Word to the Winners: Fantasy Football Advice from the Experts

Following is some hot-off-the-press advice on this season's rookie wide receivers from Russ Bliss, fantasy football expert who hosts "The Red Zone" on KDUS-AM Sports radio.

Wide Receivers

The last couple of years have bucked the trend of rookie WRs not making an impact in fantasy football. Last year, Michael Clayton and Roy Williams (at least before getting injured) both made significant contributions. The year before it was Anquan Boldin and Andre Johnson. That said, when there are an average of about 33 players from the position taken, it shows that looking for an immediate impact from a rookie WR is an exception, and not the rule. This year is likely to give us a couple of players with starting fantasy potential out of the gate, but more likely a bunch of bench guys with potential to fill in when needed in a re-draft league. In dynasty leagues, there are quite a few rookie WRs this year who could make an impact in a couple of years. If you’re looking for the guy with the most potential to have that immediate rookie impact, it has to be Troy Williamson.

2005 impact ranking:

1. Troy Williamson
2. Braylon Edwards
3. Mark Clayton
4. Mike Williams
5. Reggie Brown
6. Fred Gibson
7. Roscoe Parrish
8. Courtney Roby
9. Matt Jones
10. Roddy White
11. Mark Bradley
12. Craphonso Thorpe
13. Jerome Mathis
14. Chris Henry
15. Brandon Jones
16. Vincent Jackson
17. Terrence Murphy
18. Rasheed Marshall
19. Airese Currie
20. Roydell Williams
21. Leron McCoy
22. J.R. Russell
23. Larry Brackins
24. Chase Lyman
25. Tab Perry
26. Craig Bragg
27. Paris Warren
28. Dante Ridgeway
29. Harry Williams
30. Marcus Maxwell
31. Chad Owens

Dynasty Values:

1. Troy Williamson
2. Braylon Edwards
3. Mike Williams
4. Reggie Brown
5. Fred Gibson
6. Mark Clayton
7. Chris Henry
8. Matt Jones
9. Roddy White
10. Courtney Roby
11. Mark Bradley
12. Craphonso Thorpe
13. Leron McCoy
14. Vincent Jackson
15. Larry Brackins
16. Roscoe Parrish
17. Rasheed Marshall
18. Jerome Mathis
19. Brandon Jones
20. Chase Lyman
21. Roydell Williams
22. Terrence Murphy
23. Marcus Maxwell
24. Harry Williams
25. Tab Perry
26. J.R. Russell
27. Airese Currie
28. Dante Ridgeway
29. Craig Bragg
30. Paris Warren
31. Chad Owens

Comments (in order drafted):

Braylon Edwards, Round 1, Cleveland Browns: Edwards has all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. Size (6’3”, 211 lbs) speed (4.46 in the 40), great hands, natural playmaker, and success at a big time college program (Michigan) all contributed to his being the first WR drafted. Only thing that concerns me at all about Edwards are the similarities to another supposedly “can’t miss” Michigan WR from the 2001 draft class by the name of David Terrell. Almost everything written about Edwards in the pre-draft publications was said of Terrell at the time he was drafted. That said, it’s unfair to Edwards to make such comparisons as he is a different person than Terrell. But the similarities are worth noting. As is the fact that Edwards, like Terrell, was drafted by a team that doesn’t have a premiere QB or a proven passing attack.
2005 outlook: Edwards steps in as either an immediate starter or the #3 WR for the Browns. Cleveland currently has Antonio Bryant and Andre Davis penciled in as starters, but Bryant has maturity issues and could easily find himself in a coach’s doghouse quickly because of it while Davis can’t seem to stay healthy. The Browns also have a new QB in unspectacular veteran Trent Dilfer and a rookie backup in Charlie Frye. Although Edwards has a high ceiling, it’s unrealistic to expect him to put up anything more than adequate #3 fantasy WR numbers.
Beyond 2005: There’s a lot to like if Frye is a quick study. But there are many questions surrounding the Browns offense and it may take a couple of years for Edwards to realize his fantasy potential. Even then, given the offense, he may not be anything more than a steady #2 in 2-4 years. On another offense, he would have graded out higher for fantasy purposes.

Troy Williamson, Round 1, Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings needed to replace the departed Randy Moss’s speed element and they did so with Williamson. A 4.35 time in the 40 catapulted Williamson up draft charts. Combined with his size (6’1”, 203 lbs), teams were willing to look past his mediocre college numbers. Of course, it was realized that a major reason for those numbers was the offense South Carolina ran in college last year. Williamson’s explosive speed could lead to him being a game breaking WR. He’s not as refined as some of the other top WRs in this draft, but he’s stepped into the best situation.
2005 outlook: Williamson is expected to be the #3 WR for the Vikings behind starters Nate Burleson and Marcus Robinson, both whom have had injury problems and neither possess Williamson’s speed element. The way the Vikings go for the big play often, Williamson should provide some dividends for fantasy players immediately. But like all rookie WRs, he will likely be little more than a good #3 with a chance to be a #2. He is likely to be a player who has great numbers one week, while barely being a blip in the boxscore on another.
Beyond 2005: Marcus Robinson isn’t the future as a starter for Minnesota. It’s very likely that Williamson, providing he develops his game into being more of a complete WR than just a speedy big play guy, turns into a solid fantasy #1 in another year or two.

Mike Williams, Round 1, Detroit Lions: It surprised many when the Lions took Williams, but it was a smart move. Williams drafting makes it 3 years in a row the Lions have taken a WR in the 1^st round. Williams didn’t play in 2004 because he was declared ineligible after he unsuccessfully tried to join the 2004 draft class, but he has great size (6’4”, 230 lbs), and was extremely productive the two years prior (a combined 2,579 yards and 30 TD’s). Williams provides an immediate mismatch against many CB’s in the NFL.
2005 outlook: Williams is expected to be the #3 WR for Detroit behind starters Roy Williams and Charles Rogers. But Rogers has had each of his 2 NFL seasons ended as soon as they begun with collarbone injuries and he may never be able to shake the injury bug. If Rogers gets injured again, Williams should step in as an immediate starter for Detroit and pay off for fantasy players. At the very least, his superior size makes him a natural red zone target and should make him a solid #4 fantasy WR with the upside to become a good #3.
Beyond 2005: Although big, Williams isn’t fast and doesn’t have the upside for becoming a fantasy stud. Likely he grades out as a solid #2 fantasy WR in 2-3 years if he becomes a full time starter.

Matt Jones, Round 1, Jacksonville Jaguars: A college QB, Jones is making the transition to WR in the NFL. Jones, generally regarded as a tremendous athlete, has exceptional speed (4.39 in the 40) for a guy of his size (6’6”, 242 lbs). It’s been speculated that Jones could switch to the TE position eventually.
2005 outlook: Making a successful switch to WR may take some time. Obviously the Jaguars are concerned about finding a replacement for the aging Jimmy Smith to go with last years #1 pick Reggie Williams. Jones probably will battle Troy Edwards and Ernest Wilford for the #3 WR spot. In his favor is his tremendous size, which could prove to be a boon for scoring only leagues. Jones should be viewed as a #4/5 fantasy WR at best.
Beyond 2005: Jones has the size, speed, and athleticism the rest of the Jaguars WRs lack. If he takes to the switch in position, Jones could end up being a solid #2 fantasy WR with potential to be a #1 in 3-4 years. But that’s a big if, and he could end up being a bust.

Mark Clayton, Round 1, Baltimore Ravens: Considered by many to be the most polished WR in this draft, Clayton’s knock is that he has doesn’t have the prototypical size (5’10”, 193 lbs) to be a dominant NFL WR. Very fast (4.45 in the 40), Clayton is known for finding the open spots in an opponents defense and not being afraid of going up for the catch in traffic.
2005 outlook: The Ravens have one definite starter at WR in Derrick Mason (another WR who doesn’t have big size, but has proven to be very productive), and second year player Clarence Moore penciled in as the other. Clayton should at least step in as the #3 WR, and could easily end up beating out Moore for the other starting spot. But how effective he is for fantasy purposes is in question as a lot depends on the development of erratic QB Kyle Boller. Likely that Clayton is a #4/5 fantasy WR with the upside to be a top bench guy.
Beyond 2005: Clayton will have to buck some odds to become a #1 fantasy WR as usually smaller WRs don’t make that jump. Luckily, he has someone who has bucked those odds in Mason to learn from. If Boller starts getting accurate, Clayton could turn out to be a decent #2 fantasy WR in another couple of years.

Roddy White, Round 1, Atlanta Falcons: White brings all the physical tools teams want in their WRs (6’1”, 207 lbs; 4.45 in the 40), and had a very productive senior year in college (1,452 yards, 14 TD’s). Biggest question is how he fits into a crowded Falcons WR corps, and how long it will take for him to adjust to the pro game.
2005 outlook: The Falcons have had disappointing results from their investment in Peerless Price, and got little from last years #1 pick Michael Jenkins. There’s also underachieving Dez White and possession WR Brian Finneran in the mix. Price will start, and Roddy White will get his chances to compete for the starting job, but likely he’s the Falcons #3 or #4 WR. For fantasy purposes, he’s not likely to make much impact at all.
Beyond 2005: It’s only a matter of time (probably another 2-3 years) before White and Jenkins are the starters, and by then Michael Vick should have developed into more of a complete QB. The upside is definitely there for White to be a solid fantasy WR, but it will take about 3 years until we see it.

Reggie Brown, Round 2, Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are desperate to find a complimentary WR to malcontent Terrell Owens who could possibly also take over for Owens if they need to jettison him in the future. Brown has good size (6’1”, 196), decent speed (4.50 in the 40), and more athletic ability than anyone else the Eagles currently have as potential starters opposite Owens.
2005 outlook: Will compete with Todd Pinkston and Greg Lewis for the starting job opposite Owens. The Eagles are expected to release Freddie Mitchell, and other WR Billy McMullen has yet to live up to any of his potential. Pinkston is too frail to stand up to the rigors of being a starter and Lewis’s lack of size make him better suited to the slot, so Brown has a chance. But on a team with Owens, it’s not likely any of the other WRs (regardless of who wins the starting job) have any more value for fantasy purposes beyond being a #4/5 WR.
Beyond 2005: Brown has a lot of upside as he is more ideally suited for being a teams #2 WR and while Owens is in Philly, he won’t have to worry about carrying the team. But overall, Brown will never be anything more than a decent #2 fantasy WR, even 4 years from now.

Mark Bradley, Round 2, Chicago Bears: Despite being only a part time starter his senior season in college, Bradley had decent numbers. A solid overall athlete with a history in track and field competition, Bradley has good size (6’1”, 201 lbs) and speed (4.45 in the 40) and is experienced as a return specialist. Athletic ability more than college production got him drafted in the second round.
2005 outlook: Other than free agent Muhsin Muhammed, the Bears have major question marks at WR. Bobby Wade, Justin Gage, and Bernard Berrian all are unproven and Bradley will get a chance to compete for a starting job, although he is a long shot to win it as he needs time to develop into being more of a football player and less of just an exceptional athlete. It also remains to be seen how effective the Bears QB’s will be in providing any fantasy producing WRs.
Beyond 2005: Muhammed has a few good years left, but not much more than that. Berrian is the only serious challenge to Bradley currently on the roster for future playing time. But Bradley has to develop if he is to become a decent fantasy #2. More likely he’s never more than #3 or #4 fantasy WR at his best though.

Roscoe Parrish, Round 2, Buffalo Bills: A small WR (5’9”, 168 lbs) with tremendous speed (4.40 in the 40), Parrish is more likely to make an impact as a return specialist than as a WR. That said, he was a go-to WR for a big time program (Miami-Fla) and has explosive potential. The lack of size though works against him.
2005 outlook: Will battle Josh Reed and Sam Aiken for the #3 WR spot behind Eric Moulds and Lee Evans. Parrish’s explosive potential will get him on the field at times regardless. Will probably take over punt return duties and have his greatest value in that capacity. A #5 fantasy WR otherwise at best.
Beyond 2005: Probably never going to be anything more than the teams #3 WR, which translates into his being no better than a #4 fantasy WR unless you’re getting his special teams yardage.

Terrence Murphy, Round 2, Green Bay Packers: Never overly productive in college, Murphy offers good size (6’1”, 202 lbs) and speed (4.45 in the 40) plus the ability to return kicks. Murphy is a playmaker who needs to develop consistency in his game.
2005 outlook: Javon Walker and Donald Driver are the starters for Green Bay. Robert Ferguson is the #3, but has been inconsistent. Murphy will battle Ferguson for the #3 spot, but likely ends up as the #4. If he wins the returns job, he will have more value in leagues where special teams yardage counts, but otherwise, his receiving impact will be minimal.
Beyond 2005: If Ferguson doesn’t step up, Murphy could be a sleeper in an offense that likes to run a lot of 3 WR sets. Problem is that QB Brett Favre won’t likely be around in 3 years, and that brings the question of whether the Packers will continue to be a top passing team. Murphy is a medium risk, medium reward type of guy for dynasty leagues as he probably is never more than a decent #2.

Vincent Jackson, Round 2, San Diego Chargers: At 6’4”, 241 lbs, Jackson is a candidate to move to TE. Such a move is unlikely in the immediate future as the Chargers have a premiere TE in Antonio Gates. Jackson has decent speed (4.51 in the 40) and dominated opponents in college at a small school (Northern Colorado). Will have to make the jump up in competition at the NFL level. He provides immediate size to the Chargers WR corps though and could develop in a few years.
2005 outlook: Likely to be the Chargers #5 WR behind Keenan McCardell, Reche Caldwell, Eric Parker, and Kassim Osgood, but could move up the depth chart either through injuries or outstanding performance as he has a bigger upside than the others. Not likely to be a fantasy factor.
Beyond 2005: Two or three years from now, Gates could be gone and Jackson could make the transition to TE. It’s also possible Jackson could turn out to be a big possession and/or red zone WR. All things considered, it’s doubtful he ever turns out to be more than a decent #2/3 fantasy WR though.

Courtney Roby, Round 3, Tennessee Titans: An intriguing prospect with track speed (4.39 in the 40), Roby steps into an uncertain Titans WR corps. Possessing good but not great size (6’0”, 189 lbs), the knock on Roby is his inconsistent route running. Has experience returning kicks.
2005 outlook: The Titans drafted 2 WRs in the 3^rd round and another in the 4^th. Obviously, they are concerned about Tyrone Calico’s inability to stay healthy and be the starter opposite Drew Bennett now that Derrick Mason is gone. Roby will compete with the other draft picks for the #3 WR spot and if Calico gets injured for a third consecutive season, whoever wins the #3 job is likely to step in as a starter. Roby has more speed than the other WRs drafted by Tennessee and should be the best bet to be the guy who replaces Calico if he gets injured. Probably a decent #4/5 fantasy WR.
Beyond 2005: Has more home run capability than the other Titans WRs, and therefore has a higher upside. If he gets disciplined in his patterns, could be a gem as he very reminiscent of Derrick Mason.

Chris Henry, Round 3, Cincinnati Bengals: Talented WR with great size (6’4”, 197) and better speed then his 40 indicates (4.50). Can be a gamebreaker, but has attitude problems in that he is very much a “me” type of guy. Needs to be more disciplined both on the field and off. If he applies himself, he could be special.
2005 outlook: Likely to be the #4 or 5 WR in Cincinnati behind Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Peter Warrick (assuming he comes back from injury and plays) and Kelley Washington. Little to no value this year as this will be a learning experience and the Bengals have no need to rush him.
Beyond 2005: Houshmanzadeh needs to prove last year wasn’t a fluke. Warrick has never developed and injuries have likely cut his chances of ever being the WR he was projected to be. Washington has been unable to take his game up to the NFL level. If Henry will listen to Marvin Lewis (a no nonsense type of guy) and Chad Johnson (also known very much as a “me” guy, but who has bought into Lewis’s preaching), he could turn out to be a dominant force in 3 years. A nice dynasty pick with more upside than some who were drafted before him.

Brandon Jones, Round 3, Tennessee Titans: Strong WR who is projected as a possession style WR because of his size (6’1”, 210 lbs) and speed (4.50 in the 40). Although listed as a starter in college the past 2 seasons, his numbers were never huge because of the way Oklahoma rotated their WRs.
2005 outlook: Will battle Courtney Roby and 4^th round pick Roydell Williams for the #3 WR. His size offers up a nice target for playing the slot WR role if Tyrone Calico gets injured again and Roby becomes the starter. But probably not more than a 5^th fantasy WR on a team in deeper leagues.
Beyond 2005: If he emerges as the possession style WR he’s projected to be, he’ll have at least a decent career as possession guys are always important for NFL success. But whether that ever translates into fantasy success is questionable. Can see him as a fantasy 3^rd or 4^th WR in the future, but not a regular starter.

Jerome Mathis, Round 4, Houston Texans: The search for a reliable starter opposite Andre Johnson continues in Houston. What Mathis offers that Corey Bradford, Jabar Gaffney, and Derrick Armstrong don’t is pure speed. A track and field sprinter (4.32 in the 40), Mathis’ drawbacks are his size (5’11”, 181 lbs) and consistency. Was an exceptional kick returner in college scoring 5 TD’s in that capacity.
2005 outlook: His speed and home run abilities should get him on the field in 3 or 4 WR sets. Should also take over as a kick returner and his biggest value will be in that capacity.
Beyond 2005: Shares the inconsistent label Gaffney, Bradford, and Armstrong all lay claim to. Difference is that they’ve had time in the NFL while Mathis hasn’t. If he develops his route running and stays focused, could end up as a starter or a solid #3 slot WR in 2-3 years. Big play abilities alone should get him drafted in dynasty leagues.

Craphonso Thorpe, Round 4, Kansas City Chiefs: If not for a broken leg suffered 2 seasons ago, Thorpe would have drafted higher. Was awesome that year, and when he came back last year, he didn’t have the same pop to his game as he did before the injury. Has adequate size (6’1”, 188 lbs) and good speed (4.46 in the 40) and actually reminds me a bit of current Chief Eddie Kennison.
2005 outlook: Joins a Chiefs WR corps that is adequate, but lacks playmakers. Kennison is steady, Johnnie Morton has never been the force hoped for, Marc Boerigter has battled injuries and consistency issues, Sammie Parker is small, fast, but was injured a lot as a rookie last year, and Dante Hall, though explosive, is really too small and not strong enough to be more than an occasional offensive player. If Thorpe can get back to his pre-injury form, he will compete for playing time on a team desperate for a dominant WR.
Beyond 2005: Has a lot of potential and is in a system where a difference making WR should excel. His big question mark is whether he ever gets back to his pre-injury form. Worth taking a shot on in a dynasty league because if he does recover, has more potential than any other Chiefs WR.

Chase Lyman, Round 4, New Orleans Saints: Injury prone WR with great size (6’2”, 217 lbs) and okay speed (4.55 in the 40). Was off to a good start last year with 414 yards and 5 TD’s in 4 games before tearing an ACL. Has the makeup of a possession style WR and red zone specialist.
2005 outlook: Will battle Devery Henderson and Talman Gardner for the 3^rd or 4^th WR behind starters Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth. Coming off a torn ACL though makes it unlikely he’s ready to be anything more than the #4 or 5 guy.
Beyond 2005: High risk/medium reward type who could eventually break into the starting lineup in 2-3 years depending on Joe Horn’s future with the team, and the development of Henderson. A late round dynasty flyer pick, but if I didn’t get him, I wouldn’t be concerned.

Fred Gibson, Round 4, Pittsburgh Steelers: Liked this pick a lot as Gibson has exceptional size (6’4”, 194 lbs) with the ability to add more weight. Possesses decent speed (4.51 in the 40), and could develop into a playmaker if he keeps focused (something he showed lapses of in college).
2005 outlook: Not likely to beat out Antwaan Randle El or Cedrick Wilson for the #2 and 3 spots behind Hines Ward, Gibson will battle Lee Mays and Zamir Cobb for the 4^th WR spot, and because of his size and abilities, should win it.
Beyond 2005: With more size than Wilson or Randle El, Gibson should be the eventual replacement for the departed Plaxico Burress. We saw how Ben Roethlisberger liked throwing to the tall Burress last year and it’s easy to see him liking Gibson in a year or two. Lots of upside and definitely worth snatching in dynasty leagues.

Roydell Williams, Round 4, Tennessee Titans: The last of three WRs taken by the Titans on draft weekend, Williams is kind of a hybrid of the two guys Tennessee took in round 3. He possesses a size similar to Courtney Roby (6’0”, 190 lbs) with the speed (4.51 in the 40) and possession style game of Brandon Jones. Guess here is that the Titans were trying to throw enough darts at the WR position hoping to get a couple to stick.
2005 outlook: Will compete for the 3^rd and 4^th WR role, but likely ends up 5^th. No fantasy value unless injuries occur or he blows away expectations.
Beyond 2005: He may possess the hybrid qualities of Roby and Jones, but they’re the wrong qualities of smaller size and slower speed. Just don’t see Williams as being an impact fantasy player at all even a few years down the road. Will need some luck to develop into a fantasy player.

Airese Currie, Round 5, Chicago Bears: Track sprinter with more built up speed than initial burst (as witnessed by his 4.51 40 time, but 10.22 time in the 100 meter dash). Is a track guy trying to be a football player and although his speed is intriguing, his skills as a WR need development.
2005 outlook: Will compete for a roster spot in a crowded, but unspectacular group of WRs in Chicago. His upside isn’t as big as 2^nd round pick Mark Bradley, but you never know.
Beyond 2005: At best he develops into the slot WR in 3 WR sets. Besides the sprinter’s speed aspect, the lack of any proven quality WRs in Chicago besides Muhsin Muhammed is a plus for Currie. But on the other hand just because you’re fast it doesn’t mean you can be a starting NFL WR. And I don’t see it happening with Currie.

Larry Brackins, Round 5, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Great sized WR (6’4, 205 lbs), Brackins lacks speed (4.65 in the 40) and never played major college ball (coming from Pearl River CC). Has nice upside, but is definitely a developmental project.
2005 outlook: The Bucs drafted 3 WRs and all will have a chance to compete for a roster spot, and even the #3 and 4 WR jobs as there is a log jam of mediocrity behind Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway. But realistically, Brackins, though drafted higher than the other two (J.R. Russell, and Paris Warren) because of his long term upside, is the least ready to come in and contribute right away.
Beyond 2005: Boom or bust type player who we’ll know for sure about in 3 or 4 years. He’s worth a late round flyer in dynasty leagues, but won’t be surprised at all if he never develops.

Rasheed Marshall, Round 5, San Francisco 49ers: A college QB, Marshall projects as a “slash” type player in the NFL. Too small and slight to play QB or RB at the pro level (5’11”, 185 lbs), Marshall is a great athlete reminiscent of the Steelers Antwaan Randle El.
2005 outlook: Will battle with a bunch of unproven WRs for the #3 or 4 WR spot. The 49ers have Brandon Lloyd as one starter, with last years 1^st round flop ReShaun Woods, 3^rd round flop Derrick Hamilton, and 2003’s Arnaz Battle all vying for their spot somewhere either as starter or backup opposite Lloyd. To be fair, Woods and Hamilton both struggled with injuries as rookies. Marshall may have a little value, then again, may not, but likely he needs at least a year before he could emerge in a consistent capacity in the offense.
Beyond 2005: Not sure if Marshall ever becomes a starter, but he has the look and feel of a 3^rd WR who also runs reverses and throws an occasional ball. Could also really surprise and turn out to be a more complete player and starter. Worth a late round dynasty pick.

Chad Owens, Round 6, Jacksonville Jaguars: Tiny (5’7”, 183lbs) and not very fast (4.66 in the 40), Owens produced big college numbers because of his team’s run and shoot offense at Hawaii. Despite his lack of speed, Owens is very elusive in the open field and has great punt return skills.
2005 outlook: Probably makes the team as a 5^th WR and punt returner. Only value though is on special teams.
Beyond 2005: Unless Owens develops into a Troy Brown type slot WR, his only long term value is based on his return skills. If you’re not getting points for that, Owens isn’t worth drafting even in a dynasty league.

Tab Perry, Round 6, Cincinnati Bengals:  Perry is a physically imposing specimen (6’2”, 229 lbs) with good speed (4.48 in the 40). Despite his qualities, hasn’t played up to his potential.
2005 outlook: Perry is a lot like the Bengals 3^rd round pick Chris Henry in that he needs discipline. On the plus side for Perry is that he possesses more physical size than any other WR on the Bengals roster. On the downside is that he will need to impress in order to make the active roster as the teams 4^th or 5^th WR.
Beyond 2005: There’s a lot to like about Perry if he concentrates on taking his game up to the next level. But there’s a lot of quality on the Bengals WR corps already and Perry will need his share of luck to showcase his skills. Worth considering in dynasty leagues.

Dante Ridgeway, Round 6, St. Louis Rams: A curious pick here by the Rams as Ridgeway doesn’t possess great size (5’11”, 212 lbs) or speed (4.63 in the 40). What Ridgeway does posses is excellent hands and maybe the Rams are looking for someone to take over as the sure handed 3^rd down WR in their offense.
2005 outlook: Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis, and Shaun McDonald have the top 4 WR spots locked up. Dane Looker is the current sure handed WR as their #5. Good news for Ridgeway is that the Rams carry 6 WRs on their active roster because of their style and they are converting last years 6^th WR (Mike Furrey) to the defense. Still, Ridgeway has no fantasy value this season unless there’s a rash of injuries at the position.
Beyond 2005: It would be surprising if Ridgeway ever turned out to be anything more than a clutch 3^rd down slot WR. Might be nice in 3 years for keeping the chains moving on the field, but for fantasy, it’s hardly worth considering.

Craig Bragg, Round 6, Green Bay Packers: Decent size and speed (6’0”, 196 lbs, 4.51 in the 40), Bragg was a good, productive WR in college, but not a great WR. Has punt return capabilities.
2005 outlook: Not as likely as 2^nd round pick Terrence Murphy to have an impact his rookie season, Bragg is likely to battle it out for the teams 5^th WR spot with Antonio Chatman and likely needs to distinguish himself on special teams (maybe as a punt returner) to beat Chatman out.
Beyond 2005: There’s nothing special about Bragg that makes one believe he’ll ever be more than maybe a 3^rd or 4^th WR. His value in fantasy is likely to come from returning punts. Unless you’re getting those yards as points, Bragg offers little even in dynasty leagues.

Marcus Maxwell, Round 7, San Francisco 49ers: Possessing good size (6’3”, 205 lbs) and speed (4.43 in the 40), Maxwell is a developmental project who ranked 4^th in receiving on his own team last season at Oregon. Inconsistent, but with raw potential, Maxwell will need a lot of coaching.
2005 outlook: Luckily, the 49ers have an open spot at the 5^th WR position or Maxwell would be a practice squad player. No guarantee he isn’t a practice squad guy anyway.
Beyond 2005: With the raw materials to work with, Maxwell may develop in a few years. Size and speed can’t be taught and Maxwell has those necessary physical attributes to work with. The last round of a dynasty rookie draft is about where Maxwell should go, based solely on his potential for growth.

Paris Warren, Round 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Was Alex Smith’s most productive WR at Utah the last two seasons. But there’s a reason Smith was the 1^st overall pick in the draft and Warren lasted until the 7^th round. Warren is slow (4.72 in the 40). He’s got good size (6’0”, 219 lbs) and sure hands, but projects strictly as a possession style WR in the NFL.
2005 outlook: Like their other 7^th round WR pick (J.R. Russell), Warren could either end up as the team’s #3 WR (which like with Russell is doubtful), or could end up not making the team. His fantasy potential is likely next to nil.
Beyond 2005: The lack of speed means Warren will never translate into anything more than maybe a mediocre fantasy WR at best. I’d rather draft a guy with a lot of upside than a slow guy with none, even in the last round of a dynasty league.

Leron McCoy, Round 7, Arizona Cardinals: The quintessential late round flyer taken on a guy with all the physical tools (6’1”, 211 lbs, 4.42 in the 40) who has underachieved at the college level despite playing at a small college (Indiana, Pa). McCoy is lightning quick, but needs a lot of coaching if he’ll ever realize his potential.
2005 outlook: After Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Bryant Johnson, the Cardinals have a bunch of low upside mediocre WRs vying for roster spots. It wouldn’t take a lot for McCoy to step in as the teams #4 WR. Has the pure speed all the others lack. Not likely to be an immediate fantasy factor.
Beyond 2005: Seriously a boom or bust guy, there will be no middle ground for McCoy as he has all the physical skills to make an impact. Could be that he was drafted by Dennis Green to eventually take over as a starter opposite Fitzgerald if the Cardinals choose to part ways with Anquan Boldin in a year or two and they can coach him up to his capabilities. If he flops, it’s only a 7^th round pick to the Cardinals and a last round flyer for you in a dynasty league. McCoy is more worthy of a late pick in dynasty leagues than many others listed here.

Harry Williams, Round 7, New York Jets: Tall (6’2”) but thin framed (175 lbs), Williams is fast (4.48 in the 40) and was a college track star. A small school player (Tuskegee) Williams has experience as a kick returner.
2005 outlook: Will battle for the teams #5 WR spot. Will also get a chance on special teams as a kick returner. If he wins the job, his only fantasy value will come from that.
Beyond 2005: There’s some upside as he’s built like the Eagles Todd Pinkston (who has been at least a bench WR consideration for fantasy), but Williams frail frame just isn’t conducive to his making an impact even if he does surprise and develop in a few years.

J.R. Russell, Round 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Very surprised he was the last WR taken as he has decent skills for the NFL level. Nice sized WR (6’3”, 206 lbs) with adequate speed (4.57 in the 40), Russell could turn into a decent possession WR at the NFL level. Russell is consistent, but not special, in any of his on field skills.
2005 outlook: More ready for the jump to the NFL than the Bucs 5^th round pick Larry Brackins, Russell could step in win a roster spot with playing time because of the mediocrity behind Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway. At best, his consistency gets him to be the team’s #3 WR (doubt it though). At worst, his lack of anything special to offer at the position means he doesn’t make the team.
Beyond 2005: In time, with a lot of work and luck, Russell could be a fantasy #3 or 4 WR. But I’m not betting on it.

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