by Mike Harmon

Updated: May 9, 2008, 4:34 PM EST 1 comment

add this RSS blog email print

As they say, "it's a game of inches." How many times did you see a wide receiver streaking down the field with no coverage (the cornerback slipped or the safety failed to rotate over) and let the ball bounce off his shoulder pads or hands? No, I'm not just talking about Troy Williamson and Bernard Berrian. That happened to a whole host of other receivers.

Of course, a game can also change on a dime because of the elements or a couple of quick scoring strikes. Remember the 3-0 Pittsburgh win over Miami in the muck and mire? You were hoping for big things from Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and company and could only watch in horror as the clock ticked on that one. Ward did eventually help you in PPR leagues, but you get the point.

Your wide receivers can become spectators in a lopsided game as teams grind out the clock. Persistent double-coverage can make the tight end or No. 3 receiver the hero of the day.

Ahh, good times.

I've already laid out my top picks at the quarterback and running back slots. Let's begin an extended review of the wide receiver position with my 21st through 40th-ranked wideouts. jame

40. Deion Branch, Seattle Seahawks

Can Branch avoid the injury report? That's really the only thing limiting his upside in Mike Holmgren's offense. Branch missed extensive time because of injury, and therefore leaves fantasy owners a bit gunshy in 2008. D.J. Hackett is off to Carolina, leaving Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram as the other primary receivers for Matt Hasselbeck. Branch underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in January, so he'll miss the first several games of the year. However, his recovery appears to be going well, so we're optimistic that he won't miss too much time. We'll monitor his progress this summer and adjust his ranking appropriately.

39. Patrick Crayton, Dallas Cowboys

He didn't light up the scoresheet as often as we'd anticipated with Terry Glenn on the shelf, but Crayton sure had his moments for the high-flying Dallas offense in 2007. Glenn's ability to return to his past performance level will be tested this summer in Oxnard, California (road trip!). Regardless of Glenn's availability, I'm expecting another step forward from this fifth-year pro. Crayton caught 50 balls for 697 yards and seven touchdowns, and had it not been for some injury concerns of his own, he could have been a double-digit touchdown machine. He possesses explosive speed and reacts well to the ball downfield. Crayton simply needs to ramp up his concentration, as he'll sometimes lose big gains by failing to look the ball all the way into his hands. Dallas is going to put up points once again, and Crayton currently occupies the third receiving slot behind Terrell Owens and Jason Witten.

38. Isaac Bruce, San Francisco 49ers

Bruce will reunite with his former head coach Martz, who is now operating as the coordinator in San Francisco. Granted, the quarterback mix of J.T. O'Sullivan, Shaun Hill and Alex Smith is unproven, but so were Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger in St. Louis. As such, there's reason for optimism that this year's 49ers offense will not turn Joe Nedney into a real-life "Super Jock" toy. For Bruce, it's a chance to be the No. 1 option in a rebuilding offense that will work to get him the ball. He still runs good routes and has exceptional hands. I'd bounce him up a few slots in a PPR league, as Bruce will be the recipient of many short pass completions.

37. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts

Gonzalez acclimated to life in the NFL pretty well as a rookie, as he was pressed into significant action following Marvin Harrison's injury. Gonzalez may play a substantial role for the 2008 Colts, only it isn't an injury impacting Harrison this time around. The injury and age issues are there, but the potential legal woes trump those issues. The rookie from Ohio State produced two 100-yard games and had six or more receptions four times. His workload was destined to increase as he became more acquainted with Peyton Manning. Manning had high praise for the rookie's efforts (37 receptions for 576 yards), and expectations are high for 2008. Harrison's situation will raise or lower the bar this summer.

36. Donte' Stallworth, Cleveland Browns

Stallworth goes from being an ancillary character in the New England tapestry to the upstart Cleveland offense that anticipates huge returns. He caught 46 passes for 697 yards and three touchdowns. Most of those totals came on big strikes from Tom Brady when Stallworth was left in one-on-one coverage downfield with no safety help. He recorded a catch of 20 or more yards in 10 different games. The Browns are banking on more frequent big plays from Stallworth, as Kellen Winslow, Jr. and Braylon Edwards command the attention of defensive backfields. He's a big-time threat in such a system.

35. Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens

Mason's huge 2007 output ranked among the biggest shocks of the 2007 season. Sure, Welker snagging over 100 receptions was a bit odd, but given the quarterback situation in Baltimore, Mason's 103 receptions made him invaluable in PPR leagues. In fact, he caught four or more passes in 15 of the Ravens' 16 games last year. He'll continue to rack up catches in 2008, particularly with Joe Flacco or Troy Smith under center. Although we'd expect new coach Harbaugh to take more shots downfield, the 34-year-old receiver will remain a focal point of the attack. Mason has averaged 89.8 receptions during the past five years. The return of a healthy Todd Heap should make this offense more stable and effective. Don't expect many touchdowns (10 in the past three years), but take the steady yardage and reception offerings.

34. Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets

The Jets made vast improvements to their 25th-ranked offense (16.8 points per game), particularly on the offensive line. The addition of fullback Tony Richardson will help to make Thomas Jones more effective in the running game and give Cotchery more red zone looks. Fantasy owners will a bit reticent to jump back on board Cotchery's game following a disappointing 2007 in which he scored only two touchdowns. However, a closer look reveals that he matched his reception total of 2006 and improved his receiving average by 2.1 yards per grab to generate his first 1,000-yard season. Remember, too, that he was also limited for several games (missing one) because of an injury. Cotchery will slide on boards and offer good value for owners this summer. I don't expect huge offensive output from the Clemens/Pennington duo, but the offense will certainly be more fluid, and that will improve Cotchery's chances to snag jump balls in the red zone.

33. Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers

I don't believe Driver's numbers are going to take a nosedive, but they will be curtailed so long as No. 4 doesn't return to the field. Driver averaged 83 receptions and 1,193 receiving yards in the past four years with Favre at the helm. I suspect that many of those targets will be distributed to Jennings, Jones and the winner of the No. 3 receiver derby (most likely Jordy Nelson). Take the receptions from this sure-handed option for the new quarterback (we'll assume Rodgers for now?). You'll need to find your touchdowns elsewhere.

32. Laveranues Coles, New York Jets

The Jets made enough upgrades in other parts of their offense to give Laveranues Coles a good chance at producing well in 2008. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

Coles missed four games their entirety last season and was noticeably limited in several others. The improvements made to the Jets offensive line and the fortification of the running game should allow Coles to resume his ridiculous reception rate in 2008. Coles started the season strong, recording six touchdowns in his first seven games (he would not score again). A return to 85-90 catches and 1,000 receiving yards is not out of the question if Coles can remain healthy.

31. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Johnson started his rookie campaign with a bang, but expectations for the Detroit squad and his performance slid quickly. He caught touchdown passes in each of his first two games, but then scored only two more times the remainder of the season. Johnson caught four passes in those first two games and then seemingly fell out of favor in former coordinator Mike Martz's attack. Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey piled up catches, and Johnson was used sporadically (he caught three or fewer passes in nine games). With Martz gone, I would expect Johnson's role to increase in the Detroit offense. Of course, more consistent play in the running game with Kevin Smith certainly wouldn't hurt. I don't anticipate a huge reception total for Johnson (65-70, maybe), but he's going to double his touchdown total at a minimum.

30. Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia Eagles

Curtis produced one of the most sensational single-game performances of the 2007 season when he caught 11 balls for 221 yards and three scores in Week 3 against Detroit. It raised some eyebrows and put the former fantasy dynamo back on the map. Remember when the "who's this year's Wes Welker?" was a quest to find the next Curtis? In any event, Curtis proved to be more than just a big play threat by recording 77 receptions last season. He'll cede some of those receptions to teammates Brown and Smith this season (and Brian Westbrook, of course), but the explosive speed remains. Curtis represents a great third receiving option. Brown trumps him in my rankings because of his red zone efforts, but don't underestimate Curtis' value in this offense if McNabb is healthy.

29. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins

The 2007 season was certainly one of frustration for Moss, Redskins fans and those who drafted him. In fact, he ranked among the most traded players of the year, as there always seemed to be at least one owner in each league who remained confident in a big turnaround. Alas, they would have had to wait until the season's final weeks for him to impact the stat sheet (two of his three touchdowns came in Weeks 16 and 17). I expect this offense to be significantly improved in 2008. The Redskins added several receiving options in the draft to join Moss, Antwaan Randle El and fantasy football aficionado Chris Cooley, and Jason Campbell's game should be elevated in Jim Zorn's offense. Moss still has the speed to burn soft coverage, and Campbell has the arm to get it there.

28. Javon Walker, Oakland Raiders

Are you willing to take a gamble on Walker's knees and the evolution of JaMarcus Russell? Those are the questions to ask yourself as the draft season approaches. Oakland secured their game breaker in tailback Darren McFadden. Now, they're hoping that Walker can overcome his 2007 injury woes to return to his place among the game's elite (1,000 yards and eight scores in 2006). He started the season with a bang, recording back-to-back 100-yard games before sustaining what was essentially a season-ending injury (he returned in spot duty down the stretch). Russell certainly has the arm to make throws downfield, and Walker is one of the game's best jump ball receivers when sound. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm curious to watch this Oakland offensive unit in 2008.

27. Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Age is just a number when you're talking about Galloway. He remains one of the fastest wide receivers in the game despite the fact that he'll turn 37 this season. Galloway topped 1,000 receiving yards for the third straight year and scored six touchdowns. In fact, Galloway hit that hallowed mark despite essentially missing three games at the end of the year. The team played well behind Jeff Garcia, and he's the leader in the crowded quarterback race heading into 2008. It's just a question of whether he can stay healthy. If Galloway (and Garcia, for that matter) can avoid the injury bug, he'll top 1,000 yards for the fourth straight year with a handful of touchdowns.

26. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons

What else can you say? White went from a late-round flyer pick in 2007, following the Michael Vick debacle, to one of the game's top receivers with Chris Redman and company under center (83 catches, 1,202 yards and six scores). With the Vick situation now in the distant past and a complete overhaul of the lineup now completed, I'm anticipating a strong follow-up season for White. Obviously, the quarterback position remains a concern, but the team is hopeful that off-season acquisition Michael Turner will help to keep linebackers at home and offer White some man-on-man coverage downfield. White's ability to repeat his huge 2007 season will also depend on continued growth from second-year receiver Laurent Robinson (sleeper alert!). He's a big-time playmaker who will take some of the attention from White.

25. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings

Berrian was the lone receiving threat in the Chicago offense last year. The tight ends stepped and made big plays on occasion and Devin Hester caught several deep balls to add to the team highlight reel, but the team's offense began and ended with Berrian. He caught 71 passes (five touchdowns) and narrowly missed achieving his first 1,000-yard season (951). The move to Minnesota doesn't bring a huge upgrade in quarterback play (we can agree to say that the jury remains out on Tarvaris Jackson), but the presence of Adrian Peterson means that Berrian is going to see an awful lot of one-on-one coverage downfield as the linebackers stay home to try and contain the running game. The only thing stopping Berrian from ranking among the game's elite deep threats are supreme lapses in concentration. The Vikings are an interesting squad to watch as 2008 opens, and with more consistent quarterback play, Berrian could provide huge returns for owners willing to gamble on him.

24. Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

With Donovan McNabb healthy and ready to go, Reggie Brown should have every opportunity to post a strong season. (Chris Graythen / Getty Images)

The reports from Eagles camp are that Donovan McNabb is looking fit and ready to roll in 2008. As such, I'm expecting many happy returns to the end zone for Brown this year. One of the keys to the success of this offense will also be the health of tight end L.J. Smith, so we'll be paying close attention in camp. Although his touchdown total dropped in 2007, Brown became a more complete receiver playing opposite Kevin Curtis. Brown caught 15 more passes in 2007 and still remained a big play option (catches of 19 or more yards in 10 different games). The big "if" with this team is health, and should all of the major weapons on offense stay sound, Brown is primed for a strong bounce-back season.

23. Chris Chambers, San Diego Chargers

Chambers thrived despite the obvious dysfunction in Miami and then had to adapt to the Chargers offense following a midseason trade. In the end, the veteran receiver narrowly missed achieving the second 1,000-yard season of his career (970) and made some big catches down the stretch. Did he have the impact on the stat sheet that we anticipated following the trade? No, but his presence in the passing game helped to create a more balanced attack and took pressure off of 2007 disappointment Vincent Jackson. With a full off-season of workouts and the expected growth of Craig Davis as a receiving option alongside Antonio Gates, I expect Chambers to push back toward his career marks of 82 receptions and 1,100 receiving yards. He'll need to battle Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson for touchdowns, but he offers Philip Rivers a legitimate go-to receiver.

22. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers

Like Jennings, Holmes experienced his own injury problems last season which kept him from producing a positively ridiculous season. Despite the balance achieved in the offense and Ben Roethlisberger's effective distribution of the ball in the passing game, Holmes still tallied 942 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while averaging four receptions per game. I expect this offense to rank among the league's best this season and for Holmes' game to take another step forward. Ward and Heath Miller remain the safety valves, but Holmes is a tremendous downfield threat (receptions of 18 or more yards in 11 of 13 games). He'll catch 15-20 more passes and will make a push toward double-digit touchdowns.

21. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers

Jennings missed the first two games of the season and then set the league on fire, routinely torching opposing defenders on the deep pass from Brett Favre. Jennings scored in 10 of the 13 games in which he appeared last season (12 total touchdowns) and caught a pass of 20 or more yards in 10 different games as well. He averaged 4.07 receptions per game and emerged as one of the preeminent deep threats in the game. Obviously, fans and fantasy owners are trying to determine precisely how to value Jennings and the other Packers receivers in the post-Favre world. Remember, Jennings and Aaron Rodgers worked extensively together during Jennings' rookie season. I expect some drop-off in the touchdown department (James Jones will be interesting to watch after working with Rodgers all of last season), but watch for Jennings to produce more consistent reception totals. Of course, you'll take the 80-yard touchdown strike with a smile as well.

Next: Wide Receivers 1-20