I continue my NFL Draft review with a look at the WRs drafted in the first three rounds.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland Raiders – I feel bad for DHB. When people are criticizing Al Davis and the Raiders’ #7 selection of the speedy wideout, they are putting a damper on what should be an exciting time in his life. Yeah, he’ll have plenty of rea$on$ not to care, but it still has to sting a little. So congrats Darrius. Now on to the breakdown. He’s a speedster that will need to work on his hands. I believe the Third-year WR rule will be in effect here. It’s going to take some time for him to develop into a big time WR. I don’t see a big contribution this year.
Pat White, Miami Dolphins - Pat will be used in the slot, and at Quarterback when the Dolpins run the Wildcat. While he will be a valuable player for the Dolphins, I don’t see him holding much fantasy value.
Derrick Williams, Detroit Lions - I don’t know why the Lions didn’t focus on their Defense a little more. Williams has a chance to be decent because Calvin Williams draws so much attention. His ceiling is fellow Nittany Lion Bobby Engram.
Brandon Tate, New England Patriots - Tate will mainly serve as a Special Teams player, perhaps making an impact with his returns. He could possibly make his way on the field more in a couple years.
Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers - Wallace could serve as a vertical threat replacing Nate Washington, who went to Tennessee. Perhaps down the road he can earn some fantasy relevance, but that will be in a couple years at best.
Rames Barden, New York Giants - Barden will take longer than Nicks to develop. The potential is there. I just don’t see it any time soon.
Patrick Turner, Miami Dolphins - With WR being an area of need, I’m not surprised Miami took wides in both the second and third round. With Turner, the Dolphins get a big WR (6’5″, 220 Lbs) to give them a big target in the red zone. Ten of his 49 receptions went for TDs in his Senior year with USC.
Deon Butler, Seattle Seahawks - Butler has explosive speed (4.38). He’s undersized and best suited for the slot position.
Juaquin Iglesias, Chicago Bears - The Bears desperately need help at WR and while he’s not a fast WR (4.56), he is an accomplished one. He caught 74 passes for 1150 yards and ten TDs last year for the Sooners. Has good hands and could work his way onto the field sooner than some of the earlier selections.
Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers - I love the pick for the 49ers, but I wish Crabtree was paired with a better QB. Nate Davis could eventually make his way up the depth charts. Until then Crabtree will just have to make due. I think he’ll still be one of the best Rookie WRs this year.
Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles – I love this pick by the Eagles and I love Maclin’s prospects this year. In fact, I think Maclin will be the most productive Rookie WR. He gives McNabb another young, talented target. With Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Westbrook, and McCoy, McNabb has more weapons than in recent years. I expect big things from the Birds in 2009.
Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings – He has a ton of talent. He’ll make a big impact and change the dynamic of the Viking Offense. I’m just afraid he’ll miss a couple games to injury. When he’s healthy he’ll make explosive plays.
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants - Nicks will make an impact right away for the G-Men, just not a major one. The Giants have a lot of young talent at WR so he’ll have to earn his way onto the field. He may be fantasy worthy next year.
Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans - Britt will get a chance to play as the Titans are hurting for WRs, but I’m not sure how much impact a Rookie WR on a run first team will make. I love him long-term though.
Brian Robiskie & Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns - The Browns need WRs in the worst way. They did not trade Braylon Edwards as rumored, but they clearly aren’t happy with him. Donte Stallworth could be going to jail, and in the very least will be suspended by the league. To me Robiskie makes more of an immediate impact and could earn the #2 WR role. Massaquoi will take a little longer to develop.
