Pro Football 101 Fantasy Sleepers: Wide Receivers in 2009

(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Any receiver that's taken at the top half of the fantasy draft is usually selected in the range he should be, and the only thing you need to worry about is whether you're selecting him too high based on his probable return—e.g., Chad Ochocinco, a high-round draft choice who was a mess before last season and then went on to bomb in it.

This edition is going to look at a three mid-to-late-round sleepers, who, if taken at the proper time, can help solidify your roster and even add value to it as a No. 2 or flex play.

1. Lee Evans

We've said it before and we'll say it again, Evans has the look of a very nice fantasy sleeper pick this season. The acquisition of T.O. will make Evans an afterthought to most defenses, and this is exactly what you want as a fantasy owner.

Blessed with blazing deep speed, he'll be sure to capitalize on those one-on-one matchups and could be poised for a huge season.

2. Josh Morgan

The absence of Michael "I think I should be paid based on mock drafts rather than the real draft" Crabtree provides an excellent opportunity for the second-year receiver out of Virginia Tech to step up. In his limited time as a rookie, we saw the speed, hands, and ability to get open that left us with the impression that there's more to come.

And with Shaun Hill recently named the starting quarterback, providing stability at the position, we think he'll become a fixture in San Francisco's offense and provide the big plays this corps has been lacking since the days of T.O.

Excellent late-round fantasy sleeper.

3. Jordy Nelson

The Packers used their second-round draft choice on Nelson last year, and he performed admirably as the third receiving option. Overall, he finished with 33 catches for 366 yards and two TDs.

This year, with Aaron Rodgers on the cusp of becoming a top-flight QB in the NFL, Nelson becomes an excellent breakout receiver option. The Packers run a lot of their offense from the three-receiver set, meaning Nelson will have the luxury of lining up primarily against the nickel back, which should present a lot of mismatches in the Packers' favor.

And if either Greg Jennings or Donald Driver go down during the season, he slides right in to a starting role.

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