Undervalued WRs

Jeff Pasquino - Has the world forgotten Donald Driver? The veteran wideout in Green Bay has posted a Top 25 season in five of the last seven years and four of the past five -- and that fifth year he finished as WR30. He's also extremely durable, missing just two games in the past seven seasons. Greg Jennings is the first option for QB Aaron Rodgers and Driver is 34, but I will always err on the side of a veteran to give one more year as a top producer, especially after his fifth consecutive 1,000+ yard season.

Jeff Tefertiller - Driver has been a reliable fantasy option for many years. But, as he has aged, Donald Driver gets less respect in fantasy circles. After finishing in the Top 24 receivers (fantasy WR2) for five of the past seven seasons, the veteran is now being drafted as WR33. Aaron Rodgers is still under center and should be better in year two starting after Favre's departure. Driver makes the clutch reception for his quarterback. While not a sexy pick, Driver offers value for fantasy owners needing a solid WR2/3.

Mark Wimer - Over the past 5 years, Donald Driver has ranged from the #5 fantasy WR in the land to the #30 fantasy WR, with a #23 finish last year (74/1012/5). He played a full slate of 16 games last year, and increased his average yards per reception by almost a full yard over 2007 (12.8 vs. 13.7 last year). While Driver is no longer the #1 WR on the Packer's squad, he is still an integral part of the team's attack - and he plays with one of the best young QBs in the league, Aaron Rodgers. Driver still has gas left in his tank, and should easily outperform his current ADP of WR #33.

Jason Wood - Donald Driver likes to complain about his contract. And yes, he's on the wrong side of 30. But he's also healthy, has good hands and is an excellent route runner. Oh, and he happens to be a starter on one of the most prolific passing offenses in the NFC. It's not as though he's shown signs of fading. Last year he averaged 13.7 yards per catch; in line with his career mark. And he went over the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth consecutive season. He's great value in the mid rounds of your draft, as someone to round out your starting lineup.

Anthony Borbely - Ochocinco suffered a shoulder injury in preseason and never looked healthy all last year. That, combined with the injury to QB Carson Palmer, helped send Ochocinco to his worst season since he was a rookie. In the five seasons before, he averaged over 90 catches, 1374 yards and totaled 43 TDs, finishing in the top ten every year. With Palmer returning and Ochocinco healthy, I see Ochocinco returning to form and becoming an elite fantasy WR again. When you can get a proven WR like him at WR17, it makes your entire team stronger.

Jeff Haseley - Ochocinco's current ADP is surprising, considering he is now healthy, his pro-bowl QB is now healthy and his reception-stealing teammate (Houshmandzadeh) is now with Seattle. Before last year's injury-filled chaotic season, Ochocinco had five consecutive top ten seasons. He is more than capable of producing another big year. He should definitely finish higher than his current ADP of WR20.

Jason Wood - Chad Ochocinco seems to have soured fantasy football owners to his prospects, which is understandable coming off a 53-catch, 540-yard season. But let's not ignore the fact he was a Top 10 fantasy mainstay for the SIX prior seasons, and gets Carson Palmer back throwing passes in 2009. He also no longer has to compete for targets with T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The bottom line is Johnson has a chip on his shoulder, plays for a team that will have to throw a ton, has less competition for targets and gets his star QB back. He'll handily outperform his current ADP this year if he stays healthy.

Jeff Haseley - Some think Royal should be overvalued, because he had such an impressive rookie year that will be difficult to duplicate, let alone improve on. He also doesn't have Jay Cutler slinging the ball on every other play. So why the interest? Josh McDaniel's quick strike offense relies heavily on a quick-footed, sure-handed route-running specialist out of the slot and that fits Royal to a tee. Look for Wes Welker-like numbers from Royal with more scoring chances. Royal currently has an ADP of WR22. If the McDaniel's offense works in Denver, Royal will be a big component and he should finish higher than his current ADP.

Maurile Tremblay - Rookie WRs often struggle initially, but Royal showed excellent quickness, route-running, and hands from the first time he took an NFL field. He is also an excellent runner after the catch, and should be a great fit for Josh McDaniels' offense. Matt Cassel may not have Jay Cutler's arm, but Royal excels at getting open underneath the coverage (similar to Wes Welker) and turning short passes into worthwhile gains.

Mark Wimer - Given Brandon Marshall's health woes, contract squabble, and off-field worries, Eddie Royal is the de facto #1 WR in Denver while Josh McDaniels and company have installed their new offense. Royal is getting a lot of reps in the new system while Marshall nurses his sore hip and pouts about his contract - that should mean a fast start for Royal and perhaps the inside track on leading the team in receptions. Royal is significantly ahead of Marshall as far as knowing the playbook and repetitions with new QB Kyle Orton. Royal had 91 catches as a rookie, and could easily match or exceed that number this year - he should significantly outperform his current ADP of WR #23.

Matt Waldman - Receivers with high yards per catch averages on low reception-counts understandably make fantasy owners nervous, but Berrian doesn't fit the mold of one-season wonders. He has increased his productivity for three consecutive seasons and last year he lacked the continuity of one starting QB. Expect Brett Favre to bring more stability and productivity to the Vikings offense and the addition of rookie Percy Harvin will make it more difficult for opposing defenses to limit Berrian's productivity. Berrian ended last year as WR 18 and I think he should have at least as good of a year in 2009.

Jason Wood - Bernard Berrian isn't going to catch 90-100 passes, but he's also a guy who averaged 20 yards per reception last year. Berrian was the 18th ranked fantasy receiver in his first year as a Viking, catching passes from the likes of Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte. This year he gets Brett Favre and, if he gets hurt, Sage Rosenfels; a marked improvement. Yet his ADP is WR27, many rounds below what he delivered last year. Makes no sense, and it makes for a great value in the 6th or 7th round.

Jeff Pasquino - The Bengals need receivers, so welcome Laveranues Coles into the mix. With TJ Houshmandzadeh gone to Seattle in free agency and few options to catch the ball outside of Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson and head case Chris Henry, Coles is instantly a top option for the Bengals passing game. Cincinnati will welcome back Carson Palmer at quarterback and he will be asked to throw early and often with a below average defense. Coles finds himself in a great spot to post big fantasy numbers.

Jeff Tefertiller - Coles gets a huge upgrade in situation for the 2009 season. He goes from having an injured Brett Favre throwing him ducks to Carson Palmer tossing bullets. Even on on the Jets the past three years, Coles outpaced his current ADP (WR29) two of the past three years. His upside in Cincinnati is considerable with Carson Palmer under center in a potent offense. Having Chad Ochocinco lined up on the other side will ensure Coles gets single coverage.

Sigmund Bloom - Sure, you're taking a leap of faith when you select Gonzalez in the late 5th round because it's his first year starting for the Colts, but Peyton Manning already has trusted the Ohio State product as a key third down target, so you know there's some chemistry there. Gonzalez has converted almost 73% of his career targets, so even if he doesn't get a Marvin Harrison sized role in the offense, he'll still outproduce his modest ADP.

Jeff Pasquino - Marvin Harrison is no longer a factor in Indianapolis, but Peyton Manning is still under center. Gonzalez will be starting opposite of Pro Bowl WR Reggie Wayne and share the huddle with TE Dallas Clark. Questions abound with the running game, as Joseph Addai disappointed last year, Dominic Rhodes is gone and rookie Donald Brown was added in April. This offense is big enough to support two big producers at wideout so if Gonzalez can achieve 80% of Marvin Harrison's peak production then he will be a bona fide steal in fantasy drafts this year.

Matt Waldman - The Giants have been resting Smith during the preseason to make sure he'll be fully healthy for the responsibilities he'll have in 2009. That duty will be to serve as Eli Manning's primary receiver, and I think fantasy owners will be pleasantly surprised at how well he'll do his job. He's a technician as a route runner with excellent toughness over the middle. Jerry Rice has been Smith's mentor, and Rice believes Smith is poised for a breakout year. It is hard not to agree with the greatest of all time at the position.

Jason Wood - The Giants used a 1st round draft pick on Hakeem Nicks and a later one on Ramses Barden, which had a lot of people wondering whether the Giants were going with a youth movement at the position. But all the speculation was for naught, as Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon have started -- and stayed -- the projected first teamers all offseason. Smith caught 57 passes last year in a reserve role, and is now a clear starter. At his current ADP, you have the chance to draft a WR1 in the 13th or 14th round.

Aaron Rudnicki - Bennett struggled to adjust to the NFL in his rookie season but he has had a strong offseason and looks poised for a breakout season. The Bears traded for his former college QB and defenses will likely be much more focused on players like Devin Hester, Matt Forte, and Greg Olsen. Bennett should emerge as a reliable possession WR with extra value in PPR leagues.

Jeff Haseley - I have a definite interest in Dwayne Bowe this year. He and Tony Gonzalez shared the offensive load in the passing game for the Chiefs last season (150+ targets each). The trade that sent Gonzalez to the Falcons leaves a gaping hole in the Chiefs receiving corps. Mark Bradley and Bobby Engram will be just good enough to keep defenses honest against Bowe. He should easily see the same, if not more production than last year. If Matt Cassel shows he's for real, Bowe could be a very nice top five fantasy surprise. If Cassel struggles, the Chiefs still have Tyler Thigpen who would likely play with a chip on his shoulder. I can't find a reason to think that Bowe won't be a huge fantasy producer in 2009.

Sigmund Bloom - It's understandable to be frustrated with Lee Evans. After a breakout 2006, he's had sporadic stretches of good production, only to disappear for even longer stretches. The arrival of Terrell Owens signals a possible return to the fantasy elite for Evans because defenses can no longer gear their coverage to Evans with impunity. His top 10 potential is more than worth it in the sixth round.

Aaron Rudnicki - After 4 mostly disappointing years in Chicago, the move to Tennessee did wonders for Justin Gage's career as he's become the clear #1 WR on one of the best teams in the league. Sure, the Titans throw the ball less than anyone else, but that just makes a player like Gage even more effective when they do throw it his way. Gage finished last year very strong with 31 receptions, 604 yards and 5 TDs over the last 8 games and should pick up where he left off in 2009.

Jeff Tefertiller - Devin Hester is the biggest beneficiary of the trade that brought Jay Cutler to Chicago. The strong arm of Cutler will be able to hit Hester any place on the field. The Bears have no other options down the field. Chicago acquired Cutler with thoughts of opening up the offense and Hester is a receiver who can get deep. He is being drafted as a WR34 off the board and is a great value at that spot. The Bears will depend on Devin Hester to develop with another offseason to work on his craft as a receiver.

Jeff Haseley - Right now, he's the Giants starting WR and first choice as a down field threat. While rookie Hakim Nicks could emerge as a potential play maker in the offense, Hixon is the player who has more experience with Eli Manning and the one who stands to benefit most from the team's promotion to the current go-to WR. In his last six games of the regular season he had 8, 9, 9, 10, 8 and 8 targets respectively. The best part about Hixon is that he represents tremendous value. His current ADP of WR46 is amazingly shocking, if you ask me. People are enamored with Nicks and they think the Giants will run, run, run all day long, thus the low ADP for Hixon. Don't underestimate Hixon's desire to prove his worth. He's the one Giants WR that I am most interested in - and he can be had in the mid-late rounds of your draft.

Aaron Rudnicki - Torry Holt saw a big drop-off in his production last year as he played through injuries and dealt with very inconsistent QB play. He should rebound in Jacksonville as he'll be the clear #1 WR on a team with a potent running game and a mobile QB who can buy time. Holt remains one of the best route running WRs in the league and at 33 years old, he should still have several productive years left.

Mark Wimer - T.J. Houshmandzadeh has finally escaped Cincinnati, and he lands in a great spot up in Seattle as the clear #1 WR on the roster. Matt Hasselbeck's back appears to be healed up, and according to reports out of mini-camps and training camp, Houshmandzadeh and Hasselbeck are very simpatico already, especially in the red zone. There is no reason that Houshmandzadeh shouldn't catch 100 passes from Hasselbeck this year, and double-digit TDs look like they are in reach. Those kinds of numbers should mean a top-10 finish for Houshmandzadeh, possibly top-5 - he's a bargain at WR #15.

Sigmund Bloom - Kevin Curtis still doesn't look like his 2007 self, so DeSean Jackson should have every opportunity to become the #1 target in this potent passing offense. Jackson is reportedly greatly improved from where he was at this point in his rookie year, so he could be one of the breakout players of 2009. He's an easy pick as your WR2/WR3 in the late fifth.

Jeff Pasquino - Every year it seems that one rookie wideout explodes onto the fantasy scene and puts up big numbers. DeSean Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Marques Colston -- plenty of examples exist. Maclin fell into the Eagles' lap in Round 1 of the NFL Draft and he finds himself in a pass-happy attack that will employ his quickness and speed after the catch much like his teammate DeSean Jackson did last year. Kevin Curtis had off-season surgery and may lose playing time to Maclin, whom many are already considering a likely rookie of the year candidate.

Maurile Tremblay - After the first two weeks of 2008, Moore was the fifth-leading fantasy WR on the Saints. Then when Marques Colston missed time after having surgery on his thumb, Moore became Drew Brees' most dependable receiver and had a string of big games through the middle of the season. Even after Colston came back, Moore continued to produce, averaging 11.2 fantasy points per game over the second half of the season when paired with Colston.

Sigmund Bloom - I can't figure out why the FF community hasn't caught up to the reality of Morgan as the #1 WR in San Francisco, but you can profit by reserving a 9th/10th round pick for a WR who should be an excellent bye week/injury option, if not a startable player every week. Morgan showed that he is a big play receiver last year, if he had stayed healthy, there would be no way you could get him this late this year.

Aaron Rudnicki - In 2008, despite playing as WR2 in a run dominated offense, Muhsin Muhammad finished as the 26th ranked fantasy WR in his return to Carolina. Although he is 35 years old and due for a dropoff, getting him as the 52nd WR off the board looks like great value. His situation has not changed, and he should continue to be effective as defenses focus most of their efforts on slowing down the Carolina RBs and Steve Smith. While he doesn't have the huge breakout potential of some players being drafted near him, Muhammad is a very safe option who should be a reliable WR4 this year.

Jeff Tefertiller - Walter is a player that few knew about before the 2008 season. He finished as the 19th ranked fantasy wide receiver last season but is being drafted as WR31. That does not make sense. The Texans have not addressed the WR2 position this off-season which only helps matters. Starting opposite Andre Johnson will keep Walter viable for fantasy owners. He has put up two consecutive seasons with at least 60 receptions and 800 receiving yards. Walter will continue to be a good option for Matt Schaub while defenses are concentrated on stopping Johnson. Any injury to Andre Johnson would vault Walter into an every-week starter.

Mark Wimer - Hines Ward had a renaissance season during 2008, playing in 16 games for the first time in 4 years, and breaking through the 1,000 yards receiving barrier for the first time during that span (81/1043/7). Nate Washington has moved on to Tennessee, leaving Ward and Santonio Holmes as the clear #1 and #2 WRs on the team - there isn't anybody behind those 2 who are a significant threat to their touches on the ball. Ward should be among the top 20 WRs again this year, making him a bargain at WR #26.