2005
Wide Receivers by Steve Siniski
1. Randy Moss, WR,
Is there anything worse for a defensive back than a loud-mouth wide receiver with a chip on his shoulder? Moss struggled with an injury throughout much of 2004, yet still managed to have more than one quarter of his receptions go for touchdowns. How many big-name receivers can ever claim that type of production? The move West means Moss gets to play alongside Jerry Porter, who’s also a legitimate No. 1 pass catcher. Coupled with strong-armed Kerry Collins and an emerging ground attack, Moss returns to the top of the heap at wideout.
Key Stat: Moss scored in 10 of the 11 games he played.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
2. Terrell Owens, WR,
The separation
between fantasy and reality is no clearer than with Owens. As a real teammate,
he can be an embarrassment when he opens his trap and rips the quarterback. In
the fantasy realm, no one cares as long as he continues ripping off 100-yard
games (he had seven in 2004) and scoring touchdowns (14). Though his catches
have dropped over the last three years (from 100 down to 77), the yardage
totals have been fairly consistent. Remember, he dealt with a terrible Niners offense and a new system with the Eagles. He’ll
return to the 90-catch range in year two with
Key Stat: Owens has averaged 13.2 touchdowns over the last
five years.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
3.
Johnson has all
the tangibles to be the top-ranked fantasy wide receiver, including the nonstop
pie hole. His catches have increased in each of the last four seasons, and
Johnson certainly helped the development of
Key Stat: Johnson caught at least eight passes in five games.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Cincinnati 95 1,274 9
4. Torry Holt,
WR,
The steady
Eddie of the Rams offense, Holt is both a possession receiver and a big-play specialist. He’s averaged
at least 14.5 yards per grab for five straight seasons and pulled in at least
81 balls during the same span. Touchdowns were a problem earlier in his career
when Marshall Faulk was the top dog in the
Key Stat: Holt pulled in six balls or more 10 times last
year.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
5. Marvin Harrison, WR,
Marvin’s never starvin’ for the ball in the Colts offense thanks to Peyton
Manning, but he has fallen off a bit because of the overall depth on
Key Stat:
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
6. Joe Horn, WR,
Not that we
want to toot Joe’s Horn, but he’s is always an undervalued receiver on Draft
Day. Because guys like Owens have a bigger mouth, and
Key Stat: Consistency was Horn’s strong suit. He scored in 10
games.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
7. Hines Ward, WR,
If blocking and toughness were fantasy categories, Ward would probably be at the top of the class. Detractors will point to a considerable dropoff in overall numbers, specifically the reception department (112-95-80), but the loss of Plaxico Burress will force Ben Roethlisberger to feed Ward often. Still in his prime at 29, Ward has run off four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and averaged 95 grabs.
Key Stat: Ward had just two 100-yard games last year.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
8. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston
No position is
more about repetition than wide receiver. Johnson’s made steady progress since
entering the NFL in 2003. The more he works with
Key Stat: Johnson posted four 100-yard games and at least six
catches in six more.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
9. Reggie Wayne, WR,
Two wide receivers in the top 10 from the same team? It’s not hard to figure considering the Colts rack up points and yardage like its pinball. Sure-handed since his days with the Miami Hurricanes, Wayne added big plays to his arsenal, averaging a career-high 15.7 yards per reception. He doesn’t quite fit the new size quota for NFL receivers, but few will complain about the overall production Wayne put on the board. Consistency is an issue because of the Colts’ depth and Wayne suffered at times. He had seven games with three catches or fewer but made up for it with at least one score in 11 games.
Key Stat: Wayne’s numbers have increased every season across
the board since his rookie year (2001).
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Indianapolis 77 1,210 12
10. Drew Bennett, WR, Tennessee
Few wide receivers have ever blown up for a bigger three-game span. From Weeks 13-15, Bennett was more than just a fantasy stud. He had 28 catches for 517 yards and eight touchdowns single-handedly carrying his fantasy owners in the postseason. The loss of Derrick Mason makes Bennett Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout. Though he didn’t have much of a rapport with quarterback Steve McNair, the ascension to the featured role will give Bennett more time to get into sync. It’s quite a leap up the fantasy board, but the size/speed combo makes him an every-down threat.
Key Stat: Bennett had at least seven receptions five times.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Tennessee 80 1,247 11
11. Roy Williams, WR, Detroit
Despite shoddy quarterback play and an ankle injury, Williams showed more than just a flash of his talent in 2004. One-handed catches and big plays were his forte and despite missing two full games, Williams finished with more touchdowns than Darrell Jackson, Jimmy Smith and Isaac Bruce. He had three multiple-touchdown games and topped the century mark in yardage twice. No matter how healthy Charles Rogers claims to be, or how much of a splash Mike Williams makes, neither is a threat to step into the Lions’ lead role.
Key Stat: Williams finished strong as a rookie, totaling 14
catches for 199 yards and three scores in the last three games.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Detroit 54 817 8
12. Javon Walker,
WR, Green Bay
It was bound to happen at some point and true to form, Walker’s breakthrough came in his third NFL season. His reception total climbed from 41 to 89 and his yardage total nearly doubled as well. Always a downfield threat because of his 6-3 frame and leaping ability, Walker is developing a knack for catching Brett Favre’s bullets in traffic. If the Packers defense isn’t completely patched up, the Walker-Favre connection will remain one of the NFL’s most explosive.
Key Stat: Walker had three games with at least 150 yards
receiving.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Green Bay 89 1,382 12
13. Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona
A torn ACL sidelined Boldin for the first half of 2004 and he never became much of a factor in the red zone, scoring just once. It’s worth noting, however, that Boldin overcame poor quarterbacking play to average 5.6 catches and racked up a pair of 100-yard games in the last four. The addition of Kurt Warner and a legitimate threat in the backfield (J.J. Arrington) will open things up for Boldin. By the way, he’s entering his third season, just like Andre Johnson.
Key Stat: Boldin had 101 catches
for 1,377 yards in his only full NFL season.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Arizona 56 623 1
14. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina
If Smith falls under the radar on Draft Day it wouldn’t be much of a surprise. After he went down with a broken ankle in Week 1, Muhsin Muhammad erased any memory of Smith with a career year that included 16 touchdowns. Smith returns in 2005 as the Panthers top receiver because Muhammad moved on to Chicago during the offseason. Smith had just started to climb up the wide receiver ranks before getting hurt and grabbed 88 passes in ’04. Jake Delhomme does far more than turn around and hand off, and Smith will simply step into the void Muhammad left behind.
Key Stat: Smith averaged 16.1 yards per catch in 2002.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Carolina 6 60 1
15. Isaac Bruce, WR, St. Louis
Early in his career Bruce was plagued by hamstrings so tight even rubber band makers were jealous. He’s overcome the issue to consistently rank among the best wide receivers in the game. The presence of Holt keeps Bruce from the 100-catch plateau, but he’s without question one of the best No. 2 fantasy wideouts around. Unlike a number of receivers ranked above him, Bruce has proven to be durable, missing just one game since 2000. He’s had four 1,000-yard seasons during the span and missed a fifth by just 19 yards. As long as Mike Martz is running the show in St. Louis, Bruce remains a viable fantasy threat.
Key Stat: Bruce opened 2004 with four consecutive 100-yard
games but had just two in the final 12.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
St. Louis 89 1,292 6
16. Eric Moulds, WR, Buffalo
Willis McGahee stole the headlines in Buffalo, but Moulds quietly reappeared on the fantasy radar. After a disappointing 64-catch campaign in 2003, Moulds finished ninth among pass catchers with 88 grabs. J.P. Losman may have some growing pains early, but a full complement of big-play performers will aid the forward progress. Moulds may be at or just past his peak, but 90-catch receivers don’t grow on trees.
Key Stat: Moulds has averaged 84 grabs over the last three
seasons.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Buffalo 88 1,043 5
17. Nate
Burleson, WR, Minnesota
Anyone that doesn’t follow college football was likely surprised by the emergence of Burleson. He carved out quite a niche with the Nevada Wolfpack, reeling in a ridiculous 138 balls in 2002. Burleson showed glimpses of that talent over the first four games, but didn’t take full flight until Week 6. Coupled with rookie Troy Williamson and Travis Taylor, Burleson’s the leader of Minnesota’s high-octane attack. The Vikings have a solid schedule outside the NFC North giving Burleson plenty of chances to do significant damage.
Key Stat: Burleson posted three games with over 130 yards
receiving.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Minnesota 68 1,006 10
18. Muhsin
Muhammad, WR, Chicago
Muhammad was the wide receiver equivalent of Corey Dillon. From 2000-03 Muhammad had a combined 13 touchdowns. Last year he scored a career-high 16, including 13 in the final eight games. The move to Chicago, where he’ll encounter the unseasoned Rex Grossman and a new version of the West Coast offense, is likely to hurt his overall numbers. Temper the production thanks to the new surroundings and avoid him as your top-shelf wideout. Muhammad clearly peaked with the Panthers in 2004.
Key Stat: Muhammad topped the 1,000-yard for the first time
since 2000.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Carolina 93 1,405 16
19. Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay
Pinpointing offenses on the rise is a huge key for a fantasy owner heading into Draft Day. The Buccaneers are set to sail back to the top of the NFC South because head coach Jon Gruden finally has his pieces in place. Rookie halfback Carnell Williams completes the puzzle that began coming together when Clayton burst on the scene. Most rookie receivers struggle with consistency, but this former LSU star posted seven games with at least 77 yards and topped the 140 mark twice.
Key Stat: Clayton had seven games with at least seven grabs.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Tampa Bay 80 1,193 7
20. Darrell Jackson, WR, Seattle
Jackson is his own worst enemy. Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck always looks his way, but Jackson finds more ways to drop passes than catch them. He could easily be a 100-catch, 1,300-yard superstar but his greased-up hands are a definite cause for concern. The loss of Koren Robinson puts more pressure on Jackson to perform, and he’s yet to prove he can handle the extra attention. Coming off career highs in both catches and yards, it’s possible Jackson is starting to turn the corner.
Key Stat: Jackson had five 100-yard games but just one
two-touchdown performance.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Seattle 87 1,199 7
21. Jerry Porter, WR, Oakland
How many wide receivers can handle being bumped to the second option? Having Moss aboard should help out Porter, who provides No. 1 talent for Kerry Collins to target. Best part is he’ll come at a reduced rate when drafted. Though Porter fell just shy of his first 1,000-yard system, the fact he plays in an up-tempo offense means the opportunity will present itself again in 2005.
Key Stat: Porter had a pair of three-touchdown games last
season.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Oakland 64 998 9
22. Rod Smith, WR, Denver
There’s never any harm in making Smith your No. 2 receiver. The penultimate version of Mr. Consistency, he racks up 1,000 yard seasons like the paparazzi does photographs. He’s topped quadruple digits seven times in the last eight seasons and continues to hold off Ashley Lelie for No. 1 role in Denver. Smith didn’t slow down late in the season, closing with at least six grabs in the Broncos final five games and continues to age with grace.
Key Stat: Smith has averaged 88.5 receptions over the last
seven years.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Denver 79 1,144 7
23. Chris Chambers, WR, Miami
Give Chambers one quarterback instead of two…make that one decent quarterback, and he’d be mentioned in the top 10. He can flat out go and get balls, but the problem is A.J. Feeley and Jay Fiedler struggled to put it in the same zip code. That Chambers caught 69 balls is a testament to his talent. Rookie Ronnie Brown gives Miami a competent running game, while Randy McMichael can help open up the passing game. Any improvement by the signal-callers would boost Chambers value in a big way.
Key Stat: Chambers had less than 50 receiving yards nine
times.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Miami 69 898 7
24. Laveranues
Coles, WR, N.Y. Jets
This little piggy went to the market, this little piggy stayed home. Coles had trouble with one little piggy that limited his ability to roam. A toe problem plagued Coles in 2004, and it’s clear he wasn’t able to wander far off the line of scrimmage. Coles averaged a career-low 10.6 yards per grab. On the flip side, his hands weren’t affected (personal best 90 receptions) and Santa came early in 2005 to boot. Traded back to the Jets, Coles gets an accurate, efficient quarterback to help him climb back up the fantasy ladder.
Key Stat: Coles had consecutive 1,200-yard seasons in
2002-03.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Washington 90 950 1
25. Jimmy Smith, WR, Jacksonville
The Jaguars have gone out of their way to get some New Kids on the Block. One year after drafting Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford, the Jaguars added Matt Jones. Sooner or later, Smith will give way to the young receiving corps. Until Byron Leftwich gains supreme confidence in the new crew, pencil Smith in for another banner season. How can anyone say the veteran’s tank is empty? A workout warrior, Smith has eight 1,000-yard seasons in the last nine years and had a five-game stretch where he topped the century mark four times.
Key Stat: Smith finished with just five catches for 39 yards
in the last two games.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Jacksonville 74 1,172 6
26. Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo
Because the Bills already have Moulds and McGahee to anchor the offense, Evans can remain the deep threat. It’s a role he filled to the delight of many fantasy owners. He did just enough in yardage leagues to be a weekly threat and made a huge splash in scoring leagues (nine touchdowns). Evans’ strong second half merely scratched the surface of his potential and he could overtake Moulds by the end of 2005.
Key Stat: Evans scored seven touchdowns in the final six
games.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Buffalo 48 843 9
27. Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore
Mason was the
man with Tennessee, but the Titans were going nowhere fast, much like a lazy
hound after feeding time. By moving to Baltimore, Mason keeps his status as
lead dog in the passing game, and jumps straight onto a ship ready to sail
towards an NFL title. Like it or not, Kyle Boller’s
primed for a big campaign, and Mason, who’s grabbed 191 balls over the last two
years, is smack in the crosshairs. Because the Ravens are so ground-oriented,
the touchdowns may be tough to come by, but another 90-catch season is a
certainty.
Key Stat: Mason’s reception total has increased over each of
the last five years.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Tennessee 96 1,168 7
28. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona
No one doubts Fitzgerald’s ability to make the difficult one-handed catch. Mastering the easy catch can be made simpler with a quarterback who’s on target. The Cardinals are hoping Kurt Warner has enough mileage left to take the offense forward, and Fitzgerald is one of the centerpieces. It may, however, take one more year for Fitzgerald to handle the nuances of the pro game. The overall numbers increase considerably to the 75-reception range, but consistency will be the biggest obstacle.
Key Stat: Fitzgerald never had a 100-yard game, but did post
more than 90 three times.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Arizona 58 780 8
29. Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay
Depending on how Walker handles his potential holdout in Green Bay, Driver has a chance to climb up the rankings or stay rooted as a solid No. 2 fantasy receiver. Guys that accumulate 1,208 yards aren’t easy to find, but his low ranking here speaks volumes of the depth (and youth) at wide receiver around the league. It also has to do with the likelihood of the Packers return to their reliance on Ahman Green in 2005. Could Driver be drafted before some receivers rated higher? Sure. It all depends on personal preference. The gut feeling is, he’ll fall off from an outstanding ’04.
Key Stat: Driver had 16 catches of at least 20 yards and four
of 40 yards or more.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Green Bay 84 1,208 9
30. Ashley Lelie,
WR, Denver
Lelie is a master of the long ball, leading the league with an average of 20.1 yards per reception. He helped progress the “Third-year Theory” for wide receivers, posting his first-ever 1,000-yard campaign. Because Smith still demands defensive attention, it can be easy to lose the lanky Lelie on downfield routes. Unless he can become an even bigger part of the team’s offense, Lelie remains a No. 2 wideout. He needs to establish himself on possession downs and routes across middle.
Key Stat: Lelie had just two games
with more than four receptions.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Denver 54 1,084 7
31. Braylon
Edwards, WR, Cleveland
The Browns are mess in every sense of the word. There’s been almost a complete overhaul of the team since the conclusion of 2004 on both sides of the ball. The good news is incoming quarterback Trent Dilfer is the very definition of a solid veteran that can take advantage of the weapons he’s surrounded with. Edwards can provide the type of big plays that will help stretch defenses and give the running game a boost, but also handle the role of possession receiver. The top wide receiver taken in the 2005 NFL Draft proves his value to fantasy ballers from the start.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
ROOKIE
32. Brandon Stokley,
WR, Indianapolis
Career year? You bet. Stokley would be hard-pressed to put up his 2004 numbers as a No. 1 wide receiver. He clearly benefited from the presence of both Harrison and Wayne, but now has to fight emerging tight end Dallas Clark for balls. Stokley’s not going to crash land like Az-Zahir Hakim did a few years ago in St. Louis, but he’s also going have trouble duplicating last season’s numbers.
Key Stat Nearly one-third of Stokley’s catches (20) went for 20 yards or more.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Indianapolis 68 1,077 10
34. T.J. Houshmandzadeh,
WR, Cincinnati
Houshmandzadeh’s worth is directly tied to Peter Warrick’s impact. Stepping in for the injured Warrick, the former Oregon State star went from waiver-wire fodder to solid fantasy starter. He could be bumped in the mix from No. 2 to No. 3, and that would cut down the production. Keep your ear to the street this summer on how Cincinnati’s rotation shakes down.
Key Stat: During one two-game stretch, Houshmandzadeh
posted 22 catches for 316 yards and a score.
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
Cincinnati 73 978 4
35. Santana Moss, WR, Washington
Was Moss a victim of the Jets muddled quarterbacking situation? Or is he just cut out to be a deep threat and nothing else. Things won’t get better from a throwing standpoint for Moss in D.C., because Patrick Ramsey is hardly a reliable signal-caller like Chad Pennington. Owners must also figure on Clinton Portis taking on a greater role in the offense. Expect more receptions but fewer yards in Joe Gibbs’ conservative scheme.
Key Stat: Only Owens (nine), Walker (seven) and Dennis
Northcutt (seven) had more 40-yard receptions than Moss (six).
2004 TEAM REC REC YDS TDS
N.Y. Jets 45 838 5
36. Deion Branch,
WR, New England
37. Amani Toomer, WR, N.Y. Giants
38. Eddie Kennison,
WR, Kansas City
39. Donte Stallworth, WR, New Orleans
40. Troy Williamson, WR, Minnesota
He’ll be Culpepper’s primary deep threat.
41. Mike Williams, WR, Detroit
42. Tyrone Calico, WR, Tennessee
43. Brandon Lloyd, WR, San Francisco
Someone has to qualify as a fantasy weapon on San Fran. It may as well be Lloyd, who’s rangy and sure-handed.
44. Antwaan
Randle El, WR, Pittsburgh
Full-time role as wide receiver puts Randle El on the fantasy map.
45. Antonio Bryant, WR, Cleveland
46. David Boston, WR, Miami
47. Reggie Williams, WR, Jacksonville
Has nowhere to go but up after a disappointing rookie campaign (27 catches, 268 yards).
48. Keyshawn
Johnson, WR, Dallas
Drew Bledsoe’s in town, but the Cowboys are clearly a run-oriented outfit these days.
49. Keary
Colbert, WR, Carolina
50. Justin McCareins,
WR, N.Y. Jets
51. Charles Rogers, WR, Detroit
Hoping that Snap, Crackle and Pop stay in his cereal bowl this year.
52. David Givens, WR, New England
53. Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay
54. Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore
A rookie fully capable of making an impact with an offense that will surprise in 2005.
55. Reche
Caldwell, WR, San Diego
56. Cedrick
Wilson, WR, Pittsburgh
57. Travis Taylor, WR, Minnesota
A change in scenery helps, so will Culpepper. Taylor has sleeper written all over him.
58. Quincy Morgan, WR, Dallas
59. Marty Booker, WR, Miami
The return of Boston could push Booker down the depth chart, and he’s already faced with a poor quarterbacking tandem.
60. Peerless Price, WR, Atlanta
A major bust since hitting the Falcons, Price now has to battle a legion of young bucks to keep his job.
61. Roddy White,
WR, Atlanta
62. Ronald Curry, WR, Oakland
Overcoming a torn Achilles, so knock him down a few notches until he’s back at full strength.
63. Terry Glenn, WR, Dallas
64. Andre Davis, WR, Cleveland
65. Justin Gage, WR, Chicago
If the Bears can do more than spin their wheels, Gage will be the field stretcher.
66. Rod Gardner, WR, Washington
67. David Terrell, WR, New England
The latest reclamation project for the Pats, who hope he follows Corey Dillon’s footsteps.
68. Joe Jurevicius,
WR, Seattle
69. Robert Ferguson, WR, Green Bay
70. Reggie Brown, WR, Philadelphia
71. Samie Parker,
WR, Kansas City
Early reports indicate he’s new No. 2 in KC. That still puts him at No. 4 on the team’s offensive depth chart.
72. Doug Gabriel, WR, Oakland
73. Darius Watts, WR, Denver
74. Rashuan
Woods, WR, San Francisco
75. Jabar
Gaffney, WR, Houston
Just one in a line of disappointing receivers from the University of Florida.