Future Watch
Posted: 12/10/07
Future Watch: 2008– WRs
Our 2008 forecast continues with a look at the receivers that could be highlighted come next year’s draft.
As the RBs and QBs of 2008 are garnering a lion’s share of the attention, the WRs are being considered largely disappointing. While that may be the case, a look at this year’s crop of receivers finds not a flashy group, but one that will certainly hold a few rough gems. Unlike previous years where there has been a clear-cut first-off-the-board WR, 2008 looks to contain a number of potential first round selections of varying styles and abilities, depending on what a coach’s team need might be.
If you have done your research of past drafts as they relate to the fantasy production of WRs in general, you know that any WR selection, outside of a receiver taken within the first 5 selections in the NFL draft, carries with him an extremely high bust potential. Based on past figures, one could make an argument that few WRs should ever be selected in the first round of any fantasy draft. But as of most of us coaches are always looking for that next Moss, Owens or Harrison, we will continue to roll the dice. For you, I offer this ordered list of WRs for your consideration.
Please note that while this list is in my own preliminary order of priority, it does include both juniors and seniors, thus things will most certainly change. Lastly, I am keeping the list short as history shows that those WRs that will have a truly impactful fantasy career will most likely be limited and surprises not on this list (or any other) are sure to be plentiful. Lets take a look at the players:
1. Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
Height: 6’4” Weight: 215
Tough choice for #1 and certainly not clear-cut. I like Kelly’s size and weight combined with his playmaking ability. Would like to have seen more consistency, but he has what the NFL is looking for and will almost certainly be taken in the first round. If Kelly could somehow run a 40 yard dash in the low 4.40s, he will be taken in the top 10-15 picks. Kelly uses his body well and while not a polished route runner, has all the tools to succeed at the next level …. just add Vince Young.
2. Early Doucet, LSU
Height: 6’0” Weight: 205
Doucet has a lot to like and a good combine could easily vault him to the first receiver off the board. Doucet has a quick first step, accelerates gracefully and quickly and has the speed to get deep. Doucet has nice hands but too often catches the ball with his body and does fight focus on occasion. He could easily contribute on special teams as much as he could as a receiver, which only raises his stock. As most young receivers, Doucet needs to run crisper and cleaner routes, get out of his breaks and not rely on his ample speed to make up for sloppy routes and mechanics. He has an NFL body and should find the field early in his career.
3. Desean Jackson, CAL
Height: 6’0” Weight: 176
If you like smallish, blazing, WRs, then Jackson has everything you desire. While not short at 6’, Jackson is not built like most other noteworthy receivers in this draft. Jackson was frustratingly inconsistent in 07 and his draft stock has suffered to some degree, but there is no questioning his playmaking ability every time he touches the pig. In the mold of Ted Ginn Jr., Jackson is fast beyond compare with the ability to change directions quickly and reach full speed at an alarming rate. Combine that with the fact that he is a better pure receiver than Ginn, with better hands and crisper routes and Jackson is sure to be taken off the board in the first round. Rumor has it that Jackson will run in the 4.20s at the combine but with that rumor could come a desire not to run at all. Most believe Jackson will be the first receiver off the board but I believe the NFL is migrating to a size based priority and Jackson will slip accordingly.
4. Limas Sweed, Texas
Height: 6’4” Weight: 218
Sweed’s season ended prematurely with a wrist injury, which should not affect his draft stock. Sweed, a senior, compiled a relatively impressive career with Texas and may be reunited with Vince Young as the Titans will certainly be on the hunt for a receiver in the lower half of the draft. Sweed has a nice combination of playmaking ability, size and hands. While speed may not be his strongest suit, he does use his body better than any other receiver on this list. Additionally, when he does reach his top end speed, he is smooth and can be elusive. Sweed catches everything in his vicinity and should be a threat in and out of the red zone. A good combine performance, where all eyes will be on his 40 time, will be crucial to securing a first round selection.
5. Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State
Height: 6’4” Weight: 225
Bowman is a beast of a WR. There is obvious confusion and disagreement over Bowman’s weight, but there is little way Bowman isn’t north of 220 pounds. Bowman reminds me a lot of Terrel Owens, without the mouth. He has the size and presence to dominate smaller defenders and his long limbs make him a natural receiver. Additionally, Bowman is deceptively fast and graceful, while not quick. It does take Bowman some time to reach full stride but once there, he is dangerous. NFL coaches love blocking ability and Bowman is not accomplished in this manner, although he does contain the size and capacity to become productive. Additionally, bouts of lost focus seem to affect Bowman and his breaks could be crisper. When summing up Bowman, he has everything, and more, that the NFL seeks in a #1 receiver and not many scouts will be scared off by sloppy technique in a couple phases of his game.
6. Mario Manningham, Michigan
Height: 6’0” Weight: 185
While I am not a Manningham supporter, primarily due to inconsistency and injury, it is hard to debate the fact that he seems to have his best games when up against top notch competition. When going to the big stage, presence and confidence is a must-have in a young WR and Manningham isn’t lacking in either of those areas. He is the prototypical boom or bust selection as Manningham isn’t awe inspiring in any one area but is sufficient in most.
Other Notables:
James Hardy, Indiana
Height: 6’6” Weight: 218
Hardy has a chance but I think he may actually be a bit too large and rangy.
Harry Douglas, Louiville
Height: 5’11” Weight: 170
Color me a skeptic
D.J. Hall, Alabama
Height: 6’3” Weight: 189
Does everything relatively well but not dynamic