NFL Rookie Profiles
By Raymond Ayala
Michael Crabtree – WR 49ers: Crabtree’s two seasons at Texas Tech were nothing short of spectacular. In 2 full seasons, Crabtree collected 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns, and won the Fred Biletnikoff (Award for college footballs top wide receiver) two years in a row. All in all he is a great wide receiver, but the real question is will he had a quarterback to throw to him? The answer is it does not matter. Obviously the CFL-bound Graham Harrell was able to get something out of him, so why couldn’t Shaun Hill or Alex Smith? I predict a big season for Crabtree, finishing in the top 5 in receiving Touchdowns and top 15 in receiving yards. Consider drafting Crabtree before Terrell Owens this year.
Darrius Heyward-Bey – WR Oakland: The Raiders passed on Michael Crabtree, but got themselves a player that can also return kicks. He will not put up the statistical numbers that Crabtree does though, since the Oakland Raiders will look to feature Darren McFadden this season. I expect a season similar to that of Philadelphia Eagles rookie WR Desean Jackson. Heyward-Bey would be a good pick in a league of eight or more teams, but he is nothing more than a 3rd wide receiver at best.
Knowson Moreno – RB Denver: You have to expect a big season out of this kid, with the main reason being there is no big shot quarterback in Denver. Cutler is gone, and Denver is going to be rebuilding this season on the shoulders of Moreno. Correll Buckhalter is Moreno’s only hurdle to climb, and he should be no match for Moreno’s massive power. I expect Moreno to finish the season with over 1,000 yards and more than eight touchdowns. If your looking for a sneaks number two running back, Moreno is your sleeper.
Mark Sanchez – QB NY Jets: Will Sanchez has a Matt Ryan type season, or will it be more like a Joe Flacco type season? That is the question people will be asking themselves, and I am going to go with Flacco-like. The reason being, Sanchez has no receiving weapons whatsoever. Their Wide Receivers are Jerricho Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey. Doesn’t really strike fear in the heart of your opponent. Expect the Jets to have a terrible season, as Sanchez is fed to the wolves in that division. Do not take Sanchez, unless you need a starting quarterback, later on in your draft.
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