Sports
T.O's fantasy minute
Tyler Ohmann
08/20/2013
There is a definitely a few tiers of wide receivers this seasons. In my mind there are three pretty obvious tiers: the top tier or “stud” tier, the middle or “starter” tier and the final or “rest of ‘em” tier.
As far as the draft goes, while it would be nice to get one of the stud receivers (Calvin Johnson, Marshall, Julio Jones, Bryant or Green), if my recommendation of drafting running backs in the first two rounds, those guys won’t be available anymore.
That means a pair or trio of starter tier receivers would be the target, and there should be a strong chance they will be there. The starter tier is pretty big, and there are a few of the rest of ‘em that could be impactful as well.
Without further ado, the wide receiver rankings for 2013:
1. Calvin Johnson (Lions): Duh.
2. Brandon Marshall (Bears): Jay Cutler loves Marshall. He threw it to him a lot last season (194 times to be precise, tied for second-most in the NFL). With Matt Forte back to help relieve some of the pressure off of Cutler it could be great for Marshall as well.
3. Dez Bryant (Cowboys): His talent and situation are major positives for Bryant this season. He had a very strong year last year and I expect him to take another step forward in 2013. I’m thinking 1,500 or more yards and 12-15 touchdowns this season.
4. A.J Green (Bengals): Although inconsistent, Green is probably the player that is most likely to explode for a huge week, which can be the fuel to bring home a win against a tough opponent.
5. Julio Jones (Falcons): A tremendously talented wide out on a team that passes a lot, Jones should have a really good year this year. Much like Green he has a great chance to carry a team on any given week.
6. Randall Cobb (Packers): Now the number one target for the talented Aaron Rodgers Cobb has a great chance to have a breakout season. Chances are also that James Jones won’t get 14 touchdowns this season, and I’m guessing some of those will head Cobb’s way.
7. Roddy White (Falcons): In the waning years of his prime White is still a big target for Matt Ryan, and production should be steady or maybe just a bit less than in years past.
8. Vincent Jackson (Buccaneers): Had a strong 2012 season, and with a year to get better acquainted with his new team and quarterback, Jackson will put up even bigger numbers this year. I think 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns is very possible.
9. Victor Cruz (Giants): The top threat for Eli Manning and the most talented receiver on the Giants’ roster, makes Cruz a top-10 wideout in 2013. Will he duplicate his breakout 2011 season, probably not. However, a more likely finish would be near his 2012 season with about 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
10. Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs): It will be a bounce back season for Bowe. The additions of coach Andy Reid and Alex Smith will benefit Bowe the most out of any receiver in the league. I really like him this season.
11. Andre Johnson
12. Pierre Garcon
13. Antonio Brown
14. Marques Colston
15. Larry Fitzgerald
16. Hakeem Nicks
17. Eric Decker
18. Jordy Nelson
19. Reggie Wayne
20. Mike Williams
21. Torrey Smith
22. Mike Wallace
23. Wes Welker
24. Danny Amendola
25. Tavon Austin
Next week will be the best of the rest (tight end, kicker, defense). I hope today’s rankings help. Remember to always be ready to adapt, because draft days are unpredictable. Every league has one (or more) of those guys who make picks that make the rest of the league scratch their heads.