Big Ten Fantasy WR Ranks

1. Eric Decker, Minnesota (JR)
Gopher fans saw a breakout season from young Mr. Decker in ‘07. The conferences third-best passing team saw the freshman-to-sophomore Adam Weber to Eric Decker combo connect 67 times for over 900 hundred yards and nine touchdowns. With the nations’ worst defense on the other side of the ball, Decker fans can expect to see the Gophers throwing the ball from behind once again in 2008.

2. Brian Robiskie, Ohio State (SR)
The Buckeye’s number one target is back for his senior season in Columbus. Robiskie led the Big Ten in yards-per-catch (min. 15 receptions) last season and looks to improve on his 17 yards-per-catch in 2008. Quarterback Todd Boeckman will never put up huge numbers in Ohio State’s pro-style offense, but as defenses stack eight and nine guys in the box to stop Beanie Wells – Robiskie should see plenty of targets inside the red zone.

3. Arrelious Benn, Illinois (SO)
Last season, the most talented wide receiver in the conference showed college football fans only a glimpse of what he can accomplish in Chamgain-Urbana during his stay in the Orange and Blue. Benn was as physically ready for college football as any high school wideout has been in some time. Look for Benn to continue to mature with emerging quarterback Juice Williams. Benn was a dangerous weapon on special teams last season as well.

4. Greg Orton, Purdue (SR)
Dustin Keller and Dorien Bryant have both moved on. That is 155 catches, 1,863 yards and 15 touchdowns. One key name that did not move on: quarterback Curtis Painter. Orton looks to be the senior quarterback’s top receiving target in 2008 and should reap the benefit of the two departures. Even as the number three option last season, Orton managed to catch 67 passes for 752 yards. Much of Orton’s success hinges on the continued development of the Boiler quarterback. As Painter goes, so goes Greg Orton.

5. Greg Mathews, Michigan (JR)
No offense in the Big Ten was decimated more by graduation or early NFL entries than the Wolverines. The quarterback, running back and two starting wideouts are gone. But if fans watched the 41-35 Capital One Bowl victory over Florida, one thing was obvious: there will be no shortage of playmakers in Ann Arbor. Mathews had the most productive game of his season with seven receptions. He is now clearly the guy at Michigan. Let just see if someone can get him the ball.

6. Mark Dell, Michigan State (SO)
Bye bye Devin Thomas and Kellen Davis. Hello Mark Dell. With a new offensive mindset, a senior quarterback and great ground attack, Sparty should not struggle to score points this fall. Look for the young playmaker to be a major beneficiary of the high-octane Michigan State offense. Much like Javon Ringer will produce more due to the graduation of touchdown vulture Jehuu Caulcrick, so too will Dell with Davis and Thomas out of the picture.

7. Ross Lane, Northwestern (SR)
The main beneficiary from a more consistent C.J. Bacher is Ross Lane. The Florida native led the Wildcats in touchdown receptions last season and receiving yards per game last season. The core group of skill players is back in Evanston – Tyrell Sutton, Eric Peterman, Bacher, Lane – and each should stand to increase their fantasy production due to continuity.

8. Ray Fisher, Indiana (JR)
James Hardy and his 36 touchdowns have left for the NFL. Fisher looks to be the number one target of fantasy playmaker Kellen Lewis in the fall. If Marcus Thigpen and the hopefully improved running game can keep defenses honest, Fisher has a chance to put up really solid fantasy numbers in 2008. Hardy-eque stats are unlikely but 1,000 and 10 is not out of the question.

9. Brian Hartline, Ohio State (JR)
A slightly quicker but less productive version of Brian Robiskie. His upside is limited due to the offense system. Jim Tressel’s pro-style of play calling for pass plays is a result of the ground game, and Robiskie stands to be the top target anywhere on the field - but especially in the red zone. Hartline does bring the special teams game into the picture as he does have some return skills – something that Robiskie will not do.

10. Kyle Jefferson, Wisconsin (SO)
The long, lanky freshman proved last season that he is tough (see Michigan State game), but he also proved to be a deep threat as well. The tall receiver was Tyler Donovan’s number one big play target in 2007 and could be even better for Allan Everidge and company in 2008. Both touchdowns came from 40+ yards out (43 and 64).

11. Derrick Williams, Penn State (SR)
12. B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State (FR)
13. Aaron Valentin, Purdue (JR)
14. Eric Peterman, Northwestern (SR)
15. Jordan Norwood, Penn State (SR)
16. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa (SO)
17. Andy Brodell, Iowa (SR)
18. Deon Butler, Penn State (SR)
19. Desmond Tardy, Purdue (SR)
20. Jeff Cumberland, Illinois (SR)
21. Andrew Means, Indiana (JR)
22. Trey Stross, Iowa (JR)
23. Ralph Spry, Minnesota (SO)
24. Ray Small, Ohio State (JR)
25. Rasheed Ward, Northwestern (SR)
26. Alfred Jenkins, Illinois (FR)
27. Brian Gamble, Illinois (SO)
28. Darryl Stonum, Michigan (FR)
29. David Gilreath, Wisconsin (SO)
30. Junior Hemingway, Michigan (SO)

Del.icio.us | Digg it | Athlon Sports RSS Feeds