Top 5 Fantasy Rookie Wide Receivers

While rookie wide receivers don’t generally garner the same attention as rookie running backs do (click here to view our Top Five Rookie Running Backs), that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a few useful fantasy options among them.  Let’s take a look at my top five for 2009:

1. Michael Crabtree—San Francisco 49ers

Some believed he was the best talent in the draft, let alone the best wide receiver. He fell to 10th overall, though, where the 49ers were more than willing to quickly grab him. Maybe it was the reported fracture in his foot that scared teams away, but whatever the reason, the team was handed a major gift.

While it's still unsettled as to who will man the QB position, either Shaun Hill or Alex Smith will benefit from having the 6′1″ receiver on the outside. With Josh Morgan and Isaac Bruce his only real competition for playing time, Crabtree should walk into San Francisco as a starting WR (assuming he ultimately signs).

At Texas Tech, he had 231 catches, 3,127 yards and 41 TD in just two college seasons. Last season, he has just two games of five catches, his lowest totals of the season, and scored a TD in all but two games. 

Those lofty numbers are obviously not going to happen, especially on a team that has been somewhat offensively inept in recent years (ranking 23rd in yards per game last season). He will, however, provide a boost and should put up solid numbers for owners in all formats.

2. Jeremy Maclin—Philadelphia Eagles

He enters as the likely third receiver for the Eagles, but has the most dependable QB to rely on of anyone on this list. That will go a long way to help him post productive numbers in his rookie campaign.

Concerns over the health of Kevin Curtis could also play a factor. He suffered from a sports hernia in the offseason, and is slightly hobbled by a leg contusion. While that’s not a major injury, anything that keeps him off the field will help Maclin gain experience and comfort in the offense.

3. Brian Robiskie—Cleveland Browns

A second-round draft pick, Robiskie’s value shouldn’t just be known as the son of former NFL player/coach Terry Robiskie. On nfl.com at the time of the combine, they said, “While Brian Robiskie has the reliable route-running and hands one might expect considering his father’s tutelage, he has built his own reputation as a surprisingly fluid athlete for a prospect of his size.”

At 6′3″ and 209 lbs., he’s a non-first round pick with a rare opportunity to walk into training camp and gain a starting job. You pretty much have Braylon Edwards, then everyone else. While they have veterans like David Patten & Josh Cribbs who could win the job, those two had a grand total of 13 catches last season.  Robiskie is going to get an opportunity and certainly could make the most of it.

4. Percy Harvin—Minnesota Vikings

His value could lie on his ability to add a new wrinkle to a Vikings offense that is unsure what they are going to get out of the QB position. Over three college seasons, he rushed for 1,851 yards. That's not far off from the 1,929 yards he had through the air.

That ability is going to help him not only force his way into the line-up, but have some plays in the playbook designed specifically for him. That could go a long way into giving him value, though it may not be enough for him to make a fantasy impact this season.

5. Hakeem Nicks—New York Giants

There’s a huge hole in the Giants offense, thanks to the departure of Plaxico Burress, but there’s a long list of guys who join Nicks in pursuit of a major role. Dominik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and Sinorice Moss all will get a chance, and could share playing time throughout the season.

He has the potential to really emerge from that group and make an impact. At the same time, with so much competition for a spot, there’s the risk that he ultimately does little this season.

Honorable Mention—Kenny Britt, Darius Heyward-Bey

What do you think of these rookies? Who do you think will have the biggest impact in 2009?

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