Rookie Wideouts Fantasy Analysis: AJ Green Tops List

The 2011 NFL Draft output a good quality in receiving corp. Good, but not great, and not as promising as the RB class. However, one’s scale in judgment of drafting would change in a PPR-format league.

For example, if I were in a skeptical choice of either RB Roy Helu (WAS) vs. A.J. Green (CIN), I’d take A.J. Green in a heartbeat. More so, if you happened to be in a PPR-format keeper league, then I’d even go as far as grabbing Green over RB Felix Jones (DAL).

Yet I digress, so I’ll further go on to give a brief fantasy analysis of the notable rookie wideouts that are now officially part of the most popular sport in our nation.

1. A.J. Green (CIN)- The 23 year old, 6’4” rookie can flat out play. His freakishly long arms and huge hands literally nab the ball from anywhere in the air. He’s an excellent go-up and get-it type of receiver. Calvin Johnson-esque, more or less. Although he’s only coming into the professional level after his junior year, he still has plenty of experience at Georgia, who also played a pro-style offense. Green is going to be the No. 1 WR at Cincinnati, with Jerome Simpson most likely trailing as the No. 2. Don’t be so arrogant to think you can wait on Green. You aren’t in a 4-team league; at least eight people in a twelve-team league will value A.J. Green highly, and all twelve people if it’s a keeper league as well. Do not wait too long on him or else he will be on the high potential roster of someone else’s team.

2. Julio Jones (ATL)- I’m a bit stuck between Jones and Green to be honest. Well, not really. I’d still take Green over Jones- but still; they are both very close to putting up similar numbers. Although Green may hold more talent and gifted skill, Julio Jones is still a prolific player in his position. He has a top three WR opposite of him to help ease his way into the pros, since White will be taking away the pressure from Jones and vice-versa, whereas Green will struggle against quality No. 1 corners. Julio Jones is a true grinder, and a genuinely hard working wideout that would go 100% at all times. He’ll play through menial, or even moderate injuries, such as still running a 4.39 40-yard dash with a fractured foot- now that’s candid work ethic.

3. Torrey Smith (BAL)- Joe Flacco won’t have to be throwing to senior citizen types all the time anymore. The 6’1” 22 year old Torrey Smith gives Joe Flacco something he has been in need of desperately: a deep threat. Torrey Smith’s speed classifies him as a speed WR, such as Mike Wallace, Desean Jackson, or Johnny Knox. However, the thing about these receivers can be hit or miss, especially in their first few years. But with Derrick Mason packing his things to move to New Jersey to play for the Jets, opens up a No. 2 receiving spot for Torrey Smith, behind Anquan Boldin. A dynamic receiving corps is one that usually succeeds. Boldin will be the possession, yards after the catch receiver whereas Smith will fill the role of a burner, fitting between seams and being a deep threat with good potential. He’s a good dynasty league option, but still a late round flyer at that.

4. Greg Little (CLE)- Greg Little is landing himself into an extremely opportunistic situation. The Browns have decided to switch to the West Coast Offense and that scheme will be in need of proficient playmakers outside the hash marks, along with sly slot receivers able to split the small seams and split through tight coverage. I’ll take Greg Little over a still unproven Brian Robiskie and an injury ailed Mohammed Massaquoi. Cleveland will have up to four wideouts on the field at times, thus the worst possible situation for the 6’3” Little is he gets that fourth spot, which is doubtful, considering he’d probably beat out all the other receivers. Grab him if you see him later, he will likely be undervalued in many leagues.

5. Jonathan Baldwin (KC)- The 6’4” 21 year old rookie could be the help Dwayne Bowe has been waiting for, and he’ll need it, especially after last year’s outbreak. Numbers like 15 touchdowns scream double or triple coverage. Hopefully Jonathan Baldwin will be able to take advantage of defensive attention focused opposite of him, and utilize his talent and size for some reception yards and touchdowns. Unfortunately, Baldwin will be trying to fit into an offense that already has augmented Dwayne Bowe, Tony Moeaki, Jamaal Charles, who by the way is sitting on a possible career year, and Thomas jones into Kansas City’s offense. When Baldwin does become a part of that offense, he will further have to compete for attention of the OC to stay up on the depth chart. Draft him if you can grab him late. His upside is still better than good.

6. Leonard Hankerson (WAS)- Even though Santana Moss resigned, Hankerson might be a player to draft with confidence. The reason the Redskins drafted Leonard Hankerson was because the receiving corps was abysmal after Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong. The 6’3” physical specimen happens to be a burner, and that straightaway speed is one of the essential reasons that allowed him to set records at the U for receptions, yards, can it get better? It can- and touchdowns. The Redskins will most likely have no choice but to get Hankerson involved early with their WR conflictions. Keep an eye on him during training camp because if he does well in that timeframe, he will surely be a productive rookie wideout.

7. Titus Young (DET)- The Lions desperately needed a slot receiver after a sorry 2010 performance from Bryant Johnson (the Johnson pretender). Thus, Detroit decided to use their 2^nd round pick on Boise State WR Titus Young. Although he’s only 5’11”, a short height for receivers, he holds great speed and could fit in extremely well in Detroit. So long as Matt Stafford stays healthy, Young will deem more than satisfactory as a No. 3 or 4 WR on your fantasy depth chart. In Detroit’s offense, Titus Young will be able to be a short-catch type of the guy with the speed and agility to accumulate his total yardage, and even the occasional deep threat with a speed that allows him to slip past undisciplined or risk-taking defensive backs.

It’s difficult for rookie wideouts to have a productive year their 1^st season coming in, so tread carefully. If you’re in a keeper league, try to draft them with low-round or decent value. But always beware of the risk each one may hold and the potential of their future. Draft at your own risk.