News analysis: Arizona's WR situation
by Karl Hall, KFFL
KFFL: Over a dozen expert league championships — a proven source of player news and fantasy content.
The dynamic duo combined for 2,262 receiving yards on 171 receptions and 19 touchdowns in 2007, even in the wake of the team's continued stint of underachievement. Joining the dynamic duo for the 2008 season is rookie Early Doucet, their third-round draft pick from LSU. If Doucet can quickly learn how to be a professional wide receiver from Fitzgerald and Boldin, this receiving trio, combined with third-year quarterback Matt Lienart, could be a fantasy football dream team. However, it typically takes receivers a few years to adjust to the pro game.
Doucet was considered one of the top receivers in college football coming into the 2007 season. However, a groin pull in practice sidelined him for four games and sent his stock tumbling in the Draft. Despite the injury, he clawed his way back into the starting lineup and still led the team with 57 receptions. He finished his career at LSU with 1,943 receiving yards on 160 receptions and 20 touchdowns.
Former Mississippi Valley State head coach Archie Cooley once said that NFL great Jerry Rice "could catch a BB in the dark." While nothing like that has been said about Doucet, he does have similar measurables to Rice. At 6-foot, 212 pounds, he's a skilled receiver that has a great presence on the football field. He's athletic and has good leaping ability, but he doesn't have the 40-yard dash time of most game-breaking receivers. However like Rice, Doucet runs well in pads and has great body control. If he can combine these skills with a strong work ethic, he could have a very productive career in the NFL.
Much of the success of the Cardinals wide receivers in 2008 could depend on the maturation of Leinart. Entering his third year in the NFL, he must step up to the plate and become the leader of his team like he was during his collegiate career as the starting quarterback for the USC. His first two years in the NFL have been largely forgettable, particularly his sophomore campaign, which saw him splitting time with veteran Kurt Warner before a collarbone injury ended his season. Hopefully, Lienart use this off-season to build some chemistry and timing with his talented receivers.
Doucet may be called on "early" to help fill the void of the loss of Bryant Johnson (49ers). Doucet and Steve Breaston are expected to battle it out for the No. 3 receiver spot. Given the toughness of head coach Ken Whisenhunt, that spot may be won or lost based on the ability of Doucet or Breaston to effectively block down field and avoid costly mistakes.
With 100 receptions for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007, Fitzgerald is a legitimate No. 1 fantasy receiver. In addition, Boldin's 71 receptions for 853 yards and nine touchdowns in just 12 games last season makes him a strong No. 2 receiver in any league for 2008, though keep in mind he's failed to play 16 games in three of his last four seasons. Breaston isn't worth drafting, but could be a waiver wire option if he claims the No. 3 role and injuries hit the Cardinals at the receiver position.
As for Doucet, it's probably a good idea to take a wait and see approach with him in 2008. Rookie receivers have too many uncertainties to use high fantasy draft resources on them. He shouldn't be drafted in most formats, but could be a flier pick as a No. 5 receiver with marginal upside in some leagues. However, look for him to move up fantasy draft boards over the next few years, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Boldin's long-term future in Arizona, which gives Doucet more value in keeper leagues.
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