2012 PPR Preview
WR Brandon Marshall, CHI (WR - #6)
Going Up - Marshall's production took a hit during his tenure in Miami. Even as wandering hearts veer towards younger, sexier receivers in your mocks, there are still a few more talented receivers in the league. Sure, Marshall had three seasons with 100+ catches when he was in Denver with Jay Cutler, but it wouldn't mean much if the Bears were bringing back Mike Martz. Fortunately, they aren't, and the promotion of Mike Tice means protecting Jay Cutler is finally going to be a priority. A lot less 7 step drops, a lot more quick passes. Expect Marshall to be top 5 in targets week in and week out, and finish 2012 with 95+ receptions.
WR Michael Crabtree, SF (WR - #38)
Going Up - Now entering his 4th season in the NFL, it seems pretty clear Crabtree isn't the game changing downfield threat the Niners were hoping for when he fell in their laps in 09'. He did take a nice step forward in his third year, catching 72 passes for 874 yards. This seems like a situation where real competition at the reciever position is a good thing. With Moss and Manningham stretching the field, Crabtree could easily settle into an impressive short yardage receiver with excellent run after-catch ability. His skill set seems better suited to his new role, and 85 receptions seems quite reasonable.
WR Reggie Wayne, IND (WR - #23)
Going Up - I know I know. He's 34, and the Colts are going to be bad. Still, this is a guy who's played in all 16 games for 10 straight seasons. That kind of durability alone has a lot of value. Wayne can still play, and even in an abysmal situation last year he managed 75 catches and 960 yards. Andrew Luck is going to have to throw to someone and Wayne is the guy that knows NFL defenses, knows how to get open, and can be an invaluable resource for a young quarterback. Wayne will slip down the draft board this year, but could easily go back up to 90+ receptions.
WR Titus Young, --- (WR - #50)
Going Up - Everyone knows what Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson accomplished, but for the Lions passing game to continue to grow, another receiver is going to have to emerge. In the second half of 2011 Young started to become that receiver. Young caught 29 of his 48 receptions, and 5 of his 6 touchdowns. On a potent offense Young seems like a high potential flex player or WR3, who could easily climb into the 70 catch range if he can steal some more playing time away from aging Nate Burleson.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveWR Greg Little, CLE (WR - #55)
Going Up - There wasn't much to be excited about with the Browns' passing game in 2011, but Little was the lone bright spot. Emerging as their top receiving threat with 61 catches, Little showed some of the physical gifts that led to his selection in the second round. The Browns are counting on Little to be the #1 target for new quarterback Brandon Weeden, who has the arm to make tough throws downfield that McCoy could not. Expect Little to end the year with 80 catches, 1000+ yards, and a WR3 spot on quite a few 2012 championship teams.
