Fantasy Football: Welcome to Fantasy Relevance Donnie Avery

After patiently awaiting his turn to start, Avery is now blessed with the opportunity to.

Last year was Avery's rookie season. After spending his collegiate career at the University of Houston, Avery was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Last season, Avery put together a respectful rookie campaign managing 674 yards on 53 receptions while also snagging three touchdowns.  He also rushed the ball 10 times for 69 yards and a score.

While those totals may seem a bit minuscule, remember that he was playing in the shadow of more heralded wideout Torry Holt.  Holt commanded more receptions, and thus accumulated more stats seeing as though he was quarterback Marc Bulger's main target.

Now with Holt gone to the Jacksonville Jaguars, (being the by-product of free agency), Avery will assume the role of top target for QB Bulger.

As an old man, Holt collected 64 receptions, so there's no reason why young gun Avery can't improve upon not only his, but also those numbers as well.

Based on Avery's 12.7 yards per catch average, an extra 25 receptions would equate to another 318 yards.  At the frequency of how often he scored a touchdown, those same 25 receptions would equal another touchdown or two. 

Now tack on those numbers to his 2008 totals this is how Avery's projection rolls out: 77 receptions, 992 yards, and 4-5 total touchdowns.

Those are phenomenal statistics to have considering he is going in the middle-end of the seventh round in fantasy mock drafts so far.

And there is one more "pro" so-to-speak in Avery's repertoire.

And his name is Steven Jackson.

Jackson will force eight defenders in the box, given his talent, and as a result will open up the passing lanes for Avery to do his thing, (in simple terms get open).

There is much pointing in favor for Avery to experience a breakout year this upcoming season; can you afford not to take apart of the hype?