(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Tier Two (Rounds 5-7)
13. Marques Colston—New Orleans Saints
Don't get down on Colston because he was hurt last season. Before his untimely injury, Colston was shocking the NFL world by delivering two straight 1,000-yard seasons as well as two years with at least eight touchdowns.
All that as a seventh rounder out of Hofstra. Quite impressive.
And despite missing five games last year, he still put up nearly 800 yards and five touchdowns.
With Drew Brees and that offense, a healthy Colston could see a huge jump in production.
14. Dwayne Bowe—Kansas City Chiefs
One of the more underrated receivers in the league, Bowe can be had for a mid-round selection, and could end up out-producing your WR1.
Bowe has an inconsistent supporting cast and a new quarterback. But he is clearly a rising star. Nab him before he begins to fully shine.
15. T.J. Houshmandzadeh—Seattle Seahawks
Watch out for Houshmandzadeh. Seattle hasn't had great luck with receivers lately, and the 32-year-old newly signed free agent is a prime candidate to be a bust.
While his production in Cincy' the past few years, (five straight 900+ yard seasons) is more than solid, he has never been a true number one receiver. And he's walking into a new situation.
He's a fantastic possession receiver who can find the end-zone, but his lack of break-away speed could keep him from cracking 1,000 yards for the second straight year.
16. Lee Evans—Buffalo Bills
Will the presence of T.O. help or hurt Evans production? That's the real question.
We know Evans has the ability to be a stud, but consistency and supporting cast have been his main downfalls.
If Owens can come in and take attention off of Evans, we could see a return to his 2006 numbers. However, this line of thinking isn't just putting your faith in a less than trustworthy T.O. You're banking on Trent Edwards becoming a fantasy stud, as well.
17. Donald Driver—Green Bay Packers
While Driver ruffled some feathers with contract qualms earlier in the off-season, talk of demands and money have fizzled down. At least for now.
Greg Jennings new contract could certainly heat the pot back up.
Still, even with slight contract issues and his age (34), Driver is still a candidate for 1,000 yards and 5+ scores in an increasingly wide receiver-friendly Green Bay offense.
18. Vincent Jackson—San Diego Chargers
Jackson finally broke out of the "sleeper" label in 2008, as he cracked 1,000 yards for the first time while also dropping in seven touchdowns.
With excellent size and body control, Jackson can stretch the field and can get open in the end-zone. As long as Philip Rivers can stay close to his 2008 form, Jackson should be able to do so as well.
19. Santonio Holmes—Pittsburgh Steelers
While Holmes was the hero of last year's Super Bowl (or was it Ben Roethlisberger?), it's important to note that he hasn't quite lived up to the hype during the regular season.
At least, not in the fantasy realm.
Holmes has yet to crack 55 receptions or 1,000 yards in a season, and has only scored more than five touchdowns once.
He's an exceptional talent, but with Pittsburgh's system and with Hines Ward stealing looks, it's unlikely to see a dramatic change.
20. Antonio Bryant—Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bryant was an absolute stud last year as he put up over 1,200 yards and seven scores.
He was especially hot near the end of the season as he recorded over 100 yards receiving in three of his last four games—including a 200-yard, two-touchdown effort against Carolina in Week 14.
Without a quality quarterback to lean on, it will be difficult for Bryant to see that type of production again. However, as the go-to guy, he should still have a shot at 1,000 yards and five scores.
21. Hines Ward—Pittsburgh Steelers
Ward continues to live up to his "tough" label as he played through injuries in 2008, and recorded over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns.
He's 33 and probably losing speed as you read this, but he is still Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target—he caught almost 30 more balls than the ultra-hyped Santonio Holmes did last year.
Ward is still a solid fantasy option, albeit an inconsistent one. Draft him as a serviceable WR2 and an elite WR3.
22. Lance Moore—New Orleans Saints
Moore stepped up after injuries hit New Orleans and reaped the benefits. Ten scores, almost 1,000 yards later, and he's suddenly everyone's favorite Saints' receiver.
While he'll undoubtedly take the back-seat to Marques Colston, he's still guaranteed solid numbers in New Orleans' potent pass attack.
23. Eddie Royal—Denver Broncos
Royal has been rumored as being "the new Wes Welker" in Josh McDaniel's version of the Patriots offense.
It's hard to argue against that logic as Royal has solid hands and incredible quickness. He caught 91 balls for over 900 yards as rookie, showing his exceptional hands and also displaying solid play-making ability.
If the Brandon Marshall situation worsens (or especially if he's traded), Royal could see a huge rise in his stock.
24. Anthony Gonzalez—Indianapolis Colts
With the departure of future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez slides into No. 88's shoes, and will take his shot at being Indianapolis's No. 2 receiver.
Gonzalez has good speed and quickness as well as fairly reliable hands—all making the transition easier on him and the rest of the offense.
Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark's looks should see a jump over Gonzalez, but 1,000 yards and 5+ scores isn't unrealistic.
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