Often the key to winning your fantasy league is not so much hitting the jackpot with the players you selected in the first few rounds of your draft, but finding a gem in the later rounds that gives you top round production. Every year multiple players of all positions rise from the doldrums of the rankings and turn into every-week fantasy starters. Last year alone there were several WRs that fit this description including Sidney Rice, Mike Sims-Walker, and Robert Meachem, just to name a few. Playing fantasy football wouldn't be as exciting, dramatic or addictive if it only included the usual suspects of talent drafted in the early rounds. If that was the case, leagues would only have nine round drafts with ten owners playing. Thankfully, leagues have 18-24 rounds of draft picks, which makes it much more competitive, strategic and enjoyable.
How do you find these players before they emerge? It's not so much finding the players, but recognizing which situations warrant the most attention. Below you will find several areas where I believe there is the potential for a breakout WR to emerge, including my opinions for each of the candidates who could occupy that role.
Washington WR2
As the season draws near, a lot of eyes are on the Redskins receiving corps that figures to receive a boost in production due to the presence of QB Donovan McNabb. Veteran WR Santana Moss leads an average bunch that could become above average group, if McNabb can continue his career as a successful QB. He has been known to elevate the careers of his WRs and provide a consistency to the passing game that HC Mike Shanahan loves to exploit. Santana Moss has long been the WR1 for the Redskins, but there is room in the offense for a second WR to emerge and possibly supplant Moss, who has been inconsistent in his career. All Washington WRs seem to be forgotten in fantasy drafts, including Santana Moss. The lack of a strong presence in the passing game in prior years must have people afraid to commit to a Redskins WR. As a result, Redskins WRs, namely Moss and breakout candidate Devin Thomas, are excellent targets that have excellent value for where they are being drafted.
Players to Target
Devin Thomas - Thomas is a former second round pick, who is just starting to get recognition in the league as a WR who could see a big rise in production in 2010. Thomas could play a significant role in the Redskins offense this year, if he can earn a starting spot in the lineup opposite Santana Moss. A starting role would likely mean a big increase in production compared to his first two years in the league. If Thomas does improve as expected, he could potentially replace Santana Moss as the team's WR1. While it may be far-fetched to expect, he could have an impact similar to what Sidney Rice had last year with the Vikings. Thomas is currently the 65th WR being selected in drafts, which indicates unbelievable value if he can emerge as the team's go-to WR for Donovan McNabb.
Malcolm Kelly - The word out of Redskins camp is that Kelly is in danger of losing his spot on the final roster. He has suffered from injuries and inconsistent play in his brief career. As a onetime standout WR at Oklahoma, Kelly has found it difficult to fit in as a WR in the league. If he earns a roster spot and returns to full health, he has the ability and talent to make an impact, especially with Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan on board.
Joey Galloway - Forgotten, but not gone, Joey Galloway has emerged in Washington in hopes of landing one of the starting WR spots. Currently he is penciled in as one of the team's split end roles opposite Santana Moss. The veteran WR, who will be 39 in November, is a long shot to make the team, let alone be a starting WR. As of right now (second week of training camp), he is proving everyone wrong. He brings experience and a veteran presence to a team that is seeking stability and consistency. His current place in the lineup may be more of an indication of the lack of players capable of a starting role on the roster. In actuality he will likely relinquish the role as younger WRs learn the ropes.
Roydell Williams - Like Galloway, Williams is also a dark horse candidate for the job. He brings experience to the WR position and is currently being rewarded with looks on the first team. It is still very early, however. The likelihood that he will have a starting spot come week one is very slim, but you have to be impressed with what he has accomplished so far in OTAs and training camp.
Chicago WR1/WR2
One of the biggest questions heading into the 2010 season is how will Mike Martz's offense fare with Jay Cutler and which WRs will benefit the most? It is very possible that two, if not three Bears WRs could have excellent fantasy value in 2010. Most prognosticators have Devin Hester earning the WR1 role, but the race may be closer than people think. No Bears WR eclipsed 100 FP in 2009, but that is expected to change in 2010.
Players to Target
Devin Hester - Hester led all Bears WRs with 57 catches last year. Only TE Greg Olsen (60) had more. Hester tied Earl Bennett for the most yards per catch on the team with 13.3. He is considered the front-runner for the WR1 role due to his success last year and hard work he put in during the offseason. In preparation for learning Mike Martz's offense, he spent some time with Isaac Bruce, a former Martz centerpiece and expert of his system. That alone shows his dedication to the team and responsibility to take matters into his own hands to improve. Hester was on pace for an 80+ catch season last year, before he succumbed to injuries that slowed down his pace. Mike Martz is on record saying he has "big plans" for Hester this year. That alone should have people excited for his chances in 2010.
Johnny Knox - Knox is gaining steam in the fantasy community. Many people are excited about his chances in the new offense. Knox has great speed as a deep threat, but he also has the hands and instincts for success in the short and intermediate game. Knox led all Bears WRs in TDs last year with five. Another year of experience, plus a pass-friendly offense could elevate Knox into a starting role. He had respectable numbers last year for not starting a single game. If given a starting role, he could benefit greatly with an increase in receptions, yards and TDs.
Devin Aromashodu - There are lots of people who believe Aromashodu will continue where he left off in 2009. It's safe to say no one Bears WR had an overly impressive season last year in what was Jay Cutler's first with the team. Aromashodu developed a good rapport with Cutler in the last four games of the season, catching 22 passes and 4 TDs. At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, he is the tallest of the Bears featured WRs. While speed and quickness are two big staples in a Mike Martz offense, there's no denying Aromashodu's connection that he had with Cutler to end the year. If he earns a starting role, he could be a big producer that would likely warrant weekly fantasy consideration.
Earl Bennett - We can't forget about Cutler's former teammate at Vanderbilt. Bennett was one of three Bears WRs to have 80 targets in 2009. His 54 receptions on 80 targets is a very respectable 67% reception percentage. People shy away from Bennett, because he only scored one TD last year, but he quietly was second among Bears WRs in receptions. If he continues to improve, he could be a dark horse candidate as someone who could produce in an offense that will often use three and four WR sets.
Houston WR2
The Houston WR2 spot is a definitely a position to be aware of. In the greatest year for passing in NFL history (12 teams with 4,000+ yards passing, 10 QBs with 4,000+ yards), the Texans and Matt Schaub topped the list. Naturally it is wise to look at WRs on teams that pass the ball well. Andre Johnson is entrenched as the team's WR1, but the WR2 role can also be very productive. TE Owen Daniels was a major part of the offense, before he suffered a torn ACL. He is expected to return in 2010, but it would be a lot to expect him to return to form this year, especially earlier in the season. This opens up the door for either Jacoby Jones or Kevin Walter to rise to the occasion and produce fantasy starter numbers.
Players to Target
Jacoby Jones - He started just one game last year, but he managed to catch 6 TDs on just 22 receptions in a limited role. The sky is the limit for Jones in 2010. Last year, he was on the field for 277 snaps compared to 753 by teammate Kevin Walter. He has been very impressive in camp this year and the Texans coaching staff is eager to get him more involved. If he earns a spot in the starting lineup, he could be a big contributor on offense that could result in a WR3 or WR4 role for your fantasy squad. What's even more - Jones is in a contract year. You can bet he'll be showcasing his abilities so he can land a long-term deal, whether that is with the Texans or another team.
Kevin Walter - The Texans just gave Walter a five-year deal worth more than $21 million of which $8 million was guaranteed money. Clearly the Texans like what they have in Walter. He has reached 50+ receptions in each of the last three years; however he has just one Top 20 finish in his career. Jacoby Jones is the trendy pick to emerge as the Texans second WR option behind Andre Johnson, but Walter is not one to give up. He has looked great in camp and has shown surprisingly increased speed - so the coaches say. Both Walter and Jones may cancel each other out with solid games here and there, without consistent every-week fantasy starter production. At the same time, they are in an outstanding situation with an opportunity to make a big impact. If something were to happen to Andre Johnson, both would automatically assume a larger role.
Green Bay WR2
Any WR on the Packers is someone to keep an eye on, simply because the offense, especially the passing game of Aaron Rodgers, can be very explosive and productive. The 2010 Packers receiving game is figured to be led by WR Greg Jennings and TE Jermichael Finley, with additional production from Donald Driver, James Jones and also Jordy Nelson. Last year the Packers WR2 (Donald Driver) exceeded the value of the WR1 (Greg Jennings). There is speculation that someone else may emerge over Driver in 2010.
Players to Target
Donald Driver - It's very possible that Driver, now 35, will once again put forth a surprisingly good Hines Ward-like season when people think he is entering a decline in his career. To make the picture cloudier, Driver is coming off surgery (knee scopes) to both knees in the offseason. He has been a consistent force for the Packers for several years, but this year he may struggle to reach the same numbers that we're accustomed to seeing from him. He just signed a two-year contract extension, which means he is not only is looking at this year, but also next year. That suggests, he may still have gas in the tank, a-la Hines Ward.
James Jones - Jones is pushing for more playing time and his talent and ability warrant it. He is entering his fourth season in the league and has shown that he is capable of making plays. He is not expected to be a big producer this year. In fact he is currently the fourth option among receivers behind Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley and Donald Driver. Jones had 5 TDs last year, his highest TD total for a season in his career, but he likely won't exceed those numbers unless he supplants Donald Driver as the team's secondary WR option. Can he do it? Yes. Will he? That has a lot to do with Driver's effort and determination to keep his place in the lineup.
Jordy Nelson - Don't overlook Jordy Nelson. There's a lot ahead of him on the depth chart, but he is right in the thick of things for the WR3 role. He and James Jones will battle for the WR3 role, but even if he doesn't earn that role, he will still be used out of the slot in certain packages. As of right now, he doesn't have much fantasy value, unless points are rewarded for KR/PR stats. Having said that, he is in a great spot to produce if things bounce his way.
Denver WR1
The trade of Brandon Marshall to Miami opens up a big door of production. There is currently no dominant WR on the roster who is expected to fill the role left vacant by Marshall. Denver may decide to run the ball more frequently, as a result. No one player may be able to fill his shoes completely, but several have a chance to produce good numbers nonetheless.
Players to Target
Eddie Royal - There has been talk that Royal struggled last year, because he had difficulty adjusting on plays based on how defenses played him. I always thought Royal had excellent hands and good route-running skills, but there may be some truth in his inability to adapt on the fly. Kyle Orton's tendency to throw to Brandon Marshall didn't exactly help matters either. Talk has surfaced that Denver has big plans to include Royal in 2010. He is expected to occupy the team's slot WR and quick-strike run after the catch role that Josh McDaniels used Wes Welker for in his time at New England. There is no doubt that Royal will be among the WRs in the starting lineup, but if his number is called more frequently, he could be the one who benefits the most. Jay Cutler was able to bring out the best in Royal. If he is given the chance to be a big part of the offense, as opposed to a decoy like last year, he could be an every week fantasy starter.
Jabar Gaffney - Eddie Royal may occupy the slot role for the Broncos, but look for Gaffney to be the team's primary down field target. Gaffney made great strides filling in for Brandon Marshall at the end of the year to the tune of 21 catches for 282 yards and 2 TDs in just two games. If he picks up where he left off, he could be the WR we're all talking about come week six.
Demaryius Thomas - Denver drafted Thomas as the first WR off the board in the 2010 NFL Draft. He is expected to eventually be a big part of the offense, but he could see some growing pains as a consistent force in year one. He may make some big plays here and there, but his poor route-running and inability to beat press coverage from NFL cornerbacks might keep him from being a dominant player as a rookie.
Eric Decker - The rookie, from Minnesota has great hands and is considered a good possession receiver. He may not make a big impact in year one, but if he develops well and learns the offense, he could be someone that emerges later in the year and perhaps sooner if an injury opens the door.
New Orleans WR2
The Saints WR corps is led by Marques Colston with a sprinkling of talent and production from several other sources. In 2009, Drew Brees completed 107 of his 363 passes to RBs and 89 to TEs. That left just 167 completions to all of his WRs. 70 of those went to Marques Colston, which means the rest of the WR corps scraped to get the remaining 97. The Saints passing game is very prolific, but with so many weapons it's hard to know which players are best to covet for fantasy purposes. The 2010 season features two, if not three WRs who will fight to be the recipients of Drew Brees' passes.
Players to Target
Robert Meachem - Meachem had a breakout year in 2009 with 9 TDs in a very strong second half that saw him catch 29 of his 45 receptions after week 11. Torn cartilage on the second toe of his left foot suffered in the playoffs, forced him to have surgery just a week into OTAs. He is expected to recover in time for the regular season. As of press date (second week of August), he is currently on the active PUP list. Meachem became a big target for Drew Brees last year, but if his toe gives him any problems, he could find himself on the outside looking in - just like teammate Lance Moore was last year after suffering injuries. If Meachem can recover fully and put injuries behind him, he could build on a stellar 2009 campaign and be a good starting WR option for your fantasy team.
Lance Moore - Moore was hampered by a hamstring and ankle injury that kept him from being a viable threat with the Saints in 2009. His spot on the Saints depth chart lowered as others played well in his absence. He played in only 7 games last year, but it seemed like much less. He is only one year removed from 79 catches and 10 TDs and now that he is healthy once again, he commands attention as a play-making threat in 2010. He may not finish in the Top 20, like in 2008, but if he regains his form, he could easily be a WR flex option or at the very least, a spot starter for your team.
Devery Henderson - As mentioned, the Saints have a lot of weapons to go around, with only one football. It's hard to have consistently good numbers week to week as a result. Devery Henderson has flashed big play ability here and there, but he has never been a consistent force. He has the opportunity to provide solid numbers on occasion, which warrants a spot start here and there. He is most valuable if others ahead of him on the depth chart are forced to miss games. If that happens, he could easily be an excellent fantasy start, given the circumstances.
Seattle WR2
The Seahawks have some question marks at WR heading into 2010. TJ Houshmandzadeh looks to be the team's primary WR and he is now fully healthy after having an injury-filled first year in Seattle. Nate Burleson is now in Detroit, which opens up the WR2 role. Any one of three, even four WRs could emerge as the team's WR2. Last year the Seahawks ranked 14th in receiving yards for WRs (2,376 yards), but they only managed 8 TDs, which kept them from being noticed as a big threat.
Players to Target
Golden Tate - Most rookie WRs struggle in their first year and as a result, they don't earn a starting role in the lineup. Having said that, recent rookie WRs that did crack the lineup in week one or shortly thereafter have found success in their first year - namely Eddie Royal, Kenny Britt, DeSean Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Percy Harvin, Austin Collie, Johnny Knox, Jeremy Maclin, Michael Crabtree. If Tate can crack the lineup to start the season, there is no reason to think he won't produce to some extent. Exactly how much is yet to be determined.
Deon Butler - Butler has been the talk of the off-season among the Seahawks coaches and staff. This year he could take a big step forward, likely as the team's slot WR. He has always had speed and quickness, but his route running and blocking has improved, which is a big part of being a slot WR. The cards could fall the right way for Butler and put him in a spot where he can produce.
Mike Williams - Big Mike Williams, yes the former Detroit Lions Top 10 draft pick from Southern Cal, is reunited with HC Pete Carroll in Seattle. After several attempts, Williams tries one more time to "make it" in the NFL. Perhaps Carroll can be the one who revives a once talented WR.
Deion Branch - The 31 year-old Branch has had knee problems off and on throughout his career. He claims he will be 100% by the start of training camp, but is his 100% better than Deon Butler or Golden Tate? As of now, both are ahead of him on the depth chart, if not the coach's mind.
Tampa Bay WR1/WR2
The Buccaneers are rebuilding their team with youth and talent at the QB and WR position. QB Josh Freeman has a rifle for an arm, with an interest in throwing the ball at will. This is good news for his WR corps. Expect Freeman to minimize the mistakes he made as a rookie last year, which will mean more sustained drives and scoring chances. If his young WR corps can grow and develop along with him, it could make for a surprisingly effective offense.
Players to Target
Mike Williams - Not many rookie WRs find themselves thrust into the starting lineup as the team's WR, however as of right now, it's looking like Williams will occupy that role. While drafting rookie WRs can be a risk, it's not that unexpected to see rookies thrive when given the chance to start in week one. Recently, other rookie WRs have found success as immediate starters, including Eddie Royal, Kenny Britt, DeSean Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Percy Harvin, Austin Collie, Johnny Knox, Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree. It's not a stretch to think Williams could produce in year one, especially with Josh Freeman throwing him passes. The combination of Freeman and Williams could be a nice surprise for fantasy owners this year. Don't be surprised to see Williams rise up among the rankings as a result.
Arrelious Benn - The other Bucs rookie WR, also has a chance to be a play maker on offense. Benn and Mike Williams figure to be the Buccaneers starting WRs this year as well as several years down the road. While most are enamored with Williams as the Bucs rookie WR of choice to target, the bandwagon for Benn is also picking up steam. If there is one knock on Benn it's been his struggles of picking up the offense and learning the plays, but come week one, that could all be forgotten. Both Williams and Benn already have a leg up on other rookie WRs across the league, simply because they figure to be a part of the offense from day one. As a result, they have a good chance to produce consistent numbers from week to week.
Tennessee WR1
The Titans are a run-first team, led by All-World RB Chris Johnson. Having said that, Titans WRs caught 12 TD passes last year. Heading into the 2010 season, no one WR has a grasp on the team's WR1 role. There is value to be had for the WR who does earn that role. Vince Young vows to improve as a passer and it showed in second half last year when he averaged 28.6 pass attempts in four of his last five games. Two of those games, Young totaled 628 yards passing. If he continues to improve as a passer in 2010, it could open the door for significant production for the team's WR1.
Players to Target
Kenny Britt - Britt is entering his second season in the league and arguably has the most talent and ability of all the Titans WRs. His downside is his lack of maturity and off the field issues that could factor into his ability to be a successful part of HC Jeff Fisher's offense. If he can improve his conditioning and focus on playing football and not the spectacle that it brings, he could develop into one of the league's better WRs.
Nate Washington - If Washington can rise to the occasion, while Kenny Britt falters, he could be one of the best draft steals this year. Washington is currently a late-round draft pick that could wind up as a WR3 for your team that you spent very little risk on. He has the speed to get behind defenses, who will likely be focusing their efforts on stopping Chris Johnson. As a result, Washington could find himself with several TD plays. His play in the red zone is also inviting. If he earns the WR1 role, he could easily be a solid contributor for your fantasy team.
St. Louis WR1
The Rams offense, outside of Steven Jackson, is a relatively young group of players, most notably led by rookie QB Sam Bradford. The WR corps is also loaded with young talent that is capable of big things, if everything comes together on offense. It is not yet known how well Bradford's presence will affect the production of the young group of WRs, but the potential is there for a few WRs to make an impact. One WR will emerge as the team's WR1 role. That player should have adequate fantasy value as a result and could wind up as a Top 30 WR at the end of the season.
Players to Target
Laurent Robinson - In the brief three games, before he broke his leg and was lost for the season, Robinson was clearly the Rams primary WR option. In the first two games of 2009, on the team he was just starting to get accustomed to, he had 10 and 9 targets for 5 and 6 receptions, including a TD on a 3rd and goal. If he can build on his 2009 success and establish a good rapport with new signal caller Sam Bradford, he might just be able to pick up where he left off. He currently has an ADP of WR73, which is later than his teammate, Donnie Avery. He should be able to outperform his ADP, even on the rebuilding Rams offense.
Donnie Avery - The Rams WR corps scored only 8 TDs in 2009, but Avery had five of them. He led all Rams WRs with 47 catches, which isn't a lot, however he was the leader of the group. He is currently getting the most reps among the Rams WRs in training camp. As a speedster, Avery is a capable deep threat, but he also has the ability to be a possession WR out of the slot. It's anyone's guess as to which WR Sam Bradford will target the most, but many believe Avery will occupy that role. If Bradford shows promise and produces well out of the gate, Avery and/or Laurent Robinson could be someone to target as a WR4 or flex option for your fantasy team.
Arizona WR2
It will be interesting to see just how productive the Cardinals WR corps will be without signal caller Kurt Warner and WR Anquan Boldin out of the picture. Warner's retirement opens the door for four-year veteran Matt Leinart to take over as the team's source of passing yards. It is widely speculated that Arizona will resort to more rushing attempts in 2010, because their passing game won't be as prolific with Leinart. Larry Fitzgerald leads the way among the team's WRs. After him, two, maybe three players could wind up being the WR2 that Anquan Boldin left vacant.
Players to Target
Steve Breaston - At first glance, Breaston appears to be a shoe-in for the team's WR2 role; however that may not be how the season shapes up. One thing that surprised me was that Breaston was on the field for 777 offensive plays in 2009, compared to 782 from Anquan Boldin. In other words, they both saw plenty of action on the field, but Boldin was the one who had more success, finishing with ranking of 23rd vs. 46th for Breaston. Things will be different in a lot of ways in 2010, but I was surprised to see Breaston had just as many snaps as Boldin with 46 less targets.
Early Doucet - When Doucet caught 14 passes for 145 yards and 2 TDs in the playoffs, he did so mostly occupying the flanker role left vacant by Anquan Boldin, who didn't play due to an injured knee/ankle. It seems logical that Doucet will occupy that role again, which means he is likely the one who will pick up where Boldin left off. It would not surprise me to see Doucet overtake Breaston as the team's second option behind Larry Fitzgerald.
Andre Roberts - Roberts is not expected to make a big impact in his rookie year, but in the event Steve Breaston or especially Early Doucet is injured, Roberts could move in and provide an adequate replacement. His 5-foot-11, 195 pound frame is best suited out of the slot for quick strike passes, hot reads and elusiveness against corners who can't press him off the line.
Atlanta WR2
Michael Jenkins earned the team's WR2 role last year after Atlanta let Laurent Robinson try his luck in St. Louis and the season ending knee injury to Harry Douglas. Jenkins quietly had 50 catches on 90 targets for 635 yards. His name may not spark interest, because he caught only one TD in 15 games. He is still considered the team's WR2, but he could have some competition this year that could affect his playing time and possibly move him down the depth chart.
Players to Target
Harry Douglas - Douglas was in line to compete for the team's WR2 role last year, before he suffered a torn ACL in the preseason that ended his chances. He has had nearly a full year to rehab his injured knee to be ready for the 2010 season. Douglas at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, is an undersized WR like Steve Smith, Santana Moss, DeSean Jackson, Mike Thomas, et al. He has excellent speed and quickness and showed flashes of big play ability in 2008 both as a WR and punt returner. The Falcons had big plans for him to be their slot WR in 2009 before the injury. He is expected to earn that role in 2010 and be a fixture in the offense that wasn't there in 2009. As a result, he could wind up with 50-55 catches and push Jenkins as the team's second WR option behind Roddy White.
Kerry Meier - A very deep sleeper candidate that could potentially emerge is Kerry Meier, rookie 5th round pick from Kansas. Meier at 6-foot-2, 224 pounds is a physical presence, who can make tough catches in traffic, plus he has shown the ability to adapt to his QB, which is uncommon for rookie WRs. He doesn't have blazing speed or a strong burst to make routine plays big gains, but he has good hands and football instincts that could catapult him into a bigger role than some anticipate beginning this year. He is the type of WR that QB Matt Ryan could find inviting, due to his ability and instincts to adjust his route to his QB's needs. Meier has more experienced players in front of him on the depth chart, but he is someone to keep an eye on.
Miami WR2
The Dolphins passing game is expected to see a boost in production due to the trade acquisition of Brandon Marshall in the offseason. QB Chad Henne showed periods of success last year, which he should be able to build on in 2010. As a result of Marshall's presence in the offense, other Dolphins WRs will stand to benefit, due to opposing defenses focused on stopping or at least containing Marshall. Miami has relied on their running game as their primary source of offense for several seasons. That could end this year, if the playbook is fully opened for Chad Henne to make plays at his discretion. The Dolphins have not had a prolific passing game since the Dan Marino days. The fact that they did not pursue a RB in the offseason or the NFL draft could be an indicator of change. They will utilize an often injured Ronnie Brown and the rejuvenated Ricky Williams to hold the fort in the running game. This could be a precursor to a change in offensive philosophy that caters to more of a pass oriented attack. If that's the case, there is room for another WR to emerge alongside Marshall.
Players to Target
Brian Hartline - The second year pro from Ohio State is the leading candidate to be the team's WR2 and complimentary role for Brandon Marshall. He enjoyed success mostly in the second half of his rookie year, catching 19 of his 31 receptions in the last seven games of the season. Hartline has excellent hands, runs crisp routes and he has a knack for getting open. He averaged an impressive 16.3 yards per catch, which further exemplifies his ability to get open under the defense. Of the WRs vying for the WR2 role in training camp, it is Hartline who has made the biggest impact among the coaching staff. If the Miami passing game flourishes, Hartline could be in line for 45-55 receptions that could merit a WR4 or flex option. At the very least, he is a good start for bye weeks or when the schedule dictates it.
Davone Bess - Bess quietly produced 76 receptions on 113 targets last year. The 113 targets is something to take note of. He was counted on as a reliable source for Henne and showed how valuable he can be to the team's success. Bess is not expected to come close to his numbers last year, due to Marshall's presence, but he could occupy the WR2 role, which can also be a productive position.
Patrick Turner - A true dark horse candidate. Turner is looking to find his place in the league, but he has good competition ahead of him on the depth chart, which could keep him from making an impact. At 6-foot-5 and 223 pounds, Turner is a big, physical threat that would be a great compliment to Brandon Marshall. Both he and Marshall would be an opposing dual threat, especially in the red zone. Turner also impressed in training camp last year, but his lack of consistency has cost him a chance to showcase his abilities. He's someone to keep an eye on, if he puts it all together.
Carolina WR2
Not much has materialized from the WR2 role in Carolina since Keyshawn Johnson donned a Panthers uniform. Having said that, the Panthers still need to find a complimentary WR for Steve Smith, especially after the retirement of Muhsin Muhammad. The WR2 role for Carolina has not been a factor in quite some time; however with a changing of the guard at QB going from Jake Delhomme to Matt Moore, that could change. The team has four, possibly five candidates who could occupy the WR2 role in 2010. Whoever that person is will have some fantasy value and possibly someone to consider for bye week purposes.
Players to Target
Brandon LaFell - If there is one player who may catapult over the others, it's the rookie third round pick from LSU. LaFell's 6-foot-3, 211 pound frame is a big target for Matt Moore. He's not shy going over the middle for tough catches in traffic and he has excellent down field blocking skills. His game virtually mirrors what Muhsin Muhammad brought to the table. If he can pick things up quickly, he could be inserted into the starting lineup and produce from day one. In my opinion, he is the front-runner for the job.
Dwayne Jarrett - The former 2nd round pick from USC has not materialized in his first three years in the league. It doesn't look like anything will change in year four. He has struggled to learn plays, formations and assignments, which has kept him on the sidelines, despite his talent. If he can finally put it all together, he could find himself in the starting lineup every week. It's definitely now or never for Jarrett.
Kenny Moore - Moore is a local product from Wake Forest. He has handled kick and punt return duties in the past, but now he gets a chance to vie for a starting WR role with the team. Moore is a jack of all trades in terms of skills and abilities, but he is not head and shoulders above the rest in any of them, with the exception of maybe his speed. He currently is the penciled-in as the WR2 at training camp and is virtually unknown among fantasy enthusiasts. He will likely only earn the starting role if his other teammates don't earn it themselves. He's a dark horse candidate, who could be a surprise starter. He's doing everything he can in camp to earn the role, but will it be enough?
Armanti Edwards - The former Appalachian State QB is making a switch to WR in hopes of making a difference at the next level. He is an athlete in every sense of the word. Some go as far as saying he'll be a success at anything he decides to do. So far in training camp, Edwards has been both impressive and a disappointment. He has been inconsistent in his route running and he has had some trouble with punts and kickoffs. His path to the starting lineup may not be as soon as people would like, but when he does reach that point, it will be hard not to notice him.
David Gettis - The rookie from Baylor is a work in progress, but he has promise. He has a good mix of size, speed and ability, but his skills need to be refined at the next level, whether that's learning how to beat press coverage, running crisp routes or learning the ins and outs of the playbook. He's someone who could make some big plays in the pre-season, but not earn a starting role, due to the intangibles mentioned prior.
Buffalo WR2
The Bills are not expected to finish in the upper half of the league's better offenses this year. They have concerns at QB, OL and WR. Having said that, sometimes the biggest surprises come from areas where you least expect it. Case in point - Anquan Boldin's rise to stardom for Arizona in 2003. The Cardinals weren't figured to be anywhere near a respectable offense in 2003. The year prior, their main receiving threat was TE Freddie Jones who led the team with a paltry 44 receptions. If the Bills can rise from the ashes, they will likely need a WR who can make an immediate impact and perhaps supplant Lee Evans as the team's primary receiving option.
Players to Target
Steve Johnson - Johnson is getting the most reps in camp of any Bills WR, not named Lee Evans. He has a great opportunity to earn a starting role in the offense, due to the departure of Terrell Owens and his own hard work in the offseason. He may not lower Evans down the depth chart, but he could earn the WR2 role which could provide some fantasy value as a spot starter in bye weeks.
James Hardy - Hardy is a red zone dream at 6-foot-5, 217 pounds, however injuries and players ahead of him on the depth chart have kept his production at bay. He has a chance to earn a starting WR role in 2010 if he can hold off Steve Johnson and keep Marcus Easley learning from the sidelines. If Hardy does make the starting lineup, he has the potential to be a threat in the red zone, which warrants fantasy consideration, even if only as a spot starter.
Marcus Easley - This is the kid people have been talking about in western, NY. If he develops quickly and is impressive in camp and preseason, he has the potential to make an impact for the Bills in 2010. A former walk-on at UConn, Easley really began to put it all together in his senior year, most notably his last eight games. He is a well-spoken individual who understands that success is rewarded by hard work and dedication. The coaches love his enthusiasm and desire to get better. If he can hit the ground running learning the offense, he could be a nice surprise as early as this year.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com.