Fantasy football: Scouting the wide receivers

Miles Austin, Cowboys: Don't sweat Dallas spending a first-round pick on Dez Bryant. That was more of an indication that Roy Williams isn't the answer.

Anquan Boldin, Ravens: Boldin and Derrick Mason have been called Baltimore's 1A and 1B receivers. Curious to see how many touchdowns Boldin scores after notching just four last year in 15 games with Arizona.

Steve Breaston, Cardinals: With Boldin gone, we finally get to see what Breaston can do as a full-time starter. Arizona's decision to take him off the punt return team is a good sign.

Dez Bryant, Cowboys: Has been kept under wraps most of the preseason because of an ankle injury. Bryant is an intriguing midround gamble as a No. 3 receiver.

Marques Colston, Saints: The Saints' maddening ability to spread the ball among their receivers keeps Colston in the second tier of studs. Had his knee 'scoped in the offseason, but seems OK.

Michael Crabtree, 49ers: Participating in training camp can only help Crabtree, whose holdout as a rookie last year limited him to 11 games. He still had 625 yards receiving, which projects to 904 yards over a full season; not bad for a rook.

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Tough to have your No. 1 receiver relying on Matt Leinart getting him the ball.

Malcom Floyd, Chargers: He's the San Diego wide receiver you want. Expected to step in for the estranged Vincent Jackson.

DeSean Jackson, Eagles: He's so valuable as a wide receiver, the Eagles are hoping to limit his punt return work. That's just fine with fantasy owners.

Vincent Jackson, Chargers: He's in the throes of an ugly holdout that could cost him the season. If he ever does return, Jackson still has to serve a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal policy code after a pair of DUIs.

Greg Jennings, Packers: His numbers slipped a bit in 2009, but his role as Aaron Rodgers' favorite downfield target makes him hard to pass up.

Andre Johnson, Texans: Now that Johnson is the highest-paid wide receiver in football, hopefully he can crack double digits in touchdowns.

Johnny Knox, Bears: Chicago's wide receivers have worked more extensively on beating cornerback press coverage this year than in recent camps. If speedsters Knox and Devin Hester can get off the line, it will open up the whole offense. Knox is a legit sleeper.

Brandon Marshall, Dolphins: Seems to be clicking with quarterback Chad Henne. Best thing about Marshall, who said he will play in the NBA if there's an NFL lockout next year, is you can also use him in your hoops league. Aren't nutty wide receivers great?

Robert Meachem, Saints: After sitting out 2007 with a knee injury, Meachem is entering that mystical third season of actual play and coming off a nine-touchdown campaign. The Saints have plenty of depth, but Meachem is worth a look as a third wide receiver.

Randy Moss, Patriots: Two things that Moss does not have are a Super Bowl ring and a contract after this year. He could be poised for a monster season.

Santana Moss, Redskins: Not sure what Moss' exact reaction was after the 'Skins acquired Donovan McNabb, but it had to be something along the lines of "Hallelujah."

Terrell Owens, Bengals: Count on him as no more than a fourth receiver and let somebody else get your popcorn ready.

Steve Smith, Giants: See that "third season" reference in the Meachem blurb? Smith's third season was 2009 when he had 107 catches for 1,220 yards and seven scores - all easily career highs. The Giants pledge to run the ball more this year, so Smith's fourth-year numbers might dip some.

Mike Wallace, Steelers: His 39 catches went for an impressive average of 19.4 yards. Will have an even larger role now that Santonio Holmes is a Jet.

Reggie Wayne, Colts: Except for a huge game in Week 15 (seven grabs, 132 yards), Wayne's numbers were mostly pedestrian down the stretch last year. He's still a No. 1 receiver, but turns 32 in November.

Wes Welker, Patriots: Ripped up his knee in last year's regular-season finale. Welker originally wasn't expected back until Thanksgiving, so expectations should be tempered.

Roddy White, Falcons: White's catches and yards dipped a little last year, but he had a career-best 11 TDs. He's still a solid and underrated No. 1 receiver.

Mike Williams, Buccaneers: The rookie out of Syracuse is creating a lot of buzz down in Tampa. Another rook, second-round Illinois product Arrelious Benn, is competing for time as a slot receiver. Williams is worth a late-round flier. Benn isn't worth fantasy consideration just yet.

QUICK TAKE

On the way up: Mike Wallace, Steelers

On the way down: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

Riskiest pick: Wes Welker, Patriots

Sleeper: Hakeem Nicks, Giants

Please avoid: Vincent Jackson, Chargers

Top rookie: Dez Bryant, Cowboys

THE DRAFT BOARD: The Top 50 bye week next to team name

1. Andre Johnson, Texans 7

2. Randy Moss, Patriots 5

3. Miles Austin, Cowboys 4

4. Roddy White, Falcons 8

5. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals 6

6. Calvin Johnson, Lions 7

7. Reggie Wayne, Colts 7

8. DeSean Jackson, Eagles 8

9. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins 5

10. Steve Smith, Giants 8

11. Greg Jennings, Packers 10

12. Marques Colston, Saints 10

13. Steve Smith, Panthers 6

14. Donald Driver, Packers 10

15. Anquan Boldin, Ravens 8

16. Mike Wallace, Steelers 5

17. Pierre Garcon, Colts 7

18. Malcom Floyd, Chargers 10

19. Wes Welker, Patriots 5

20. Michael Crabtree, 49ers 9

21. Hines Ward, Steelers 5

22. Robert Meachem, Saints 10

23. Johnny Knox, Bears 8

24. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles 8

25. Steve Breaston, Cardinals 6

26. Hakeem Nicks, Giants 8

27. Santana Moss, Redskins 9

28. Percy Harvin, Vikings 4

29. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals 6

30. Derrick Mason, Ravens 8

31. Dez Bryant, Cowboys 4

32. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs 4

33. Mike Williams, Buccaneers 4

34. Santonio Holmes, Jets 7

35. Mike Sims Walker, Jaguars 9

36. Austin Collie, Colts 7

37. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets 7

38. Donnie Avery, Rams 9

39. Josh Morgan, 49ers 9

40. Eddie Royal, Broncos 9

41. Devin Hester, Bears 8

42. Bernard Berrian, Vikings 4

43. Kenny Britt, Titans 9

44. Jordy Nelson, Packers 10

45. Terrell Owens, Bengals 6

46. Early Doucet, Cardinals 6

47. Dexter McCluster, Chiefs 4

48. Devin Thomas, Redskins 9

49. Legedu Naanee, Chargers 10

50. Kevin Walter, Texans 7