Receivers from 2006 provide strong fantasy options

By Neal Coolong  |   Wednesday, July 09, 2008  |  Comments( 8 )

Fantasy Football
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The generally accepted theory on wide receivers is that they are due a breakout season in their third year in the NFL.

The best receivers of the 2006 draft seem to be at least somewhat the exception to that rule, certainly when it comes to fantasy football.

While it's easy to point to Dallas' Terrell Owens, New England's Randy Moss, Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne or Cleveland's Braylon Edwards as the best fantasy wideouts, the 2006 draft class of receivers has produced some outstanding second-tier options.

Second-tier in 2008 could equal first-round production this fantasy season.

The Saints saved Marques Colston from Mr. Irrelevant status by taking him with the 252nd overall pick in 2006. He's responded with 168 catches and 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Pittsburgh took Santonio Holmes 25th, making him the first receiver selected in 2006. He led the NFL in yards per catch last season (18.1) and racked up 942 yards receiving, also catching seven touchdowns in 13 games. For the first time since 2000, a Steeler not named Hines Ward led the team in receiving yards.

Denver grabbed Central Florida's Brandon Marshall in the fourth round of that same year, and he broke out last season with 102 catches (fifth in the NFL), 1,325 yards (sixth in the league) and seven touchdowns. Meanwhile, Green Bay scooped up Greg Jennings in the second round, and he had 12 touchdowns in 13 games last season.

While it'd be a stretch to put those four ahead of Owens, Moss, Wayne or Edwards, the former are some pretty strong candidates to sneak their way into the top 10 at their position. Marshall has had some legal troubles recently, and he suffered a serious arm injury this offseason; however, all reports indicate he should be able to play come training camp. Outside of a few minor injuries to Jennings, Colston and Holmes in 2007, and (possibly) a new quarterback for Jennings, it's a strong bet that no fantasy owner is going to be disappointed in grabbing any of this second-tier four by the third round.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one...
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