With the start of the regular season under 10 days away, and as the biggest draft weekend of the season draws near (Sept 1st-3rd), here are some additional tips for you to consider. This list of wide receivers are made up of mid to late round players that can fill your WR2 and WR3 slots. In fact, two receivers below will begin the season as the WR1. They all currently tier 4 and above receivers- Here they are…
Darrius Heyward-Bey-Raiders- With more and more defenses keying in on Denarius Moore, I think that DHB who is more consistent than Moore, will reach that higher level this season. His tremendous speed and versatility will make him QB Carson Palmer’s favorite receiver especially with Jacoby Ford not being a reliable option and TE Brandon Myers not a real receiving threat. Drafted #7 in 2009 he had a top 10 like last four games of 2011, and could be poised for a breakout year.
WR Darrius Heywood-Bey is the lone deep threat of the Oakland Raiders & could have himself a breakout year! Photo: Associated Press
Devery Henderson-Saints-After the Saints let WR Robert Meachem go in the off-season to San Diego, it allowed Henderson to slip into the WR 3 slot and thus be the lone recipient of deep passes from Drew Brees. We were never fans of Meachem so we think the 30 year old veteran will have a breakout year. If you remember Henderson had back-to-back 100 yard games at the beginning of last season so there is reason to believe he can return to his ’09 form.
Titus Young-Lions-We think that the 23 year old second year receiver will make his way into the Lion’s WR2 slot right behind Megatron. Young caught four touchdown passes in Detroit’s last four regular season games so we know the kid has talent. Couple that with Coach Jim Schwartz’ possibly putting Young on special teams in the return game and you have even more reason to consider picking him up in the later rounds.
#16 WR Titus Young looks to improve in his 2nd season with the Lions as the WR2 behind Calvin Johnson. Photo: lions.com
Brian Hartline-Dolphins– Miami doesn’t exactly have a World Class receiving corps but you can’t ignore the fact that Hartline will be the WR1 this season on this mediocre staff, and as such should receive the majority of passes. Coach Joe Philbin has publicly expressed his confidence in him and although Davone Bess will be fighting Hartline for reps, Clyde Gates, Legedu Naanee (rookie), nor Anthony Fasano will not scare many defenses in the league. Look for Hartline to prosper especially now that Brandon Marshal is gone.
Brian Quick-Rams-This Brian is on another team lacking a formidable bunch of receivers which is why with their 1st pick in the second round, the Rams selected Quick. He will be their WR1 and without much competition. Steve Smith who, after his microfracture knee surgery has not returned to form and Danny Amendola who basically is a slot receiver, is pretty much all they have. Quick could ‘quickly’ become a sleeper this season IF QB Sam Bradford is afforded the time.
#83 WR Brian Quick was the 33rd overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. A lot is expected of the speedy receiver. Photo: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Randall Cobb-Packers- Hard to believe that any receiver on the Packers wouldn’t be productive, but with 22 year old Cobb, you get fantasy points two ways. He has a ‘slight’ chance of taking over the team’s WR3 position from James Jones who came on late last season, and he is clearly one of the most dangerous return men in the league. He should see more reps this year and with Aaron Rodgers under center you always have the opportunity to excel. Cobb makes a nice late pickup…
FANTASY FURNACE 
Good piece, Hank! I like the Lions passing game so far this preseason. However, I’m not at all impressed with the Cowboys. I thought Peyton is looking better and better in Denver, and you were right, Decker is a “beast” receiver! Your thoughts about these or other teams?…
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Thanks Steven! The Cowboys are really weak at WRs. Basically it will be the Jason Witten Show! Austin has only had one good season (’09) and Dez is a limited type of receiver. Not impressed with Ogletree and we’ll have to wait and see about their draft choice Danny Coale.
I think the Giants have one of the best receiving corps in the league, along with the Pats, Saints, & Packers. Just look at the lineup: Cruz, Nicks, Randle, and Barden. And they can screen and dump a few passes off to Bradshaw. Very potent bunch-excellent QB.
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I hope Hartline has a big year, because there’s not all that much to root for in Miami. At least not until basketball starts up again.
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You’re right on both counts!!
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I like Titus, but not Henderson as much (But that’s based on my thought that I think the Saints could be in trouble this year).
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I don’t like Henderson for more than a bye week filler. I just think Colston, Graham & Sproles will be the only guys on the offense worth owning, other than the obvious Brees. Devery, Ingram, Thomas & Moore will have a big game or 2 spread throughout the 16 game schedule, but nothing enough to warrant fantasy consideration. Heck, even Toon will probably be involved. With every catch Moore & Toon make, that’s less of a reason to consider Henderson.
I don’t, however, see any way possible for them to “be in trouble.” Just too many options. The only way they struggle this year is if Brees missing 8+ games.
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