Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

This is the third part of a weekly series that will analyze the fantasy football impact of the 2009 rookie class. This week, we’re going to examine the notable freshmen WIDE RECEIVERS. This year’s NFL Draft was definitely the Year of the Wide Receiver as six WRs were drafted in the first round. As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Darrius Heyward-Bey -1st Round, 7th Overall - Oakland Raiders

Scouting Report: Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Heyward-Bey is probably the fastest WR in this draft class. He ran a Combine best 4.3 40 yard dash and, in watching him at Maryland, that speed is evident on the field. In addition to gamebreaking speed, DHB (at 6-2, 210 lbs.) is also a big WR. Heyward-Bey hast tremendous leaping ability and can definitely be labeled explosive. With size and speed, Heyward-Bey definitely has the physical tools to become a top notch NFL WR. He does have some question marks, however. DHB is raw and has below average hands. His route running and blocking skills also leave quite a bit to be desired. That being said, he was the first WR drafted this season because of his physical gifts and potential. I had a difficult time understanding why everyone was so surprised on Draft Day when the Raiders took DHB and not Michael Crabtree with the 7th overall pick. Al Davis treasures speed above all else, and Heyward-Bey has speed to burn.

2009 Fantasy Outlook: Despite being in Oakland, Heyward-Bey actually finds himself in a decent situation. He’s probably going to be a starter from Day One and, since expectations are low in Oakland for the foreseeable future, DHB won’t have to deal with a ton of pressure as he learns the ropes. Heyward-Bey is also joining an up and coming offense featuring two other incredibly talented, high first round draft picks in JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden. That being said, it is incredibly difficult for WRs to make an impact as rookies. Heyward-Bey will have the opportunity to make an impact this season, but it’s probably going to be a roller coaster. Despite that, I still think DHB has quite a bit of value this season. He’s not the first rookie WR I’d draft this year, but he’s not far behind. Definitely a late round pick with upside.

Keeper League Outlook: I am actually quite high on Heyward-Bey and, though it kills me to say it, I think Al Davis may have got this one right. Heyward-Bey wasn’t a monster in college like Crabtree, but there are a slew of elite WRs in the NFL right now who didn’t put up eye-popping numbers in college. I’m not convinced that Heyward-Bey will be the best WR from this draft class, but he’s definitely on the short list of possibilities. With Russell, McFadden, and now Heyward-Bey, the future actually looks quite promising in Oakland. DHB should play a prominent role in that future. He’s definitely worth a look in nearly every keeper and dynasty league.

Michael Crabtree - 1st Round, 10th Overall - San Francisco 49ers

Scouting Report: Crabtree was widely considered to be the best overall and most polished WR in this draft class. Conversely, he’s also the biggest diva and head case. At 6-1, 212 lbs., Crabtree is slightly above average from a size perspective. He’s not exceptionally fast (4.55 40 yard dash in workouts) and he’s not an explosive WR. He is, however, better after the catch than most people give him credit for and he excels at catching the ball in traffic. Crabtree posted gaudy numbers at Texas Tech, but many people credit the system more than the personnel. Crabtree is a prototypical possession receiver with attitude and baggage. In short, he’s Keyshawn Johnson.

2009 Fantasy Outlook: This is where things get a bit fuzzy. In addition to coming off a major foot injury, Crabtree remains unsigned and missing from 49ers Training Camp. Apparently, the two sides aren’t even remotely close to a deal and Crabtree has even mentioned the possibility of sitting out the season and re-entering the NFL Draft next year. While I don’t think that’s going to happen, my gut tells me that Crabtree will not yet be signed when San Francisco opens the regular season at Arizona on September 13th. It is difficult enough for rookie WRs to make an impact when they’re in camp on time. With this prolonged holdout, it will be nearly impossible for Crabtree to be a fantasy football factor this season.

Keeper League Outlook: Needless to say, I am far from sold on Crabtree. He is simply a possession receiver and comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald are ridiculous to say the least. Keyshawn Johnson is the best comparison, though Cris Carter would be a good one as well. Crabtree definitely has value in keeper and dynasty leagues because (if he ever signs) he will be the go to guy in San Fran. His skill set will make him particularly valuable in PPR leagues and leagues where yardage is insignificant in comparison to touchdowns. I just don’t think his ability matches his hype. In other words, his ego is writing checks his skills can’t cash.

Jeremy Maclin - 1st Round, 19th Overall - Philadelphia Eagles

Scouting Report: Andy Reid absolutely loves Maclin and traded up two spots in the first round to draft him. At 6 ft., 197 lbs., Maclin has average size and slightly above average speed (4.48 40 yard dash at The Combine). Despite that, Maclin is a very talented and well rounded WR. He’s probably the most physical WR in this draft class and has displayed explosiveness off the line and after the catch. Maclin is tough and excellent when catching the ball in traffic. He has great hands, though he’s not the best route runner. He’s a dynamic, natural pass catcher with the potential to be an elite WR in the near future.

2009 Fantasy Outlook: Maclin should see action this season as Philadelphia’s No. 3 WR behind DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis. Andy Reid’s offense is well known for being an aerial focused attack that utilizes numerous receivers. This is both good and bad for fantasy football owners as more receivers get a piece of the action, but very few put up substantial numbers. The offense is also quite complex so it may take Maclin longer to make an impact than some other WRs in this draft class. So, Maclin’s upside is a bit limited this season, but he’s definitely worth a late round pick in most leagues.

Keeper League Outlook: Maclin has the potential to be an elite WR in the NFL. He’s in a tremendous situation in Philadelphia’s pass friendly offense and has a strong supporting cast. The only long term question for Maclin is who he will be catching passes from in a few seasons. Maclin has a lot of long term upside and is definitely worth a keeper and dynasty league roster spot.

Percy Harvin - 1st Round, 22nd Overall - Minnesota Vikings

Scouting Report: The first words you hear when people talk about Harvin are: playmaker, explosive, and electric. All are true. Many feel that Harvin may be the most dynamic player in this draft regardless of position. At 5-11, 190 lbs., Harvin has slightly below average size but has gamebreaking speed (4.37 40 yard dash at The Combine). Harvin is a tremendous athlete whose athleticism gives him the versatility to play a number of positions. That being said, there are some potential red flags. Harvin’s history of drug use and unprofessional conduct caused him to fall to 22nd overall, when most teams thought he was a top 10 talent. He’s also very raw and his route running needs a lot of work. Harvin is the quintessential boom or bust pick and comparisons to Steve Smith are fairly accurate.

2009 Fantasy Outlook: It’s difficult to project the type of rookie season Harvin could have. His versatility will allow him to be on the field in numerous facets, but that also puts his reliability and consistency in question. Given his upside and physical gifts, I would not hesitate to make him the first rookie WR taken in fantasy football drafts. He’s going to be on the field in what projects to be a solid offense and he will get opportunities to show his gamebreaking skills.

Keeper League Outlook: As stated earlier, Harvin is the ultimate boom or bust pick. He could become a special player or he could continue his off the field antics and spend more time suspended than playing. His abilities and potential, however, make the reward worth far more than the risk. He should be drafted in nearly every keeper and dynasty league and those owners who do draft him should just hope that he grows and matures as he learns the ropes as a NFL football player.

Hakeem Nicks - 1st Round, 29th Overall - New York Giants

Scouting Report: At 6-1, 215 lbs., Nicks is a big receiver with average speed (4.5 40 yard dash at The Combine). Unlike his peers in this draft class, Nicks has incredible hands and impressive route running ability. He’s a tough, physical, and polished WR who, at times, makes the tough catch look easy. He’s an instinctive player and scouts rave about his intangibles. He’s a very well rounded receiver whose only question mark is his speed and quickness.

2009 Fantasy Outlook: With Plaxico Burress in prison, Nicks will have the opportunity to see a lot of action this season. The Giants are incredibly thin and weak at WR and Nicks may be the most NFL ready WR in this draft class. He is definitely worth a roster spot this season and could easily be the rookie WR who makes the biggest impact this season. He doesn’t have the upside that Harvin does, but he doesn’t come with the risks either.

Keeper League Outlook: Nicks is the first piece of the Giants rebuilding efforts at WR. With Eli Manning under contract for the foreseeable future, Nicks will have a solid QB and the comfort of continuity. He should be drafted in all keeper and dynasty leagues as he could easily inherit Burress’ spot as Eli’s go to WR.

Kenny Britt - 1st Round, 30th Overall - Tennessee Titans

Scouting Report: At 6-3, 218 lbs., Britt was the biggest WR taken in the first round. He’s a tough, physical WR, though he doesn’t possess great speed (4.5 40 yard dash at The Combine). Britt has long arms and knows how to use his body to his advantage. He’s a strong, aggressive receiver who’s not afraid to go across the middle. He’s a decent route runner, but doesn’t have great hands. Britt is an excellent blocker and is better after the catch than most people give him credit for. Questions surrounding Britt’s work ethic, concentration, and attitude nearly caused him to fall out of the first round .

2009 Fantasy Outlook: Britt finds himself in an ideal situation in Tennessee. Though the Titans don’t throw the ball much, Britt may be the most talented WR the Titans have. With Nate Washington banged up, Britt has been working with the first team and could solidify a starting spot should he start the season off strong. Britt is definitely worth a late round pick in most fantasy football leagues this season.

Keeper League Outlook: Though Britt has a lot of physical talent and potential, his upside is somewhat limited by playing in a run heavy offense that lacks a productive QB. Because of that, he should be a solid possession WR, but not one who will be elite or special. He’s worth a roster spot in keeper leagues and dynasty leagues, but clearly doesn’t have the upside of Heyward-Bey, Maclin, Harvin, and Nicks.

Brian Robiskie - 2nd Round, 36th Overall - Cleveland Browns

Scouting Report: At 6-3, 209 lbs., Robiskie is a big WR with average speed (4.51 40 yard dash at The Combine) and quickness. He has excellent hands and impressive route running ability. He’s a very smart, hard working WR who is tough and isn’t afraid to go across the middle. Robiskie is a very dependable WR who has a knack for getting open. Robiskie has mediocre blocking skills and leaves a lot to be desired after the catch. He makes the tough catches, but isn’t explosive. Robiskie may have the best intangibles of all the WRs in this draft class.

2009 Fantasy Outlook: Robiskie is an intriguing option this season. He should be able to get on the field given Cleveland’s lack of depth and talent at WR. While the Browns certainly don’t project to have a powerhouse offense, Robiskie would have a good deal of value if he were the starter opposite Braylon Edwards. He’s probably worth a late round flier in deeper (14 and 16 team) fantasy football leagues.

Keeper League Outlook: Robiskie has very limited long term upside. Robiskie projects as a possession WR and not a #1, go to guy. He has some value in deep PPR keeper and dynasty leagues.

Past Rookie Reports:  QB | RB | WR | TE

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Remember to check back next Friday as we’ll finish the Fantasy Football Rookie Report by taking a look at the freshmen TE class. If you have any fantasy football questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).