Duchess Jack Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 ....but came in hand when I didn't know who to take. (I had 22 picks in a 6 round rookie draft) thoughts? FANTASY ITCH: 2008 Rookie Wide Receiver Rankings The third in a series of NFL Rookie Rankings, John Willette sums up the top rookie receivers. The 2008 NFL Draft was a down year for talented receivers. Not since the 1990 NFL Draft, where the likes of quarterback Jeff George, running back Blair Thomas and defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy graced the top three picks, was a receiver not selected in the first round. In 2008, a total of 35 receivers were selected in the NFL draft. Ten of those receivers will likely never see the greener side of the practice field but despite the sparse talent, there are some rookies that could make a splash in 2008. Because you can never have enough fantasy football rankings lists, here’s another based on my thoughts on the 2008 rookie class. WIDE RECEIVERS Potential Starters: James Hardy, Devin Thomas, Earl Bennett, Will Franklin Rookie of the Year Candidates: James Hardy, Devin Thomas STARTING MATERIAL 1. James Hardy, Buffalo–Hardy will see significant playing time for the Bills. If no other rookie stands out, Hardy will be your Rookie of the year. 2. Devin Thomas, Washington–Okay, you have Santana Moss on one side and the uninspiring Antwaan Randle El on the other. You heard it here first; Thomas will be the best receiver on this team. 3. Earl Bennett, Chicago–The only starter that the coaching staff has announced was Marty Booker…and they weren’t too sure of themselves. Bennett should easily beat out Mark Bradley and Devin Hester to start opposite of Booker. Even if he doesn’t, Booker is so old and untalented it would be a travesty to keep Bennett on the sideline. 4. Will Franklin, Kansas City–All Franklin has to do to win the starting job over Jeff Webb and Devard Darling is show up to OTAs, training camp and remain healthy. LATE SEASON BLOOMERS 5. Malcom Kelly, Washington–It might take Kelly a little longer to start but both Thomas and Kelly will be fixtures in the Redskins passing game. 6. Limas Sweed, Pittsburgh–I love Sweed’s chances for the Steelers third receiver spot. With Hines Ward aging and his body breaking down he has a good chance to start this season. 7. Eddie Royal, Denver–Royal, like Sweed finds himself in an excellent position to see significant playing time this season. In the offseason, the Broncos signed Darrell Jackson and Keary Colbert to compete to start opposite Brandon Marshall. We’ve all seen how much talent those two retreads have. 8. Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati–With Chris Henry gone, there is no doubt that one of the rookies will take over the third receiver position. My money is on Caldwell, who is more polished. 9. Marcus Smith, Baltimore–In 2007, Mark Clayton played himself out of any semblance of a starting job. His job will go to Demetrius Williams, another draft pick that has failed to produce. With Derrick Mason also starting that leaves Smith a shoe-in for the third receiving spot and possibly taking over for Mason when he retires. 10. Donnie Avery, St. Louis–Avery was the first receiver selected so it’s inevitable that he’ll see playing time. Unfortunately, unless he can beat out Drew Bennett he’ll be relegated to the third receiver role in 2008 and possibly starter in 2009. 11. Early Doucet, Arizona–Doucet has a straight-line path to be the Cardinals’ third receiver. In 2009, he could take over for Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Bolden should either of them decide to leave. 12. Harry Douglas, Atlanta–If it weren’t for the fact that the Falcons will have a terrible passing game Douglas would be ranked higher. As it is, Douglas will be Atlanta’s seldom used third receiver. 13. Lavelle Hawkins, Tennessee–Hawkins is a big time collegiate player who was more productive than DeSean Jackson at USC. I like his chances of securing at least the third receiver job to start the season with a starting gig not out of the question by the end of the season. 14. Marcus Monk, Chicago–Monk is a large target with good speed. His downside is the lack of experience. If he catches on to the Bears offense and lights it up in training camp him and Earl Bennett could both be starting by the end of 2008. 15. Adrian Arrington, New Orleans–Arrington has the talent to surpass Terrance Copper, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem for the third receiver job. In 2009, he’ll know the offense well enough to beat out David Patten. 16. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia–Jackson has a lot of competition for the third receiver spot with Jason Avant, Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis ahead of him. The competition however is not unsurmountable. 17. Paul Hubbard, Cleveland–Hubbard is the heir apparent to third wideout Joe Jurevicius. Jurevicius never stays healthy so playing time will be attainable if not inevitable for the rookie. 18. Dexter Jackson, Tampa Bay–Jackson was drafted as Joey Galloway’s predecessor. The plan is to groom him in 2008 and start him in 2009. 19. Jerome Simpson, Cincinnati–Anything can happen when you are talking about the Bengals. If Chad Johnson decides to sit, Simpson and Andre Caldwell will compete for the second and third receiver spots. The more likely scenario however, is that both will start in 2009 when Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh move on to more money. WAIT A YEAR 20. Mario Manningham, NY Giants–Manningham is a promising rookie but not the sharpest knife in the drawer…according to the Wonderlic test. Early results out of training camp indicates that he might be injury prone. If he can get through his ailments he could be the eventual replacement for 30-year old Plaxico Burress. 21. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay–I’m not enamored with Nelson what-so-ever. With last year’s rookie James Jones entrenched behind Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, Nelson will see little playing time in 2008. Should Driver move on in 2009, Nelson would be the third receiver at best. 22. Kevin Robinson, Kansas City–The Chiefs are short on receivers and Robinson will help fill the void. It’s not out of the question to see both Will Franklin and Robinson becoming big parts of the offense in 2009. 23. Marcus Henry, NY Jets–Henry is a big possession receiver who could replace Laveranues Coles in a year or two. 24. Keenan Burton, St. Louis–Burton has a chance to surprise but it won’t be at the cost of second round pick Donnie Avery. 25. Steve Johnson, Buffalo–The Bills aren’t known for having good receivers so Johnson is an upgrade by default. PRACTICE SQUAD MATERIAL 26. Josh Morgan, San Francisco 27. Arman Shields, Oakland 28. Kenneth Moore, Detroit 29. Matt Slater, New England 30. Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis 31. Jaymar Johnson, Minnesota 32. Justin Harper, Baltimore 33. Chaz Schilens, Oakland 34. Brett Swain, Green Bay 35. Mario Urrutia, Cincinnati Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duchess Jack Posted May 27, 2008 Author Share Posted May 27, 2008 not sure why the heck there's a "?" in the subject. damnable fingers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 not sure why the heck there's a "?" in the subject. damnable fingers. fixed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duchess Jack Posted May 27, 2008 Author Share Posted May 27, 2008 many thanks, BJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 13. Lavelle Hawkins, Tennessee–Hawkins is a big time collegiate player who was more productive than DeSean Jackson at USC. I like his chances of securing at least the third receiver job to start the season with a starting gig not out of the question by the end of the season. Big John, is this correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Big John, is this correct? They played at Cal not USC. Jackson had a better 2006. Hawkins better 2007. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 i was being a little facetious... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazinib1 Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 i was being a little facetious... I tried to say thaat word outloud and my g/f smacked me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 (edited) I tried to say thaat word outloud and my g/f smacked me honestly, i had to go to dictionary.com and my first search was for "faseeshish"... sucks when you know how to use the word but don't know how to spell it. Edited May 28, 2008 by Charles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 honestly, i had to go to dictionary.com and my first search was for "faseeshish"... sucks when you know how to use the word but don't know how to spell it. Indoobiedubly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHISOX Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I tried to say thaat word outloud and my g/f smacked me You sure that wasn't yo mamma smacking you in the back of the head? Thanx for the list........I've done 2 dynasty rookie drafts and I have YET to draft a WR not named James Hardy. However I am in the 7th round of my last one and I think this list just became very, very useful. Thanx!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpholmes Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 They played at Cal not USC. Jackson had a better 2006. Hawkins better 2007. Though Jackson did verbally commit to USC before choosing Cal... DeSean's decline in numbers had a lot to do with the fact that people didn't know much about him, and after his 2006 season teams realized he needed to be double covered; allowing "The Hawk" to get open for some big plays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 Though Jackson did verbally commit to USC before choosing Cal... DeSean's decline in numbers had a lot to do with the fact that people didn't know much about him, and after his 2006 season teams realized he needed to be double covered; allowing "The Hawk" to get open for some big plays. In 2007 he had more catches but a lower YPC average. And he's listed at 169 pounds. He'll need to bulk up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I tried to say thaat word outloud and my g/f smacked me did you accidentally say fallacious? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 18. Dexter Jackson, Tampa Bay–Jackson was drafted as Joey Galloway’s predecessor. The plan is to groom him in 2008 and start him in 2009. I love this kid. He won't put up much this year, but he could do well in Gruden's offense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeyOne Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I love this kid. He won't put up much this year, but he could do well in Gruden's offense. I'd glad to hear something positive about him, have heard from a few places he's just a glorified kick returned which wasn't what i'm hoping for from a second round receiver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 I'd glad to hear something positive about him, have heard from a few places he's just a glorified kick returned which wasn't what i'm hoping for from a second round receiver. Here's a good analysis. He runs a 4.27. You can't teach speed. He reminds me of Steve Smith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpholmes Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 He runs a 4.27. You can't teach speed. He reminds me of Steve Smith. As much as I like Dexter, I think the other Jackson will show us more of a Steve Smith type production. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 As much as I like Dexter, I think the other Jackson will show us more of a Steve Smith type production. Well, it's not like you're a homer or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpholmes Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Well, it's not like you're a homer or anything. But in all seriousness, after the Michigan upset, I watched a lot of Appalachian State, and I like how Dexter plays, but he plays like he is much taller than 5-10, with serious little man syndrome - similar to how Lee Evans plays ; As opposed to Steve and Desean who stay small to make plays. IMHO anyways. Time will tell, no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 12. Harry Douglas, Atlanta–If it weren’t for the fact that the Falcons will have a terrible passing game Douglas would be ranked higher. As it is, Douglas will be Atlanta’s seldom used third receiver. Remember this name, folks. He's reminding many of a young Marvin Harrison. Runs ridiculously crisp routes and has some speed, Here's his combine video. And his NFL draft profile. Get him while the gettin's good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazinib1 Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Remember this name, folks. He's reminding many of a young Marvin Harrison. Runs ridiculously crisp routes and has some speed, Here's his combine video. And his NFL draft profile. Get him while the gettin's good. Actually, Douglas has moved up in the WR ranks progressively with each IDP draft I do. I'm in my 3rd now and set to do one next week and Douglas is not an "unknown", if you will, anymore. And I agree...the kid has got some serious talent...albeit it on rather weak passing team as of now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bring Back Pat!!! Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 "18. Dexter Jackson, Tampa Bay–Jackson was drafted as Joey Galloway's predecessor. The plan is to groom him in 2008 and start him in 2009." They drafted him to come before Galloway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duchess Jack Posted May 30, 2008 Author Share Posted May 30, 2008 "18. Dexter Jackson, Tampa Bay–Jackson was drafted as Joey Galloway's predecessor. The plan is to groom him in 2008 and start him in 2009." They drafted him to come before Galloway? Gruden's offenses have always been ahead of their time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Actually, Douglas has moved up in the WR ranks progressively with each IDP draft I do. I'm in my 3rd now and set to do one next week and Douglas is not an "unknown", if you will, anymore. And I agree...the kid has got some serious talent...albeit it on rather weak passing team as of now. I think as Ryan develops, Douglas could very well be one of the most productive WRs in this class. Ryan's talents/game lends itself to Douglas'. It's gonna be a nice combo in a year or two. And no one said the guys on this list were "unknowns". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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