Jason Wood's Thoughts

Drew Bennett is an enigma. The former UCLA QB turned wide receiver has ridden a bit of a roller coaster the last few seasons. Slowly but surely he worked his way into the Titans receiving rotation, eventually becoming a starter opposite Derrick Mason. In 2004, with Derrick Mason and QB Steve McNair sidelined, Bennett found a groove with backup QB Billy Volek and put together one of the craziest three-week runs we've ever seen:

• 28 receptions
• 517 yards
• 8 TDs
• 100 fantasy points
• WR1

That led many to project a breakout season for Bennett last year. But it never quite materialized. His year-end totals of...

• 58 receptions
• 738 yards
• 4 TDs
• 98 fantasy points (WR38)

...hardly met his draft day expectations (he was a mid round pick in 10- and 12-team leagues). The primary culprit was injury, but it also seemed he failed to find a rapport with McNair in the way he found with Volek.

This season, things are looking up for Bennett. Billy Volek is now the Titans starting QB (at least until Vince Young takes over); as McNair was sent packing to Baltimore. Bennett is healthy, and should be more comfortable in Norm Chow's offense. The running game, an essential component of keeping defenses honest (Bennett isn't really good enough to break double teams consistently), looks better off if HC Jeff Fisher is right about his praise for rookie RB LenDale White.

Wait, you didn't mention David Givens...

David Givens left the dynastic Patriots to sign a 5-year, $24mm deal with the Titans that included an $8 million signing bonus. Givens will start opposite Bennett. Some would argue that Givens will take away some of Bennett's targets; moreso than last year's revolving door at WR2. Yet, I disagree for a number of reasons. 1) David Givens isn't a special talent. He's 26 years old and has never caught 60 passes in a season nor 900 yards nor finished any better than 37th among fantasy receivers. To think he could displace Bennett, who is more physical and has a better understanding of the Titans system, is silly. 2) Givens IS good enough that he should improve the team's overall play. A year ago, if the running game didn't get going early, defenses could key on Bennett and beg the Titans other WRs to make a play. This year, Givens will be able to make just enough of those plays to sustain drives. That means more targets and red zone chances for everyone, Bennett included.

When you consider the tough division Tennessee plays in, it stands to reason that they'll have to throw the ball plenty in order to stay in games. The Titans defense, while adding some pieces this offseason, still projects as one of the league's most challenged.

Add that all together, and combine it with a decent schedule and a return to full health, and Bennett could be a solid value pick at his current ADP of WR32.

Positives

• Drew Bennett is one of the biggest receivers in the league (6'5", 205 pounds) and understands the nuances of the position by virtue of playing QB in college
• His greatest success came when Billy Volek was under center; and Volek is projected to start this year in McNair's absence
• David Givens is good enough to take pressure off Bennett but not good enough to displace Bennett as the Titans' leading target

Negatives

• The Titans could eventually put Vince Young into the lineup and that would hinder the outlook for all Titans receivers, Bennett included
• Bennett struggled through finger and knee injuries last year; he may be rusty and must stay healthy
• The Titans have added LenDale White and still retain Chris Brown; they could become a power running team which might limit Bennett's chances

Final Thoughts

Drew Bennett is going to be hard pressed to match his 2004 totals. But he doesn't need to in order to earn his fantasy keep. At his current ADP (WR32), Bennett projects to have slight value, as I believe he'll push for 900+ yards and 5-6 TDs if he remains healthy. Draft accordingly.

Quotations from the Message Board Thread

To view the entire Player Spotlight thread (there's a ton of fantastic commentary in there), click here.

Winning IS Everything:
Drew has good size and speed and will benefit from learning as the #1 last year. Titan wide receivers have averaged 2450 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns the last four years with four year lows last year. I am predicting a bump back toward the norm this year, though this could change if the Titans are out of the playoff picture and throw Young out there. The #1 WR for the Titans averages about 43% of the WR yards and 33% of the TD's.

TME:
Put up 738 yards last year in 13 games and a bit of the injury bug limiting his action in others. Staying healthy will be key for him and I think the longer Volek can keep the starting job, the better for Bennett. Additionally, Givens on the other side balances out the WR corps and gives Bennett some breathing room (and visa versa).

Da Guru:
I see Drew starting out strong with Volek as the QB. Volek has always locked onto Bennett and this season will be no different. What concerns me is if the Titans are not winning we may see Vince Young sooner than expected and if that is the case Bennett's numbers could fall off drastically.

Drew Bennett Projections

SOURCE	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD
Jason Wood	0	0	71	950	6
Message Board Consensus	0	0	65	875	6