Mid-Draft Targets
WR Mike Thomas, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
With Mike Sims-Walker now in St Louis, Mike Thomas enters his 3rd NFL season as the unquestioned #1 WR in Jacksonville. Despite his position atop the depth chart his fantasy upside could be limited by below average QB play as David Garrard and rookie Blaine Gabbert are unlikely to ignite fear in opposing defensive coordinators. The University of Arizona alum had a productive year in 2010, finishing with 66 receptions for 820 yards and 4 TDs (just outside the top 30 fantasy WRs in 2010). He added over 100 yards rushing as well. He's vastly underrated based on his current ADP of 101 overall (WR40) as he has the potential to post solid WR3 numbers with minimal competition for targets. TE Mercedes Lewis recently signed an extension and will remain a favorite in the red zone after posting 10 TDs in 2010. However, Thomas is positioned to lead the team in catches and yards with rookie Cecil Shorts and Jason Hill battling it out in camp for the WR2 position.
TE Owen Daniels, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
The oft-injured TE from the University of Wisconsin showed promise in the final month of the season making him a potential value in 2011 provided he can stay healthy. Daniels could emerge as the Texans #2 receiving option behind Andre Johnson (despite the recent resigning of WR Jacoby Jones). The 28 year old has suffered through 2 straight injury riddled seasons missing a total of 13 games. He's yet to top 5 TDs in any of his first five years in the NFL but if healthy (a big If) he should provide TE1 numbers. Daniel's topped 60 yards in three of the final four games in 2010 and reached the end zone in each of the final two games. The 2008 season was his best year to date as Daniels finished as the 6th best fantasy TE (862 yards and 2 TDs). Provided he plays a full season, a career year is achievable in an explosive Texan offensive led by Matt Schaub. Daniels is a solid gamble in rounds 7-9 in standard scoring leagues but make sure you have a decent backup in case the injury bug bites back.
