This was the worse year for rookie wideouts in the last 18 years if the draft means anything. For the first time since 1991, no wide receivers were drafted in the first round this year though the second round came alive with ten wideouts taken. But for a position that has been notorious for slow starting rookies, the draft class this year holds almost no hype and yet still a bit of promise. The 2008 prospects for this class may not appear sterling, but the long-term outlook - as always - could produce several nice fantasy studs eventually.
Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams (2.02)
Avery was a big surprise at the draft when the Rams selected him at the 2.02 as the first wideout drafted this year. It wasn't’t a bad pick per se, just well in advance of what most scouts and teams had expected for the Houston product. He was very productive in the spread offense in college but won’t be playing in the same scheme this year. He is considered fast but disappointed when he only ran a 4.40/40 at the NFL combine. HC Scott Linehan loves Avery’s potential after the catch and was a major reason why Avery was drafted. Avery is 5'11" and only 186 pounds which leaves him slightly undersized against the standard but still big enough to be an every down receiver.
Fantasy Outlook:
Much as many would like to see, Avery's prospects for this year are very low. The Rams are installing a new offense this year under offensive coordinator Al Saunders which should closely align with those he directed in Washington and Kansas City. You know, the ones that never really had fantasy wideouts of much significance. Torry Holt is still there for at least two more years and will command the lion's share of catches and Drew Bennett takes over for Isaac Bruce. Avery could get some work in the slot this year but he'll not have much reliable fantasy value at all this season. In future years, he may beat out Bennett but not likely Holt. If all goes well for Avery, he'll take over if Holt leaves in a few years. For being the first wideout drafted, he did not fall into a very promising situation.
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