thanks Pac-10.org

As rich as the RB position is for the Pac 10, the WRs are its exact opposite.  It’s telling when the top 2 QBs in this conference are known for the damage they can do with their legs.  The best passing offense is USC, who spreads the ball so well.  There are a couple of potential draftees and a few upside guys here but outside that, look elsewhere for your receivers…

James Rodgers of Oregon St. (thanks Icon SMI)

1. James Rodgers, Oregon St – Rodgers returns as the receiver with the most stats from this offense last year.  He’s a bit short to be that dominant fantasy option except when you factor in his action on the ground.  Last season he compiled 607 yards, 4 TDs in the air and 442 yards with 5 scores with his legs.  He’s almost a RB that you can start at WR.  Like his brother and QB Moevao, he too missed the end of the season injured (collarbone).

2. Damian Williams, USC – Williams should be the star of the passing game.  With Patrick Turner gone, I’d suspect he can top 1,000 yards and 12 TDs.  Of course, that depends on WR David Ausberry stepping in as the red zone threat with his 6’4″ frame.

3. D’Andre Goodwin, Washington – Expectations are that he can take a step forward with the offense.  He got a nice number of touches last year and with his speed, might approach 1,000 yds and 6-8 TDs.

4. Jeshua Anderson, Washington St. – He’s got speed (runs hurdles for the track team) and was the second leading pass catcher for the Cougars last season.  With the team needing to pass more as they play from behind, Anderson stands to be the beneficiary.

5. Jamere Holland, Oregon – Speed kills and here’s another example of it in the Pac 10.  This former USC sprinter now turned deep threat for the Ducks could be a big pick for this year.  However, we’ve seen track guys never become football players, so temper expectations.

6. Ronald Johnson, USC – Another talented USC WR who saw the endzone 8 times last year.  Like Williams, he should see an uptick in production with Patrick Turner gone.

7. Chris Owusu, Stanford – Even though the top 2 pass catchers from last year are returning, Owusu offers lightning speed and likely played himself into a starting spot opposite WR Ryan Whalen (at least according to GoStanford.com) .  With his talents, we might see 800 yards and 6-8 TDs.

Chris McGaha of Arizona St. (thanks Icon SMI)

8. Chris McGaha, Arizona St. – The upside for top Arizona St WR is 700 yards and 4-6 TDs.

9. Terrence Austin, UCLA – Both WRs from UCLA know how to catch the ball…the problem for fantasy owners is they want their WRs to know how to score TDs with the ball.  Austin gets the most touches so we’ll give him the nod in the rankings.

10. Marvin Jones, Cal – Might be the dark horse.  He was highly touted joining this team but was mostly injured last year.  Right now he is all upside versus projection.

11. Delashun Dean, Arizona – He has been around and not shown all that much.  Even though former WR Mike Thomas had pro talent, he still only put up 800+ yards and 4 TDs last season.

12. Ryan Whalen, Stanford – If Owusu doesn’t grab the spotlight, Whalen will lead the team at the WR slot.  Unfortunately, he’ll lead with stats that are better left on the waiver wire.

Related posts:

1. Catching Up with the Big 12 Wide Receivers
2. Catching up on SEC Wide Receivers
3. Senior Bowl Recap: Wide Receivers
4. Pac 10 “Other” Rankings for Fantasy College Football
5. Quick Hit – Top 21 College Football Wide Receivers for 2009

Tags: Pac 10