Most of us have done a mock draft on ESPN.com or another website.

We stick around for the first two or three picks, get frustrated when owners take the full 90 seconds to take a player who will never play for a team said owner will never own, then exit the draft and start a new one a few minutes later.

It's a good way to learn where certain players are being drafted.

Wednesday night, Sports Editor Mark Podolski, me and a group of readers conducted a three-round mock draft at The News-Herald as part of our fantasy football Q&A.

We went with the assumption we would be participating in a points-per-reception league and touchdown passes would be worth six points. The results were interesting, and more informative than an online mock in which half of the selections might be autopicks.

Tonight, we actually cared about our picks, though we knew it was just for fun (yes, we're sick like that).

Here is the overall top 25, along with a few observations:

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
2. Arian Foster, RB, Texans
3. Drew Brees, QB, Saints
4. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles
5. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens
6. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
7. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
8. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
9. Matt Forte, RB, Bears
10. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders
11. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars
12. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
13. DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys
14. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots
15. Roddy White, WR, Falcons
16. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
17. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
18. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
19. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
20. Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
21. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints
22. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
23. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
24. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
25. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs

Biggest reach: Welker. I'm a big fan, but even in a PPR league, the Patriots wideout is a much better option early in the third round than early in the second. As great as Welker was last season, his nine touchdowns were a career high. From 2007 to '09, he averaged five TDs.

Best value: Rice is a steal at No. 5, as is Gronkowski at 23. Choosing between the two, I'd say Rice. If you get him fifth in a 12-team league, you could follow with the likes of Gronkowski, Roddy White, DeMarco Murray or Cam Newton in Round 2.

The Jones-Drew question: Podolski selected MJD 11th, and that seems about right. Jones-Drew was ranked fifth in our top 100 overall last week, but the longer his contract holdout lingers, the more risky he becomes. If you're drafting this weekend (as we are in the N-H league), I would feel comfortable with Jones-Drew late in the first round of a 12- or 14-team league, but wouldn't take him in the top 10. We have to assume he will report to the Jaguars by the start of the season, but until he does, we can't take the chance in the top five.

The Fitzgerald factor: The Cardinals' QB situation is such a mess we should expect Fitzgerald to be drafted in the middle of the second round, even if the wideout's numbers suggest that is too late. Since 2007, Fitzgerald has missed only one game. From 2007 to '09, he averaged 12 TDs per season. The last two years, Fitzgerald's TDs are down to a norm of seven. In PPR leagues, he still has high second-round value. Heck, he caught 80 passes for 1,411 yards and eight TDs last season for a team on which the top two quarterbacks -- Kevin Kolb and John Skelton -- combined to throw 20 TD passes and 22 interceptions. In standard scoring leagues in which yards and TDs are almost all that matter, Fitzgerald could fall to late in the second round or early in Round 3.

Maybe you believe, and News-Herald Browns beat writer Jeff Schudel agrees with you, the Browns got the better of the Falcons in a blockbuster draft-day trade in 2011.

When the dust settled after the 2012 draft, the Browns had netted Phil Taylor, Greg Little and Brandon Weeden from the swap. And one of the picks they received from Atlanta, a fourth-rounder in 2012, was used in a trade with Minnesota in which Cleveland moved up to select Trent Richardson.

It's not difficult to see why that trade could be viewed as a good one for Tom Heckert.

The Falcons' haul in the deal: Wide receiver Julio Jones.

Jones, selected sixth overall by Atlanta in 2011, had 27 receptions for 457 yards and six touchdowns in the final five games of last season. If you project those numbers over a 16-game season, you get 86 catches for 1,462 yards and 19 TDs.

I wouldn't expect Jones to score 19 TDs this season, but 86 catches for more than 1,400 yards is certainly within reach.

This is a long way of saying I like Jones quite a bit this season. We have him ranked eighth at wide receiver, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was better than any wideout not named Calvin Johnson in fantasy this season.

If Weeden is the answer to the Browns' annual quarterback problem, they will have made out on the deal. For fantasy purposes, however, Atlanta has the best player -- and we know that's what really matters.

On to the wide receiver rankings ...

Rank, player, team (bye week): GP, Receptions-Yards-Avg, TD

1. Calvin Johnson,  Det (5): 16, 96-1,681-17.5, 16

2. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (10): 7, 80-1,411-17.6, 8

3. Roddy White, Atl (7): 16, 100-1,296-13.0, 8

4. Andre Johnson, Hou (8): 16, 33-492-14.9, 2

5. Greg Jennings, GB (10): 13, 67-949-14.2, 9

6. Wes Welker, NE (9): 16, 122-1,569-12.9, 9

7. A.J. Green, Cin (8): 15, 65-1,057-16.3, 7

8. Julio Jones, Atl (7): 13, 54-959-17.8, 8

9. Mike Wallace, Pit (4): 16, 72-1,193-16.6, 8

10. Victor Cruz, NYG (11): 16, 82-1,536-18.7, 9

11. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (11): 15, 76-1,192-15.7, 7

12. Jordy Nelson, GB (10): 16, 68-1,263-18.6, 15

13. Brandon Marshall, Chi (6): 16, 81-1,214-15.0, 6

14. Steve Smith, Car (6): 16, 79-1,394-17.6, 7

15. Marques Colston, NO (6): 14, 80-1,143-14.3, 8

16. Dez Bryant, Dal (5): 15, 63-928-14.7, 9

17. Miles Austin, Dal (5): 10, 43-579-13.5, 7

18. Demaryius Thomas, Den (7): 11, 32-551-17.2, 4

19. Vincent Jackson, TB (5): 16, 60-1,106-18.4, 9

20. Brandon Lloyd, NE (9): 11, 51-683-13.4, 5

21. Antonio Brown, Pit (4): 16, 69-1,108-16.1, 2

22. Dwayne Bowe, KC (7): 16, 81-1,159-14.3,  5

23. Steve Johnson, Buf (7): 16, 76-1,004-13.2, 7

24. Percy Harvin, Min (11): 16, 87-967-11.1, 6

25. DeSean Jackson, Phi (7): 15, 58-961-16.6, 4

26. Reggie Wayne, Ind (4): 16, 75-960-12.8, 4

27. Torrey Smith, Bal (8): 16, 50-841-16.8, 7

28. Jeremy Maclin, Phi (7): 13, 63-859-13.6, 5

29. Eric Decker, Den (7): 16, 44-612-13.9, 8

30. Pierre Garcon, Was (10): 16, 70-947-13.5, 6

31. Malcom Floyd, SD (7): 12, 43-856-19.9, 5

32. Anquan Boldin, Bal (8): 14, 57-887-15.6, 3

33. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (9): 16, 51-654-12.8, 8

34. Greg Little, Cle (10): 16, 61-709-11.6, 2

35. Robert Meachem, SD (7): 16, 40-620-15.5, 6

36. Titus Young, Det (5): 16, 48-607-12.6, 6

37. Denarius Moore, Oak (5): 13, 33-618-18.7, 5

38. Nate Washington, Ten (11): 16, 74-1,023-13.8, 7

39. Santana Moss, Was (10): 12, 46-584-12.7, 4

40. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oak (5): 15, 64-975-15.2, 4

41. Lance Moore, NO (6): 14, 52-627-12.1, 8

42. Mike Williams, TB (5): 16, 65-771-11.9, 3

43. Michael Crabtree, SF (9): 15, 72-874-12.1, 4

44. Mario Manningham, SF (9): 12, 39-523-13.4, 4

45. Nate Burleson, Det (5): 16, 73-757-10.4, 3

46. Jonathan Baldwin, KC (7): 11, 21-254-12.1, 1

47. Kenny Britt, Ten (11): 3, 17-289-17.0, 3

48. Sidney Rice, Sea (11): 9, 32-484-15.1, 2

49. Justin Blackmon, Jac (6): Rookie

50. Brandon LaFell, Car (6): 16, 36-613-17.0, 3

51. Laurent Robinson, Jac (6): 14, 54-858-15.9, 11

52. Randy Moss, SF (9): Didn’t play

53. Austin Collie, Ind (4): 16, 54-514-9.5, 1

54. Danny Amendola, StL (9): 1, 5-45-9.0, 0

55. Emmanuel Sanders, Pit (4): 11, 22-288-13.1, 2

56. Doug Baldwin, Sea (11): 16, 51-788-15.5, 4

57. Rueben Randle, NYG (11): Rookie

58. Leonard Hankerson, Was (10): 4, 13-163-12.5, 0

59. Davone Bess, Mia (7): 16, 51-537-10.5, 3

60. Kendall Wright, Ten (11): Rookie

NOTE: All statistics are from the 2011 season.

QUICK SLANTS: Calvin Johnson has averaged 87 receptions for 1,401 yards and 14 TDs the last two seasons. ... Fitzgerald has played all 16 games in each of the last four seasons and has missed only one contest since 2007. He averaged 12 TDs per season from 2007 to '09, but has a norm of "only" seven scores the last two years. ...Jones' Falcons teammate, Roddy White, has averaged 100 catches for 1,279 yards and 10 TDs the last three years. ... I'd be a little leery of Andre Johnson, who is already struggling with an injury in training camp (hamstring) and has missed a combined 12 games the last two seasons. ... Welker is a reception and yardage machine, but his nine TDs last season were a career high. ... The Steelers' Wallace is expected to end his contract holdout before the start of the regular season. He has averaged 1,232 yards and nine TDs since 2010. ... With Jay Cutler in Denver in 2007 and '08, Marshall had norms of 103 catches for 1,295 yards and seven TDs. ... The Broncos' Thomas could be the biggest beneficiary of Peyton Manning landing in Denver. He caught 10 passes for 297 yards and a TD in the Broncos' two playoff games last season, including a memorable four-catch, 204-yard, one-winning-TD performance in a wild-card win over the Steelers during the height of Tebowmania. ... In two seasons with the Jets, Holmes has averaged only 52 catches for 700 yards and seven TDs. In 2009 with the Steelers, he had 79 receptions for 1,248 yards and five scores.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Quarterbacks, running backs

NEXT: Tight ends

A few quick notes before the rankings:

-- We updated our running back rankings with the news Wednesday night that Arian Foster's hamstring injury might be more serious than we originally thought. The first round -- after Adrian Peterson -- is as dicey as ever.

-- We'll break down three of the biggest issues owners will face early in the draft -- Foster's injury, Chris Johnson's holdout and Peyton Manning trying to recover from neck surgery -- in a column this weekend in the print editions of The News-Herald and at www.news-herald.com.

-- For the quarterback rankings, click here. For the running backs, go here.

On to the wideouts and tight ends:

WIDE RECEIVERS
Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-TD
1. Andre Johnson, Hou 13-86-1,216-8
2. Roddy White, Atl 16-115-1,389-10
3. Calvin Johnson, Det 15-77-1,120-12
4. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 16-90-1,137-6
5. Greg Jennings, GB 16-76-1,265-12
6. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 13-79-1,052-11
7. Reggie Wayne, Ind 16-111-1,355-6
8. Mike Wallace, Pit 16-60-1,257-10
9. Miles Austin, Dal 16-69-1,041-7
10. Vincent Jackson, SD 5-14-248-3
11. DeSean Jackson, Phi 14-47-1,056-6
12. Dez Bryant, Dal 12-45-561-6
13. Dwayne Bowe, KC 16-72-1,162-15
14. Brandon Lloyd, Den 16-77-1,448-11
15. Mike Williams, TB 16-65-964-11
16. Brandon Marshall, Mia 14-86-1,014-3
17. Wes Welker, NE 15-86-848-7
18. Marques Colston, NO 15-84-1,023-7
19. Steve Johnson, Buf 16-82-1,073-10
20. Santonio Holmes, NYJ 12-52-746-6
21. Anquan Boldin, Bal 16-64-837-7
22. Jeremy Maclin, Phi 16-70-964-10
23. Percy Harvin, Min 14-71-868-5
24. Mario Manningham, NYG 16-60-944-9
25. Santana Moss, Was 16-93-1,115-6
26. Chad Ochocinco, NE 14-67-831-4
27. Austin Collie, Ind 9-58-649-8
28. Sidney Rice, Sea 6-17-280-2
29. Pierre Garcon, Ind 14-67-784-6
30. Steve Smith, Car 14-46-554-2
31. Kenny Britt, Ten 12-42-775-9
32. Mike Thomas, Jac 16-66-820-4
33. Julio Jones, Atl ROOKIE
34. Malcom Floyd, SD 11-37-717-6
35. Lance Moore, NO 16-66-763-8
36. Braylon Edwards, SF 16-53-904-7
37. Johnny Knox, Chi 16-51-960-5
38. Hines Ward, Pit 16-59-755-5
39. A.J. Green, Cin ROOKIE
40. Danny Amendola, StL 16-85-689-3
41. Mike Sims-Walker, StL 14-43-562-7
42. Davone Bess, Mia 16-79-820-5
43. Michael Crabtree, SF 16-55-741-6
44. Plaxico Burress, NYJ DID NOT PLAY
45. Jordy Nelson, GB 16-45-582-2
46. Jacoby Ford, Oak 16-25-470-2
47. Jerome Simpson, Cin 5-20-277-3
48. Mike Williams, Sea 14-65-751-2
49. Nate Burleson, Det 14-55-625-6
50. Steve Breaston, KC 13-47-718-1
51. James Jones, GB 16-50-679-5
52. Deion Branch, NE 15-61-818-6
53. Roy Williams, Chi 15-37-530-5
54. Lee Evans, Bal 13-37-578-4
55. Robert Meachem, NO 16-44-638-5
56. Donald Driver, GB 15-51-565-4
57. Emmanuel Sanders, Pit 13-28-376-2
58. Derrick Mason, NYJ 16-61-802-7
59. Danario Alexander, StL 8-20-306-1
60. Antonio Brown, Pit 9-16-167-0

Note: Statistics are from the 2010 season.

Quick slants: Andre Johnson had a "down" 2010 after averaging 108 receptions for 1,572 yards and eight TDs in 2008 and '09. ... White has had at least 83 receptions for 1,153 yards or more in each of the last four years. ... Jennings had a big season after totaling only 13 TDs in '08 and '09. ... Calvin Johnson had big 2008 and '10 seasons, but had a combined nine TDs in '07 and '09. Hopefully, it's not an odd-year thing. ... Prior to last year, Fitzgerald had three consecutive seasons with at least 96 receptions and 10 TDs. ... The Colts' Wayne seems underrated, if that's possible, on some websites. He has had 100 catches or more in three straight seasons, and he has seven consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. ... In 2009, the Chargers' Jackson had 68 receptions for 1,167 yards and nine TDs. ... The Dolphins' Marshall could provide huge value as a No. 2 fantasy receiver if he returns to his form from 2007-09, in which he had 101 catches or more and 1,120 yards or more each year. He had 23 combined TDs in that span.

TIGHT ENDS
Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-TD
1. Antonio Gates, SD 10-50-782-10
2. Dallas Clark, Ind 6-37-347-3
3. Jason Witten, Dal 16-94-1,002-9
4. Vernon Davis, SF 16-56-914-7
5. Jermichael Finley, GB 5-21-301-1
6. Owen Daniels, Hou 11-38-471-2
7. Kellen Winslow, TB 16-66-730-5
8. Jimmy Graham, NO 15-31-356-5
9. Tony Gonzalez, Atl 16-70-656-6
10. Brandon Pettigrew, Det 16-71-722-4
11. Marcedes Lewis, Jac 16-58-700-10
12. Zach Miller, Sea 15-60-685-5
13. Rob Gronkowski, NE 16-42-546-10
14. Dustin Keller, NYJ 16-55-687-5
15. Chris Cooley, Was 16-77-849-3
16. Greg Olsen, Car 16-41-404-5
17. Tony Moeaki, KC 15-47-556-3
18. Brent Celek, Phi 16-42-511-4
19. Aaron Hernandez, NE 14-45-563-6
20. Todd Heap, Ari 13-40-599-5

Quick slants: Gates played all 64 games between 2006 and '09, and had ridiculous numbers in 2010, considering he played 10 games. ... Clark, the No. 2 tight end, is also coming off an injury-plagued year. He had a monster 2009 (100 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 TDs). ... You shouldn't have to worry about injury if you take Witten, who has played in all 64 games the last four years and posted at least 81 receptions and 952 yards each season. The drawback: He has averaged 5.5 TDs per season in that span. ... The Packers' Finley is an injury risk (18 games played since 2009), but he is very good when healthy (76 receptions for 977 yards and six TDs in that span). ... The 49ers' Davis had 78 catches for 965 yards and 13 TDs in 2009. ... After Davis, there is a pretty big drop. The Texans' Daniels -- the consensus No. 6 tight end in fantasy -- has all of 17 TDs in five years. ... The Falcons' Gonzalez could provide late-round value at age 35. He's ranked as a backup tight end on some sites, but he's much better than the likes of Greg Olsen. Though Gonzo had his lowest yardage total since 1998, his second NFL season, he still had 70 catches and six TDs. ... Don't overrate the Jaguars' Lewis, who, prior to his breakout 2010, had seven TDs in four years and had never had more than 41 receptions or 518 yards.

NEXT: Kickers and defenses/special teams

Sidney Rice's hip injury is a significant one for fantasy owners, since it damages the fantasy value of the indecisive one (Brett Favre), while increasing the statures of Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe. (As an aside: Was anyone else surprised ESPN didn't have a reporter speculate that Favre was wavering on his commitment to the Vikes after the Rice news broke?)

Rice said he aims to be back by midseason following surgery this week, but he also revealed the ailment could have been career-threatening.

What to do? I'd draft him as a No. 4 receiver, hope he plays by Week 9 or 10 and resembles anything close to the player who had 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

On to the final rankings of the preseason.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Andre Johnson, Hou 16-101-1,569-15.5-9
2. Randy Moss, NE 16-83-1,264-15.2-13
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 16-97-1,092-11.3-13
4. Reggie Wayne, Ind 16-100-1,264-12.6-10
5. Miles Austin, Dal 16-81-1,320-16.3-11
6. Roddy White, Atl 16-85-1,153-13.6-11
7. Brandon Marshall, Mia 15-101-1,120-11.1-10
8. DeSean Jackson, Phi 15-62-1,156-18.6-9
9. Steve Smith, Car 15-65-982-15.1-7
10. Calvin Johnson, Det 14-67-984-14.7-5
11. Steve Smith, NYG 16-107-1,220-11.4-7
12. Greg Jennings, GB 16-68-1,113-16.4-4
13. Marques Colston, NO 16-70-1,074-15.3-9
14. Anquan Boldin, Bal 15-84-1,024-12.2-4
15. Hines Ward, Pit 16-95-1,167-12.3-6
16. Chad Ochocinco, Cin 16-72-1,047-14.5-9
17. Michael Crabtree, SF 11-48-625-13.0-2
18. Mike Sims-Walker, Jac 15-63-869-13.8-7
19. Wes Welker, NE 14-123-1,348-11.0-4
20. Donald Driver, GB 16-70-1,061-15.2-6
21. Mike Wallace, Pit 16-39-756-19.4-6
22. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea 16-79-911-11.5-3
23. Dwayne Bowe, KC 11-47-589-12.5-4
24. Jeremy Maclin, Phi 15-56-773-13.8-4
25. Vincent Jackson, SD 15-68-1,167-17.2-9
26. Steve Breaston, Ari 15-55-712-12.9-3
27. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 14-47-790-16.8-6
28. Santana Moss, Was 16-70-902-12.9-3
29. Santonio Holmes, NYJ 16-79-1,248-15.8-5
30. Pierre Garcon, Ind 14-47-765-16.3-4
31. Percy Harvin, Min 15-60-790-13.2-6
32. Braylon Edwards, NYJ 16-45-680-15.1-4
33. Lee Evans, Buf 16-44-612-13.9-7
34. Bernard Berrian, Min 16-55-618-11.2-4
35. Robert Meachem, NO 16-45-722-16.0-9
36. Terrell Owens, Cin 16-55-829-15.1-5
37. Derrick Mason, Bal 16-73-1,028-14.1-7
38. Johnny Knox, Chi 15-45-527-11.7-5
39. Malcom Floyd, SD 16-45-776-17.2-1
40. Eddie Royal, Den 14-37-345-9.3-0
41. Mohamed Massaquoi, Cle 16-34-624-18.4-3
42. x-Anthony Gonzalez, Ind 16-57-664-11.6-4
43. Dez Bryant, Dal ROOKIE
44. Sidney Rice, Min 16-83-1,312-15.8-8
45. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 14-57-821-14.4-3
46. Kevin Walter, Hou 14-53-611-11.5-2
47. Nate Burleson, Det 13-63-812-12.9-3
48. Austin Collie, Ind 16-60-676-11.3-7
49. Chaz Schillens, Oak 8-29-365-12.6-2
50. Josh Morgan, SF 16-52-527-10.1-3
51. Chris Chambers, KC 16-45-730-16.2-5
52. Donnie Avery, StL 16-47-589-12.5-5
53. Early Doucet, Ari 9-17-214-12.6-1
54. Devin Aromashodu, Chi 10-24-298-12.4-4
55. Kenny Britt, Ten 16-42-701-16.7-3
56. Devery Henderson, NO 16-51-804-15.8-2
57. Mario Manningham, NYG 14-57-822-14.4-5
58. Devin Hester, Chi 13-57-757-13.3-3
59. Roy Williams, Dal 15-38-596-15.7-7
60. Legedu Naanee, SD 15-24-242-10.1-2
x-2008 statistics (injured in 2009).

QUICK SLANTS

In the last two seasons, the Texans' Johnson has averaged 108 catches for 1,572 yards and 8.5 touchdowns. ... Fitzgerald has a sprained MCL but plans to be ready for the season opener. ... In the last three seasons, Marshall has averaged 102 receptions for 1,237 yards and 7.7 TDs. ... The Falcons' White has posted at least 83 catches for 1,153 yards or more in each of the last three seasons. ... Last year, the Panthers' Smith recorded his lowest yardage total since 2004. ... The Packers' Jennings had a combined 21 TDs in 2007 and '08, but was held to four scores last season. ... The Packers' Driver has six consecutive seasons with at least 70 receptions for 1,012 yards. ... The Chargers' Jackson will be suspended for the first three games and is in a contract dispute. He's a risky pick. ... Welker, who seems to have made a remarkable recovery from a severe knee injury, has recorded 111 receptions or more and 1,165 yards or better in each of the last three seasons. ... The Jets' Holmes will be suspended for the first four games. ... A possible sleeper: The Bears' Aromashodu, who had 22 catches for 282 yards and four TDs in the final four games last season.

TIGHT ENDS

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Dallas Clark, Ind 16-100-1,106-11.1-10
2. Antonio Gates, SD 16-79-1,157-14.6-8
3. Brent Celek, Phi 16-76-971-12.8-8
4. Vernon Davis, SF 16-78-965-12.4-13
5. Jason Witten, Dal 16-94-1,030-11.0-2
6. Tony Gonzalez, Atl 16-83-867-10.4-6
7. Jermichael Finley, GB 13-55-676-12.3-5
8. Chris Cooley, Was 7-29-332-11.4-2
9. Kellen Winslow Jr., TB 16-77-884-11.5-5
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min 16-56-566-10.1-11
11. Owen Daniels, Hou 8-40-519-13.0-5
12. Heath Miller, Pit 16-76-789-10.4-6
13. Zach Miller, Oak 15-66-805-12.2-3
14. John Carlson, Sea 16-51-574-11.3-7
15. Greg Olsen, Chi 16-60-612-10.2-8
16. Jeremy Shockey, NO 13-48-569-11.9-3
17. Kevin Boss, NYG 15-42-567-13.5-5
18. Dustin Keller, NYJ 16-45-522-11.6-2
19. Marcedes Lewis, Jac 15-32-518-16.2-2
20. Todd Heap, Bal 16-53-593-11.2-6
21. Ben Watson, Cle 16-29-404-13.9-5
22. Bo Scaife, Ten 14-45-440-9.8-1
23. Anthony Fasano, Mia 14-31-339-10.9-2
24. Brandon Pettigrew, Det 11-30-346-11.5-2
Note: Statistics are from the 2009 season.

QUICK SLANTS

Gates has scored at least eight touchdowns in six consecutive seasons and has had 71 catches or more in five of the six years. ... The 34-year-old Gonzalez had his fewest yards since 2002, but still has seven straight seasons with at least 71 catches for 867 yards. ... Witten has only 13 TDs in the last three years, but he's averaged 90 catches for 1,042 yards in that span. ... The Texans' Daniels is coming off ACL surgery, but should play in Week 1. ... Winslow has 16 TDs in 60 career games. ... Shiancoe has 18 TDs in the last two years and will be counted on heavily with Sidney Rice out. ... The Steelers' Miller could be a late-round steal after posting career highs in receptions and yards last season. ... In the last three years, Shockey has six TDs in 39 games.

PAST PREVIEWS

-- Quarterbacks

-- Defenses and special teams

-- Kickers

-- Complete player rankings

If you're a Browns fan -- or the biggest LeBron James supporter this side of The Four Horsemen -- you might have been thrilled with the Braylon Edwards trade.

If you're a disgruntled fantasy owner who wasted a fourth-round pick on the butterfingered one, there's hope.

We might never again see the Edwards of 2007. The Jets better hope they don't see the Edwards of '08. I'd expect something in the middle -- think new teammate Jerricho Cotchery, only with slightly fewer receptions and more touchdowns.

If Edwards had stayed in Cleveland, he was destined for your bench after a four-game stretch in which he was good once (six catches for 92 yards in Week 2) and bad on three occasions (a combined four catches for 47 yards in Weeks 1, 3 and 4). Now, I'd be tempted to start him right away with the Jets.

Edwards is expected to open Monday night's game at Miami with the first team, and the Dolphins have struggled against the pass (No. 26 in the league). Following that matchup, the Jets play at the Raiders (No. 13 vs. the pass), against the Dolphins at home and, after a bye week, at home vs. the Jaguars (tied for last against the pass).

With apologies to Mohamed Massaquoi and Jerome Harrison, the Jets have a few more weapons to take the heat off Edwards.

If you have four solid receivers, you can afford to wait and see how much of an impact Edwards makes in the Big Apple. If your fourth receiver is on par with the likes of Massaquoi or Pierre Garcon, I'd take the chance that the former Brown will have a big game on ESPN.

Somewhere Eric Mangini is plotting his next $1,701 fine.

On to the no-huddle ...

-- Taylor-made: Just when it seemed as if we had the Patriots' running back situation figured out, news breaks that Fred Taylor will have ankle surgery and be out for an extended period. That leaves those of us looking for bye-week help contemplating the value of Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris.

Of the three, I'd expect Maroney to get the most carries, Faulk to get the most catches and Morris to be the most productive.

The latter rushed for 727 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, last season. Faulk is worth considering only in point-per-receptions leagues, a format in which he was quite effective as a bye-week flex play last season, when he rushed for 507 yards, caught 58 passes for 486 yards and scored six TDs.

Maroney, meanwhile, is a mystery wrapped inside an enigma covered by a Bill Belichick news conference. The 2006 first-round pick has 55 carries for 171 yards (3.1) and no touchdowns in seven games the last two seasons.

None of the three are good plays this week at Denver (No. 6 vs. the run, No. 4 vs. the pass and the top scoring defense in the league). If I had to pick one, though, I'd go with Morris.

-- McNothin: Darren McFadden has a torn meniscus and will miss 2 to 4 weeks, leaving the vaunted Michael Bush-Justin Fargas duo to do the heavy lifting for the Raiders on Sunday at the Giants.

Bush is expected to start, but I'd rather play a Patriot than one of these two at the Meadowlands. The Giants have been susceptible against the run (No. 27), but playing Bush or McFadden would assume the Raiders (the No. 26 rushing offense, the No. 32 passing offense and the owners of the second-fewest points in the league) know how to do anything offensively.

If you're like me and you made the brilliant move of drafting three running backs who have a Week 5 bye (Matt Forte, Ryan Grant and Reggie Bush), you might have to choose a Raider. If that's the case, Bush, who has 125 carries for 541 yards (4.3) in two NFL seasons, is the better option.

Fargas might rush for more yards (he had 1,009 in 2007), but he's no threat as a receiver and he's scored all of seven touchdowns in his career. In 679 touches since 2006, Fargas has six TDs.

-- WR showdown: Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, both first-round fantasy picks before the season, go head-to-head Sunday in a battle of players who haven't lived up to expectations.

Fitzgerald hasn't had more than 76 yards receiving in any of the Cardinals' first three games, and he has 181 yards for the year. Johnson, meanwhile, has one huge game to his credit (10 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2) and three mediocre showings (a combined 10 catches for 187 yards and no scores in Weeks 1, 3 and 4).

Both the Texans (No. 10) and Cardinals (tied for 11th) have been effective defending the pass, but here's a hunch: You'll be feeling a lot better about your top receiver after Sunday.

Let's set Sunday's combined over-under for Fitzgerald and Johnson at 16 catches, 220 yards and two TDs.

-- Split feelings: In 2008, we had the DeAngelo Williams-Jonathan Stewart backfield -- a shared workload that actually worked from a fantasy perspective. This year, we present ... the 1-3 Miami Dolphins.

You already know about Ronnie Brown, a No. 2 fantasy back who has rushed for 369 yards, averaged 5.1 yards per carry, caught six passes for 50 yards and scored four TDs. But are you aware that Ricky Williams has only one fewer TD than Brown (three), two more receptions, 12 more receiving yards and 248 yards on the ground, with an average of 5.0 yards per attempt? Williams is an ideal flex play for weeks in which you were dumb enough to draft three backs with the same bye week (no names, please).

-- Closing number: Our stat of the week goes to the quarterback formerly known as Neckbeard.

In four games since being traded to Denver in the largely unpopular Jay Cutler deal, Kyle Orton is 4-0 and is on pace to throw for 3,624 and 20 touchdowns, with a 97.7 rating and zero turnovers. If only his next four games weren't against the Patriots, Chargers, Ravens and Steelers.

-- On deck: Saturday, we'll look at the must-starts, must-sits and other tidbits at the quarter-point of the season in our weekly column, which will be published on our Sports site and include the weekly audiocast. Saturday, I will also have the "big blog," with the expanded playlist and more start-and-sit advice. That will be posted here and on the N-H's Sports site.

You already know Braylon Edwards struggled for much of the 2008 season.

You already know about the 16 dropped passes and the Browns receiver’s huge dropoff from 2007 (his receptions plummeted from 80 to 55, his yards receiving from 1,289 to 873 and his touchdowns from 16 to three last season).

You might not know exactly how bad some of Edwards’ other numbers were.

-- He had three 100-yard games: 154 against the Giants in Week 6, 104 at Buffalo in Week 11 and 102 at Philadelphia in Week 15. In his other 13 games, he caught 37 passes for 513 yards and two TDs.

-- He had three receptions or fewer in 10 of 16 games.

-- He had 58 yards or fewer in 10 games.

-- He had 38 yards or fewer nine times.

-- He didn’t score in the Browns’ last eight games.

And you’re supposed to spend a fifth-round pick on Edwards in a 12-team league?

I wouldn’t, even if he did go 50th overall (the 17th wide receiver selected) in a mock draft by ESPN.com’s fantasy staff.

I’d consider Edwards a low-end No. 2 receiver or a high-end No. 3, one I wouldn’t take a chance on until the sixth round or later.

If you draft him as your No. 3 wideout, there is much less of a chance he will disappointment you — well, except when you don your brown and orange Sunday best.

On the to the rankings.

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 16-96-1,431-14.9-12
2. Andre Johnson, Hou 16-115-1,575-13.7-8
3. Randy Moss, NE 16-69-1,008-14.6-11
4. Greg Jennings, GB 16-80-1,292-16.2-9
5. Reggie Wayne, Ind 16-82-1,145-14.0-6
6. Calvin Johnson, Det 16-78-1,331-17.1-12
7. Steve Smith, Car 14-78-1,421-18.2-6
8. Roddy White, Atl 16-88-1,382-15.7-7
9. Anquan Boldin, Ari 12-89-1,038-11.7-11
10. Marques Colston, NO 11-47-760-16.2-5
11. Wes Welker, NE 16-111-1,165-10.5-3
12. Brandon Marshall, Den 15-104-1,265-12.2-6
13. Dwayne Bowe, KC 16-86-1,022-11.9-7
14. Terrell Owens, Buf 16-69-1,052-15.2-10
15. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea 15-92-904-9.8-4
16. DeSean Jackson, Phi 16-62-912-14.7-2
17. Eddie Royal, Den 15-91-980-10.8-5
18. Chad Ochocinco, Cin 13-53-540-10.2-4
19. Vincent Jackson, SD 16-59-1,098-18.6-7
20. Antonio Bryant, TB 16-83-1,248-15.0-7
21. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind 16-57-64-11.6-4
22. Hines Ward, Pit 16-81-1,043-12.9-7
23. Santonio Holmes, Pit 15-55-821-14.9-5
24. Braylon Edwards, Cle 16-55-873-15.9-3
25. Santana Moss, Was 16-79-1,044-13.2-6
26. Bernard Berrian, Min 16-48-964-20.1-7
27. Lance Moore, NO 16-79-928-11.7-10
28. Roy Williams, Dal 15-36-430-11.9-2
29. Lee Evans, Buf 16-63-1,017-16.1-3
30. Derrick Mason, Buf 16-80-1,037-13.0-5
31. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 16-71-858-12.1-5
32. Donald Driver, GB 16-74-1,012-13.7-5
33. Laveranues Coles, Cin 16-70-850-12.1-7
34. Torry Holt, Jac 16-64-796-12.4-3
35. Devin Hester, Chi 15-51-665-13.0-3
36. Kevin Walter, Hou 16-60-899-15.0-8
37. Steve Breaston, Ari 16-77-1,006-13.1-3
38. Domenix Hixon, NYG 16-43-596-13.9-2
39. Ted Ginn Jr., Mia 16-56-790-14.1-2
40. Donnie Avery, StL 15-53-674-12.7-3
41. Steve Smith, NYG 16-57-574-10.1-1
42. Chris Chambers, SD 14-33-462-14.0-5
43. Nate Burleson, Sea 1-5-60-12.0-1
44. Nate Washington, Ten 16-40-631-15.8-3
45. Patrick Crayton, Dal 16-39-550-14.1-4
46. Muhsin Muhammad, Car 16-65-923-14.2-5
47. Isaac Bruce, SF 16-61-835-13.7-7
48. Kevin Curtis, Phi 9-33-390-11.8-2
49. Percy Harvin, Min ROOKIE
50. Justin Gage, Ten 12-34-651-19.1-6
51. Jeremy Maclin, Phi ROOKIE
52. Josh Morgan, SF 12-20-319-16.0-3
53. Mark Clayton, Bal 16-41-695-17.0-3
54. Michael Crabtree, SF ROOKIE
55. Michael Jenkins, Atl 16-50-777-15.5-3
56. Bobby Engram, KC 13-47-489-10.4-0
57. Davone Bess, Mia 16-54-554-10.3-1
58. Greg Camarillo, Mia 11-55-613-11.1-2
59. Mark Bradley, KC 12-30-380-12.7-3
60. Earl Bennett, Chi 10-0-0-0.0-0

QUICK SLANTS

The brilliant Fitzgerald has a combined 196 receptions for 2,840 yards and 22 touchdowns the last two seasons. ... Johnson is worth considering as a late first-round pick in 12-team, point-per-reception leagues. ... The Packers’ Jennings had 12 TDs in 13 games two years ago. ... Don’t let Wayne’s "down" 2008 overshadow his 2006-07 stats (a combined 190 catches for 2,820 yards and 19 TDs). ... The Panthers’ Smith, whose TD total has slipped from eight to seven to six the last three seasons, has an injured shoulder but is expected to be ready for the regular season. ... Colston had 98 catches for 1,202 yards and 11 TDs in 2007. ... Welker’s stats the last two seasons are almost identical (112 and 111 catches, 1,175 and 1,165 yards), but his TD total dropped from eight to three with Tom Brady hurt last season. ... Ochocinco, who had five straight seasons of at least 87 receptions and 1,274 yards from 2003-07 (when he scored a combined 43 TDs), could provide huge value as a No. 2 receiver. ... Houshmandzadeh had a combined 202 catches and 21 TDs in 2006 and ’07. ... The Packers’ Driver is a PPR asset, but has only scored seven times in the last two seasons combined. ... Holt’s subpar 2008 ended a run of eight straight seasons with at least 81 catches and 1,188 yards. ... The 49ers’ Crabtree is still holding out for a better contract, likely negating his chance of making a meaningful impact as a rookie.

Next: Kickers

In a column for the print editions two weeks ago, I broke down the success -- or lack thereof -- of rookie quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers from a fantasy perspective.

A quick recap: Since 2004, only four quarterbacks have thrown for 2,500 yards or more and at least 10 touchdowns as rookies -- Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco in 2008, Matt Leinart in 2006 and Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. There have been eight rookie running backs to record 1,000 yards on the ground -- Chris Johnson, Matt Forte and Steve Slaton last season, Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch in 2007, Joseph Addai in 2006, Cadillac Williams in 2005 and Kevin Jones (yes, Kevin Jones; he was such a surprise I omitted him in the previous column) in 2004. And the most surprising stat: Only two wide receivers have had 1,000-yard campaigns in their first seasons, and Larry Fitzgerald wasn't one of them. The two are Marques Colston in 2006 and the seldom-heard-from-since Michael Clayton in 2004.

Some leftover statistics from that analysis:

-- Where are the receivers? It goes without saying that quarterbacks can't be trusted as fantasy options as rookies. Of the four QBs to reach the aforementioned plateau, only Ryan threw for 3,000 yards (3,440 with the Falcons in 2008), and only Ryan and Roethlisberger had more than Flacco's 14 TD passes.

I went into this assuming there would be more 1,000-yard receivers than rushers, strictly because of the pass-happy nature of today's NFL, plus the fact that more teams split carries now than before. But even Fitzgerald (58 catches for 780 yards and eight TDs in 2004) wasn't much more than a No. 3 fantasy option as a rookie. Same goes for 2004 draft classmates Roy Williams (54-817, 8 TDs) and Lee Evans 48-843, 9).

-- What about Braylon? The butter-fingered Edwards had 32 receptions for 512 yards and three TDs for the Browns in 2005.

-- Close calls and other WR notables: The Broncos' Eddie Royal was sensational last season (91 receptions), but fell 20 yards shy of 1,000. ... Philly's DeSean Jackson had 62 receptions for 912 yards and two scores in 2008. ... Of the triple-figure club, no one came closer to 1,000 than Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe, who had 70 catches for 995 yards and five TDs in 2007. ... Super Bowl MVP and former Buckeye Santonio Holmes had 49 catches for 824 yards and two TDs for the Steelers in 2006.

-- Run, rookie, run: Last season's rookie class was easily the best of the five, with Forte, Johnson and Slaton likely high first-round draft choices this season. The 2008 class also includes the Lions' Kevin Smith, who ran for 976 yards and eight TDs and caught 39 passes for 286 yards.

-- Reggie and MJD: The Saints' Reggie Bush ran for only 565 yards in 2006, but he scored eight total TDs and had 88 receptions for 742 yards. It remains his best season. ... The Jags' Maurice Jones-Drew, a likely top-five pick this season with Fred Taylor no longer around to eat up carries, was a fantasy stud as a rookie in 2006, but didn't run for 1,000 yards. Jones-Drew had 941 yards on the ground, caught 46 passes for 436 yards and had 15 total TDs.

-- More RB notables: Ronnie Brown had 907 yards rushing, 32 receptions for 232 yards and five total TDs for Miami in 2005 -- the same year Cadillac had his only big season (1,178 yards, six TDs). ... Steven Jackson rushed for 673 yards and four TDs as a Rams rookie in 2004, the same year Kevin Jones had 1,133 yards and six total scores with the Lions. He hasn't rushed for more than 689 yards since.

-- Don't count on the tight ends. A quick look at some bigger-name tight ends as rookies -- 2008: John Carlson, Seahawks, 55 receptions, 627 yards, five TDs; Dustin Keller, Jets, 48-535, 3; 2007: Greg Olsen, Bears, 39-391, 2; Zach Miller, Raiders, 44-444, 3; 2006: Vernon Davis, 49ers, 20-265, 3; Owen Daniels, Texans, 34-352, 5; 2005: Heath Miller, Steelers, 39-459, 6; Alex Smith, Buccaneers, 41-367, 2; 2004: Kellen Winslow Jr., Browns, two games played; Ben Troupe, Titans, 33-329, 1; Chris Cooley, Redskins, 37-314, 6.

-- Although I didn't go back to 2003 for the other positions, I was curious to see how that class of tight ends -- Antonio Gates, Jason Witten and Dallas Clark -- fared as rookies. All three had between 340 and 389 yards (led by Gates' 389), the trio combined for only four TDs (two by Gates) and Witten's 35 receptions were the most of the bunch.

The lesson, 12 long paragraphs later: On draft day 2009, know that rookie running backs have the greatest chance of success among the four primary positions. The problem, of course, is determining the right one.

Five backs were chosen in the first round in 2008 -- Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall and Chris Johnson -- and Stewart and Johnson were the only fantasy assets. Forte was a second-round pick by the Bears, Smith was selected 64th overall in Round 3, and Slaton (maybe the best of all) went 25 choices later at 89.

Could that mean big things from LeSean McCoy, Shonn Greene or Glen Coffee?

That's more than enough numbers for now. Go to The News-Herald's Web site on Saturday for a breakdown of the struggling stars in fantasy baseball. The site also currently has a fantasy baseball and football audiocast.