Fantasy Football Keeper League Wide Receivers

Bruno Boys Dominic isn't going to waste your time with obvious names like Larry Fitzgerald or Greg Jennings. If they are available in your league, feel free to give Dominic a call because he wants to join. Instead, Mr. Brown will point out some rookies worth watching and some players that might be available in your leagues or may get dropped when teams are forced to cut their fantasy rosters.

Looking at Rookies

Most experts have Michael Crabtree pegged as the number one rookie wide receiver. He could even end up being the top pick overall in many rookie fantasy football drafts. However, unless you're lucky enough to grab one of those first few picks, there's no way Crabtree will be available to you as such, here are some other guys that could immediately contribute and may just end up solid fantasy options for years to come.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: He is very fast and extremely athletic with great hands, and at only 20, Maclin is a keeper league jewel if he can continue to build upon his current skill sets.

He’ll be paired along side the speedy Desean Jackson with a Pro Bowl QB in Donovan McNabb hurling him the ball. Plus, with veteran running back Brian Westbrook keeping defenses on their toes and the recent addition of Lesean McCoy, Maclin should find plenty of room to work with. The only thing concerning experts is his durability and toughness. If Maclin can learn to run better routes and pick up the offense quickly, he could have an effect on the league immediately.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders: He is most likely the fastest receiver in this year’s 2008 rookie class, Bey can flat out fly. His numbers in college don’t do him justice coming from Maryland’s run-based offense, but there are some legitimate concerns.

He dropped some easy passes in games over his college career and needs to work on improving his route running. Give him an opening though, and zip, he’s gone. His value might have been higher on a team other than Oakland considering JaMarcus Russel has not proven to be the most dependable of quarterbacks. However, the flip side is that there is really no one else to take the number one spot if he wants it and can prove he deserves it.

Rumors are also circulating that veteran QB Jeff Garcia could take over quickly if Russel doesn’t show signs of improvement which would give Bey a more consistent passer. It may take him a little while to pick up the game at the NFL level, but being one of the fastest out there is an edge you just can’t teach. If he can significantly improve on his flaws, this kid could be a stud in no time. 

Brian Robiskie, WR, Cleveland Browns: Robiskie is not ranked among the elite class of rookies and with good reason, he’s not elite. He doesn’t possess elite speed and he’s not a freakish athlete like Crabtree. What Robiskie does have though is smarts and determination.

He is a very good route runner, with great hands, and a student of the game, this 6'2'' 207 lbs. kid from Ohio State may turn out to be the Browns most consistent receiver, when all is said and done.

As the son of Falcons wide receiver coach Terry Robiskie, he comes from good stock and brings a work ethic that will ensure his success at the next level. Look for Robiskie to acclimate to the NFL before many other players. Though he is not among the elite now, if Brady Quinn can develop a good chemistry, he could surpass all expectations.

Talented, Yet Still Available

In dynasty keeper leagues, these guys are probably gone, but if you are in a league that cuts roster significantly each season, or the other teams in your league think Ocho Cinco is a team mascot, these guys could be available for pick up or trade.

Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago Bears: If you’re looking for a stud in 2009, Bennett may not be the guy. If you're looking for someone to snag with huge upside for the future, this could be your man.

Drafted in the 3rd Round in 2008 by the Bears, he left Vanderbilt as the all-time SEC leader with 231 receptions. A very polished route runner with great hands, Bennett is not flashy, he’s just highly productive. Though he didn’t catch a single ball last season as he spent his time on the sidelines, he could end up being the Bears' most valuable wide out going into 2009.

Why, because newly acquired QB Jay Cutler just happened to throw to Bennett at Vanderbilt. This could sky rocket this receiver’s value if he gets the nod and Cutler and him can rediscover the chemistry they had in college. On a new team, and a new offense, Cutler could very well look to the player he trusts and is most comfortable with. Keep an eye on mini camp, but if Cutler thrives in Chicago, expect Bennett to as well. 

Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens: With a Heisman winning QB throwing to him at Oklahoma, Clayton was impressive, smashing several school records during his stay. Drafted 22nd overall by the Ravens in 2005, his first year was a disappointment due to injuries and the two years after that his play suffered from uninspiring performances from team quarterbacks Steve McNair and Kyle Boller.

Each season though, Clayton has progressively gotten better. In 2008, rookie QB Joe Flacco came in and though he didn’t post huge numbers, Clayton started to really show flashes of his true talent. Considering Clayton’s rookie year was hampered by injuries, 2009 could be considered his true third year, the time when young wide outs start to play to their potential. If you’re looking for a receiver ready to break out, Clayton is poised and ready to go.

If Flacco can step up his game, there is nothing keeping Clayton from being the teams number one receiver, especially since 2009 is also a contract year for Clayton. 

Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints: During the offseason, Moore suffered a dislocated shoulder lifting weights. Word is he’ll be ready for training camp, but many owners may be weary. Use this to your advantage and pick him up.

Given the chance to play a bigger role on New Orleans offense in 2008, Moore shocked everyone with 70 catches for 928 yards and 10 TDs. Having one of the league’s best quarterbacks throwing to you helps, and he should go into the 2009 season as Bree’s number two wide receiver.

The reason Moore’s playing time increased in 2008 was due to an injury to the team’s number one wide out Marques Colston. The injury required micro-fracture surgery, which depending on how serious it was could hinder Colston going forward. Assuming Colston is healthy and returns for the start of the season as expected, Moore has solidified himself as a dependable weapon on the Saints high powered offense and could still meet if not exceed his numbers from last year if given the opportunity.

Oh and did I mention, he is in a contract year? Look for big things from Moore in 2009.