FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT KIT

Johnson has received full medical clearance after undergoing arthroscopic ankle surgery and he claims to be completely healed. Johnson battled the ankle problem almost the entire 2010 season and still ended with 86 catches for 1216 yards and 8 scores. The two seasons before, Johnson totaled over 1500 receiving yards so expect a nice bounce back.

Megatron has survived Detroit's quarterback carousel--thrived, even, with monster seasons two of the past three years. The key is that Lions' QBs know they can throw the ball in Johnson's vicinity and he'll go get it. A couple of additional weapons in the Detroit arsenal and a full season of Matthew Stafford could be what it takes to push Calvin to the top of the fantasy receiver heap.

White comes off a career best in catches (115) and yards (1389) and has scored 10+ times in each of the last two years. He is at his prime now and is the main target for the quickly improving Matt Ryan. The addition of the rookie Julio Jones should not detract much from White who will get the benefit of Tony Gonzalez's decline anyway. This could be yet another record year.

Jackson signed his one-year tender for $11.3 million so he still has a big future pay day to work towards. This should be a career year for Jackson who will be motivated and able to build upon his last full season - 68-1167-9 in 2009. If Gates proves at all hampered again this year, the benefit goes mostly to Jackson in addition to being the clear #1 wideout.

Perhaps the premier deep threat in the NFL, Wallace used a pair of three-game 100-yard streaks to burst past Hines Ward as Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target. At 20 yards a catch, and with Big Ben able to keep plays alive and look downfield, Wallace has extra value in leagues where TD length matters.

Austin dropped back last year to only 1041 yards and 7 scores but much of that was related to the inability of Jon Kitna to connect with him. Austin opened last year with 140+ yards in three of the first four games. Dez Bryant should help Austin avoid the intense coverage of last year and Romo is back.

Hicks already had a breakout season last year when he scored 11 times and ended with 1052 yards but those totals could be challenged once again thanks to Steve Smith leaving the team. Nicks also suffered from leg, ankle and toe injuries last season but is completely healed. This is his third year and should see yet another nice increase in production.

Fitzgerald showed what a truly elite receiver he was when last year ended with 90 catches for 1137 yards and six scores despite there being almost no quarterback in Arizona and little else to worry defenses. That made four straight seasons of 90+ catches and his first with less than 10 touchdowns since 2006. Kolb still has to gain chemistry with him but there is no question what the first read will always be. This will be a better offense than last year - at least marginally.

Williams only needed one season to breakout as the primary wideout in Tampa Bay. He fell to the 4.03 pick because his attitude scared away teams but apparently they were all wrong about the Syracuse star. Williams scored 11 times and had 964 yards on 65 catches which had not been known to be possible in Tampa Bay until now. Williams hits his second season and should only get better.

The concern is that much of Jenning's monster season is due to Jermichael Finley's absence from the lineup; indeed, 62-1,082-9 came in the 11 games following Finley's season-ending injury. Regardless, he's the top wideout for one of the league's premier passing offenses, and anything Finley takes away Jennings is likely to add back due to Donald Driver's declining skills and the still- developing games of Jordy Nelson and James Jones.

Lloyd became one of only three players ever to record their first 1200 yard season after seven years in the league. Now there is a late bloomer. Lloyd won't repeat his tremendous 2010 season but he may be a good value in fantasy drafts if others are scared of the new offense in Denver that vows to run more and throw less. The good part - Kyle Orton is still the starting QB and you know where he likes to throw.

(+Upside) Marshall was stabbed by his wife in April as so often is the case in the offseason, but the case is not being pursued by the law so Marshall is free again until his next transgression. And yet - he has been diagnosed as having a "personality disorder" and has been getting treatment and therapy. The sky is the limit for the talented wideout if his head stopped getting in his way. Marshall did not work out with teammates in the offseason and was healing his knife wounds anyway. He's always a slight risk to get hurt or in trouble but then again he still gained 1014 yards in 14 games last year that included four efforts over 100 yards. He has chemistry with Henne already but will learn the new offense in camp. If his treatment helps his attitude - Marshall could have a big year.

Jackson is in the final year of his rookie contract and is woefully underpaid at $565,000 this season. He has averaged around 1000 yards every season and last season totaled 1056 on only 47 catches for a 22.5 YPC average. He is holding out and wants top ten money - he is likely worth it. He's also added a rushing score in each season as well. Assuming that his holdout does not linger into the season, Jackson missing a few weeks won't interfere with his preparedness. Jackson only had two efforts over 100 yards in his final 12 games last year and caught just five scores from Vick.

08-09-11 Update: Jackson showed up for camp to prevent losing a year towards free agency.

Bowe had a break out year in 2010 when he ended with 72-1162 and scored 15 touchdowns but he did that in a maddening manner. Four of his five 100+ yard games came in a seven game stretch in the middle of the season when he also scored 13 times. His final six games had only one touchdown and just one game over 70 yards. He was feast or famine and had three games of less than ten yards in those final six weeks. He'll face a much tougher slate of games this season though and he should have to share more with Steve Breaston and the rookie Jonathan Baldwin now on the team. Bowe has the big game ability to be sure, he still needs consistency to warrant being an elite receiver.

Johnson was one of the biggest sleepers last year when he had a third-year breakout of 82 catches for 1073 yards and ten touchdowns. That was an upgrade to the two catches total for 2009. Johnson enters his second season in the scheme as the clear #1 receiver and preferred target for Ryan Fitzgerald. He had almost as many yards and scores as the combined total of all wideouts for the team.

At the age of 33, Wayne would seem ripe for a downturn and 2010 saw him with one of his lowest YPC (12.2) of his career. Then again, he caught a career best 111 passes. Wayne has been a lock for 1200 yards and at least six scores for many years and he is in the final year of his contract. He knows he needs a good year here to get any more paydays from the NFL. Wayne may not be a scoring machine, but he still has the yards and catches to make him a consistent fantasy scorer.

Holmes signed a deal worth $50 million for five years to remain a Jet and there is no question who the #1 wideout will be. His first season in NY saw him with 52 catches for 746 yards and six scores and with Braylon Edwards gone, that figures to increase markedly this year. The Jets are never going to be a pass-heavy team, but when they do - most will end up with Holmes. The addition of Plaxico Burress makes Holmes slightly less interesting.

Boldin posted the lowest 16-game catch and yardage totals of his career, but he should offset the Ravens' running-game focus by picking up the lion's share of the production vacated by the departures of Derrick Mason, Donte' Stallworth, and Todd Heap. A potential return to the 1,000-yard level puts Boldin firmly back in fantasy starter territory. Lee Evans is now on board and could eat into Boldin's stats but may actually help by preventing teams from loading up on him.

The headaches are a thing of the past (fingers crossed); now Percy will have to adjust to being Minnesota's WR1. The new regime's two-TE sets should allow Harvin to move around in the formation, and they'll certainly be more creative than the previous staff in getting the ball to him. Expect Donavan McNabb to fall in love with Harvin quickly, which can only help his productivity.

(+Upside) Bryant broke his fibula in game 13 last year and his 45 catches for 561 yards and six touchdowns were lower than expectations. But considering that Roy Williams is gone and Bryant proclaims himself 100% recovered, 2011 should be bright for the second-year player. He lost ten pounds to make himself quicker and insists his off-the-field problems in the offseason were much overblown. Bryant has big upside in this offense.

(+Upside) Britt had a breakout season in 2010 - sort of - when he scored nine times including seven times in a five game stretch before he injured his hamstring. He missed four games and now he has missed practice time at camp because of yet another hamstring issue. This is doubly bad because there is a new offense to install and a new quarterback to work with. Add in Britt having yet more off-the-field issues in the offseason and he's just a talented headcase with bad hammies. Downgrade Britt this year from the new offense a bit but he has been much improved and will post some points if he can stay healthy. Risky pick but with some reward.

Manningham will line up as the #2 this year. He ended last year with three straight games with a score and over 100 receiving yards replacing Steve Smith. Manningham ended with 944 yards and nine scores last year. His stock rose sharply with the departure of Smith and remains a big part of the passing offense.

(+Upside) This could be the third year breakout for Thomas who already looked sharp with 66 catches for 820 yards and four scores in 2010. Mike Sims-Walker has left and Thomas is clearly the most talented receiver on the team. Expect a nice season from Thomas that could be short-cut a bit if the rookie Blaine Gabbert starts during the season at some point.

(+Upside) At age 33, there is no hiding that Ochocinco has suffered at least a minor decrease in skills but he signed a new three- year deal with the Pats to provide what will be his NFL swan song and his first stop ever at a true contender. Ochocinco is taking it seriously, apparently, and working with Tom Brady will be an all new treat. The Pats are going to spread the ball around and Chad isn't likely to be catching as many bombs as he would have in the past, but he could well end up as the most valuable fantasy receiver in that offense. You have to love the upside here - Chad certainly does.

Welker was able to play on his surgically-repaired knee last season but his totals dropped from three straight seasons of 110+ catches to only 86 for 848 yards and a career worst 9.9 YPC. Welker is in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent next year so there is motivation to turn in a good season. He's already entrenched as the possession guy in the offense but the addition of Chad Ochocinco probably won't help the touchdown totals.

Saints agreed to terms with Moore on a five-year contract and his ankle surgery in the offseason is all healed. Moore has been right around 45 catches in each of the last two seasons and was second best behind Colston last year. But the passing scheme literally shares equally between four receivers, so Moore is important - but he's likely seen his ceiling in this offense.

(+Upside) The Falcons moved up to grab Jones with the #6 overall pick in the draft and consider him a "no-miss" player that will contribute significantly even as a rookie. With Roddy White turning 30, Jones too represents the future and is a must own in dynasty leagues. Jones had foot surgery in the offseason but has recovered fully and impressed his teammates with his speed and route running.

Maclin enters his third season and should be a lock to see his first 1000 yard season after finishing with 964 in 2010. Maclin led the Eagles with 10 receiving touchdowns last year. Maclin is less exciting than the long-ball DeSean Jackson but he also has more catches and scores - he's the possession receiver in this offense.

08-09-11 Update: Maclin remains out with his mystery illness and worse yet he has been seen as notably thin. This is a situation that needs to be resolved quickly or he will drop even more before the season starts.

08-16-11 Update: Maclin has disclosed that he was being treated for a potential lymphoma but that he has finally been cleared by doctors of possibly having cancer. He'll be brought back to shape as quickly as can be, but expect it to take some time before he is back to normal.

Rice cashed in as a free agent, getting a five-year, $41 million contract from the Seahawks. It was nice money for a talented player who has only once had more than 400 yards in a season. Rice suffered a hip injury and later concussion which robbed him of all but six games last year. His one claim to fame was 2009 when he turned in 83 catches for 1312 yards and eight touchdowns. Rice has played with Tarvaris Jackson obviously and at least will be the first read on every pass play. It's all up to Jackson now but that means Rice may be drafted earlier than reasonable.

Ward capped the least-productive fantasy season of his eight- year career with a "Dancing with the Stars" title and a DUI. He saw fewer than double-digit targets for the first time ever, watching Mike Wallace take over as Pittsburgh's WR1. Ward still has something left in the tank, but at this juncture he's a fantasy spot starter.

(-Risk) Collie turned into a tremendous slot receiver in the vein of Wes Welker and through week six of last season had scored five times and caught 44 passes. But then Collie suffered from huge concussion that drained the rest of the season. He has been cleared to play again and has no signs of that devastating concussion but he will be no less susceptible to them going over the middle on almost every play. Collie has become a great part of the offense but he has to stay healthy.

Moss had a nice 2010 season when a real QB named McNabb connected with him for a career best 93 catches for 1115 yards and six scores. Sadly, McNabb is gone and the question "Beck or Grossman" is doing little to raise Moss' stock this year. Moss signed a three year deal for $15 million to remain and he will be the #1 receiver without question. But a decline in his stats is almost a guarantee with a shakier QB situation and what should be improved rushing to control the ball.

Meachem has recovered from post season surgery on his ankle and claims to be back running a 4.25/40. Coaches have commented on his speed already and he could be in line for a career year. Granted - it only takes 723 yards to get there. And his role as the deep threat means he'll always be feast and famine from game to game. And realistically, he seems to find his way to sleeper lists every single year without coming through. Nothing more than fantasy depth but fun to watch.

With the departures of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, the Bengals have 139 catches, 1,814 yards, and 13 touchdowns to replace. Green isn't expected to pick up all of that slack, but Cincy didn't spend a first-round pick on him to be a WR2. Green is easily the most talented of the Bengals' cache of pass-catchers, and since they're all learning a new offense expect him to proceed directly to the front of the productivity line.

Bess has developed into a nice slot receiver with back-to-back seasons of around 800 yards and 75 receptions.The beauty of Bess in reception point leagues is that he almost never has a back game. He had 11 games with five or more catches last year and is a big part of the passing scheme if only over the middle for a short gain and few scores. Bess is Wes Welker- lite.

Sims-Walker used free agency to land in what could be a very good spot. The fourth-year player has always been more potential than production and he has yet to play all sixteen games in a season. If he can remain healthy and gain the confidence of Sam Bradford, there's no reason why he cannot become a productive #2 wideout in this offense. He already had six games over 100 yards in his three year career, he just needs more consistency and durability.

(-Risk) Coltson comes off his fifth knee surgery having had microfracture surgery to his knee cap in the offseason. Colston is in the final year of his contract and could use a big season. He has managed to turn in 1000 yards or more in all but one season (injury shortened 2008) but his YPC has declined in each of the last three seasons. Colston is the primary wideout of the four who play but has more risk this year with knee issues. He could be a steal if he drops in a draft because of it - but he may be a bust if he goes too high and is slower to recover from the latest procedure.

08-12-11 Update: Colston is still bothered by his knee and that is just a big red flag.

Amendola was a big surprise when he reeled in 85 catches last year. That was at least partially a function of being one of only two receivers who remained healthy while all others were dropping like flies. But Amendola only gained 8.1 yards per catch for an NFL record worst for a receiver with more than 60 catches in a season. He was almost no factor in the endzone either and at 5'11" and 186 pounds, he's not likely to develop into anything more than what he is. Amendola will be lucky to hold onto what he has done so far. The Rams have restocked the shelves with receivers but the formerly undrafted player loses out more with a new coaching staff and offensive scheme.

With Devin Hester more focused on his returns, Knox emerged as Chicago's big play threat in the passing game. He'll fill a similar role this season, but it's tough to bank on him for consistency: he has but one 100-yard game to his credit and didn't find the end zone until Week 7 of last year. Knox still has fantasy value, though, especially in best ball formats and leagues with a distance scoring element.

The plan is to get Evans more involved but that is no different than the last couple of years when he has not exceeded 612 yards in a season. The offense is taking hold and the rushing game remains nothing special so Evans should see at least an incremental increase but Steve Johnson has already assumed the #1 role and Evans is just a #2 receiver on an average team.

08-22-11 Update: Evans was traded to the Ravens and should see an uptick in his production this year. He's already been a factor in preseason games.

Washington remains an average sort of wideout in an offense that has not thrown much or all that well. The new scheme installed by OC Chris Palmer isn't expected to benefit the receivers that much given that this remains a run-first team.

The most productive year of Williams' career (82-1,310-7 in 2006) came on Mike Martz's watch, so there's cause for optimism. There won't be much of a learning curve for Williams to pick up the system, and with Greg Olsen gone the Bears lack a big target for Jay Cutler to lean on. Don't expect those career numbers again, but he should see enough red zone work to be a fringe fantasy factor.

08-20-11 Update: Williams showed up a bit fat and still has not integrated into the offense well regardless that it is his old Martz system. Will take him longer to be the primary receiver.

Berrian and his $4 million salary dodged the chopping block this offseason because after losing Sidney Rice to Seattle the Vikings are thin at wideout. Minnesota needs to get something close to the Berrian who averaged 20 yards a catch in 2008 to make the decision to keep him a wise one; as it stands, he's Donovan McNabb's primary deep threat.

After an 18 month stint in the jail, the 34-year old Burress signed a one-year deal with the Jets for $3 million and will assume the #2 spot across from Santonio Holmes. His conditioning and skillset remains to be seen but is worth watching in training camp since he will be taking over the old Jerricho Cotchery role that was worthy of a WR2 last year.

The ex-Tennessee wideout has definite deep threat ability and in time could develop into #3 or #4 receiver but he was only drafted in the fifth round and looks more like the motley crew that is already in place. Short of a surprising camp, he'll likely be a nonfactor as a rookie.

(+Upside) Roberts turned in a good enough rookie season to merit being the front-runner for the #2 spot vacated by Steve Breaston. Roberts ended with 24 catches for 307 yards last year and even recorded 110 yards against the visiting Cowboys. This is an offense that is going to need to throw and now has a much better QB and a decent passing schedule. Roberts is a long shot to have significant fantasy value this season but he is the one to watch in Arizona.

08-18-11 Update: The Cardinals are going to use a rotation for the flanker spot and Roberts is going to have to share.

Garcon gets to play #2 in a Peyton Manning offense and that is never a bad thing. But he has found his ceiling already with two seasons around 775 yards and five scores. A decent bye week filler but not much else.

Floyd has re-signed with the Chargers upon learning no one else likes him.

No analysis available.

The ex-Cardinal lands in Kansas City and will start either as the slot receiver or the flanker depending on what the rookie Jonathan Baldwin can accomplish in training camp and during the season. Breaston signed a five year contract but he has a history being injured and was bothered by his knee most of last year. He's mildly interesting but is not likely to ever be more than a #2 wideout now on a team that prefers to run.