The wide receiver position is a hard one to draft.

Every fantasy owners seems to end up with at least one solid receiver and a plethora of mediocre guys to back them up. The trick is getting the gems in the later rounds that blow up, like Miles Austin did last year.

An emergence like his can lead to a fantasy title this season.

Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers: Crabtree has the ability to be a No. 1 receiver on a fantasy squad. There are a few things working against him, like the run-first philosophy the 49ers have and the love affair (fraternal, of course) between quarterback Alex Smith and tight end Vernon Davis. Still, Crabtree is the No. 1 receiver and can be had later in the draft and could be that Miles Austin-type receiver that sets the fantasy world on fire this season.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts: Gonzalez was suppose to be the emerging talent last year until he was hurt in the first game of the season. He is coming off surgery and will have plenty of people to compete with for looks, but Peyton Manning showed last year he is willing to spread the love equally on his team. Since they are a pass-first offense, Gonzalez should get plenty of opportunities.

Robert Meachem, WR, Saints: Meachem emerged last year for the Saints, but this is the season he may push Marques Colston as the top receiver on the squad. His speed and ability to get behind cornerbacks make him a threat when he lines up on the field. Drew Brees loves throwing the deep ball and the pass-happy QB definitely will look to Meachem for big plays.

Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys: I know Bryant is a rookie and Jason Whitten and Miles Austin are the top two choices for quarterback Tony Romo, but Bryant is the real deal and could be looking to prove his worth ala Randy Moss after so many teams passed on him in the draft. Roy Williams is getting old and Bryant is going to step into that second receiver role beautifully.

Be Sociable, Share!

•