Big 12 Fantasy WR Ranks

1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (SO)
Tina Turner said it all: “Simply the Best.” There is nothing else that can be said about a freshman catching 134 passes for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns – all freshman records. Fantasy owners – if you have the chance – need to grab him this season because it could be his last in a Red Raider uniform.

2. Jeremy Maclin, Missouri (SO)
The Big 12’s all-purpose yards leader returns for his second season in Columbia. Maclin will be Heisman candidate Chase Daniel’s top target in 2008 and would be a shoe in for his conference’s top fantasy option – if he didn’t play in the same league as Michael Crabtree. Maclin’s 2,776 all-purpose yards not only broke NCAA records, but put him in the end zone 16 times, three different ways. He ran four in, caught nine and returned three on special teams. Expect his role in the high-powered Gary Pinkel offense to be identical but increased in ’08. 

3. Eric Morris, Texas Tech (SR)
The number three ranked receiving option in the Big 12 isn’t even the best option on his own team. Have no fear, however, as Tech’s number two option last season – Danny Amendola – caught 109 passes for 1,245 yards and six scores. Even as Graham Harrell’s third option last season, Morris ended up with admirable numbers: 75 receptions, 767 yards and nine touchdowns.

4. Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma (SR)
Affectionately know as ‘Julio,’ Iglesias will be the number one target of super soph quarterback Sam Bradford. Although Malcolm Kelly was the more talented of the two, Iglesias actually led the Sooners in receptions and yards. Manuel Johnson and tight end, Jermaine Gresham, will see a lot of passes as well but Julio should once again be the best fantasy receiver for the Crimson and Cream.

5. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (SO)
The most talented wide receiver on the roster – Adarius Bowman – is now gone. In steps Dez Bryant. The high school teammate of TAMU’s Mike Goodson, Bryant is now easily the most talented option for stud fantasy quarterback Zac Robinson. As a freshman, Bryant caught 43 passes at nearly a 15 yards-per-catch clip and six scores. Look for a 1,000+ yard season and double-digit touchdowns.

6. Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas (So)
Briscoe had almost an identical stat line as Dez Bryant in 2007. With a great fantasy quarterback in Todd Reesing coming back, his numbers should increase like Bryant’s as well. However, Bryant will be the top option for Okie State and Briscoe will be playing across the field from another solid – and more experienced – option in Dexton Fields. Make no mistake, though, Briscoe is the most talented receiving option on the Jayhawk roster. 

7. Edward Britton, Texas Tech (JR)
As crazy as it sounds, the third receiver for the Red Raiders is a better fantasy option than seven ‘No. 1’s’ in the Big 12. Tech quarterback Graham Harrell attempted 713 passes in ’07 and should be throwing as much in 2008. Crabtree and Morris cannot catch them all. Look for a 70-80 reception season and possibly double-digit scores.

8. Dexton Fields, Kansas (SR)
The most experienced receiving option on the Jayhawk roster will be Fields in ’08. He is the leading returning pass catcher as well. Briscoe gets the nod because of pure ability, but Fields actually had more receptions and yards in 2007. The statistical difference between the two could be minute, so the value draft pick may be Fields instead of the higher rated Dexmon Briscoe.

9. Deon Murphy, Kansas State (SR)
Jordy Nelson set all kinds of KSU receiving records last season when he caught 122 passes for 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nelson is now in a Green Bay Packer uniform. In steps Deon Murphy. Despite the turnovers, quarterback Josh Freeman does have plenty of talent and will put up big numbers this fall. Look for Murphy to be the main beneficiary of Freeman’s positive development. 

10. Danario Alexander, Missouri (JR)
Alexander was set to be a top-ten fantasy receiving option in the Big 12 this season, but a preseason knee injury has clouded his value. The junior receiver has battled knee injuries in his career and the Tigers may not have him available until October. With this in mind, Alexander should be on the waiver wire to start the season.

11.Detron Lewis, Texas Tech (SO)
12.Quan Cosby, Texas (SR)
13.Thomas White, Baylor (SR)
14.Nate Swift, Nebraska (SR)
15.Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma (SR)
16.Jordan Shipley, Texas (SR)
17.Quentin Chaney, Oklahoma (SR)
18.Scotty McKnight, Colorado (SO)
19.Adrian Hilburn, Kansas State (JR)
20.David Gettis, Baylor (JR)
21.Artrell Woods, Oklahoma State (SO)
22.Jared Perry, Missouri (JR)
23.Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M (FR)
24.Todd Peterson, Nebraska (SR)
25.R.J. Sumrall, Iowa State (SR)
26.Aubrey Quarles, Kansas State (JR)
27.Adron Tennell, Oklahoma (JR)
28.Marquis Hamilton, Iowa State (JR)
29.Tommy Saunders, Missouri (SR)
30.Ernest Smith, Baylor (JR)

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