Wide Receivers play a huge role in fantasy leagues. Everyone makes a big deal about running backs and quarterbacks but the explosiveness of a fantasy team comes from the wide receiver. In most leagues you start 3 receivers. Compare that to 1 QB and 2 RBs and you can easily see why receivers are more important. Also, receivers have much more opprotunity for big games than any other position. It is vital to your fantasy team that you have AT LEAST two number one receivers. That said, here is my personal rankings that I will be using for this years draft.
1. Marvin Harrison. This is a no brainer regardless of any other opinion. He is the best route runner on the one of the best passing offenses in NFL history. He is a threat everywhere on the field and he has Peyton Manning throwing the ball his way. He has been in the top 5 of receivers in fantasy points for the last 5 years and it's extremely rare to have consistency when it comes to receivers.
2. Steve Smith. He had an off year in 2006 due to injury and QB problems in Corolina. Look for him to bounce back in 2007, especially if Delhome stays healthy.
3. Reggie Wayne. Another top five no brainer for me. He's the deep threat on the Colts and will constantly get looks from Manning because not many defenses have two corner backs that can handle the Colts receiver tandum.
4. Donald Driver. Brett Favre will be returning in 2007 and Driver will remain his favorite target. Driver is a tough and fast receiver that will do anything the offense asks of him. Look for another good year in 2007.
5. Chad Johnson. Ocho Cinco is still one of the most explosive guys in this league. He is sometimes inconsistent but the big games make up for it. Not too many in the league can cover this guy and he takes advantage of that.
6. Torry Holt. Had a knee problem for most of the season in 2006 and still went to the pro bowl and was ranked in the top ten in standard scoring fantasy leagues. Look for a bounce back in 2007.
7. Lee Evans. With J.P. Losman coming out of his shell in Buffalo, Lee Evans is going to be a great sleeper in 2007. He had a great season in 2006, boasting the highest fantasy point total of any player in the NFL when he had over 250 yards receiving including two 83 yard TDs against the Texans. Expect more big games in 2007.
8. Calvin Johnson. The draft hasn't happened yet, but when it does, regardless of where he goes, Johnson will be a fantasy stud. He is a freak of nature with blazing speed and great strength. He is more than ready to be a number one receiver in the NFL. Atlanta has expressed interest in him and if that does happen, it may boost him even further ahead in the rankings.
9. Terrell Owens. We all know that if you get T.O. you get problems. You also get a very reliable and consistent fantasy receiver. He led the NFL with receiving TDs and that was with a hand that needed surgery and distractions. Look for another good year as long as he can stay in the game.
10. Javon Walker. Jay Cutler emerged as a gunslinger in Denver and Walker is obviously his best target. Walker is a fast and strong route runner who can run away in the open feild. Walker also led the league in rushing yards by a receiver.
11. Marques Colston. The stud rookie will have another great year thanks to Drew Brees. Colston is great over the middle and is strong enough to run very well with the ball. Look for him to come out as the Saints number one receiver in 2007.
12. Santonio Holmes. I think that Holmes will be the biggest sleeper in 2007. He showed great promise towards the end of the 2006 season and with a healthy Ben Roethlisberger he will come out as one of the leagues top receivers.
13. Larry Fitzgerald. Only reason he's this far down is that his offense has a lot of other weapons. Fitzgerald is T.O. without the risk. Very consistent with the possibilty of huge games.
14. Roy Williams. Despite Detroits problems, the passing offense isn't one of them. Williams is a very reliable player and will have another great season in 2007.
15. Plaxico Burress. The other Mannings deep threat. The tall lanky receiver will again have a good year being the only strong receiver on the Giants.
Just a little note...if you happen to be in the same league as me, it may be best to reverse this order when drafting. Good Luck!