Dynasty Rookies: WRs
While rookie receivers historically tend not to be fantasy starters, the odds are increased with this unusually deep class of pass catchers and the long-term hopes are even better in the now pass-happy NFL. Most of the names listed below are in situations where they will have a chance to start day one and that should help speed up the adjustment process.
WR Dez Bryant, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
The Cowboys are aggressive in the passing game and found a diamond in the rough last year in Miles Austin, but at the same time received minimal production from the other wide out slot. With that in mind (and knowing the faithful will not stomach another year of uber-bust Roy Williams and pedestrian pass catcher Patrick Clayton seeing the bulk of the snaps), the Cowboys selected a talented playmaker in Bryant. The former Oklahoma State star likely would have been a Top-10 pick if the the NCAA had not suspended him for the majority of the 2009 season. He could make an immediate impact if his head is on straight during training camp; he has the skills to be a Top 5-10 fantasy receiver for years to come.
WR Demaryius Thomas, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Even though the 6-3 Thomas played in the Yellow Jackets' run-oriented attack and needs to be schooled in the art of route-running, the general consensus is that his physical tools are so stellar that it is only a matter of time before he becomes a star. Not sure I am quite on that train of thought, but since we are talking dynasty leagues, Thomas' short-term deficiencies should not be an issue. Neither is the foot he injured during workouts, which got a clean bill of health before the draft. However, not only does Thomas need to work on his game, but he has to rely on the Broncos' QB of the future Tim Tebow to do the same. Seems a rather daunting combo for Thomas to overcome if he is to post stellar fantasy numbers any time soon.
WR Arrelious Benn, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
The third receiver drafted is the odds on favorite to be the most productive fantasy rookie wide out due to the opportunity he was drafted into (he is already the Bucs' top receiver), his tools (6-1, 4.48 forty) and his ability to make plays after the catch. Josh Freeman has a gun and will grow with this Big Benn to the give the Bucs a potential high impact combo.
WR Mardy Gilyard, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
If you made me guess from among the current crop of Rams receivers who will be Sam Bradford's primary target three years from now, I'd go with Gilyard. Not so much a knock on Donnie Avery or Laurent Robinson, but the 6-0 Gilyard is a tough guy who simply makes plays down the field. Think the Panthers' Steve Smith in terms of style.
WR Golden Tate, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Jimmy Clausen's go-to receiver at Notre Dame joins a Seahawks roster that has one viable fantasy receiver and T.J. Houshmandzadeh turns 33 this season. That means this playmaker -- Tate hauled in 96 grabs for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Fighting Irish last season -- has the opportunity for significant playing time early as a receiver and returner. I would feel better about his dynasty prospects if we knew who his 2012 and beyond QB will be.
WR Eric Decker, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Unlike his new teammate and fellow rookie receiver Demaryius Thomas, Decker enters the NFL as a near fully formed receiver. Even though he was often a one-man-gang with the Golden Gophers, Decker has shown the ability to produce and make both the easy and tough catches. To illustrate that last point, here is a great stat from CBSSports.com: Minnesota quarterbacks have targeted Decker for 354 passes during his career and he dropped just three in 45 games (0.085%). In other words, Braylon Edwards he is not. The 6-3 Decker slid in the draft due to a foot injury that cost him time last season and that -- plus the normal rookie receiver curve -- limits his 2010 fantasy value. Once healthy, he could easily become the Broncos' leader in receptions for years to come.
Others: Brandon LaFell (Carolina), Mike Williams (Tampa Bay), Damian Williams (Tennessee), Taylor Price (New England), Armanti Edwards (Carolina)
***If we are talking about 2010 only rankings, my Top 5 at this point would be Bryant, Benn, Tate, Thomas, LaFell***
