by Chris Mooney

Here are my initial pre-season WR rankings (based on yardage scoring systems):

1. Steve Smith - Looking for a big year from Smith.  Wouldn’t be surprised if he led the league in receptions.
2. Chad Johnson – With no Henry for the 8 games, that’s more catches for Chad.
3. Marvin Harrison – Still the guy in Indy and not showing any signs of slowing down.  The emergence of Wayne helps him.
4. Torry Holt – Knee issue concerns me, but he had the knee problems last year and still put up big numbers.
5. Terrell Owens – I think the T.O./Romo combo will click on all cylinders this year making for a huge fantasy year for T.O.. 
6. Andre Johnson – Last year I drafted Johnson in every league as my #2 WR.  Won’t be so lucky this year.  He has more balls thrown his way than anyone in the league.  Getting rid of Carr will only help him, even if it’s with Matt Schaub.
7. Reggie Wayne – Hit or miss from week to week as to who gets the ball between Harrison and Wayne, but even the one who comes in second will still have good stats.  D won’t be very good this year, so that means more O!
8. Javon Walker – #1 guy here.  Cutler will key in on Walker with plenty of passes thrown his way.
9. Marques Colston – Won’t be flying under the radar this season.  Good hands, and will catch a lot of balls.
10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Mr. Consistent.  Seems like his stat line is always productive.
11. Roy Williams – Pretty safe bet that the Lions will be thowing a lot this year, and if Calvin Williams proves all the hype was real, should make things easier for Roy.
12. Larry Fitzgerald – Great skills, but Arizona will look to run a bit more.
13. Lee Evans – Sometimes it seems like feast or famine with Evans, but another year with Losman will help.
14. Anquan Boldin – See Fitzgerald note.
15. Randy Moss – I think Randy rebounds this year with Brady throwing to him.  The Pats have a good running game, and the addition of Stallworth should opening things up down field for Moss.  Belichick and Brady should keep Moss in check.
16. Reggie Brown – Will be the main target for McNabb in Philly and given plenty of chances to be the guy.
17. Donald Driver – The Pack just gave him a contract extension, and he has another year of Favre throwing to him.
18. Hines Ward – Not the WR of old, but will still put of #2 like WR numbers.
19. Bernard Berrian – May seem high to some, but I like Berrian here.  Explosive player with high upside.
20. Deion Branch – Main guy in Seattle and not competing with Darrell Jackson.
21. Braylon Edwards – Will Quinn be throwing to him or Charlie Frye??
22. Plaxico Burress  – Top target for Eli, but I hope learns to control his moodiness. 
23. Chris Chambers – Having Trent Green will help.  Still will put up decent numbers.
24. Vincent Jackson – He’s my breakout candidate at the WR position.  Good hands and size. May end up as #1 WR for the Bolts.
25. Laveranues Coles - Must stay healthy, but he and Pennington have a strong connection.
26. Santana Moss – No where to go but up for Santana.  Should bounce back this season.
27. Calvin Johnson – The Lions will be airing it out, and Johnson should be the first rookie WR off the board right about in this spot.
28. Joey Galloway – Will age catch up with him this year?  No so much.
29. Mark Clayton – Will probably over take Derrick Mason as the #1 WR in Baltimore for whatever that’s worth.
30. Devery Henderson – Colston is still the guy, but Henderson is clear cut #2, and in this offense, that’s still pretty good.

the rest…..Donte Stallworth, Jerricho Cotchery, Darrell Jackson, Troy Williamson, Greg Jennings

WR MVP – Steve Smith

WR Value Pick – Vincent Jackson – Can get good value here.  Erik Parker is out for 10 weeks, and Gates can’t and won’t catch everything.  Yes they do have someone by the name of L.T., but that’s ok, less double coverage down field for Jackson who has excellent speed and size.

WR Bust Pick – Plaxico Burress -  Not even sure I’d want him as my #2 WR.  Until he shows tht he can stop his whining and just play, I’m steering clear of him.