The NFC South possesses a star studded lineup at the receiver position, and some that will be taken off the board very early in your fantasy drafts.
1. Marques Colston
The former 7th round NFL Draft pick has proved to be anything but. He’s developed into a premier NFL wideout and has one of the best in the business throwing the football to him. Last year, as a beneficiary of Brees’ 5,000 yard passing season, he hauled in 47 balls, for 760 yards and five TDs, all while missing six games due to injury. In fact, in his short career to date, he’s caught 24 TDs.
This year, while Brees’ numbers may come down because the Saints should have a better defense, look for Colston to still emerge with 90 catches, for over 1,200 yards and 10 TDs. He gets the nod over the other two because of Brees.
2. Roddy White
In his first two years playing with Michael Vick, there were whispers that White was a probable bust. Then, in 2007, otherwise known as the year of the Falcons’ meltdown, he began so show the promise that made him a former first round pick with 1,200 yards and six TDs. He did this with guys like Chris Redman at the helm.
And last year, playing with rookie sensation, Matt Ryan, he broke out and became a top five to ten receiver in the game.
This year, look for him to take an even bigger step forward, and see his success coincide with Ryan’s development, and look for 90 catches with over 1,200 yards and double digit TDs.
3. Steve Smith
Smith might be the best overall receiver in the game, or right in the conversation with Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson, but his fantasy value is hurt because he plays in a run oriented system and with an erratic QB. In 2008, he finished with over 1,400 yards and six TDs in 14 games.
Regardless, Smith is as explosive as they come, and can be counted on for making tough catches and big plays. Look for another 1,200 plus yard season and at least eight TDs.
4. Antonio Bryant
Only a year ago, Bryant was trying to find a roster. After year’s of moving around from team to team, not because of talent, but because of his poor attitude and some off field incidents, he landed with the Bucs and actually overtook Joey Galloway as the No. one receiver.
And for those of you who picked him up off the waiver wire in the beginning of the season, you were rewarded amply, and found a top 10 receiver for the last half of the season.
This year, without any doubts as to his role with the team, look for Bryant to post solid numbers, close to 1,000 yards and over seven TDs.
Sleeper
Last year (NO) Lance Moore came on and posted huge numbers for a guy (928 yards and 10 TDs) who came out of nowhere. This year could be much the same as the Saints show no signs of slowing down on the offensive side of the football.
Draft Tip
While none of these receivers are worthy of being selected in the 1st round of your fantasy draft, Colston, White and Smith could come off the board in the 2nd, while Bryant should last no later than the fourth. Moore could be taken from rounds six on and provide top tier fantasy receiving numbers once again.
