An Early Look at 2006 Fantasy Football WR Sleepers

It’s time to start preparing for fantasy football. In my opinion it is
important to find as many sleepers as you can. Through out the season you
will need as much depth as you can whether it is because of a bye week or
injuries.

I believe that in your first 2 picks you should take running backs
because there are only so many running backs that handle a full load. For
example Green Bay, San Fran, New Orleans, Chicago, Tennessee, Dallas,
Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Denver, Jacksonville, Carolina each of these teams
have questions at running back such as: Who’s going to be the starter? Will
it be a running back committee? Will the starter make it through the year?
You should take at least 2 running backs somewhere between rounds 1-3
(probably even a 3’rd running back between rounds 4-8).

As for quarterbacks there only a few quarterbacks that separate
themselves from the rest. A lot of quarterbacks are unpredictable from week
to week. Also some teams prefer to run the ball than pass. It is important
however to have to good/decent quarterbacks. You should probably take 1
somewhere between rounds 4-8.

There are only so many tight ends that are productive week-in and
week-out. Therefore you shouldn’t wait until late in the draft to take one.
You should probably take one somewhere between rounds 4-7.

There are always sleepers at wide receiver. The more sleeper wide
receivers you can find; the more you use higher picks for more established
players throughout your roster. Therefore I am going to list some sleeper
wide receivers and them a grade from 1-3.

A safe bet to put up decent to good numbers.
Has the opportunity to put up decent numbers.
Will have to prove himself in preseason and move up in the depth
chart, but does have the ability.

(2) Mark Clayton – Baltimore – This will only be his 2nd season, but the
opportunity is there. Showed he has the ability late last season and will
be the 3rd option in the passing game. The problem is that he will be
fighting to get enough looks. If he gets enough looks and makes the most of
them he could be productive.

(2) Bernard Berrian – Chicago – This will be his 3rd season. A lot of wide
receivers blossom in their 3rd or 4th year. He came on late last season and
showed his playmaking ability. He could end up with better numbers than
Muhsin Muhammad. He will have Rex Grossman or Brian Griese throwing him the
ball and would face single coverage. He has improved each year and should
have a breakout year. He is currently the other starting receiver and
should beat out Mark Bradley due to having more experience at the position.

(2) Mark Bradley – Chicago – This will be his 2nd season. He was having a
breakout game last season until he got hurt. Could have a big season if he
beats Bernard Berrian out of the starting spot.

(2) Drew Bennett – Tennessee – This will be his 6th season. There are a
lot of young receivers on the team competing for the starting spot, but if
he keeps his position as the #1 receiver than he should have a good year.
He never had a good repore with Steve McNair, but posted good numbers when
Billy Volek was at the helm.

(1) Isaac Bruce – St. Louis – He is entering his 13th year. Yes he’s
getting older but still plays hard. He has the ability to post solid
numbers. As long, as he stays healthy and keeps his #2 spot.

(1) Ernest Wilford – Jacksonville – This is his 3rd season. Has emerged as
a tall red zone target. He earned a starting position during the season
last year and performed well. With Jimmy Smith retiring this off-season
Matt Jones will step into the number 1 wide receiver slot and more than
likely will get doubled teamed more often while Ernest Wilford will not see
to many double teams. Ernest Wilford will post the best numbers this year
for Jacksonville.

(1) Michael Clayton – Tampa Bay – Another 3rd year wide receiver. Has shown
the talent and production in his first year. Now that he is healthy he
could have a highly productive season. Plus he probably won’t see a lot of
double teams.

(3) David Boston - Tampa Bay – Now entering his 8th season. He has had
productive seasons when he stays healthy and doesn’t get into trouble.
Should go undrafted in most leagues if not all. See how does in preseason
and if he moves up the depth chart.

(2) Samie Parker – Kansas City – Another 3rd year wide receiver. Started
to come on late in the season. Should have a productive season. Will be
fighting for looks, as he is the third option in the passing game.

(3) Vincent Jackson – San Diego – He is entering his 2nd season this year.
He didn’t get a chance to play much last year but could see more playing
time this year. He hasn’t been able to prove himself yet and will need to
move up the depth chart in order to receive enough playing time to make a
difference. See how he does in preseason and if he moves up the depth
chart. Should go undrafted or a late round choice in most drafts.

(2) Scottie Vines – Detroit - Another 3rd year wide receiver. Received
extended playing time last year and made the most of it. Now with pass
happy Mike Martz calling the play he could have a very productive season
if he retains the #2 spot.

(1) Koren Robinson – Minnesota – Now entering his 6th season. Remember that
he was a high 1st round pick showed he could produce but was never
consistent, couldn’t focus, and had legal problems. Since he was cut and no
team was looking at him or cared; it may have been a wake up call to him.
Minnesota gave him a chance and he seems to be taking advantage of it.
Since then he has gotten help and stayed out of trouble and seems to be
more focused. Now he will be the #1 WR and as long as Brad Johnson stays
healthy he should put up good numbers.

(2) Greg Jennings – Green Bay – Rookie year. He is probably the only rookie
to have a chance to put up decent numbers. Due to the lack of quality wide
receivers on the team he could crack the starting line up. You could pick
him up as a late round pick and possibly get decent numbers from him.

It's a long seaon so depth is important. Good luck to all this year.