From the Gut: The Wide Receivers, Part II
By Scott Lange
In this article, I present to you the thoughts rolling around my head about the 2008 AFL season. Without further delay let's get right down to my gut feelings about some of the receivers for the upcoming season.
Terrill Shaw WR Tampa Bay
It took him a while to get going last year, but from week 11 through week 17, Shaw was the top Storm receiver. Once Brett Dietz took over as QB, Shaw seemed to come alive. This year, Dietz is the starting QB, and the Storm offense could be potent.
Rodney Wright WR San Jose
Wright played very well as the third WR on the Sabercats last year behind Ben Nelson and James Roe. Wright now has the chance to move into the two spot and be even more productive since Nelson is in Colorado. My gut tells me Wright could be in for a monster year if he can lock up the number two receiving spot. He's a great player to target in the middle rounds of your draft.
Cornelius Bonner WR Cleveland
Bonner hauled in a career high 30 TDs last year. He'll get to work with veteran QB Raymond Philyaw this year, which could definitely help Bonner's production. Bonner will have Otis Amey and Kevin Prentiss alongside him in the receiving core but my gut tells me Bonner will be the better receiver in this offense.
Charles Pauley WR Columbus
Pauley had a career year last year as he developed into Tony Graziani's favorite target. Pauley caught over 100 passes and 27 TDs to lead all Soul receivers. Pauley now has a new QB (Matt Nagy) and a more competition at the receiving spot (most notably, Derek Lee). Don't get me wrong. Lee and Pauley will make a nice combination, but my gut tells me Lee will be getting more looks than Pauley.
Kenny Higgins WR Grand Rapids
Higgins had a great season in his rookie year with the Nashville Kats. But Higgins may have a hard time putting up numbers in Grand Rapids with Adrian McPherson or James MacPherson as the QB. Higgins should be the number one option on offense for the Rampage, but my gut tells me his numbers take a hit this year.
Trandon Harvey WR Arizona
As with the rest of the Arizona receivers, Harvey's success this year will depend on new QB Lang Campbell. Last year with Bonner at the helm, Harvey turned in a solid season, catching 100 passes and 29 TDs. That may change a bit with the arrival of last year's MVP Siaha Burley.
Timon Marshall WR Los Angeles
Marshall was having a huge year last year for the Rampage before jumping over to the NFL. Marshall now comes back to the AFL and joins what should be an explosive Avenger offense. Marshall will be competing for receptions with the likes of Kevin Ingram and Lenzie Jackson. My gut tells me Marshall is going to be a big part of this offense. He's a steal if you can get him in the third round.
T.T. Toliver WR Orlando
Toliver has the talent to be a great AFL player, but lacks the necessary consistency. This year he'll work with Shane Stafford, a proven AFL QB who is capable of an 85+ TD season. Toliver's inconsistency will drive owners crazy though, so if you are thinking about drafting him, there will be times when he disappoints.
Travis LaTendresse WR Chicago
LaTendresse came on strong towards the end of last year and is a sleeper that I'm keeping my eye on this year. The stats you see for him last year all came in the last five games of the year while playing for the Gladiators. The only concern with LaTendresse is Damian Harrell taking away looks, but at the same time LaTendresse could be dangerous in single coverage. My gut tells me LaTendresse is the real deal, and should be able to post 25+ TDs this year. Travis could be undervalued come draft day and is a great player to target during the mid rounds.
J.J. McKelvey WR Utah
I had high hopes last year for McKelvey, but he never seemed to be involved in the offense enough. He found his way into the end zone quite a bit, but really did not catch a lot of passes or rack up yards. Things will be different this year though, as the Blaze have QB Joe Germaine and a horrible defense. McKelvey would be a good player to target in the mid to late rounds of your fantasy draft. He has a chance to flourish in the Utah offense.
Lenzie Jackson WR Los Angeles
Jackson looked very good last year with the Avengers before getting hurt. This year, the Avengers offense is going to be putting up a ton of points behind QB Sonny Cumbie. Jackson will have to fight Timon Marshall and Kevin Ingram for receptions, but my gut tells me the productivity will be there.
Wendall Williams WR New Orleans
He'll be the number two guy on offense behind Derrick Lewis, but the VooDoo offense will be explosive with Steve Bellisari at the helm. Bellisari completely changed the offense last year when he became the starter, putting up points quickly and consistently. With Bellisari and Lewis helping out on the field, my gut tells me Williams could be one of the more productive number two WRs in the AFL.
Jimmy Fryzel WR Orlando
There is no question this guy has some talent, but the problem is he can't seem to say healthy. He's got a solid QB in Shane Stafford, but also has Javarus Dudley, Ron Johnson, and T.T. Toliver all taking away possible receptions. My gut says Fryzel is going to have problems staying healthy yet again. Pass on Fryzel, as he is likely to disappoint this year.
Jeremiah Pope WR New York
Pope was a key member of the Rattlers offense last year as he caught 24 TDs. This year he enters the Dragons passing game, and if Aaron Garcia can stay healthy, he could post similar stats. Kevin Swayne and Damien Groce also have a history of injuries, so if any of those guys miss time, Pope would see an increase in productivity. My gut tells me Pope will be a valuable player in the Dragon offense and has a shot at 25+ TDs.
Kevin Prentiss WR Cleveland
Prentiss teased the AFL fantasy nation last year in week two when he exploded onto the scene by catching an AFL record nine TDs in one game. Prentiss then quickly fell off the fantasy radar due to an injury that hobbled him for the rest of the 2007 season. Prentiss again comes into the 2008 season with a lot of unanswered questions. Is Prentiss a one game wonder, or is he ready to be a fantasy stud? My gut tells me Prentiss will struggle to produce this year, but he may be worth a roster spot at the end of a draft.
Scott Lange is a founding member of Arena Football Online and has been following Arena Football since 2000. Contact Scott at slange@arenafootballonline.com
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