sleeper picks -- WR

With receivers like Terrell Owens, Marvin Harrison and Torry Holt still near the top of the rankings, fantasy owners aren't looking as much to the young studs to fill their roster spots. Rookie receivers are almost always useless, and it's a well-proven theory that a WR doesn't blossom until their third year. These guys will blossom this year, whether it's their third or not...

1. Reggie Wayne -- Indianapolis Colts -- Many people don't know that Wayne actually led the Colts in receptions last year with 83. Marvin Harrison is 34 and getting slower by the year, so this is the season that Wayne takes over as the true #1 in Indy. He will at least return to 2004's numbers of 77-1210-12 and might make it to 90-100 catches this season, as the Colts will throw more with the absence of Edgerrin James. Make it a point to draft Wayne about 15 WR in, and you'll love his production.

2. Andre Johnson -- Houston Texans -- Johnson was awful for most of last season, battling leg injuries and watching QB David Carr get mauled behind a terrible offensive line. The scheme gets an upgrade, and the line is improved, so Johnson should return to being the budding fantasy stud he was in 2004, when he put up 79 catches and more than 1100 yards. Eric Moulds will prove to be a nice decoy, so grab Johnson and hope that Carr has enough time to throw the ball.

3. Nate Burleson -- Seattle Seahawks -- Burleson was another guy with huge expectations put on him for 2005, and he failed miserably. He was never the same after an early season knee injury, but the only time he had more than 50 yards in a game was week 17. Seattle will make him their #2 receiver next to an injury-prone Darrell Jackson. If his knee is healthy and he learns the offense, Burleson could return to star status with 70-1000-8. He'll be a forgotten man on draft day, but don't make that mistake.

4. Ernest Wilford/Matt Jones -- Jacksonville Jaguars -- With Jimmy Smith gone, Wilford and Jones will fight for the eye of Byron Leftwich. Wilford is the better receiver, Jones the better athlete. Wilford should prove early that he'll make the big catches and can get tough first downs, but Jones is bigger and faster. One of them should end up at around 75-1100-8, so watch to see who emerges as the #1 going into the season. The other isn't a bad pick either...

5. Mark Clayton -- Baltimore Ravens -- I know he's only in his second season, but he has a ton of talent and with Steve McNair throwing the ball, he could explode into a superstar this year. He has great speed and hands, and needs opportunities opposite Derrick Mason to maximize his talent. If Jamal Lewis can get back on track, Clayton's deep routes could materialize into many home runs. Don't let him slip too far, but he's not ready to be a #1 WR yet... maybe in 2007.