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Deep sleeper WRs

David Dodds - The Jaguars cleaned house at WR this offseason. The guy they kept though is Mike Walker. He will be the starter opposite of Torry Holt. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but has sustained more than his share of injuries in his short career. If he stays healthy, he will be a huge draft day steal.

Jeff Pasquino - Quite simply, Mike Walker is expected to be the starter opposite of Torry Holt for Jacksonville. He has good size and NFL ability when he can stay healthy, which has always been a problem for him. Walker is one of the reasons why the Jaguars let Matt Jones walk away and did not pursue a veteran replacement for their second pass catcher. Expect David Garrard to get Walker 60-75 chances this season.

Aaron Rudnicki - Mike Walker suffered two serious knee injuries that have kept him off the field for much of his first two seasons. Going into 2009, however, it looks like he should have a clear path to a starting job opposite Torry Holt. His only competition for a starting spot appears to be a couple of promising rookies who are likely a year away from becoming big contributors. With defenses focusing on Holt and the running game, Walker should see plenty of single coverage this year. Walker hasn't been on the field much to this point in his career, but he's still young and has shown enough potential to suggest that he could become a productive option if he can just stay healthy and hold onto the starting job.

Jeff Tefertiller - Walker seems to be a perennial "sleeper". He has loads of talent and just needs to prove his knee is sound. Walker's 100-yard performance against the Steelers in week five showed his immense potential. The Jaguars only have Torry Holt slated to start, leaving one other starting spot available. Walker is the heavy favorite to start on the other side. Holt looks to have lost a step ... or three, so there will be opportunity for Walker. The Jaguars only have Holt, Walker, and three rookies at the receiver position. Walker will get an extended look in preseason to show he can be live up to flashes of potential shown.

Maurile Tremblay - Walker fits the definition of "sleeper" as well as anyone this season. He's well positioned to begin the season as the Jaguars' starting WR opposite Torry Holt, he's got tremendous athleticism and potential, yet there's no buzz about him at all. His average draft position is WR70, meaning that he is remaining on the board longer than a third of the league's slot receivers. He may not be a sexy pick, but he's got a better chance of contributing to his fantasy teams' success than anyone else with an ADP in the nineteenth round.

Matt Waldman - Walker is the best young receiver most people have never heard of. He was a better all-around prospect than Brandon Marshall when they were teammates at the University of Central Florida. He was the stronger route runner with better hands and good deep speed. Finally healthy after battling through three years of injuries, Walker is the No. 2 WR in Jacksonville. There are an amazing number of non-starting, receivers getting drafted ahead of Walker who I would only pick if they were stuck to my shoe. Walker has top-36 WR talent and opportunity as the current WR70. Steal him.

Jeff Haseley - Last year Mark Bradley started off with the Bears, but he was released after Week 6 and found a home with the Chiefs. He's a veteran who is entering his fifth year in the league and he has something to prove. He fit right in with the Chiefs offense and showed promise as an emerging WR with fantasy value. He did have four games of double-digit fantasy points last year (standard FBG scoring). The Chiefs new HC Todd Haley is the former OC for the Arizona Cardinals, who boasted an impressive passing game. If Haley brings his high powered passing approach to Kansas City and if QB Matt Cassel is able to pick up where he left off last year, the Chiefs could have a surprisingly potent passing game. If Bradley continues to excel, as expected, he should have a big role in the Chiefs offense in 2009.

Bob Henry - The main drawback with Bradley has been his ability to stay on the field. Last year, Bradley was claimed off waivers by the Chiefs, who almost immediately inserted him into the starting lineup opposite Dwayne Bowe. Bradley put up solid numbers over the next five weeks before; you guessed it, getting hurt. With Bowe serving as a possession receiver, Bradley was targeted downfield and making plays. He caught 23 balls for 294 yards and 2 TDs in those five games. The Chiefs defense still blows, so look for the Chiefs to be throwing more than the average NFL team. After all, new head coach Todd Haley didn't make a name for himself by building a strong running game with Arizona. If Bradley can just play 16 games he would likely be a solid WR3 option, though it would mark the first time in his five year career that he does it.

Andy Hicks - Mark Bradley was rescued off the scrapheap by the Kansas City Chiefs last season. In 8 games he recorded 30 receptions, over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. Imagine what he could do with a full off season to prepare, a serious upgrade at quarterback and an offense that isn't likely to be as hamstrung by a conservative head coach. Throw in the significant loss of Tony Gonzalez and despite the shenanigans of depth chart releases, Bradley is still looking like one of the most underrated receivers in fantasy circles.

Jeff Tefertiller - Bradley was unceremoniously released by the Chicago Bears midseason last year. After signing with Kansas City, Bradley enjoyed a string of productive games. He had four games scoring over ten points in a five-game span. The ex-Bear is a threat for the big gain every time he touches the ball, illustrated by his 14.2 career yards per reception average. Bradley is expected to start opposite of Dwayne Bowe. The Chiefs have no other options in the passing game after trading Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons. Bradley could be a solid fantasy starter in 2009 like he was for the five-game stretch in 2008.

David Yudkin - Bradley saw at least five targets in seven games last year after coming to Kansas City mid-season. He averaged 4.1 receptions, 53 yards, and 0.43 TD in those games. Factor in the available targets left behind from Tony Gonzalez and Matt Cassel added to the mix and that should be better than the #64 WR.

Jeff Pasquino - With rookie Michael Crabtree holding out so far, Bruce becomes the starter opposite of Josh Morgan for the 49ers. Picking up a starting NFL WR after 60+ wideouts are off the draft board is the definition of a steal. Add to it that he is a proven veteran and will likely be targeted often as the possession receiver and he should be good enough if you need a spot starter to give you a five catch, 50-60 yard afternoon.

Aaron Rudnicki - Even without the holdout for Michael Crabtree, Bruce should have been worth a value pick this late. He's a veteran receiver coming off a year where he finished as a top-30 wideout. The longer Crabtree holds out, the better his chances of repeating that finish get. His only competition on the roster right now appears to be unproved players like Josh Morgan and Jason Hill. Both showed potential last year, but Bruce is still the type of reliable weapon that a young QB like Alex Smith or Shaun Hill will be able to lean on. I don't think anyone would be surprised if Bruce winds up leading the team in receptions again so he's a steal at this point in any draft.

Matt Waldman - Let me get this straight: Isaac Bruce has 833 yards and 7 scores and was the No. 25 fantasy receiver last year with J.T. O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill under center, but now he's going as WR 65 behind "all-time greats" like Nate Burleson, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Michael Jenkins, Miles Austin, and Patrick Crayton? Someone has slipped the fantasy football community a collective Ambien. I've known people to take "sleep-driving" trips to the grocery story and clean kitchens with their toothbrush on that stuff. Bruce maybe old, but he's still got enough skill to hold off Michael Crabtree for a year.

Jason Wood - Isaac Bruce is, yet again, undervalued and savvy owners will use that to their advantage. You would think Bruce had completely fallen off last year but he caught 60 passes for 833 yards and 7 TDs; which was good enough for a Top 25 fantasy finish. The prolonged holdout for Michael Crabtree and the injury to Brandon Jones further cements that Bruce will be a main target alongside fellow starter Josh Morgan.

David Dodds - Based on early camp reports, Schilens looks to be the WR1 in Oakland this year. This late in the draft, that's significant value.

Maurile Tremblay - It's hard to get a solid read on Schilens. He played will in short stretches last season, but his resume consists of just 15 career receptions. Nonetheless, if any WR on the Raiders emerges this season, it's as likely to be Schilens as anybody else. It's hard to find potential NFL WR1s with an ADP of WR72. Schilens has upside potential that far outstrips his draft position.

Matt Waldman - The second-year receiver flashed his skills as a seventh-round rookie in 2008 and Raiders' beat writer Jerry McDonald says Schilens is the best receiver on the team. At 6-4, 225 lbs., Schilens is a nice target for JaMarcus Russell and he has enough familiarity with the offense to be the Raiders' most reliable option at the position. He's not going to lose his job this year to any of the rookies because they simply lack the refined skills to make a bigger impact. There's no reason a starting receiver should be ranked this low, so take advantage.

Jason Wood - The Raiders are a mess, and rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey and veteran Javon Walker are the bigger names. But Walker has issues on and off the field, and Heyward-Bey is gimpy and raw. Schilens has the size (6'4", 225 lbs.) Al Davis covets and is the most polished route runner on the team. Schilens has been getting starters reps throughout the preseason and may be in line to see the 2nd most targets (behind TE Zach Miller). Either way, he should be drafted in 12-team leagues yet is going undrafted in most.

David Dodds - Already wowing everyone in camp, Devin Thomas now has been named the starting WR opposite of Santana Moss. With another year under Jim Zorn's offense, expect the Redskins to have an above average offense this year. Devin Thomas might be unknown today by many, but that won't be the case a few weeks into the season. This late in the draft, you are looking for homeruns. With Thomas you get someone who has the size and necessary speed to vault up the WR rankings.

Andy Hicks - There is a starting role for the taking opposite Santana Moss in Washington and right now Devin Thomas is the clear favorite to win the job. Always physically gifted, Thomas needed to work on the art of gaining the trust of his quarterback and improving his route running. He has worked very hard on this during the off season and while we wait to see the proof on the field, for his current draft slot Thomas is all upside and a very worthy gamble to take late in your draft.

Jeff Tefertiller - Thomas has the size and speed to be a productive receiver in the NFL. He was raw as a rookie receiver and lacked the needed work ethic when he arrived in Washington. The early camp reports have detailed Thomas' increased desire to improve. He is very athletic and is now honing his craft as a route runner. The sky is the limit if Thomas can turn the corner. The Redskins have only Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El established at the receiver position. Thomas will get every chance to show that he has improved. He is only 22 years old and will develop throughout the season. Thomas needs quarterback Jason Campbell to mature in year two in Jim Zorn's system. If Campbell improves, so could Thomas.

Matt Waldman - Unless a rookie plays well, it's wise to ignore first-year criticisms. Devin Thomas had a non-descript, rookie season. Malcolm Kelly might be the better natural receiver, but Thomas is by far the better athlete. He was the best yards after the catch receiver in his draft class. Thomas has reportedly improved his route running and has a shot at winning the No. 2 spot in Washington. Thomas is not a Troy Williamson or Sidney Rice type; he's more than an overhyped athlete impersonating an NFL receiver. Most don't see it under the pile of rookie criticism that has blinded them.

Jeff Pasquino - Nate Burleson had 10 touchdowns two years ago (nine catches, one kick return) -- and very few NFL wideouts ever come close to double-digit scores in one season. The Seahawks need weapons on offense, as they had virtually no one to play wideout last year with all the injuries they suffered. TJ Houshmandzadeh and TE John Carlson will get plenty of targets, but with a poor running game in Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck will find Burleson several times each week. Burleson could have a stellar comeback year with 50+ receptions and 6+ touchdowns in 2009.

Mark Wimer - Nate Burleson looked like a fantasy monster entering 2008 - he had a great preseason, and was coming off a 9 TD campaign during 2007. Then he went down in week 1 to a season ending knee injury. However, all reports out of Seattle indicate that he is running routes crisply and catching a lot of the balls that come his way. With new team mate T.J. Houshmandzadeh commanding attention from opposing DBs, Burleson may be able to return to solid WR3 status among fantasy WRs this year. He has considerable upside.

David Yudkin - Burleson returns to an offense in which he posted a 50-694-9 season in 2007, ranking as the 27th best receiver that year. Now he's getting drafted as the 63rd receiver off the board. On top of that, Deion Branch has been hurt consistently and Bobby Engram has moved on.

Bob Henry - Camarillo emerged as the Dolphins possession receiver last year only to tear his ACL later in the season. He wasn't expected to be healthy for OTAs, but almost miraculously he has returned quicker than expected to the field. I typically shy away from players coming back too quickly from ACL injuries like Camarillo suffered. The reason I'm optimistic here is that the Dolphins lack a real go-to receiver. Keep an eye on Camarillo's reports out of camp. If he's truly back, he's a whale of a sleeper in PPR leagues and a great player to add for depth in most leagues. If he suffers a setback of any type, then pounce on Davone Bess, who also had a strong offseason.

Chase Stuart - Through 12 weeks last season, Camarillo was 30th among receivers with 613 receiving yards. While he's recovering from ACL surgery, he's still Chad Pennington's most trusted receiver. Pennington's faith in Camarillo will continue and he may lead the team in receptions this season. He won't average many yards per catch nor score a ton of TDs, but he will easily outproduce his ADP and he'll consistently put up solid games.

Maurile Tremblay - The danger with Camarillo is that he'll be slowed by the ACL tear he suffered last season -- and he doesn't have an extra step to lose. But if his knee is fully healed, Camarillo is Chad Pennington's most trustworthy target, and the two developed quite a chemistry last season. It's easy to discount Camarillo based on his lack of speed -- which does limit his upside potential -- but he has decent quickness, runs deceptive routes, and just gets open and catches the ball. He is battling Devon Bess for the starting job on the outside, but will get plenty of playing time either way, and could be the Dolphins' top receiver this season.

Sigmund Bloom - Some might think Galloway is washed up, but when the Patriots don't, it's best to assume the old vet has something left in the tank. Galloway's foot never was quite right last year, but now he is the #3 in what promises to be the most productive passing offense in the league. Donte Stallworth had 697 yards as the #3 for the Pats in 2007, and he yielded late in the season to Jabar Gaffney, who had three games over 80 yards and four TDs in the last six games of '07 as the #3. On top of that, if Randy Moss goes down, Galloway could become an every-week fantasy start.

David Dodds - Talk about a dream situation for an aging veteran. Joey Galloway has been forced to be his team's #1 WR every where he has been. Now on an offense that is sure top pass the ball as much as anyone, he will be the team's WR3.

Bob Henry - The two main drawbacks with Galloway are a) he turns 38 years old in November and b) he missed six games last year and he may very well be near the end, at the end, or at least a half step slow and an increased injury risk. Galloway will be the Patriots third receiver this year, which on most teams is like starting. Wes Welker will move inside and Galloway will line up opposite Randy Moss outside. Coaches say Galloway hasn't lost much speed, if any. If that's true, Galloway should make hay against single coverage with Tom Brady at QB. With an uber-low ADP, Galloway has a lot of upside and makes for great depth as a spot-starter due to his big play ability.

Sigmund Bloom - PPR leaguers take notice, Bess was on pace for over 90 receptions last year when he was a starter. He has officially leapfrogged Greg Camarillo on the depth chart, and he should catch at least 60 balls this year, even if he has to rotate with Camarillo. Bess is an excellent run after catch threat, and he showed up to camp even bigger and stronger this year.

Mark Wimer - Bess is currently the default #2 WR for the Dolphins due to the severe knee injury/reconstructive knee surgery that Greg Camarillo is currently rehabbing, and will be at worst the team's #3 WR. Bess should put up a few strong games and could be a guy to plug in on bye weeks when the matchups are good for him - if he impresses during training camp, his numbers could exceed expectations significantly.

Sigmund Bloom - Jones is healthy after struggling with a knee injury all of last year, and he seems to be clearly ahead of Jordy Nelson to be the #3 WR at this point If Donald Driver or Greg Jennings suffer an injury, Jones will be money, and he might be a solid play in most weeks anyway because GB's new defense will likely get them into some shootouts. Greg Jennings did miss time in both of his first two seasons, so Jones has a solid chance to start a few weeks in a great passing offense with a budding star at QB.

Andy Hicks - With Donald Driver approaching veteran age his five-year run of 1000 yard seasons is under threat from not one, but two young guns. Third-year man James Jones and second-year guy Jordy Nelson are for now fighting for the third receiver spot, but the promise of more beckons. Jones had a fantastic rookie season before struggling and eventually missing games with a knee injury last year. Jones is fit again and although likely to split time with Nelson he has shown more explosiveness than Nelson and would be the better fantasy option should he see equal targets.

Aaron Rudnicki - The Packers love to run a wide-open spread attack on offense, which means that any given receiver can have a big game. Nelson was a high draft pick last year who performed very well in limited playing time. He'll start the year behind Donald Driver on the depth chart, but Driver is getting up there in age and Nelson already looks like a better red zone option. I think there's a good chance that Nelson may nearly double his rookie year production and wind up just outside the top-40 fantasy WRs. If either Greg Jennings or Driver went down with an injury, however, he could quickly become an every week starter.

Mark Wimer - To open training camp, Jordy Nelson is locked in a battle with James Jones to be the Packers' #3 WR - however, on many other, less-deep squads Nelson would probably be a starting wideout. He has the talent to vastly outproduce his current ADP of WR #73 if an opportunity higher up the depth chart opens during 2009. Nelson is worth a late-round flyer.

David Dodds - The Vikings took WR Percy Harvin in the first round of the NFL draft this year, but it's not a given he can immediately claim the #2 job. That's because Sidney Rice is also quite talented. I look for experience to win out this year and think Rice will use the selection as motivation to play his best football in 2009.

Andy Hicks - With the Brett Favre circus finally looking like it has reached closure, the Vikings can go about letting Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson fight it out for the starting role. It would be easy to dismiss Rice based on this and his relative failure in 2008, but I'll forgive most guys one injury, especially if they played through it. With his knee fully recovered I expect to see more of the explosive Rice on view from 2007. The arrival of hyped rookie Percy Harvin means Rice is even more underrated than he would otherwise be. Great for value hunters.

Jason Wood - Bobby Engram is a savvy, veteran possession receiver and at worst will be the WR3 in the Chiefs spread attack. But given Mark Bradley's limited productivity and injury history, it's hardly a long shot to think Engram will move into the starting lineup to provide QB Matt Cassel with a reliable option to work the middle of the field. Engram may not be flashy but he's rock solid if given enough targets.

Sigmund Bloom - Floyd produced 27 catches, 465 yards, and four touchdowns on an astoundingly low 37 targets last year. He has had special chemistry with Philip Rivers since he caught Rivers first NFL touchdown pass in 2004. Floyd was building momentum before he suffered a collapsed lung in week 15 last year. He has as much upside as any WR that is currently going undrafted in most fantasy leagues.

Jeff Haseley - Gaffney signed with Denver after it was known that Josh McDaniels, his former OC in New England, would be the Broncos Head Coach. Gaffney knows McDaniel's system well and will compete with Brandon Stokley for the Broncos WR3 role that will mainly occupy the slot position. Denver will probably not use a three-WR set as often New England did, but there will be plenty of opportunities for the WR3 to make plays. If Gaffney secures that role, he could be a borderline fantasy starter. It's not out of the question to project 35-40 catches with 3-4 TDs if his experience in that offense earns him the job.

Mark Wimer - Henderson is a boom-or-bust player, who can light up a fantasy scoreboard or post a goose-egg on any given week. However, who better to play when one of your regular starters is on bye or nursing a nagging injury? If you want a guy who can put your team over the top in any given week, Henderson should be on your list for fantasy WR #5.

Chase Stuart - Heyward-Bey are JaMarcus Russell go together like PB&J. Russell has a rocket arm, Heyward-Bey is one of the fastest receivers in the league. No, they probably won't be the next Culpepper/Moss, but they could be the next Losman and Evans or Favre and Driver. With three good running backs and a solid tight end, defenses will be forced to leave DHB in single coverage much more often than they should. Heyward-Bey won't be consistent, but he could easily pull down three or four 50-yard scores this season.

David Yudkin - Johnson has ranked in the top 70 four times already including several years with 40+ receptions and 500+ receiving yards. Not every pass in Detroit will go to Calvin Johnson. Johnson has an ADP in the 80s.

David Yudkin - Joey Galloway moves to his 4th team after a career riddled with injuries. Only three 38-year-old receivers have had 40 catches, 500 yards, and/or five TD in a season. Lewis will be next in line should things not work out with Galloway in a high flying offense.

Maurile Tremblay - Among the 49ers' wide receivers, rookie Michael Crabtree is getting most of the headlines -- as well as a significantly higher ADP -- but Josh Morgan will be the team's best receiver this season. Crabtree will be battling Isaac Bruce for the WR2 role in training camp, while Morgan is the team's WR1. With an ADP of WR58, Morgan is one of the more overlooked players in the league right now.

Jason Wood - Robinson was quietly traded to the St. Louis Rams this offseason and most fantasy owners failed to notice. That was a mistake because Robinson had as good a shot at starting alongside Donnie Avery as Keenan Burton. But now that Donnie Avery is out at least 4-6 weeks with a foot injury, Robinson has a clear path to starting for a team that plans on throwing a lot under new OC Pat Shurmur. Robinson may be an unknown commodity, but someone has to get the targets in St. Louis and so far Robinson has been the most impressive WR in the St. Louis training camp.

Jeff Haseley - The Jaguars have revamped their receiving corps with youthful talent and a solid veteran in Torry Holt. Holt will be an outstanding mentor to the younger class coming in that includes three rookie WRs - Jarett Dillard, Mike Thomas and Tiquan Underwood. They all have talent, but I have a hunch that Underwood will be the one who stands out the most. Reporters who watched him in minicamps have only glowing things to say about him. I really paid attention when Holt himself said that he's the one to watch.

Matt Waldman -

Jeff Pasquino - I'll admit it -- this one is a very deep sleeper, but here me out. The Baltimore Ravens need someone to step up and be a deep threat for Joe Flacco, who has a big arm that he never gets to utilize because he doesn't have a speedster to stretch the field and go deep for him. Williams can certainly be that guy -- if healthy. He will be at worst Baltimore's version of Devery Henderson and at best be a starter that gets 5-6 targets a week. Williams is a risky play but he has Top 40 WR upside.