NFL Rookie Wide Receivers’ Keeper Prospects, Part 1
November 20, 2008 by kris
Filed under Keeper Info
The 2008 Class of Wide Receivers featured an incredibly deep talent pool with a great mixture of size, speed, and hands. Unfortunately for fantasy players, no single receiver seemed to put everything together well enough to warrant a first round selection. There were however 10 Wide Receivers selected in the 2nd Round.
The Keeper class of 2008 Rookie Wide Receivers breaks down into a few categories. There’s the players who’ve started to put it together, the players with talent, and the players with opportunity and then there’s the rest.
The Guys Who Have Put It Together:
Eddie Royal – Denver Broncos
40 Yard Dash Time: 4.39
Vertical Jump: 36″
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 180lbs
Bench Press: 24 Times
Drafted 2nd round, 42nd overall
Receiving yards: 650 & 4 TDs
Playing Time: Check — Offensive Scheme: Check — Talent: Check
Eddie Royal has been tremendous playing opposite Brandon Marshall in Denver this year. Coming into the NFL, Royal was compared to Steve Smith quite a bit. He’s incredibly fast, and unbelievably strong for his size. In addition to his 650 and 4TDs, he’s put together a very good return season: averaging over 12YPR on Punts, and a staggering 30YPR on limited KR duty.
Royal Projects fairly well, but doesn’t really have the frame to add more bulk, or more speed so short of opportunity he’s going to have issues getting better. However, on track for 1000 Yards and 6 or 7 TDs sits pretty damn well for a WR. He’ll have some issues if there isn’t a Brandon Marshall on the other side of the field, and probably lacks the ability to be a Number 1 but there’s been plenty of Number 2 Wide Recievers who’ve put up great numbers.
Donnie Avery – St. Louis Rams
40 Yard Dash Time: 4.40 on injured ankle (also clocked at 4.2)
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 186lbs
Bench Press: 16
Drafted 2nd Round, 33rd Overall Pick
Receiving Yards: 485 Yards, 2 Tds
Playing Time: Check — Offensive Scheme: Check — Talent: Check
Like Royal, Avery has the ability to be a solid return specialist and a solid number 2 guy. Avery doesn’t possess the strength of Royal, but has blazing speed. If the Rams can find some pass blocking, Avery should be a home run threat on every play. Normally I shy away from smallish receivers that rely on speed, but Avery has super awareness, and can find the soft spot in the zone in addition to just running by everyone. He’s got solid hands, and looks sharp running routes.
DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia Eagles
40 Yard Dash Time: 4.35
Height 6′
Weight: 178
Drafted 2nd Round, 49th Overall
Receiving Yards: 650 & 1 TD
Playing Time: Check(ish) — Offensive Scheme: Check — Talent: Check
Yet another tiny reciever that’s blazing quick, and at the very least will remain a tremendous returner. Jackson was amazing at Cal, but his long lanky frame is devoid of muscle. Jackson had the opportunity earlier in the year filling in for an injured Kevin Curtis. Since Curtis’ return he hasn’t been throwing up those 100 yard games, but he’s still putting up a solid 60 yards.
Jackson was one of the top Wide Reciever prospects coming into the draft, and also draws comparisons to Steve Smith and Santana Moss. He’s probably got the best combination of Agility and Speed in the class, but unlike Avery and Royal lacks the upper body strength.
These are three guys who shouldn’t have issues with the Three Year WR integration period. They’ll probably follow up their stellar rookie campaigns with similiar years in 2009. All three of them will however warrant more defensive game planning, and in turn more press coverage in the next few years. With Royal’s and Avery’s strength, they should adjust well. Jackson is in the air, he has the moves to avoid press coverage and get a release, but the more physical corners will give him some troubles.
