No matter if your fantasy team is undefeated or still looking for its first win, it is never too early to think about next year. The second half of the NFL season is when you can catch a glimpse of 2010 by watching how young receivers are developing. Every game is not only a chance to gain more experience, but also an opportunity to make a lasting impression in the minds of their quarterbacks and coaches.
Here's a quick list of ten wide receivers that are worth tracking as the 2009 season heads into its final eight games. These are also guys who could rise in the rankings next summer.
1. Michael Crabtree, Niners– The 10th overall pick in the draft ended his ill-advised holdout and while you watch him play now, remember this is a youngster who is playing without the benefit of a training camp. He currently has only spent three weeks generating chemistry with the quarterback. He already had 81 yards on six receptions against the Colts. The question is if he is drafted as a fantasy starter next year or just as receiver depth.
2. Steve Smith, Giants– The third-year player has already made his mark, but that was mostly in early season play. He's remained a solid contributor but only has one score in the last five weeks. If he can finish the season strong despite the whipping winds in Giants Stadium, he could end up as a top-10 receiver next year.
3. Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns– The lanky rookie from Georgia still has not scored a touchdown and only has two games over 30 yards but is worth tracking since he's already the No. 1 wideout in Cleveland. Significant changes are likely for next year, but if the Browns can ever assemble a passing game, Massaquoi will be the primary receiver.
4. Hakeem Nicks, Giants– The ex-Tar Heel quickly evolved into the slot receiver for the Giants, but he's already making an assault on Mario Manningham's the starting spot. The rookie not only has speed but at 6-1 and 212 pounds, he has plenty of size for any role in the offense. Smith and Nicks could develop into a better tandem than Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer and their performances over the second half will hint how likely that will be.
5. Devin Thomas, Redskins– The second wideout off the board in the 2008 draft has hardly lived up to his billing, but the Redskins will be closely evaluating everyone in the organization in preparation for the annual upheaval. Over the final two months, Thomas can win a starting job in what will be a new offense next year with (most likely) a new quarterback.
6. Andre Caldwell, Bengals– The second-year ex-Gator had a forgettable rookie season, but already has become the starting slot receiver and has at least two catches in every game this year. He's scored three times over the last six games and is working toward becoming an integral cog in the Bengals passing machine.
7. Sammie Stroughter, Bucs– He was just a seventh-round pick out of Oregon State this year but Stroughter has made the most of his opportunity by manning the slot role since Week 1. His impact has been minimal so far, but he is the only up-and-comer among receivers for a team that is in the first stage of rebuilding. Josh Freeman has one start and his only touchdown to a wide receiver went to Stroughter.
8. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles– Philadelphia's first-round pick has slowly been getting more involved in the offense and already had one big game against the Buccaneers. The Eagles feature one of the most pass-heavy schemes in the league and Maclin's potential in this offense is almost unlimited.
9. Lance Long, Chiefs– As an undrafted rookie, he never reached the field last year in Arizona and was picked up by the Chiefs. The last two games saw him replace Bobby Engram as the slot receiver and against the Jaguars he had eight catches for 74 yards. The Chiefs' scheme relies far more on the slot than most offenses and Long has a chance to start a career with a rebuilding team.
10. James Jones, Packers– The third-year player has claimed the slot away from the injured Jordy Nelson and will not be giving it back. With three scores over the last four games, Jones is really starting to click with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He's making his mark on a team with a productive passing game and already has more touchdowns than Greg Jennings.
By David Dorey
Here's a quick list of ten wide receivers that are worth tracking as the 2009 season heads into its final eight games. These are also guys who could rise in the rankings next summer.
1. Michael Crabtree, Niners– The 10th overall pick in the draft ended his ill-advised holdout and while you watch him play now, remember this is a youngster who is playing without the benefit of a training camp. He currently has only spent three weeks generating chemistry with the quarterback. He already had 81 yards on six receptions against the Colts. The question is if he is drafted as a fantasy starter next year or just as receiver depth.
2. Steve Smith, Giants– The third-year player has already made his mark, but that was mostly in early season play. He's remained a solid contributor but only has one score in the last five weeks. If he can finish the season strong despite the whipping winds in Giants Stadium, he could end up as a top-10 receiver next year.
3. Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns– The lanky rookie from Georgia still has not scored a touchdown and only has two games over 30 yards but is worth tracking since he's already the No. 1 wideout in Cleveland. Significant changes are likely for next year, but if the Browns can ever assemble a passing game, Massaquoi will be the primary receiver.
4. Hakeem Nicks, Giants– The ex-Tar Heel quickly evolved into the slot receiver for the Giants, but he's already making an assault on Mario Manningham's the starting spot. The rookie not only has speed but at 6-1 and 212 pounds, he has plenty of size for any role in the offense. Smith and Nicks could develop into a better tandem than Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer and their performances over the second half will hint how likely that will be.
5. Devin Thomas, Redskins– The second wideout off the board in the 2008 draft has hardly lived up to his billing, but the Redskins will be closely evaluating everyone in the organization in preparation for the annual upheaval. Over the final two months, Thomas can win a starting job in what will be a new offense next year with (most likely) a new quarterback.
6. Andre Caldwell, Bengals– The second-year ex-Gator had a forgettable rookie season, but already has become the starting slot receiver and has at least two catches in every game this year. He's scored three times over the last six games and is working toward becoming an integral cog in the Bengals passing machine.
7. Sammie Stroughter, Bucs– He was just a seventh-round pick out of Oregon State this year but Stroughter has made the most of his opportunity by manning the slot role since Week 1. His impact has been minimal so far, but he is the only up-and-comer among receivers for a team that is in the first stage of rebuilding. Josh Freeman has one start and his only touchdown to a wide receiver went to Stroughter.
8. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles– Philadelphia's first-round pick has slowly been getting more involved in the offense and already had one big game against the Buccaneers. The Eagles feature one of the most pass-heavy schemes in the league and Maclin's potential in this offense is almost unlimited.
9. Lance Long, Chiefs– As an undrafted rookie, he never reached the field last year in Arizona and was picked up by the Chiefs. The last two games saw him replace Bobby Engram as the slot receiver and against the Jaguars he had eight catches for 74 yards. The Chiefs' scheme relies far more on the slot than most offenses and Long has a chance to start a career with a rebuilding team.
10. James Jones, Packers– The third-year player has claimed the slot away from the injured Jordy Nelson and will not be giving it back. With three scores over the last four games, Jones is really starting to click with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He's making his mark on a team with a productive passing game and already has more touchdowns than Greg Jennings.
By David Dorey
