Fantasy Focus – Broncos Receivers Could be Nice Sleepers

I drafted Maurice Jones-Drew in the 16th round of my draft last year. He had appeared on Sirius NFL Radio probably a dozen times leading up to the 2006 NFL draft last year, and you could just hear the fire inside him. This guy wanted to be great, and had the focus and talent to make big plays a la Reggie Bush in college.

Sleepers are the most fun part of the late draft stages, as everyone has a guy they target to potentially move up the fantasy rankings by mid-season. Among the Denver Broncos, the wide receiver corps is a treasure trove of potential sleepers. The main man Javon Walker is by no means a sleeper, although he could improve from last year to warrant a 3rd Round grade in 2008.

Three receivers behind Walker on the depth chart could prove real value if the cards fall in the right places.

1. Brandon Marshall

The highest profile of my sleepers by far (almost can’t be considered a real sleeper), Brandon Marshall is finally healthy and ready to impact the Broncos 2007 season. After some impressive catches in the second half of last year as a rookie, Marshall has inherited the job from Rod Smith, and looks to earn his nickname of “Baby Terrell Owens” among Broncos fans. He’s listed here because he has the athleticism and ability to really shine, and prove to be a great value in the mid-to-later rounds.

THE UPSIDE – 1,100 yards, 9 TDs. Ed McCaffrey anyone?
THE DOWNSIDE – 400 yards, 4 TDs. Struggled to fight through injuries during training camp.

2. Rod Smith

As a PUP lister, Rod Smith cannot be back on the field until October. At that time, the Broncos will see how it goes – but what if Smith comes back. I mean, REALLY comes back. In the last 8 weeks, we could see Smith serve up the kind of production he has enjoyed in the past, if his hip is fully healed. Definitely worth a look right around the Broncos BYE week in October.

THE UPSIDE – 600 yards, 6 TDs. If he’s healthy enough to start in the second half of the year, he will. And do well.
THE DOWNSIDE – 0 yds, 0TDs. He might never see the field.

3. Brandon Stokley

The best #3 receiver in the league is Brandon Stokley. Given one injury to either Javon Walker or Marshall, Stokley can get it done (see Colts, 2004). This is one guy I WILL have on most of my teams, just in case of injury to the Broncos, he could be an insane value. He’s likely on your league’s waiver wire right now, so if you have a guy with less upside, go grab him now!

THE UPSIDE – 800 yards, 6 TDs. If someone gets hurt, he’s starting and playing well.
THE DOWNSIDE – 100 yards, 0 TDs. But he is injury-prone himself.

Brandon Marshall should be drafted in every league, so get him in the middle-to-late rounds and don’t miss out. I’m really high on him this year. Stokley may not get drafted, and Smith almost certainly won’t, but they may prove to be worth the gamble in the end.

Also, don’t forget Domenik Hixon and Brian Clark – especially if your league grants points for Special Teams touchdowns. It’s been a while since the Broncos have had one, so “we’re due” – I’d love to see these guys get it done on returns and as deep backup WRs.

For those interested in this Tuesday’s auto-draft in the MHR league – I did OK. Larry Johnson and Cedric Benson as RBs – bunch of solid backups including Clinton Portis; Matt Hasselbeck and Eli Manning are my QBs, then another good group of WRs in Darrell Jackson, Mike Furrey (#1 in catches in the NFC last year), Eddie Kennison, Brandon Stokley… My defense is horrible though. Giants. With no Strahan in sight, I won’t even be getting the sack points. I dropped them for the 49ers defense, hoping they’ll be better and get a few more picks with their improved secondary. Finished off with Alge Crumpler and Matt Stover. I think I’ve got a shot at making some noise if LJ can produce behind the Chiefs line.

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