Fantasy Football 2015 roundtable: In-depth fantasy tips, guide
By Adnan Ikic
Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Who is your top rated wide receiver and where would you draft him?
Adnan: There’s no way I’m taking any wide receiver ahead of Antonio Brown, who is an absolute model of consistency in an inconsistent sport. Brown led the league in receptions and yards last year (and was second in touchdowns), while continuing to the defy the odds as a sixth round pick.
He has had at least five receptions and 50 yards in 32 straight games, which has obliterated the previous record of 19. Brown is the best route runner in the game and he perfectly compliments Ben Roethlisberger’s strong arm. Take Brown at the back end of the first round and feel good about it.
Freddie: It has to be Antonio Brown. Brown was unstoppable last year, catching 129 passes for 1,698 yards and 13 touchdowns. There’s no reason to believe he can’t perform at a similar level in 2015.
For those picking late in the first round when the elite running backs are off the board, Brown could be your guy. If he’s there when you pick early in the second round, take him. Don’t expect him to last much longer if you don’t.
Kevin: Depending on my draft position, I’d be very willing to take a receiver in the second half of Round 1. At any rate, my top WR this year is Julio Jones. I had a feeling before the preseason that he could be the No. 1 WR in the NFL this year, but after the first game, I am convinced.
Kyle Shanahan’s offense does two things well: balances out the run and pass, and feeds the No. 1 receiver. Julio could be primed for a career year, and his TD numbers can’t go anywhere but up.
Tyler: Okay, maybe I’m a little biased, but Julio is seriously set to have a monster season.
In the Falcons’ preseason opener, he looked like a man on a mission, putting up 61 yards and a touchdown in just one drive. Last year, Jones had 1,593 yards in 15 games, and that was without even being 100 percent healthy.
The Falcons’ (hopefully) improved running game should also help him, especially in the red zone, where he only pulled in six touchdowns in 2014. I would have no problem picking Julio in the middle of the first round.
Colin: My top rated wide receiver for 2015 would be Dez Bryant. I’d draft him around pick 10-15.
Dez led the league in receiving touchdowns last season with 16, and he should be even more involved in the offense this year with the departure of Pro Bowl running back Demarco Murray.
Next: Who are this year's sleepers?