Arrelious Benn - Bucs
- He had a big sophomore season catching 67 passes for 1,055
yards. Benn was hindered by a nagging ankle injury for much
of his final year at Illinois. He is very dangerous after
catch with his combination of size and speed he has the
ability to go up and high and get catches when in traffic.
The second-round pick comes into a weak receiver core and
could start from day one. Mike Williams and Michael Clayton
is below average competition. Tight end Kellen Winslow gives
the Bucs the help over the middle and Benn could be the
man on the sidelines and have a solid rookie year.
Julian Edelman - Patriots
- Edelman as a sleeper is mostly based on Wes Welker's injury.
Welker tore both his ACL and MCL in the season finale a
year ago in Houston, and underwent successful surgery in
February. and thus, Welker could start the season on the
PUP.
Edelman managed 37 receptions for 359 yards and a touchdown
as a seventh-round draft pick rookie in 2009. More importantly
he caught 10 passes for 103 yards in the final game of the
season and six catches for 44 yards and two touchdowns in
the Patriots playoff loss to the Ravens. He has been called
the "Wes Welker clone" and if Welker is out or
slowed down, Edelman should flourish.
Golden Tate - Seahawks
- He had a huge Senior year with his Notre Dame
counterpart Jimmy Clausen catching 93 passes for 1,496 yards
and 16 touchdowns. At 5'11, 195, Tate is average size, but
has great initial speed and the second gear necessary to
make big plays in the NFL.
With possession-receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh the Seahawks
have their possession receiver. 2009 third-round pick Deon
Butler and Tate will battle for the second receiver, but
the loser could be a solid #3 receiver.
