Dynasty Shopping Mall - Second-Year WRs

Posted 8/18 by Jeff Tefertiller, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Just like any other shopping mall, this will have different products at different levels of quality and price. We will shop around at different stores like Bloomingdales, Macy's, Sears, even the Dollar Store and look for products to buy. The focus will be on value. Many times the expensive products are worth the price. Some times they are not. We will examine opportunities to buy at a reasonable price compared to value. The products we are purchasing are fantasy players for our dynasty team. This study will examine when is the best time to purchase young receivers for your fantasy team. Many times, young wideouts need time to develop. Every offensive system is different and only a select few are prepared and have the skillset to play well right out of college. Many times, fantasy owners underestimate the time it takes adjusting to the pro game. These youngsters were able to dominate at the collegiate level with mere athletic ability and speed, but there are many athletic, fast corners in the NFL.

Robert Meachem

Robert Meachem is battling to start for the New Orleans Saints. After a disappointing rookie season, the former Tennessee Volunteer seems to be on the right track. He battled injuries and failed to live up to the expectations. Meachem did make an outstanding grab in the first preseason game. He can make plays, but needs to dedicate himself to the playbook and improve as a route runner.

Outlook: Robert Meachem is still a raw prospect for the Saints. Even though he might see time early this season, that says more about Devery Henderson and company. There is no way to tell if he will develop into a long term answer for the Saints.

Store: Old Navy.

Price: A 2009 1st round pick or a good prospect.

Recommendation: Buy if you are a believer. Meachem does have upside, but the pick spent might be better served on another receiver below.

James Jones

James Jones looks to be an absolute star in the NFL. The guy makes plays. As the Packers' third receiver, Jones gathered in 47 receptions his rookie season. Green Bay frequently lines up with three receivers on the field, allowing Jones to match up on the defense's weakest corner. The Green Bay Packers appear to have one of the youngest group of solid young players in the league. Aaron Rodgers under center. Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson in the backfield. And, Greg Jennings, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson at receiver. Add in Donald Lee at tight end and you have a good nucleus to build on.

Outlook: This will probably be Donald Driver's last season in Green Bay. He may or may not retire versus moving to another team. When the veteran departs, it will leave Jones as the starter opposite Jennings. This year is a great opportunity for the youngster from San Jose State to shine and prove he deserves the job in 2009.

Store: Macy's.

Price: A 2009 1st round pick or a 2nd round pick and very good prospect.

Recommendation: Buy. James Jones look like a future star in the league. This is the time to buy, while Driver is still with the team. Owners might initially offer a lower trade offer to see if they can "steal" the young wideout, but savvy owners will only want a very good offer. By this time next year, the price for Jones could very well be too high.

Jacoby Jones

As a rookie, Jacoby Jones showed flashes of his big play ability before injury. The Texans are searching for the right complement to star Andre Johnson. After drafting Jones, they thought they had one, but the transition time for the youngster took longer than most expected. The Houston Texans utilize Jacoby Jones in the return game, too, for a chance at the big play.

Outlook: Jacoby Jones is having a tough time beating out veteran Kevin Walter for a chance to start. Also, Andre Davis is in the mix. Jones has made plays, but is inconsistent and puts the ball on the ground too often. Jacoby Jones is having a difficult time transitioning from small college football to the NFL.

Store: The Gap.

Price: A 2009 2nd round pick and a decent prospect.

Recommendation: Hold or Sell. It does not appear as though Jacoby Jones will emerge soon enough for fantasy owners. He does have potential, but needs to develop quickly to make any impact.

Sidney Rice

Sidney Rice is a very good prospect. His ability is hidden somewhat in Minnesota with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback. The team likes to run the ball with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor so Rice does not get the number of targets that he should. Rice came out of college early, and only turns 22 years old this year. He has loads of potential and makes some big plays. Sidney Rice looks to have a long and very productive career in front him.

Outlook: Sidney Rice is a top young dynasty receiver. He plays in the shadow of Peterson and the run game. With the acquisition of Bernard Berrian from Chicago, Rice's targets might even be fewer than before. But, make no mistake, Sidney Rice is the best wide receiver on the team.

Store: Dillards

Price: A 2009 1st round pick and a decent prospect.

Recommendation: Buy. If the Vikings ever do upgrade the quarterback position, Sidney Rice is destined for stardom. He has the talent to be a Top 10 player at his position, all he needs is the opportunity.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith played great during the playoff run for the New York Giants. He emerged after the injury to Jeremy Shockey. With Shockey sidelined, Eli Manning looked to the former USC Trojan to make the clutch catch. He delivered. Now that Shockey has departed for the New Orleans Saints, opportunity is there for Smith to get pass targets. He may never be much more than a possession receiver, but Steve Smith will be a very good pass catcher in the NFL.

Outlook: The Giants rely on their two aging veteran receivers, Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress, to make plays. If either miss any time, Smith will be a good fantasy starter. This may be the last season to buy Smith on the cheap. All it would take is a Toomer injury and the price skyrockets.

Store: The Dollar Store

Price: A 2009 2nd round pick and a decent prospect.

Recommendation: Buy if you can get him at a reasonable price. Smith may never emerge into a topflight fantasy receiver, but will be a viable fantasy starter. His upside is far less than Rice or Jones above, but his floor is much higher. He is a safe bet to be a good player, while they have a shot at greatness.

Laurent Robinson

Laurent Robinson has the potential to be as good as any of the receivers listed, but he has a ways to go in his development. Being on the Atlanta Falcons does not help matters. The Falcons are a bad team, with a poor offensive line, and a rookie passer. This does not even include Roddy White who has established himself as the WR1 on the team. Robinson showed flashes of greatness as a rookie, but was nicked up. Now, in training camp and preseason, Robinson is battling injury once again.

Outlook: Robinson has the ability to be a better receiver than Roddy White, but injuries have stunted his development. Even Michael Jenkins is listed in front of the second-year pro on the depth chart until Robinson gets healthy. The Atlanta Falcons will have a better passing game in 2009 than in 2008. Matt Ryan will have another season under his belt and the offense will have another year under the new coaching staff.

Store: J.C. Penney.

Price: A 2009 2nd round pick.

Recommendation: Buy if you can find a Robinson owner willing to part with him. You might even point to the news story of Jenkins being listed as the starter on the depth chart. Laurent Robinson is a smooth athlete that has big play ability. The time listed as a backup gives fantasy owners a good opening to buy low.

Calvin Johnson, Anthony Gonzalez, and Dwayne Bowe were omitted because they are "buys" for most every fantasy player. These three young players look to be future All Pro players at the position. Fantasy owners should look at several of these receivers as options for the future. This might be the last offseason to acquire some of the receivers listed above.