he flashed on kickoff returns, to separate. He doesn't figure into the Pittsburgh Steelers' plans early; physical defenders tie him up, and he's raw. However, he has the tools, so if he learns quickly and has an opportunity, he could contribute.

The Giants boast no standout NFL receivers - yet. Like the departed Plaxico Burress, Ramses Barden (6-foot-6, 229 pounds) isn't physical but is very quick for his size. He uses his height well, but he'll have to learn to maximize it to create instant separation, so it'll take an adjustment period.

The Miami Dolphins took Patrick Turner despite the recent poor showings of other tall Southern California wideouts. The 6-foot-5, 223-pounder has quick feet and big, strong hands to escape defensive backs at the line. He has also impressed in camp. He doesn't accelerate well, but he may pan out.

Deon Butler (5-foot-10, 182 pounds) was nearly as productive at Penn State as Williams. Butler was also a big-play receiver, despite his size. The Seattle Seahawks draftee has above-average quickness, acceleration and agility. He didn't return kicks in school, though, and he's easily manhandled.

The Chicago Bears' Juaquin Iglesias led the high-powered Oklahoma Sooners in receptions as a senior. He's very quick off the line and was a quality kick returner. He may play plenty as a rookie. Iglesias (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) has the makings of a quality complement or slot man, one who's better off opposite a true No. 1. He could be a fantasy commodity, but coaches have not seen proper technique from the rook. The Bears pecking order is still up for grabs, though, and Iglesias has flashed potential in preseason action. | Player Analysis

Mike Thomas (5-foot-8, 195 pounds) has impressive burst and, although he's short, is extremely compact and relatively strong. He excited as a return man for two seasons at the University of Arizona and is the Pac-10's all-time leader with 259 catches. He's not fast enough to maintain separation but could be a decent possession receiver in the slot for the Jacksonville Jaguars - even this year - but he has battled a hamstring injury and is fighting for a roster spot.

Miami opted for less upside but more stability with Ohio State's Brian Hartline (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) in the fourth round. The former quarterback is very smart but lacks the athleticism necessary to separate easily. He was a solid punt returner for the Buckeyes but is a project with a low ceiling. He may meet that ceiling soon, however, because he has the inside track for the No. 2 wideout job.

It's no surprise the Raiders opted for speedy Louis Murphy. The overlooked 6-foot-2, 203-pounder uses his arms well and accelerates rapidly but has trouble with press coverage. He forged a relationship with quarterback JaMarcus Russell this offseason. The former Gator said the Raiders' playbook is similar to Florida's. Murphy has electrified in camp and could easily outperform Oakland's first-rounder, DHB, this year - given the chance. Both rookies might even start. Unfortunately, it's Oakland, so only deep fantasy leaguers would benefit.

Austin Collie may split No. 3 duties with second-year man Pierre Garcon for the Indianapolis Colts. Can the former, a 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, profile as anything more? Collie has "football speed," smarts and maturity; he's also a real competitor and gets off the line well. His special teams skills make him a great NFL commodity. Collie could surprise as a low-end complementary fantasy one, too, although the pecking order won't allow it this year.

Johnny Knox (6-foot, 185 pounds) has blazing speed, great hands and experience returning punts. The Bears are minimizing what he must learn. He could surprise as an occasional deep target - eventually.
The Denver Broncos' Kenny McKinley (6-foot, 189 pounds) has the agility to excel in small spaces and separate. Lack of speed, physicality and opportunity will limit him, at least early, though.
Jarett Dillard (5-foot-10, 191 pounds) put up numbers by the ton at Rice University, but he isn't explosive enough to stand out with Jacksonville.
Versatile enough to walk on for the North Carolina Tar Heels hoops squad in 2005, Brooks Foster (6-foot-1, 211 pounds) is good - not great - at many things. He won't have a chance to prove it until next year, though; he was placed on Injured Reserve this week.
The Kansas City Chiefs' Quinten Lawrence (6-foot, 184 pounds) has all the talent to be a top-notch return man but lacks experience. He hasn't impressed as a receiver thus far, either.
Brandon Gibson (6-foot, 210 pounds) has made a strong case for a roster spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. He's not super fast but returned kicks at Washington State and is very tough. Hard to see him getting enough looks, though.
Tennessee doesn't throw much, and Dominique Edison (6-foot-2, 204 pounds) will take awhile to adjust to the NFL. He has many physical tools, minus the strength and burst.
The San Diego Chargers took Demetrius Byrd (6-foot, 199 pounds) knowing it'd be for the long term. The speedy yet slow-to-accelerate Louisiana State product was in a car accident just before the draft. He'll start the season on the Non-Football Injury list.
Manuel Johnson (5-foot-11, 189 pounds) is an overachiever with great speed and quickness but doesn't have a high ceiling. He's fighting for a roster spot with the Dallas Cowboys.
Sammie Stroughter (5-foot-9, 189 pounds), a solid return man, is doing the same with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His quickness and hands have gained him attention in camp for the No. 3 job, but he'd only round out the roster.
Marko Mitchell (6-foot-4, 218 pounds) may win a job with the Washington Redskins, but he's a product of the University of Hawaii offense. He'll have trouble separating.
Chicago's Derek Kinder (6-foot, 202 pounds) won't have an immediate impact, but down the road? He's about two years removed from a torn ACL; speed isn't his game, but he can beat the jam and has excellent tools.
Freddie Brown (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) can fight through a press but may not be fast enough to maintain separation. He can hope to make the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad.
Tiquan Underwood (6-foot-1, 184 pounds) did well in the Jags' offseason workouts. He has some speed but limited upside - and that was before he landed in J-ville.

Second-year shots

The Arizona Cardinals' Steve Breaston, the St. Louis Rams' Donnie Avery, the Denver Broncos' Eddie Royal and the Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson aren't sneaking up on anyone this year. Who, then, from their class will break out in the sophomore campaign of their NFL careers?

Josh Morgan, 49ers | Player Analysis

A preseason sensation last year, Morgan (6-foot-1, 215 pounds), a sixth-rounder, is lining up as a starter and may serve as the team's No. 1 target. The Virginia Tech product is extremely talented, with the strength you look for in a player his size. If he's parlaying that into clean breaks from the line, look out. Last year he had 20 receptions for 319 yards and three scores in 12 games (one start).

Morgan was labeled an underachiever in college; his poor work ethic and Tech's inconsistent QB play were perhaps the only things holding him back. He was more than dedicated this offseason, so even when (if?) Crabtree ends his holdout, it's likely that Morgan is the only one who controls Morgan's place on the depth chart. A real sleeper this year.

Earl Bennett, Bears | Player Analysis

The 6-foot, 203-pounder spent 2007 at Vanderbilt with quarterback Jay Cutler and 2008 learning each receiver spot in the Bears' offense. The overwhelm of that task hindered his ability to contribute as a rook but may have prepared him for big things in 2009. He's a pretty bright player.

Bennett is quick and agile, attributes that will come in handy as a possession man opposite Devin Hester. He doesn't have the athletic qualities of an average returner or the strength to easily break free from defenders. However, he sets up defensive backs well, and he has a bevy of fakes. It's unlikely he'll ever excel, but he's a nice sleeper, at least in PPR leagues.

Chaz Schilens, Raiders | Player Analysis

A virtual unknown from San Diego State, Schilens (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) is nevertheless a physical specimen with near elite speed. He caught 15 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns as a rook; he started six times. Consider him a threat to start or see major time with his experience. He earned praise all offseason.

The Raiders, quarterbacked by JaMarcus Russell, obviously limit Schilens' ceiling in 2009 - and perhaps beyond. It's a shame considering his tools. He has tons of upside, as long as he avoids the injury bug that nagged him in his debut season. Any progression by Russell should be relayed to Schilens.

Limas Sweed, Pittsburgh Steelers | Player Analysis

A wrist injury put a damper on the Texas product's rookie campaign, so he has come on strong in the offseason preceding his sophomore season. Sweed (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) is a long strider built for deep routes, which is good considering he doesn't run routes extremely well. He's said to have the upper hand for the No. 3 receiver position.

That job made Nate Washington fantasy relevant for a couple of seasons. The consistent praise heaped on Sweed thus far could foreshadow a breakout campaign. Wrist injuries are nothing new for Sweed, though, and he isn't always physical or disciplined enough to maintain separation. He'll have to improve in those areas and cut out the drops to be more than a slot man and Hines Ward's eventual replacement.

Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers | Player Analysis

Nelson (6-foot-3, 217 pounds) is an owner of a quality possession receiver's skills, particularly route running. He isn't tremendously fast but doesn't lose much with the pads on. In his rookie season, he caught 33 passes for 366 yards and two scores in 16 games (two starts).

Nelson is competing with a resurgent James Jones for the No. 3 job and looks, which will severely limit his impact, barring an injury. However, of the two, Nelson seems more suited to be the heir apparent to Donald Driver.

Keenan Burton, St. Louis Rams

The Kentucky product is strong, especially for his size (6-foot, 202 pounds), and fights through jams well. He was a very good return man in college and is a candidate for such duty this year. He was one of the more overlooked prospects in the 2008 draft.

The absence of Donnie Avery (foot) opens a door, too, but Burton, like many former Wildcats, he's pretty raw despite his athleticism. Laurent Robinson has the edge on him to start. Burton can make things happen but is limited in what he can do, now and later, without advancing his physical precision.

Devin Thomas, Washington Redskins | Player Analysis

The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder's initial NFL season was unspectacular (15 catches, 120 yards); he struggled with routes. He fits head coach Jim Zorn's West Coast offense well, though. He has the size, burst and toughness to get open. He doesn't possess elite talent, but he's no slouch. He has reportedly improved his route-running immensely. Ideally for D.C., he supplants Antwaan Randle El, who would move into the slot. He has mild upside.

Malcolm Kelly, Redskins | Player Analysis

The Redskins took Kelly a round earlier than they did Thomas. The 6-foot-4, 227-pounder had an injury-marred season and underwent microfracture surgery in February, but it wasn't extensive. Kelly uses his leverage and power to break free; however, he has some catching up to do. He could also take Randle El's spot and has a higher ceiling. He may be exactly what the 'Skins need in the red zone as the year goes on.

Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati Bengals | Player Analysis

The Bengals have plenty of targets, so the brainy Caldwell (6-foot, 200 pounds) will take what he can get as the expected slot receiver, returner and wildcat playmaker. He has some explosiveness and can be physical, but it's unlikely he'll be allowed to step beyond those jobs this year. He's usually overlooked in deep leagues, though, and that could be a mistake.

Early Doucet, Cardinals

He was an exciting fantasy pickup for a few games while Anquan Boldin was out, but Doucet (6-foot, 212 pounds) is fourth on the depth chart. He wasn't a particularly effective return man in college. He'll have to model himself after Boldin - no easy task - to separate and make strides as a route runner to be a quality fantasy piece. He already has beating the press down.

James Hardy, Buffalo Bills

Hardy (knee) tore his ACL in Week 15 last year and will be behind the curve entering the season. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder has multiple areas to improve in physically, too. He projects well given his frame and gifts, but the Bills shouldn't expect a big contribution from him for a year or two.

Pierre Garcon, Colts | Player Analysis

Garcon (6-foot, 210 pounds) is competing for looks with rookie Austin Collie, essentially. The former is a small-school product who has worked hard to absorb both outside receiver spots. There's still a question about whether he can compete in the NFL on a consistent basis, though. Like Collie, Garcon has very mild upside, and it's with an eye toward the future.

Mario Manningham, Giants | Player Analysis

The Michigan standout has the smarts, explosiveness, speed and hands to gain separation, but he has to improve his attitude. Head coach Tom Coughlin is the man for the job. The 5-foot-11, 183-pounder seems to be responding to his leader's challenges. He has long-term (as in, not 2009) potential as a speed threat, but he has to come out of his breaks better and remain committed.

Dexter M. Jackson, Free Agent

The 5-foot-9, 178-pound Jackson is built like a streaking return man but has little experience at it. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut him, but he has the aptitude to serve a return role if a new team wants to give him a chance. Unfortunately, his quickness alone probably isn't enough to help him catch on in a frequent role for another offense.

Jaymar Johnson, Vikings

Before Minnesota put him on the practice squad, the awfully quick and fast small-school product was flirting with the punt return job. He may not make a fantasy impact this year, but his tremendous work ethic and maturity make him one to watch for the future.

Justin Harper, Ravens

Harper (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) has the speed to get deep and can be a red zone threat. Injuries may allow him to begin 2009 relatively high on the depth chart, too, but don't look for him much this year. The Virginia Tech product is a project because he struggles with consistency. He has somewhat exciting long-term value if he becomes bulkier and more physical.

Jerome Simpson, Bengals | Player Analysis

The slender (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) 2008 second-rounder still doesn't have the speed or strength to escape defenders. Simpson is far down on the pecking order and could be in danger of not making the 53-man.

Paul Hubbard (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) is remarkably athletic but has never applied himself. He shows flashes but has to use his gifts to separate. He gained notice in camp early, but the Cleveland Browns are still waiting.
Mario Urrutia (6-foot-6, 232 pounds) has been waived twice, surprisingly, given his size and decent speed. He has dazzled early in Bucs camp. The Louisville man may never accelerate well enough to maintain separation, but there's a little promise here.
The Atlanta Falcons' Harry Douglas (knee) showed flashes of brilliance thanks to his speed and explosiveness. Let's hope the 6-foot, 182-pounder rediscovers it in a year or two, after he's fully recovered from a torn ACL.
The Bills' unpolished Steve Johnson (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) isn't spectacular at any one facet. He's buried on the depth chart of a team that doesn't make use of players that low.
The Kansas City Chiefs' new regime gave Will Franklin (6-foot, 210 pounds) his walking papers this offseason. He's fast and athletic but lacks focus. The fourth-rounder doesn't want to be at the end of any depth chart; he couldn't even hack it with the Raiders, who also cut him.
Marcus Smith (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) was battling for the No. 4 job with the Baltimore Ravens, but he will miss 2009 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the preseason.
The Tennessee Titans sealed 2008 fourth-rounder Lavelle Hawkins' fate when they took Britt and signed Washington. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder lacks return-man skills and doesn't have the other tools to make up the difference. His roster spot is in jeopardy.
Kenneth Moore (5-foot-11, 195) honed his skills as a running back and return man in college, but he still lacks the needed burst or strength. Detroit cut him last year; even if he wins the No. 4 job with the Carolina Panthers, we won't hear much from him.
The New England Patriots still expect Matt Slater (6-foot, 200 pounds) to evolve into a solid kick returner. He has yet to prove he can.
Kevin Robinson (6-foot, 196 pounds) is hoping to catch on as a return specialist after KC's new staff considered him expendable, too. He never received a serious look after his knee problems last year.
The New York Jets' Marcus Henry (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) stands out only because of his size. He can't separate unless he adds muscle.
Brett Swain (6-foot, 203 pounds) isn't gifted enough in any area to crack the Green Bay Packers' 53-man again this year.
Adrian Arrington (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) lacks agility and has missed too much time because of injuries. He's strong for his size but not strong enough. The New Orleans Saints have too many other options.
Marcus Monk (6-foot-4, 212 pounds) is trying to catch on with Carolina after being released twice. He had surgery two times, including a microfracture procedure, on his knee before his senior year at Arkansas. He isn't aggressive or explosive.
The Oakland Raiders waived fourth-rounder Arman Shields in July; he had yet to make an impression because of a knee injury, with which he has a serious history.
Sparsely used undrafted free-agent Michael Bumpus was released by the Seattle Seahawks this year.