Posted by radan in 
It’s often in a receiver’s sophomore season where teams will get to know whether or not they have a solid player who will be a contributor moving forward.
This is need-to-know info for fantasy owners, too. We want to know if these guys are worth picking up permanently this year and also whether or not we’ll want to pick them in future drafts.
I knew this would be a unique group of players to look at because there were no WRs picked in the first round in the ‘08 draft…
1. DeSean Jackson, PHI - 83 TAR, 44 REC, 769 YDS, 6 TD
After Kevin Curtis had to get arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and the team found out that he would miss most of the season, Jackson became Donovan McNabb’s favorite target right away and has put up some very nice numbers. All six of his receiving TDs have been 35+ yarders, including four that were over 50. He’s obviously a big play guy, but with the experience he’s gotten over the last two seasons, his reception numbers should continue to go up. Jackson is officially a fantasy stud and should be one of the first ten receivers taken in just about every draft next year.
Remaining Games (passing def rank): @ATL (27), @NYG (4), SF (28), DEN (5), @DAL (21)
2. Mario Manningham, NYG – 79 TAR, 45 REC, 665 YDS, 4 TD
Manningham probably wouldn’t be putting up those types of numbers had it not been for Plaxico Burress’ departure. Now he’s a legitimate #2 receiver on a team that likes to pass the ball. Even though third year receiver Steve Smith is having a better season this year, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Manningham puts up better numbers than him in the future.
Remaining Games: DAL (21), PHI (9), @WAS (2), CAR (3), @MIN (19)
3. Donnie Avery, STL – 69 TAR, 34 REC, 466 YDS, 5 TD
It wasn’t too long ago that the Rams had a couple of elite receivers, but times have quickly changed for them and now they have a group of youngsters. Avery has taken over as the team’s #1 guy and he’s done a pretty good job. If he can just use this experience to his benefit and catch more balls that are thrown his way, Avery could easily be a solid receiver for years to come. It’d help if the Rams decide to draft a top QB next year.
Remaining Games: @CHI (14t), @TEN (31), HOU (14t), @ARI (29), SF (28)
4. Pierre Garcon, IND – 71 TAR, 37 REC, 574 YDS, 4 TD
Garcon is the biggest surprise on this list because he was a sixth rounder. And his numbers could end up being better than both Avery and Manningham’s by the end of the season. He’s been targeted at least seven times in each of the Colts last six games after only being targeted about four times per game before that. He could easily end up being a top 15 receiver next year, which is pretty crazy considering he was pretty much an unknown before this season.
He’s already been on our Pickups list, but he’s still available in a lot of leagues. It actually wouldn’t be the worst idea to start him against the Titans this Sunday.
Remaining Games: TEN (31), DEN (5), @JAC (26), NYJ (1), @BUF (6)
5. Andre Caldwell, CIN – 56 TAR, 39 REC, 363 YDS, 3 TD
It’s hard to predict how well Caldwell will do in the future, but he’s done a good job for the Bengals as their slot guy this year. He catches most of the balls that are thrown his way (mostly short routes) and he’s slowly learning how to use his good size and speed to his advantage. He will have to step up in a big way in the next few years if he’s going to be a good fantasy receiver considering Chad Ochocinco will probably still be on the team and Laveranues Coles is signed through 2012.
Remaining Games: DET (32), @MIN (19), @SD (8), KC (30), @NYJ (1)
