Grab
Calvin Johnson, Det.: Last year’s No. 2 overall pick had a bit of disappointing rookie campaign (48/756/4). Chalk that up to a bad back and Mike Martz. Now in a more conventional offense (Shaun McDonald won’t lead the Lions in receptions this season) and healthy, the huge receiver is making waves at camp. Detroit will likely go to a more ball-control offense, but with Johnson and Roy Williams on the wings, the Lions can’t ignore them for too long.
Brandon Marshall, Den.: As I wrote in my fantasy column in Thursday’s Herald, Marshall will likely be downgraded in most drafts because of his suspension (three games now, but he’s appealing to get it down to two). Don’t let him slip too far. Grab him in the fourth round and enjoy.
Marvin Harrison, Ind.: Harrison is the perfect comeback player who is forgotten by 90 percent of the owners in a draft. I’ve been just as guilty. You know, the guy that somebody grabs in round 10 and everybody goes, “oh yeah, I forgot about him.” Be that guy. I’m not saying Harrison will outproduce Reggie Wayne, but the Colts WR had 1,366 yards and 12 TDs two years ago and if you get 2/3 of that production from a 10th round pick, you’ll take it.
Nate Burleson, Sea: I think Nate’s ready to take the leap. He struggled in Year 1 with Seattle with a broken thumb. Then he concentrated on special teams and got shunted behind Deion Branch and Bobby Engram. Now with both of those guys out for at least the first few weeks (Engram likely out longer), watch Burleson take over and become the leader of the WR corps. He caught a 69-yard TD in last Monday’s preseason game against San Diego, with most of the starters on the field. Expect big things.
Avoid
Braylon Edwards, Cle.: I had Braylon in one of my leagues last season and loved the 16 TDs. But with him already suffering a freak injury and his quarterback still a bit woozy after getting hit in the head, I’m souring on him. Of course if he falls grab him, but he won’t. Expect Edwards to go in the late second/early third round, which is way too early.
Derrick Mason, Balt.: Quick, name the receiver who had more catches than Braylon Edwards, more yards than Steve Smith and more touchdowns than Donald Driver? Derrick Mason that’s who (lucky guess). Many people will pick Mason in the middle of the draft based on last year’s numbers (103/1087/5). Don’t be that dunce. Either Kyle Boller or Troy Smith will be behind center and Mason’s role in Cam Cameron’s offense will be reduced. Add in that he’s on the wrong side of 34 and you get the point.
Late-round
Dolphins receivers, Ginn and Hagan: With Chad Pennington at the helm, expect bigger things from the wideouts. Both Ginn and Hagan have seemingly locked up starting gigs, and Ginn has looked impressive so far. Ginn caught four balls for 58 yards two weeks ago and returned a punt for a TD last week.
Steve Smith, NYG: The hero of last season’s Super Bowl was David Tyree, but the most clutch WR for the Giants in the playoffs was Smith. The former Trojan caught 14 passes in the playoffs for New York and he’ll bring some of that to this season. He’s really more of a possession receiver, but when Plaxico Burress misses a few games because of his ankle, or Amani Toomer breaks a leg, watch Smith step into a nice role and post good numbers.
Devin Hester, Chi: This pick only counts if your league awards points for individual returns. The Bears have promised to make Hester a larger part of the offense (15-20 plays a game) and without another breakout receiver in the bunch, the lightning quick Hester could score 10 touchdowns and catch 45 balls.
Jordan Kent, Sea.: The former Duck seems to be carving out a small role for himself on the Seahawks. With Branch and Engram out awhile, Kent, who caught four passes for 47 yards and a TD in last week’s preseason game, could make a nice splash to start the season.
Here’s a couple of links:
Funny rap from a self-proclaimed “White boy rapper,” Tacoma’s own Paul Brogan about fantasy football (http://tinyurl.com/6xf6kv)
Great look at the new Colts stadium (http://tinyurl.com/5sfde3). Amazing roof and love the window that opens in the north end zone.
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