Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prepares to catch a pass before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders. Source: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

The fantasy football season is almost underway and wives across the country are already getting sick of constant fantasy football chatter.  Some teams have drafted, while others still have yet to draft.  To help you this fantasy football season, here are my complete wide receiver rankings for the upcoming season:

1. Calvin Johnson, DET – “Megatron” has completely transformed the wide receiver position in fantasy football.  Johnson’s 15-touchdown performance was utterly dominating from the wide receiver position.   Johnson has become the ultimate red-zone receiver, due to his combination of raw speed and size (6-5 236).  The Lions are completely dedicated to throwing to Johnson 20 times a game, something that fantasy owners always like to see.  Johnson may not repeat his 15 touchdowns and nearly 1,700-yard performance from 2011, but he will still be the top wideout in all of fantasy in 2012.

2. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI – Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the game at catching the ball at its highest point, as he seemingly snatches the ball out of the air.  Fitzgerald is averaging a very impressive 9.13 touchdowns per season throughout his career, but was obviously at his best with future Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner throwing him the ball.  He has very long arms and could be the perfect red-zone target, but only if the Cardinals can figure out who will be throwing him the ball.   Fitzgerald is still an elite receiver and a bonafide number one fantasy option, but he could be so much better with a capable NFL quarterback.  Expect around 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns from “Fitz” in 2011, but the potential is there for so much more.

3.  Wes Welker, NE – Welker has become the poster child for 100-plus-reception seasons over the last couple years.  Over his last five seasons, Welker has averaged 1,051 yards and a league-leading 110.8 receptions per season.  He is the ultimate weapon out of the slot and quarterback Tom Brady has complete faith in Welker, even if Brady’s supermodel wife does not agree.  Welker knows how to read a defense and is perfect at finding a spot to sit in the zone.  Welker is an amazing number one wideout, because he continues to do it year after year.

4. Andre Johnson, HOU – Johnson is not the guaranteed top-tier fantasy receiver that he was a couple seasons ago.  He has missed 12 games over the last two years and is still not 100% healthy following lingering hamstring injuries.  However, when healthy, Johnson is hands down one of the best in the game.  He can rack up yardage in bunches, evident by his 79.15 yards per game through his career.   Johnson may not be the guaranteed number one wideout, but he is still an elite receiving option.  He will likely fall into the second round this year, but if he remains healthy he could be the steal of the middle rounds.

5. Roddy White, ATL – White is the most underrated wide receiver every fantasy season, which is ironic because all he does is fill the stat sheet.  White has hauled in 215 passes for an insane 2,685 passes over his last two seasons, including at least 83 receptions and 1,200 yards for the last five seasons.  He is as consistent as it gets from the receiver position and has not missed a game in his entire seven-year career.

6. Greg Jennings, GB – With Jordy Nelson hauling in a ridiculous 15 touchdowns in 2011, Jennings is being somewhat disregarded in the first couple rounds this fantasy season.  However, Jennings is the number one option for MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and with that title, comes more red-zone looks then a wide receiver can handle.   Jennings’ 2011 season was cut short by a torn MCL, and he has had some concussion problems this off-season, but the fact remains that Jennings is one of the elite receivers in the entire game.

7.  Julio Jones, ATL – Jones has more pre-season hype than any other player in the entire league, as he has completely skyrocketed up the draft board this off-season.  Jones is a very physical wide out downfield, and combines it with the speed to outrun most corners in the game.   However, the youngster is still the number two option on the team and is a little raw in his route running.  With that being said, Jones is the next elite receiver, but fantasy fans have to realize that Jones still has a couple things to work on before he is in the same league as Calvin Johnson.  He will be a great wideout in 2012 and will easily have a career season, but do not let his hype cause him to be drafted ahead of the aforementioned “Megatron” and Jennings.

8. Dez Bryant, DAL – Bryant may be a bit of a headache for fantasy owners just as much as owner Jerry Jones.  However, the Cowboys’ receiver is a true star in the making.  The 23-year old has improved in each season and his 9 touchdown receptions last season was tied for ninth best in the NFL.  Bryant is back from his knee tendonitis issues and will be quarterback Tony Romo’s main red-zone target with tight end Jason Witten still recovering from a spleen issue.

9. A. J. Green, CIN – Green is one of the best up and coming wideouts in the game.  He went over 1,000 yards in his freshman season and was able to haul in a very respectable 7 touchdowns.  Green has built a strong rapport with quarterback Andy Dalton from day one and their chemistry together will only help Green post bigger fantasy numbers as they mature together. Green is easily a number one wideout, and fantasy owners should expect him to easily match his numbers from last season.

10. Brandon Marshall, CHI - Marshall is finally reunited with his favorite quarterback, Jay Cutler.  The duo played together in Denver in 2007-08, and averaged an amazing 1,295 receiving yards per season.  Expect Marshall to have another Pro Bowl season in 2012, as he already has a proven track record with his new quarterback.

Just Missed: Hakeem Nicks (NYG), Marques Colston (NO), and Mike Wallace (PIT)

Predictions:

MVP: Calvin Johnson, DET

Rookie of Year: Justin Blackmon, JAC

Bust: Steve Smith, CAR

Mega Bust: Brandon Lloyd, NE

Sleeper: DeMaryius Thomas, DEN

Super Sleeper: Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK

Fantasy Over/ Under:

Calvin Johnson TD: 15 – Under

Wes Welker Rec.: 100 – Over

Kenny Britt Suspensions: 2 – Over

Andre Johnson Games Played: 12 – Over

Terrell Owens Personal Workouts: 1 – Over

Sims-Walker wasn't quite what we needed.... Source: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

On the whole, the Jaguars have failed to find adequate receivers for some time now.  Since the departure of Jimmy Smith, names like Matt Jones, Ernest Wilford, Reggie Williams, and Mike Sims-Walker have attemptedto gain the same kind of respect and production that Smith had.  None have even found a foothold.  With the start of the 2012 season two newcomers to the team will attempt to finally right the ship and fill the shoes of Jimmy Smith.

Laurent Robinson, the number three man in Dallas last year, and Justin Blackmon, the Jaguars 2012 first round pick, have the best shot to put up impressive numbers and begin to be recognized as a top receiver in the NFL.  How do we measure these two receivers?  Should they be compared to past Jaguars receivers and passing offenses or should they be compared to the league greats?  As the headline suggests, I am going to examine the latter.

When comparing Blackmon and Robinson to Fitz, we will have to look at two sets of numbers: his first year in the league to compare to how Blackmon needs to play and his later years to match with Robinson.  Keep in mind that Fitzgerald played with Anquan Boldin in Arizona for a number of years so he was not always the premier receiver on the team.

In Fitzgerald’s first season in the league, he started all 16 games and came away with 58 catches for a respectable 780 yards and eight touchdowns.  His 48.8 yards per game was nowhere near the league leader (Carolina’s Muhsin Muhammad averaged 87.8 ypg) but helped to provide a spark for the team.  His yards per game was a solid 14 below teammate Anquan Boldin but he helped to free up space by drawing defenders away from the other side.

When measuring Blackmon, I think that his ability to get open is similar to that of Fitzgerald’s.  He has the skills to make plays on balls that other receivers do not and he has a knack for slipping past coverage and getting open.  In an offense led by Blaine Gabbert – who I believe to be better than Josh McCown ever was – the odds of Blackmon getting a few more balls from the passing game are pretty high.  I think that anywhere from 45-50 yards per game would be a success for Blackmon in his rookie year and would show that he is on the right path to be similar to one of the modern elite receivers.  To keep pace with Fitzgerald, Blackmon does not have to be the best receiver on the team during his rookie season but, rather, a very strong contributor.

Comparing Fitzgerald to Robinson, we need to look at the production of Fitzgerald in his sixth season and see if Robinson can project to emulate that success in 2012 (entering his sixth season).  As we do this, it is important to note that in 2009 (Fitzgerald’s sixth season), Kurt Warner had a superb season following Arizona’s 2008 Super Bowl run.  In 2009, Fitzgerald had 97 receptions, 1,092 yards, and a career high 13 touchdowns.  He accounted for about a fourth of all passing yards for the team that season.  He consistently beat coverage and tied his counterpart, Boldin, with 68.3 yards per game and had an impressive 11.3 yards per reception.

Is Robinson's game Fitz level? Source: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Robinson has showen aptitude at his yards per reception, turning anything he touches into a big gain. In 2011, Robinson posted a whopping 15.1 yards per reception, more than doubled his yardage from the year before (344 to 858) and increased his receptions from 34 to 54.  His production per reception is greater than any of Fitzgerald’s until the 2011 season.  Robinson’s 11 touchdown receptions are a career high and should only rise with more targets and being a considerably larger receiver for the Jaguars in the red zone (in comparison to the rest of the receiving corps).  While this will be Robinson’s third team in three years and fourth in his six years in the league, his ability to turn it on could make him comparable to Fitzgerald when he takes over as the premier receiver in Jacksonville.

While projecting Robinson to become Fitzgerald is a bit more difficult than Blackmon, the potential for both players to have breakout years and possibly be in the discussion as some of the best receivers on the season is there.  Gene Smith did a good job getting top-flight receivers to Jacksonville for the coming years and that should translate into success for the passing game.  Blaine Gabbert isn’t Kurt Warner, but he’s a lot better than Josh McCown and has some serious upside in comparison to John Skelton and Derek Anderson.  If Fitzgerald can do it with no supporting cast, then I think one of the two Jaguars’ new targets can probably make a run and gain a foothold to start finally filling Jimmy Smith’s shoes.

- Luke N. Sims

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Sep 11, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) celebrates with wide receiver David Nelson (86) after catching a touchdown pass against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

What do all of these players have in common? They were all late round picks. Day 3 gets no love, and while players picked in the 6th and 7th rounds have a lesser chance of sticking to a team than their earlier round counterparts, a good scout can find an undiscovered talent. Now I’m not saying that you’ll find the next Tom Brady, but it is possible to find players to add depth and insurance to their respected position. So without further ado, I give you four prospects to keep an eye on in the final rounds of the NFL Draft.

Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor:

Nov 26, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Terrance Ganaway (24) rushes in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Cowboys Stadium. Baylor defeated Texas Tech 66-42. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

Kelcie McCray, SS, Arkansas St.:

Sep 03, 2011; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Jason Ford (middle) dives for a touchdown as Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive back Kelcie McCray (right) and defensive back Darren Edwards (1) try to stop him during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-US PRESSWIRE

  McCray has great size and height for the position. These days it can be very difficult to find a player who can play both the run AND the pass. McCray can do both. Not only does he have the ability to stay with receivers while in coverage, but he is also a very physical and willing tackler. He had ten interceptions in college and has good ball skills after the pick. He ran a 4.54 40 at the combine which was fourth among safeties, and he has no kind of injury history or off the field concerns. I for one wouldn’t mind seeing the Jaguars take McCray in the 6th. Some would say that’s a bit early, but I think he’d be worth it.

Charles Burton, OT, Montana: When I first started this series of mid-to-late round prospects, I received an email from the good editor here at blackandteal.com, Luke N. Sims. I am giving Mr. Sims all the credit here for several reasons. The main one being, HE is the one that turned me on to this versatile, complete, offensive lineman. If he ends up exploding onto the NFL scene, I want Mr. Sims to get the credit…because I had no idea who Burton was until now. So I did what anyone would do…I started reading about this kid. Burton started as a special teams player in 2008 before he switched to guard in 2009. In 2010, he switched to right tackle. Hmm…what does that tell you? He was going in the RIGHT direction on the O-line. If he started at tackle, then to guard, then demoted to special teams, then that would just mean he can’t hack it. What this tells me is that he has a willingness to adapt, he’s coachable, and he knows the game. You’re right, Luke. We could definitely take a 7th round flyer on this one. I can picture him being a swing tackle on game day, and maybe even kick inside to guard if need be.

DaJohn Harris, DT, USC:

October 29, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck (12) runs the ball against the defense of Southern California Trojans defensive tackle DaJohn Harris (98) during the overtime period half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

   One of the most underrated plays in football today is the pass break-up. Maybe it’s the cool “thud” sound the ball makes when it hits the hand of a mammoth defensive lineman that intrigues me so much, but either way a pass deflection makes that play null and void. Harris had six pass deflections last year. If you pair that with his seven tackles for losses, then it’s obvious he can be disruptive in the backfield. In 2010 he became a starter for the Trojans. He started on the defensive line all season and had 35 tackles, 5.5 for losses, 3.5 were sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one deflection.

Harris could be a fantastic addition to the Jags’ defensive line rotation.

So there you have it folks. Four more prospects to keep an eye on come next weekend. Notice I said next WEEKEND and not next THURSDAY.

For the past three weeks, I’ve broken down four prospects every Tuesday who are expected to go on days 2 and 3. If you’ve been keeping up, you should know of 12 more college players than you usually would…because let’s face it without me you wouldn’t know who anyone is past round 2. So go out and impress your friends with your newly found awesome yoda-like football knowledge!

Next week…7 Round Mock…you read right.

-David R. Johns