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WR Bobby Wade, Minnesota Vikings

HT: 5-10, WT: 193, Born: 2-25-1981, College: Arizona, Drafted: Round 5

2008 Projections

Best Case

Bobby Wade had a breakout year of sorts in 2007. While he had already made something of a name for himself with two solid seasons, last year he set career highs in just about every receiving category. He was the top receiving option on the team when no one else claimed the spot. This year, he'll get a chance to be on the field regularly as the team's leading returning receiver. He has the confidence of the coaching staff because they know he can be counted on to regularly produce. He won't jump Bernard Berrian for a starting spot, but if Sidney Rice regresses at all in year two, it won't be long before Wade makes his way into the starting lineup.

Worst Case

Wade could be buried as the third option at wide receiver on a team that doesn't throw the ball very often. There aren't many worse places to be as a starting wide receiver, let alone a guy coming off the bench. Last year, Wade was the team's top receiving threat and still finished with just 654 yards. Last year's number three option was Robert Ferguson with just 391 yards. Stats like that may have helped the team, but it is far too small a number to help fantasy owners all that much.

Outlook

Wade finished strong in 2007, with five receptions for 92 yards and two scores against Denver in the final week, almost as if he knew he had to impress the coaching staff to keep him as a starter. It apparently wasn't enough, as the team went out and signed Bernard Berrian away from the division rival Chicago Bears. Berrian is locked into a starting spot, and second year man Sidney Rice should hold down the other. Rice started slowly last year, but really came around towards the end of the season before an injury slowed him again. Wade will have a tough time jumping either of these two players on the depth chart aside from an injury, but he'll still provide a solid option whenever he sees the field.

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Wade finished with just one reception and 28 yards. He was targeted four times, but was not consistently looked for by Tarvaris Jackson. However, Jackson spread the ball around so much that Wade's 28 yards was the highest total for any Vikings wide receiver or tight end.

Week 2 - Wade is the de facto number one receiver in Minnesota, but that number one status is certainly a relative term. As long as Tarvaris Jackson plays the way he did in this game, the number one receiver from this team is going to have a tough time doing enough to even make himself roster-worthy, let alone starting lineup-worthy. Wade turned seven targets into five receptions for 34 yards, and was never put in a position to make a game-breaking play.

Week 3 - Wade was a frequent target for Holcomb, but their timing did not seem to be in tune. His first target was a short pass and Wade made the first defender miss with a nice spin move and turned it up field for a first down. Wade also had another five yard reception called back by an illegal shift penalty.

Week 4 - Wade was the second most targeted receiver for Holcomb on the afternoon. Wade managed to pull in five of his eight targets, including one of the rare successful deep passes for the Vikings on the season. Wade beat his defender and got a step behind him, and Holcomb hit him in stride for a 40 yard gain. Wade also had a nice 18 yard reception late in the game, but otherwise was targeted mostly on short routes. He finished with career highs in both receptions (six) and yards (75).

Week 6 - Wade was the most targeted Vikings receiver, though was used primarily on short passes over the middle and along the sideline.

Week 7 - Wade finished with just 16 yards on his lone receptions. Like all Vikings receivers, Wade was hurt by Tarvaris Jackson's inability to accurately throw the ball downfield.

Week 8 - Wade was the most frequently targeted wide receiver for the Vikings. He also led the team with his 53 yards.

Week 10 - Wade, the Vikings' leading receiver entering the game, was not targeted until the third quarter. Wade hauled in two of the three balls thrown his way and finished with just 29 yards. He also negated his own 11 yard reception with a pass interference penalty.

Week 11 - On Wade's first catch of the game, he put the ball on the turf and the fumble was recovered by Oakland. He went on to catch the remainder of his four targets for a total of 41 yards.

Week 12 - Wade converted both of his targets into receptions, but finished with just 14 yards. The Vikings did not look to throw often, and Wade was not the first option most of the game.

Week 13 - Wade was a primary benefactor from the improved play of Tarvaris Jackson. Instead of the normal shorter passing routes Wade has made his living on this season, Wade was able to run several deeper routes, and Jackson was able to hit him in stride. Wade's touchdown came on a short second and goal play. Jackson could not find a receiver, and finally looked back toward Wade who was open right at the end zone line.

Week 15 - Wade was open all night and had good chemistry with Jackson. He is clearly the favorite target in this offense.

Week 16 - Wade had a fairly unexciting night, catching three of the five balls passed his way for a total of 34 yards.

Week 17 - Wade had a good game, hauling in five of his eight targets for 92 yards and two touchdowns. He made three of his catches, and both of his touch downs in the fourth quarter.