Ask Joe BCS Fantasy Guy about many of the top names on our board and he may give you a blank look. After all DeAndre Brown, Vincent Brown, Damaris Johnson and Dwayne Harris may not receive the national pub enjoyed by the likes of Michael Floyd, Jeff Fuller and Ryan Broyles. However those fantasy owners that participate in all-120 leagues know that when it comes to production, we likely won't see too much separation among top ten fantasy point getters.
Certainly we had a few more "sure things" heading into 2009 (Golden Tate, Jordan Shipley, Dexter McCluster, Mardy Gilyard and Dezmon Briscoe) but there weren't too many predicting the breakout success enjoyed by Freddie Barnes and Danario Alexander a season ago. What I'm telling ya is that that there is plenty of opportunity on our Top 30 Wide Receiver Board.
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 17 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 4
We loved DeAndre Brown from the moment he signed with Southern Miss and became college football's perfect example of a big fish in a small pond. The fact that he returned from his horrific broken leg in the 2008 New Orleans Bowl to post 47-785-9 in incredible. And he'll enter 2010 completely healthy. He has 21 touchdowns through his first two seasons, and we expect him to have about 33 before he declares for the 2011 NFL Draft.
2009 Stats: 2-16 RuYd 0 RuTD 47-785 ReYd 9 ReTD 1 ReConv 1 Fumb Pts: 136.10
2010 Projs: 2-18 RuYd 0 RuTD 79-1181 ReYd 12 ReTD Pts: 191.90
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 87 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 5
Michael Floyd, like Michael Crabtree, is the nation's top receiver who also happens to be the top receiver in college fantasy football. Sure he's only caught 92 passes in his two years, a number that many top receivers surpass in one campaign. However a healthy Michael Floyd has shown himself to be an incredible combination of size and speed, and now as he welcomes the Brian Kelly offense to South Bend, it's clear we're on the verge of a really big breakout. Imagine Michael Floyd is Mardy Gilyard...but better. There you go.
2009 Stats: 1-8 RuYd 0 RuTD 44-795 ReYd 9 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 134.30
2010 Projs: 2-24 RuYd 0 RuTD 80-1150 ReYd 12 ReTD Pts: 189.40
Home Games: 0 EOS Off: 42 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 8
Brown's 2009 statistics become a little more impressive when one realizes that this Aztec played in six games last season. Brown has been a factor since he arrived on campus, and entering his senior season we'll have an experienced and very motivated player operating in an emerging offense. SDSU was the 30th-ranked passing offense in 2010, and there's no reason to think that they can't improve upon this standing...especially with a healthy Vincent Brown all season.
2009 Stats: 3-10 RuYd 0 RuTD 45-778 ReYd 6 ReTD Pts: 114.80
2010 Projs: 4-20 RuYd 0 RuTD 75-1208 ReYd 11 ReTD Pts: 188.80
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 52 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 8
This 6-4 stud is a key cog in one of the nation's top offensive attacks, though the difference between Fuller and the likes of Michael Floyd and DeAndre Brown is that Fuller is surrounded by two other talented wide receivers, Ryan Tannehill and Uzoma Nwachukwu, thus there will be sharing. Still Texas A&M is a very prolific attack, one that loves to spread em out and wing it, and Fuller is the best of the bunch. Look for a huge spike in receptions, yards and touchdowns as the 2009 broken leg (and subsequent games missed) are in the rear view mirror.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 41-568 ReYd 7 ReTD Pts: 98.80
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 77-1106 ReYd 13 ReTD Pts: 188.60
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 19 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
No receiver garnered more attention on our Ask the Insider board than James Cleveland. His on-again off-again touchdown production proved too much for some to take. Houston runs an "opportunistic" offense and last year, Cleveland was the man of opportunity. He's a favorite target of Case Keenum in the redzone and his production last year makes him worthy of his lofty ranking. Some may even consider him the top receiver to have. Just don't be surprised if you have to suffer through spells of production that doesn't meet your lofty standards as Tyron Carrier and Patrick Edwards are sure to get theirs as well.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 104-1214 ReYd 14 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 205.40
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 87-1039 ReYd 14 ReTD Pts: 187.90
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 27 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 9
While the Sooners may not have, Ryan Broyles met and exceeded the ridiculous expectations placed on him as a sophomore last season. 89-1120-15 will be a tough act to follow, but expected growth from Landry Jones and a whole bunch of opponents whose defenses could be deemed craptacular mean that Broyles should be doing a whole lot of celebrating again in 2010.
2009 Stats: 11-83 RuYd 1 RuTD 89-1120 ReYd 15 ReTD 0/1 Pass 15 Int 1 Fumb Pts: 214.30
2010 Projs: 11-83 RuYd 1 RuTD 77-1028 ReYd 11 ReTD 0/1 Pass 11 Int Pts: 187.10
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 76 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Surprised to see Mohamed Sanu rise to stardom last season? You're not alone. Sanu started out as a safety when he arrived in Piscataway last spring. He was moved to wideout in the fall and the rest is history. Those that watched the St. Petersburg Bowl know the immense talent Sanu possesses. Lining up at both receiver and Wildcat quarterback, this sophomore will be the focal point of the Rutgers offense this fall. Thus he'll be one to grab early.
2009 Stats: 62-346 RuYd 4 RuTD 51-640 ReYd 3 ReTD 0/3 Pass Pts: 140.60
2010 Projs: 88-456 RuYd 5 RuTD 58-742 ReYd 6 ReTD 2/4 Pass 6 PaYd Pts: 187.08
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 5 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
Promise me that Damaris Johnson catches 78 footballs again and I'll guarantee you he scores more than three touchdowns. This junior saw his TD output go from 11-3 from his freshman to sophomore year, and we're thinking that an improved Tulsa offense (one more like 2008) will yield better numbers from Johnson. After all, it's hard to catch 17 balls for 196 yards against Southern Miss and not score.
2009 Stats: 26-175 RuYd 0 RuTD 78-1131 ReYd 3 ReTD Pts: 148.60
2010 Projs: 32-224 RuYd 2 RuTD 72-1015 ReYd 8 ReTD Pts: 183.90
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 60 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
A great spring made it clear that Aldrick Robinson is well-prepared to take over the #1 wideout job from Emmanuel Sanders. Kyle Padron will drop back a lot, and more often than naught he'll look for Robinson. This is one guy I feel we may have undervalued. It wouldn't surprise me to see Robinson conclude the season among the top few wide receivers nationally.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 47-800 ReYd 5 ReTD Pts: 110.00
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 70-1105 ReYd 12 ReTD Pts: 182.50
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 80 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
New coach Ruffin McNeill and offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley are proponents of the spread offense, and each likes the potential of wide receiver Dwayne Harris. With Harris coming off a season that saw him catch 83 balls and score 12 times from scrimmage, it's fair to say we really like Harris as well. He'll be the go-to guy in this offense, an offense that should put some points on the board, even with the considerable turnover in personnel.
2009 Stats: 31-149 RuYd 5 RuTD 83-978 ReYd 7 ReTD 1/3 Pass 7 PaYd Pts: 186.10
2010 Projs: 21-98 RuYd 2 RuTD 79-1001 ReYd 10 ReTD Pts: 181.90
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 115 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
Like Kentucky's Randall Cobb, what makes Rodgers such a valuable fantasy wide receiver is the number of touches he sees on the ground. Rodgers' 91 catches for 1030 yards and nine scores in 2009 are impressive, however he also ran it 58 times for 304 yards and one score. It's hard to beat a wide receiver that is going to touch it about 140 times. Rodgers is not only a star, but one who shows up in big games; he scored in games against Stanford, USC, Cal and Oregon. Draft him, start him, and enjoy the show.
2009 Stats: 58-304 RuYd 1 RuTD 91-1030 ReYd 9 ReTD 0/1 Pass 1 RuConv 1 Fumb Pts: 195.40
2010 Projs: 48-272 RuYd 2 RuTD 76-928 ReYd 8 ReTD 0/1 Pass Pts: 180.00
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 97 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 5
Randall Cobb is just a terrific playmaker. The former HS quarterback is still learning the wide receiver position, and we expect 2010 to be the season when he fully masters the curriculum. Sure his 39-447-4 as a receiver don't jump out, but like Dexter McCluster and Percy Harvin before him, receptions don't tell the whole story. Cobb carried the ball 94 times for 573 times and ten scores a season ago; add in 13 passes and this is a wide receiver who touched the ball 146 times last season. 146 times.
2009 Stats: 94-573 RuYd 10 RuTD 39-447 ReYd 4 ReTD 5/13 Pass 4 PaYd 2 Fumb Pts: 189.56
2010 Projs: 81-439 RuYd 6 RuTD 41-505 ReYd 6 ReTD 6/12 Pass 6 PaYd 505 PaTD Pts: 176.44
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 22 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 11
Dynamic, explosive, game-breaking...pick your adjective. Young teams with Austin Pettis to provide Kellen Moore two of the top targets in the country. Following his breakout 2009 that saw him score 15 times (ten by air, three on the ground and two on kick returns) Young will again see the football in his hands a great deal. His reception numbers can be sporadic, thus Young may have better value in total point leagues. However those that partake in the head-to-head fun shouldn't feel nervous about investing a high selection.
2009 Stats: 15-138 RuYd 2 RuTD 79-1041 ReYd 10 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 189.90
2010 Projs: 15-134 RuYd 1 RuTD 69-941 ReYd 10 ReTD Pts: 173.50
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 102 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Despite his lofty ranking we are a little bit worried about Armon Binns. Sure he's expected to fill in for all-everything wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, but with D.J. Woods and Vidal Hazelton also running around in the secondary there's no doubt that Zach Collaros will have his options. Despite this slight concern, there's a reason why we have Binns ranked ahead of his Bearcat mates...he's the team's best receiver.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 61-887 ReYd 11 ReTD Pts: 154.70
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 72-1008 ReYd 12 ReTD Pts: 172.80
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 21 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
The 106-1590-8 posted by Salas in 2009 becomes even more impressive when one factors in the foot injury that he was saddled with down the stretch. This left slotback is prepped for another monster season, though the uncertainty surrounding Bryant Moniz does have us a wee bit concerned. No matter who's throwing it, the fact that Salas will have Kealoha Pilares and Rodney Bradley to take off some pressure means that this rising senior will have room to roam. 106 catches may be too much to ask in 2010, but double digit touchdowns are a reasonable expectation.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 106-1590 ReYd 8 ReTD 2 Fumb Pts: 207.00
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 81-1149 ReYd 9 ReTD Pts: 168.90
Home Games: 5 EOS Off: 8 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 5
Like a couple other top receivers, Jerrel Jernigan is due to bust out in the touchdown department. Over the past two years he's touched the ball 221 times from scrimmage and only scored 11 times. Because of this we expect Jernigan to be terribly undervalued on draft day. Whether Jamie Hampton or Corey Robinson wins the quarterback shouldn't have a large impact on Jernigan's production. This offense will score points, and Jernigan will be Troy's top receiving target, even if Josh Jarboe finally figures things out.
2009 Stats: 40-266 RuYd 1 RuTD 71-1101 ReYd 4 ReTD 0/1 Pass 2 Fumb Pts: 166.70
2010 Projs: 35-227 RuYd 2 RuTD 68-942 ReYd 6 ReTD 0/1 Pass Pts: 164.90
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 19 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
Tyron Carrier, James Cleveland and Patrick Edwards: flip a coin. Each of the three could emerge as the top target in 2010, but because Carrier has blown up in two consecutive seasons we put Carrier above Edwards. Each wide receiver operates in the nation's most explosive offense, one that posted 433 yards/game through the air in 2009. You'll have to deal with some famine if you want the feasts, but this will happen when Case Keenum has so many weapons at his disposal.
2009 Stats: 11-137 RuYd 1 RuTD 91-1029 ReYd 7 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 164.60
2010 Projs: 9-117 RuYd 1 RuTD 83-965 ReYd 8 ReTD Pts: 162.20
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 22 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 11
Pettis saw a monster season cut short (though he did make a cameo in the Fiesta Bowl) with a fractured leg suffered against Nevada, and it will take a little while for this senior to get back to 100%. However we don't think we're looking at a DeAndre Brown recovery; rather Pettis is expected to rock and roll by the time summer camp opens. And he'll team with Titus Young to lead a great passing attack. Pettis is a talented pass catcher with the size and speed that NFL squads covet. And he operates in an offense beloved by fantasy owners.
2009 Stats: 1-(-11) RuYd 0 RuTD 63-855 ReYd 14 ReTD 1/1 Pass 14 PaYd 3 PaConv Pts: 175.52
2010 Projs: 1-8 RuYd 0 RuTD 63-886 ReYd 12 ReTD 1/1 Pass 12 PaYd Pts: 162.20
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 81 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 6
Whether it's Austin Dantin or Alex Pettee winging the ball, the starting quarterback would be wise to look towards sophomore Eric Page. Page will not only be the go-to guy out wide, but the spring game saw him take three direct snaps, thus we can expect him to build upon his 11 rushing attempts from a season ago. These snaps from scrimmage may help to offset the anticipated double and triple teams that this top MAC receiver is sure to see.
2009 Stats: 11-55 RuYd 1 RuTD 82-1159 ReYd 7 ReTD 1/1 Pass 7 PaYd 1 ReConv 4 Fumb Pts: 171.52
2010 Projs: 21-110 RuYd 1 RuTD 79-1006 ReYd 7 ReTD 1/1 Pass 7 PaYd Pts: 159.72
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 21 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
One of our sleeper picks from last season, Bradley was on pace to have monster year before breaking his leg. Reports from The Island have Bradley ready to go this fall. If all goes as expected then look for Bradley to re-emerge in the offense, and provide a great sidekick to Greg Salas and maybe even emerge as the Warriors leading receiver.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 31-575 ReYd 5 ReTD Pts: 87.50
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 71-1026 ReYd 9 ReTD Pts: 156.60
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 64 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 5
This Aliquippa, Pa. native delivered on his huge potential as a sophomore, nabbing 57 balls for 1111 yards and eight scores. He's a big, strong target that can go through you, over you and past you on the way to the end zone. Though he was shut down in the bowl game, take note of his last two Big East performances from 2009: 8-127-1 against West Virginia and 6-113-2 against Cincinnati. Baldwin is a stud, and if the Pitt quarterback can come close to doing what Bill Stull did last year, then we're looking at a definite candidate for top Big East wide receiver.
2009 Stats: 1-61 RuYd 0 RuTD 57-1111 ReYd 8 ReTD Pts: 165.20
2010 Projs: 1-18 RuYd 0 RuTD 62-1007 ReYd 9 ReTD Pts: 156.50
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 54 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Wrist surgery cost Smith his spring ball, but no worries. He's coming off a 91-1100-6 season, and he'll be the man whom Robert Marve looks to on most occasions. This Texas native and team co-captain combines excellent size and speed, and though he may fly under-the-radar nationally, Smith may be the Big Ten's best wide receiver.
2009 Stats: 1-6 RuYd 0 RuTD 91-1100 ReYd 6 ReTD 1/2 Pass 6 PaYd 1100 PaTD Pts: 153.20
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 84-1018 ReYd 9 ReTD 1/2 Pass 9 PaYd Pts: 156.40
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 96 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
We've loved RoJo since seeing him play as a prep at Muskegon High School. He's been a great deep threat for the Trojans over the last two seasons, and now he's ready to emerge as one of the nation's better wide receivers. Lane Kiffin (and Matt Barkley for that matter) will take full advantage of Johnson, and it will be more than just fly patterns. It wouldn't surprise us to see Johnson end the campaign as the Pac-10's top wideout.
2009 Stats: 1-4 RuYd 0 RuTD 34-378 ReYd 3 ReTD Pts: 56.20
2010 Projs: 2-18 RuYd 0 RuTD 60-932 ReYd 10 ReTD Pts: 155.00
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 93 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 9
Doss may be the most explosive player that no one knows about. Dude can flat out fly, and plays a game similar to Golden Tate. It's hard investing a high selection in any Hoosier, but Tandon Doss is a legit BCS wide receiver. I especially like what he did against Ohio State and Wisconsin: 12 catches for 188 scores and two touchdowns. Doss doesn't just do it against the lightweights.
2009 Stats: 14-127 RuYd 1 RuTD 77-962 ReYd 5 ReTD 3 Fumb Pts: 144.90
2010 Projs: 15-144 RuYd 1 RuTD 80-982 ReYd 6 ReTD Pts: 154.60
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 26 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
Numbers saw a nice dip in 2009, though with this new pass-happy offense there's a very good chance that Livas emerges as a legit threat.
2009 Stats: 25-249 RuYd 0 RuTD 20-205 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 ReConv Pts: 47.40
2010 Projs: 29-259 RuYd 2 RuTD 57-724 ReYd 7 ReTD Pts: 152.30
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 19 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
Edwards teams with Tyron Carrier and James Cleveland to provide Case Keenum with three explosive threats. Coming off 85-1026-6 season look for Carrier to again emerge as a top fantasy target. However his inability to truly bust out (no game with more than one score in 2009) will see Edwards be the third choice among Cougar wideouts.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 85-1026 ReYd 6 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 138.60
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 81-969 ReYd 9 ReTD Pts: 150.90
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 119 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
Donovan Varner caught 65 balls for 1047 yards and eight scores a season ago, and it's likely that most fantasy owners never gave him much consideration. He's the lead dog in a talented pack of three, and he'll serve as Sean Renfree's go-to man. We may have a Duke receiver that warrants national consideration in larger BCS leagues.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 65-1047 ReYd 8 ReTD Pts: 152.70
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 62-947 ReYd 9 ReTD Pts: 148.70
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 31 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
Jackson takes over as the starting H-receiver, the spot previously manned by some serious Tiger talents. All of those slants, bubble screens and skinny posts you've seen those guys run over the last few years may now go to Jackson. He's a burner, I don't know if he's Maclin fast, but he'll be the fastest Tiger on the field. Jackson will also be involved in the run game, an added bonus for fantasy owners. There are a whole bunch of receptions up for grabs and Wes Kemp should nab his fair share, but it's Jackson whom we expect to make the biggest jump this season.
2009 Stats: 11-92 RuYd 1 RuTD 37-458 ReYd 2 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 73.00
2010 Projs: 13-111 RuYd 1 RuTD 66-862 ReYd 7 ReTD 1/2 Pass 7 PaYd Pts: 145.86
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 2 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
We figured that Adams' 14 touchdowns on only 50 receptions in 2008 was too good to be true...and it was. Adams did catch 42 balls in 2009, but he could only spike it two times. One of his nicknames mentioned on the UTEP website is "The Future" and we're hoping the future holds more touchdowns.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 42-580 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 70.00
2010 Projs: 3-36 RuYd 0 RuTD 58-878 ReYd 9 ReTD Pts: 145.40
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 55 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
Green has shown impressive consistency during his first two seasons in Athens. And though he'll now be catching passes from his third different quarterback (Matthew Stafford, Joe Cox and now Aaron Murray) there's little reason to believe Green will see a drop in production. We're looking for further growth from this junior in what will likely be his final collegiate season. 1000-10 is well within reach.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 53-808 ReYd 6 ReTD 1 ReConv 1 Fumb Pts: 118.80
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 61-911 ReYd 9 ReTD Pts: 145.10