2005 FINAL WR/TE Rankings: Randy Dandy

UPDATED: September 4, 2005, adding Peter Warrick, lowering Mike Williams, lowering Doug Jolley (not starting for Jets).

September 2, lowering Joe Horn in light of New Orleans traged, adding Charles Rogers, raising Antonio Bryant (late round).

August 30, add tight ends, update Jerry Porter (hammy).

August 30, Raising Terrell Owens.

August 28, lowering Plaxico Burress and updating Muhsin Muhammed.

August 26, lowering Reggie Williams.

August 22, lowering Javon Walker, raising Donald Driver, raising Deion Branch, raising T.J. Houshmandzadeh, adding Keary Colbert, adding Antonio Bryant and incorporate some statistics courtesy of KC Joyner's research.

August 14, raising Roy Williams; lowering Jimmy Smith, Terrell Owens, Muhsin Muhammad; adding Reggie Williams, Amani Toomer.

These profiles will be updated each week in light of injuries and other preseason developments. So be sure to keep checking back through Labor Day.

Many savvy owners deemphasize receivers on draft day in the expectation that starting-caliber players will emerge during the season. But in deep leagues, many of those guys have already been drafted. Even if they're undrafted, you have to identify them quickly and compete with fellow owners during the free-agent process. With the supply of draftable RBs and QBs so relatively small, owners should use as many roster spots as possible on draft day to pick wideouts with high ceilings.

Included in our rankings are where the receivers finished last year in number of plays utilized in the red zone, number of plays per touchdown (fewest to most) and overall number of plays per game where they were the intended receiver or (in rare instances) runner. Charts for all three of those categories are included at the bottom of this page.

As with all positions, it's important to pay particular attention to players switching systems. It's obvious to note those who have switched teams. Less obvious are changes in offensive coordinators, which can bring dramatically different systems to players who have remained with their 2004 teams.

Here's a quick overview of the major changes (those not included, such as Arizona, are omitted because the head coach remains very involved in the offense or the new OC had a very active role in the offense in 2004).

Chicago hired Ron Turner, who likes to run an offense similar to his brother, Norv (big back, deep passing game). Cleveland has imported Maurice Carthon as OC from Dallas, where Bill Parcells called the plays. In Detroit, Ted Tollner is now the OC after leaving the Niners; but Tollner is regarded as a master of the downfield passing game since his days coaching with Don Coryell of Chargers fame. The Jaguars look to open it by bringing in USC's QB coach Carl Smith, who says he will emphasize running and deep passing. Scott Linehan brings the Vikings offense to Miami, of course with radically different personnel. The Vikings promoted offensive line coach Steve Loney, who is preaching a more balanced offense (meaning more runs). The Patriots will rely on Bill Belichick to run the offense, which he also did when serving as the head coach in Cleveland (with limited success). Mike Heimerdinger brings the shotgun and more downfield passing to the Jets after leaving the Titans, who replaced him with USC passing guru Norm Chow. The Niners have brought in Mike McCarthy from the Saints, who have promoted QB coach Mike Sheppard and promised a stronger commitment to the running game.

(Note: The players are ranked in tiers in addition to being ranked numerically. The former is more important, as players within the same tier offer similar draft value even if they are separated by multiple slots. Conversely, players in different tiers offer much different anticipated value even if they are right next to one another numerically.)

First Tier

1. Randy Moss (WR, Raiders): Sixth with 22 red zone plays despite all the action he missed. Second to Marcus Pollard in fewest plays per touchdown (7.2) and 32nd in number of plays per game (7.8). Hopefully, the new offense will translate into more targets. Don't worry much about the change at QB, as Moss has made stat kings of QBs ranging from Gus Frerotte to Jeff George to Randall Cunningham. It's reasonable to assume that Moss had more to due with Culpepper's success than vice versa. I must comment regarding Moss on grass vs. Moss on turf. This is correlation without causation. The fastest player on turf is the fastest player on grass, too. The reason for the depression in Moss' "grass" stats the past four years is simple: all those games were road games, where the Vikings always struggle.

2. Marvin Harrison (WR, Colts): The league leader in red zone opportunities (29), eighth in fewest plays per TD (9.7) and a respectable 14th in plays per game. Harrison is suddenly underrated by many fantasy footballers, as he has the highest floor of any receiver given the uncertainty relating to Randy Moss switching teams and QBs. The argument against is that Peyton Manning is not likely to come close to last year's TD pass total, which will cost Harrison because of all the other viable targets on the Colts. But this risk is outweighed by the fact that no premium receiver in the NFL (or maybe ever) will be double covered less than Harrison will be in 2005. Because of this, expect Harrison's yards per catch to improve from 12.9 last year.

3. Terrell Owens (WR, Eagles): Screw it. As my friend Tony Rosenthal says, "No balls, no blue chips." I'm betting that Owens has a chip on his shoulder and that the Eagles don't shoot themselves in the foot by tolerating silliness like allowing McNabb not to talk to him all year. Owens doesn't have much choice but to play and play hard to secure that spring 2006 bonus payment (or his release, as has been rumored). Owens is the best red zone receiver in the NFL, so you don't like the fact that he only saw 17 passes inside the 20 last year (remember, he started 14 games). But TO was seventh in fewest plays per TD (9.4) and third among WRs. Owens was 12th in players per game, and should be significantly higher given the poor quality of his supporting cast at WR in Philly. Remember what he did on one leg against the best defense in football last February.

4. Chad Johnson (WR, Bengals): Gets more opportunities to make plays than any receiver in football. Given his third-highest total of red zone plays (24), his production was disappointing in 2004 (just 40th among TEs and WRs in plays per TD). Expect Carson Palmer to be much more consistent in 2005 than in his first year at the helm. Johnson may get less opportunities, as Palmer will have the wherewithal to find secondary targets rather than forcing the ball into coverage. But Johnson should be able to make more plays given the wealth of weapons at Palmer's disposal.

5. Torry Holt (WR, Rams): It's completely ridiculous that Holt had less balls thrown his way in 2004 than Isaac Bruce. But he was the NFL's most targeted receiver in 2003. Holt is death to corners with those lightening quick double moves, but was only targeted 15 times in the red zone last year (the same as Bruce). But Holt scored once every 14 plays, Bruce once every 25-plus. So, who should get the ball more this year? Holt is the best deep receiver in football, with 11 TDs in 43 deep passes thrown to him in '04.

Second Tier

6. Javon Walker (WR, Packers): The reason for lowering him to the second tier is clear: Donald Driver gets as many balls thrown his way as does Walker (slightly more per game, actually). Walker is bigger, faster and more athletic than Driver (though Double D is very productive and earns his keep). Walker goes perfectly with his QB, as he just likes to run down field and make plays and Brett Favre is now a willing chucker even if Walker is double-covered. Walker caught a league-best 73 percent of intermediate passes thrown his way. Walker is solid in all of our key stats: 14th in both red zone targets and fewest plays per TD and 17th in opportunities.

7. Andre Johnson (WR, Texans): Dripping with talent at 6-2, 220, Johnson has the most upside of the second-tier receivers. But there are problems here. Houston doesn't use his size well enough in the red zone (31st in the NFL with 13 opportunities; teammate Jabar Gaffney had 11). That's why Andre is a pedestrian 55th with one TD every 23.7 plays. Johnson is a decent 19th in plays per game, but obviously these plays need to be better leveraged. Johnson led the league in highest percentage of plays open by two or more steps, mostly because of the soft coverages he faces. Johnson won't be able to utilize his downfield skills unless the Texans get their offensive line in order (their pass protection vaporized in the second half of '04).

8. Roy Williams (WR, Lions): Blows you aways with his talent. The age-old fish/pond argument. Yes, Williams' targets will be reduced by having two other No. 1 picks on the field with him (Charles Rogers and Mike Williams). But having such quality targets will create the opportunity for more plays against single coverage. So, while his targets might not increase from last year (just 8.8 per game, 20th best in the NFL), his plays per TD will likely be much improved (27th best last year with one TD every 15.4 plays). Mike Williams may be favored more in the red zone, but Roy is no slouch there at 6-3 himself. The bigger concern in Joey Harrington. But the Lions have taken the leap of faith, and they have much more to lose than you do. Harrington is also having a good summer and Jeff Garcia is a decent backup. Mariucci's willingness to scrap the controlled passing game favored by his old Niners teams for the downfield passing favored by Tollner bodes well for Williams, one of the NFL's most explosive players.

9. Reggie Wayne (WR, Colts): Last year was likely a career performance for a No. 2 receiver. But Manning did call Wayne his "left" receiver (before their sideline shouting match). Will that mean "left out" in '05? Unlikely. Wayne is a formidable red zone weapon, with 22 plays there in '04 after besting Harrison in the category in '03. That's good for sixth best in the NFL, which is No. 1 receiver territory. Wayne finished just behind Harrison with a TD every 10.5 plays, 10th best in the NFL. Alas, he was just 29th in targets, so he will need to continue to maximize his opportunities. That won't be hard with Peyton Manning and single coverage against the weaker corner on nearly every passing play.

10. Nate Burleson (WR, Vikings): Not the "sleeper" most touts claim he is (unless your league was in a coma last year). With Moss last year, Burleson was 12th in red zone plays (21), 15th in fewest plays per TD (12.1) and 46th in plays per game (6.8). Yes, it will be more difficult for Burleson now that Moss isn't there to distract secondaries. Yes, the Vikings passing game was decidedly less explosive last year without No. 84. Burelson is a better short and intermediate receiver than deep threat (less deep passes last year than part-timer Kelly Campbell). But Burleson is going to get about three more chances per game to make plays, which makes a 1,200-yard, 8-to-10 TD season likely. I like him even more if rookie speedster Troy Williamson can open things up by getting a lot of time in three-WR formations.

11. Michael Clayton (WR, Bucs): Brian Griese and the Bucs passing game are underrated. Jon Gruden knows how to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. Clayton had a great year for a rookie and will likely be significantly better with that experience. He has to get the ball in the red zone more to be worth this ranking (just 11 plays last year). That will increase his TD proficiency (37th last year with one every 19 plays). Remember, the 6-3 Clayton is an inviting target. Now that he's cemented as No. 1 receiver, expect another target or two per game (24th last year with 8.3).

12. Donald Driver (WR, Packers): The bane of my existence last year, as I speculated that Robert Ferguson would supplant him after Ferguson was awarded with a generous long-term deal. There's little risk of that happening this year. Driver isn't thought of as a red zone target, but had just one less play there last year than Javon Walker (18, good for 15th in the NFL). Driver was 31st in scoring efficiency (a TD every 16.2 plays) and 14th in opportunities (9.1 plays per game). My major concern with Driver is health, as he has concussions in his past and a slight stature that leaves him vulnerable to big hits.

13. Antonio Gates (TE, Chargers): Our first tight end and we'll leave him here even though he's forced to sit out the season opener due to the Chargers hardball negotiating tactics. The concern here is that there are more ways to stop a player who lines up tight than one who lines up out wide and the Chargers (just 24 passes when flanked out wide). The Chargers will have to be very sophisticated in using motion and formation so that Gates gets a clean release and favorable coverage matchups (just about all matchups are favorable for him, as he's too big for the small guys and too quick for the big ones). Gates was third with 24 red zone plays, sixth in fewest plays per TD (9.2) and 27th in plays per game (8). That last number has to increase if Gates is to be nearly as productive as he was in '04.

14. Tony Gonzalez (TE, Chiefs): Usually, the tight ends dominate the plays-per-TD category. Gonzalez, though, was 46th with a TD every 21.7 plays. Yes, that has a lot to do with the Chiefs reliance on the running game in the red zone. But there's more to this story, as Gonzalez was tied for ninth with 21 red zone plays. The big problem here is that Gonzalez can be double covered on passing situations in the red zone without much fear that someone else will make a play. But no tight end comes close to Gonzalez in plays per game (9.5 last year, 10th best among all receivers).

15. Hines Ward (WR, Steelers): Will the Steelers be able to run the ball 62 percent of the time in '05? Not a chance. They're not that good. Look at their schedule, with trips to San Diego, Cincy, Green Bay, Indy and Minnesota. So, Ward will get more opportunities (36th last year with 7.5 plays per game). Expect him to get at least 20 red zone passes this year after finishing 18th with 16 in '04. This will help Ward improve from 56th in plays per TD (24). Yes, there are a lot of ifs here. But Roethlisberger threw the ball very effectively and the matchups listed above all favor the Steelers passing game. Also keep in mind that Ward was second in the league in completion percentage on passes thrown his way (66 percent).

16. Darrell Jackson (WR, Seahawks): Another guy who will benefit owners by hanging around the draft longer than he should because of his disappointing 2004. The Seahawks passing game was inconsistent last year and the receivers often treated the pigskin as if it was greased. Jackson must catch the ball more consistently this year. But expect the red zone targets to increase from 16 last year (20th best). There's not much room for Jackson to climb in plays per game, as he was eighth best in '04 with 9.9. With Koren Robinson gone, Jackson should reach rarified levels here, justifying this ranking. He'll need those extra chances, as he drops a lot of passes and is not an efficient scorer: 48th in the league with a TD every 22.6 plays.

17. Eric Moulds (WR, Bills): We're walking on the wild side here. When everyone is zigging with Lee Evans, zag with Moulds, who was third in the league with 24 red zone plays. Sure, J.P. Losman is an unknown. But we KNOW Drew Bledsoe blows. Plus Kelly Holcomb is waiting in the wings. Evans benefited from Moulds last year. The opposite is likely in '05. Moulds was seventh in targets per game last year (9.9) and is still young, big and fast enough to dominate single coverage.

18. Chris  Chambers (WR, Dolphins): Gus Frerrotte is the QB, and he showed with Randy Moss an ability to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. Granted, that was in very limited action. But that is more than A.J. Feeley showed all of last season. The stats from last year don't matter much because this is a new system, OC Scott Linehan brings the Vikings offense to Miami, which bodes well for Frerotte and the Moss-like Chambers.

19. Steve Smith (WR, Panthers): There's risk here in that he's coming off a devastating injury and can't afford to lose any speed or quicks at 5-9, 179. There's a chance for a big season here. But until you see him live and are assured that there's no injury-related decline in skills, a premium pick is too high a price to pay. The big problem is that Smith lacks the size to withstand the pounding he'll get with Muhsin Muhammad-like targets (10.6 per game). So, in terms of opportunities, he'll likely be a 1A type of guy even if his leg is 100 percent. Don't forget that Jake Delhomme threw 29 TD passes last year.

20. Joe Horn (WR, Saints): Dropped him 10 spots after the tragedy in New Orleans. The Saints are pledging to run much more (seventh highest percentage of passing plays last year at 58%). Horn isn't getting better at 33. But he's pretty good right now and a significant erosion of skills is unlikely. Horn was 19th in red zone plays (16), 23rd in fewest plays per TD (14.4) and seventh in plays per game (9.9).

21. Drew Bennett (WR, Titans): Why so low after we raved about him last year even after the slow start? Until someone is a No. 1 receiver, you don't know if he can be one. Most analysts attribute free-agent WR struggles to switching teams and systems. I think it's more due to switching from being a No. 2 to a No. 1 (see Price, Peerless). Bennett is going to have a big bullseye on his jersey with Derrick Mason now toiling in Baltimore. Is he good enough to continue his 2004-level of production despite this extra attention? Given those '04 numbers, it won't pay to find out as he'll be among the first 10 WRs in many leagues.

22. Muhsin Muhammad (WR, Bears): Losing Rex Grossman, who some veteran NFL observers were very bullish on based on his spring work, is crippling. Rookie Kyle Orton was named starter on August 28th. Orton was benched near the end of his senior year at Purdue and has trouble driving the deep pass, which makes him a questionable fit for the Bears offense, which was designed to emphasize deeper routes. Last year, I ranked Muhammad higher than any analyst that I'm aware of (28th overall, before Steve Smith's injury, and, no, don't remind me about Justin McCareins). I liked him because of his underrated downfield skills. While no burner, Muhammad has great size, height and timing and those are as important in fielding long throws as is speed. Muhammad certainly has No. 1 receiver chops, with 10.6 plays per game, the second most red zone plays (27) and an 11th best TD every 10.6 plays. Muhammad needs an unexpectedly good year out of Orton (unlikely) or extensive playing time by backup Jeff Blake (likely) to justify this ranking.

23. Ashley Lelie (WR, Broncos): Isn't Rod Smith past the expiration date? Lelie was very explosive last year, with over 20 yards per catch. But he can't be a fantasy force without being targeted more in the red zone (just eight plays last year, 59th in the NFL). A testament to Lelie's explosiveness is that he still finished 30th in fewest plays per TD despite being ignored in the red zone (one score every 15.5 plays). The speculation here is that Lelie will get two more plays his way in '05 at Smith's expense. If his '04 usage continues (6.8 plays per game), he's strictly a No. 3 receiver.

24. Jerry Porter (WR, Raiders): His hamstring has been hurting for a month, which has to be a concern. But he's still expected to start the opener. Porter has the size, speed and athleticism to burn secondaries that pay Randy Moss too much heed. Expect the red zone plays to decrease, as he and Moss tied with 22 and Moss is simply much more effective in that (well, make that all) areas of the field. Still, Porter is no slouch, so he should finish in the top 20 this year in that stat. Porter wasn't that heavily utilized last year, with 8.7 plays per game, 22nd in the NFL. Let's say that usage goes to about seven plays per game given Lamont Jordan's boost to the running game and Moss. That hurts in yardage leagues, no doubt. But expect Porter to dramatically improve his rate of one TD every 15.5 plays (29th best in the NFL last year). In fact, I expect him to finish at least 10 spots higher in '05.

25. Eddie Kennison (WR, Chiefs): Under the radar in most leagues despite his outstanding 2004 (38-698-8 in just the second half of the season). Kennison is hurt by the Chiefs emphasis on running in the red zone and the presence of target-hog Tony Gonzalez. But he asserted himself last year, with 17 red zone plays (17th best), 7.9 plays per game (30th best) and a TD every 13.8 plays (21st best). Kennison hasn't lost much speed at 32 and usually has ample room to operate, as corners always have to keep one eye on the KC backfield. The Chiefs expect their defense to be much better than in 2004, but I don't.

Third Tier

26. Deion Branch (WR, Patriots): I wasn't paying enough attention to his 20th ranking in plays per TD. He'll fly under the radar because some owners will forget he missed half the season last year with a bum knee. He's 26 and coming into the primer of his career. There's risk related to the change in offensive coordinators, but that's only marginal. Branch ranked No. 1 in the league last year in completion percentage on passes thrown his way. He's also a very effective deep threat (third in deep completion percentage and fifth in intermediate).

27. Laveranues Coles (WR, Jets): Forget last year's stats for sure. But should we also forget 2002, the last time he was paired with Chad Pennington? How is Coles' famous toe? Well, he passed the Jets physical, but you get the sense they'd overlook anything to get Santana out of town. Then, of course, you have Coles learning a new system, Pennington's shoulder woes, a complementary target in Justin McCareins who has a leg up in Mike Heimerdinger's system and chronic red zone woes. There's a chance for much better performance, especially in leagues that emphasize yardage. But there's too much risk to draft him as more than a No. 3 fantasy receiver.

28. Plaxico Burress (WR, Giants): We're lowering him on August 28th over concerns about Eli Manning's elbow injury and the Giants offensive line. Plax is a guy I love to hate, due to his doggish ways. But the Giants are committed. Jeremy Shockey will occupy safties. Tiki Barber will keep an extra defender in the box at times. Eli Manning has the pedigree and did show signs down the stretch in '04; but Manning had an historically bad season for a No. 1 pick. For Burress to reward owners, the Giants must utilize him in the red zone (71st in the NFL with six plays last year, pitiful even considering the five games he missed). Plax has some dog in his blood and that will have to be filtered out by the demanding Tom Coughlin. Of course, that increases the chance for dissention and distraction.

29. Santana Moss (WR, Redskins): Again, discount last year's stats. Also be wary in that Moss has to be 100 percent to be productive (and he's often dinged given his diminutive state). There is upside here, as Gibbs has had great success with smurf-like receivers. But is Gibbs really Gibbs anymore? Patrick Ramsey looked very post-traumatic last year. Ideally, you tier guys where they have a chance to rise a tier. Moss is a good example of that, as is Coles.

30. Anquan Boldin (WR, Cardinals): Is he a No. 1 receiver? Those plays-per-game stats say, "Yes!" A dollar for anyone who knew that Boldin was second (SECOND!) in the NFL in plays per game last year. There are major question marks here at QB and former Dennis Green ball boy Larry Fitzgerald does everything Boldin does (and better if you're to believe NFL draft scouts). Green has a proven ability to devise a passing game that provides good fantasy production for both starting wideouts and he's a proven reclamator (is that a word?) of veteran QBs that the league has thumbed their nose at (Randall Cunningham, Jeff George, Brad Johnson).

31. Derrick Mason (WR, Ravens): Kyle Boller is really bad. Could he turn his career around like Drew Brees? Sure. And there can also be a diamond the size of a refrigerator buried in your backyard. Mason is too small to do much damage in the red zone, where the Ravens are likely to utilize freakishly tall Clarence Moore. But Mason is likely to have favorable coverage matchups with teams focusing on Jamal Lewis, lacking respect for Boller and concerned about TE Todd Heap streaking down the seam.

32. Todd Heap (TE, Ravens): A respectable 26th (very respectable if you consider the Boller handicap) in fewest plays per TD (26). You can't bump him up into the grouping with Gates and Gonzalez not because of talent, but circumstance. Heap played hurt a lot last year, so his 35th best total of 7.5 plays per game (less than Jason Witten) is likely deflated, at least as a baseline for projecting his '05 performance.

33. Lee Evans (WR, Bills): You'll never get him in this position. But it's a fair ranking. Let someone else overdraft him. He's guaranteed to get more attention this year, as teams will force first-year starter J.P. Losman to carve drives out of small chunks rather than yield the home run. Evans is a wonderful player to watch, with his dynamic speed. As corners once said about former Jet Wesley Walker: "When he's even, he's leavin'." Let's see a broader skill base beyond deep threat before we raise him to the ranks of No. 2 fantasy receivers.

ETC: Random observations on the other notables. Where's Brandon Stokley? Look at those targets. I know he's Peyton's buddy, but he's also most likely to suffer from the regression to the mean you have to expect this year from No. 18. Where are the rookies? They're rarely productive at WR. Keeper leaguers should get Troy Williamson, Mike Williams and Braylon Edwards (in that order). If I was going to take a flyer on one guy this year, it would be Williamson because of his dynamic speed, QB, schedule and home playing surface. Mike Tice was already giving Williamson reps with the first team halfway through camp. I had Reggie Williams in the above tier briefly, but when push came to shove in an expert league, I drafted Justin McCareins instead. Williams is worth owning (he went right after), but only if you have strong starters because he's a very speculative play and still seems a work in progress.

Guys I'd like to nab in middle rounds: T.J. Houshmandzadeh (I have a feeling Carson Palmer is going to have a BIG year and T.J. was fourth best in completion percentage on passes thrown his way), Keary Colbert (already a sound technician in his sophomore year who head coach John Fox says he's "thrilled with" this preseason), Larry Fitzgerald (Too low? Kurt Warner was the NFL's least accurate passer in '04 and fellow wideout Anquan Boldin finished second to Chad Johnson in plays per game), Brandon Lloyd, Marcus Robinson (9th best in plays per TD, but Williamson lingers and maybe Travis Taylor, though I don't believe in him), David Givens (like the yards per catch in '04 but Andre Davis can threaten his plahing time), McCareins (has a reasonable chance to outperform Coles, who will be drafted much higher; McCareins lost the fourth most yards last year to bad passes, 277), Jeremy Shockey (those plays per game have to increase, but Amani Toomer could hold on as possession receiver), Eric Parker (he's a "pocket pick" reserved for a very late round; I think he was some Steve Smith in him and he was sixth best in the league last year in completion percentage on passes thrown his way), Greg Lewis (showed some home-run ability in the postseason, Todd Pinkston is out for the year and there's the whole T.O. mess).

Guys I'd settle for late: Isaac Bruce (maybe the Rams are dumb enough to emphasize him over Holt again), Jimmy Smith, Antonio Bryant (has size and ability and is starting), Charles Rogers (Harrington must be good for him to be playable), Amani Toomer (Tom Coughlin praised him in August), Rod Smith (was very solid last year and could hold on to his No. 1 role through his mid-30s), Alge Crumpler (is rated higher by most but the targets are depressing, as is the idea of hitching your wagon to "Michael Vick, The Passer"), Peter Warrick (who I expect to emerge as the No. 2 receiver over Bobby Engram), Keyshawn Johnson (I know I'd never get him this late and that's the point), Mike Williams (has the size to make a scoring impact right away, though I still like Williamson long term because I don't know if Williams has the quicks to last at WR).

Tight Ends (by popular demand): Why am I down on Witten? Look at those red zone plays. Yuck. But I'd put him next among tight ends after those noted previously. Others I like enough to draft: Dallas Clark (but you can't just give him Pollard's catches because the Colts will still play two TEs). Randy McMichael could clean up in the old Vikings offense (Linehan threw so much to Jermaine Wiggins, who is a ham and egger compared to McMichael). Wiggins is okay. Eric Johnson deserves more respect, considering he caught 16 passes in one game last year. I wish the Broncos liked Jeb Putzier as much as they paid him to keep him away from the Jets, but he's not even starting over Stephen Alexander. I like Ben Troupe, who is athletic and may be featured for Tennessee. Bubba Franks gets a lot of cheesy TDs but doesn't help with catches or yards. I thought Doug Jolley could generate 60 catches, but Chris Baker is starting for the Jets because of his superior blocking. I don't like Marcus Pollard, who is too old. But rookie Heath Miller could become Big Ben's security blanket in Pittsburgh. Most like Washington's Chris Cooley more than me, but Gibbs doesn't consistently feature his H-backs (as least not in his first go-round in DC).

Red Zone Plays

Plays Per TD

Plays Per Game