Grading the Rookie Receivers of 2008 - and their fantasy impact

by NYCowboy on Jan 10, 2009 11:27 AM CST

Anyone who has played fantasy football knows that drafting rookies and expecting a fantasy impact in their first year is a hit or miss proposition. The 2008 season was no different than any other with rookie wide receivers, who are known to have a bigger impact in their second or third year - and that theory held true again in 2008.

The Fantasy Sports Forum grades the top rookie wide receivers from 2008, with the round and overall position on where they were drafted. Each player received a grade based on their fantasy impact. The players are listed in the order of where they were picked in the NFL Draft.

Jordy Nelson, Packers: 2/36
It’s tough to make an impact with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver entrenched as starters, but Nelson consistently caught 2-3 balls per week and finished with 366 yards on 33 catches and 2 TDs. Will continue to be featured in the three and four receiver sets, which Green Bay frequently uses.
Grade: B-

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Definitely

I think Jordy will compete for that 3rd spot behind DD and Jennings! He has a great work ethic and nothing on James Jones but i see Jordy getting a few more balls next year. BUT!! I also think McCarthy needs to utilize his depth at WR more next year. I know Aaron is not Brett BUT we still need to try more of that 5 wide! It seems like it disappeared this year for the most part. Which was very disappointing since we do have such great depth there even down to Ruvell who is a great 4-5 WR!

by bizzle4 on Jan 10, 2009 11:36 PM CST reply actions

health.

the reason the Fab Five seemed to e lost this season is for only a few weeks this season did we have five healthy wide recievers. James Jones was injured nearly the whole year with his nagging ankle injury and Ruvell had his trouble with injuries as well. i disagree that Jordy will be a number three wide reciever, Jones is going to become a top end reciever in years to come. his development was hampered by that ankle injury mentioned before. Jordy will contiue to develop into a solid number three once Driver decides to hang up the cleats.

by klarue24 on Jan 11, 2009 4:28 PM CST reply actions

Diamond in the rough

The only thing that does not impress me with Nelson is his numbers. I couldn’t find a flaw in his game. He’s big and fast, so he’s got the tools to succeed. What set’s him apart from the others is how well he does the little things. I kept noticing Jordy making downfield blocks, running solid routes (on every play) and giving that extra effort after the catch. This guy has all the intangibles. We have a real gem that will be a factor in our success for years.

by Lee-Roy Jenkins on Jan 11, 2009 9:34 PM CST reply actions

+1

This is why i think he will surpass Jones for the 3rd WR. Jones is a good WR (nothing against him) but i just personally like Jordy seening how he plays the game. he blocks well down field runs routes and can make plays.

by bizzle4 on Jan 12, 2009 5:31 PM CST up reply actions