2012 Fantasy Football Draft Guide: Wide Receivers

When you look at the versatility that the wide out position has brought to the fantasy football game you have to know all the rules that the game has to present. Some leagues are PPR (points per reception) leagues and if you can get a guy with lots of catches, his value is more than someone who just makes a few big plays and gives you big numbers.

Other leagues value the wide receiver more if they don't incorporate the flex. Some leagues require that you play with three wide receivers so you may need to grab one earlier than expected to get a franchise receiver that will make your roster steady. 

Don't get antsy though as there aren't many receivers to grab early. Be patient and make sure you get that runner that you need first.

First Round 

Calvin Johnson - The Megatron Don is the only wide receiver I see worthy of a first round draft pick. His teammates will be sleepers though as they will get plenty of looks as he gets double and triple coverage.

Second Round 

Larry Fitzgerald - Steady and consistent makes Fitz a good grab. He has never been a fantasy disappointment and I don't expect him to start now.

Roddy White - Sure Julio is the big play guy, but Roddy White is the real deal. He will have another big year simply because Julio is on the other side of him.

Andre Johnson - He fell off a bit mainly due to injury but he is still one of the best when healty.

DeMaryius Thomas - With Peyton Manning pulling the trigger, Thomas could very well be the best wide receiver in the league. Interesting that he and Calvin Johnson have so much talent and neither caught many balls at Tech due to option football.

A.J. Green - The man can do it all and he will be the main target of the Bengals. When I see him I just keep thinking young Randy Moss. 

Third Round

Stevie Johnson - Like him or not Johnson is one of the best in the league. He will have another big year as he is the primary go to guy for the Bills.

Greg Jennings - If he can stay healthy and doesn't go through another drought he can put up big numbers. He will be utilized more as Driver has gotten a little long in the tooth. 

Mike Wallace - Sixty Minutes is the best YPR (yards per reception) guy the NFL has seen in a while. All he does is make big plays. (buyer beware though as guys who miss camp spend most of the year hurt)

Julio Jones - By the end of last year it was hard to argue that Jones wasn't the best in the league. I see him as a young Terrell Owens with better hands and a better teammate. 

Victor Cruz - Cruz is the sleeper for the Giants. Nicks is coming off an injury and will probably start slow. Cruz will need to step up big this year.

Wes Welker - Brady's security blanket just keeps doing what he does. In PPR leagues you can take him as high as the second round and it will be a good pick.

Brandon Marshall - Reuinting with former teammate Jay Cutler smells of great success for Marshall. Let's hope the two can rekindle the magic that made them both very wealthy men.

Hakeem Nicks - Nicks will get a lot of double and triple coverage but he will still be a good pickup at this point. Injuries are the only reason he's not a second rounder. 

Fourth Round

Steve Smith - He's a little older but he is still a threat. Cam Newton's go to guy will have big numbers but he will also see more defenders on his side until another receiver proves he's capable of hurting the opposing team.

Dez Bryant - The kid has all the tools to be great but he is his own worst enemy. If it ever clicks he's the second best talent in the league behind Megatron. 

DeSean Jackson - Jackson is a steal this late in the draft. His value is great because he gets special teams touchdowns as well.

Marquez Colston - All you need to know is that Drew Brees is his quarterback.

Vincent Jackson - If he can get off to an early start he will be the only go to guy on his team. Expect a lot of targets his way.

Jeremy Maclin - If Vick has the success he had last year, Maclin will be a household name. He runs great routes and will be a great intermediate receiver for the Eagles. 

Antonio Brown - If he is still on the board at this point it is a no brainer. His value could be even higher if Wallace doesn't come into camp on time. 

Justin Blackmon - Only time will tell if this talent becomes a reality. But he's worth the risk late in the fourth round. 

Best of the Rest

Brandon Lloyd

Percy Harvin

Jordy Nelson

Torrey Smith