Fantasy Football 2009: Top 5 Rookie Receivers to Draft

Unlike last year's draft, the 2009 NFL Draft yielded a good crop of wide receivers, with six receivers getting drafted in the first round, and 9 more leaving over the next two rounds. This means that 2009 Fantasy Football owners will have a wide selection of prospects and sleeper picks to help fill out their rosters this year. Here then are the top 5 rookie receivers to take in a 2009 Fantasy Football Draft.

Michael Crabtree (49ers)

College football's premier receiver over the past two seasons, with the exception of world class speed, Michael Crabtree has all the tools for success in the NFL. The 6-3, 210 lb Crabtree has exceptional hands, concentration, and size, and should be the 49ers' go to receiver in 2009. Able to run precise patterns and explosive enough to get good separation from defenders, Crabtree should post decent numbers this season after he adjusts to playing in a pro-style offense. Fantasy football owners should look for decent numbers over the first 8 games, and great numbers over the second half of the season. There is no reason to believe that Crabtree can't post numbers in the 55-65 catch, 800-900 yards range as a rookie this season.

Jeremy Maclin (Eagles)

Jeremy Maclin will combine with last year's rookie sensation DeSean Jackson to give the Eagles a very dangerous receiving combination. Highly elusive in the open field and a threat to score every time he gets his hands on the ball, Maclin is an athletic receiver who is capable of making any catch thrown to him. Maclin will have to improve his running his routes in order to succeed at the next level, but he should still post decent numbers for fantasy owners this year, with +50 catches for +750 yards being within his reach.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (Raiders)

The first receiver taken in the 2009 Draft (7^th overall), Heyward-Bey gives Oakland the big play receiver they have been lacking. Explosive and fast with great hands, Heyward-Bey is still a bit raw for the next level, and has plenty of room to grow. Still, there will be plenty of opportunity to start given the shape of Oakland's receiving corps, and their need to justify selecting him over Crabtree. Look for Heyward-Bey to start slow and come on in the second half of the season, with a +45 catch, +700 yard season being within his reach.

Percy Harvin (Vikings)

Harvin was selected 22^nd over all by the Vikings, who need a complimentary receiver for Bernard Berrian. Perhaps the most versatile receiver available in the 2009 Draft, Harvin comes with a great pair of hands, great speed, and instincts. A touchdown threat when he has the ball, Harvin has the ability to gain yards after the catch, and was also used as a runner in Florida. However, there are some concerns about his size, and the fact that he had a positive drug test during the combine. Still, Harvin will make for a great late round sleeper pick during the fantasy draft.

Kenny Britt (Titans)

The Titans ranked 27^th in the NFL in passing in 2008, and part of the recent was a lack of good receivers, which should give Kenny Britt plenty of opportunity to get on the playing field in 2009. At 6-4, 205 lbs, Britt is a receiver in the mold of Larry Fitzgerald, who will present the Titans with a large target in the red zone. Britt has a great pair of hands, and is explosive off the line. If there is a rookie receiver who can surprise in 2009, Britt is it; take him as a late round sleeper.

Sources:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/stats

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2009/draft/breakdowns/by_position/RB.html