Fantasy

Wide receiver is one of the deepest positions in Fantasy Football this season, and with the signing of Braylon Edwards on Tuesday, quickly after the addition of veteran Antonio Bryant, it appears that depth is apparent in Seahawks camp as well. While names such as Brandon Lloyd and Demaryius Thomas  are exciting Fantasy players as their drafts approach in 2012, savvy owners can pick off some nice values by carefully examining the Seahawks pecking order at the position.

Seahawk followers know what Sidney Rice can accomplish when healthy, and Pete Carroll’s staff is being cautious with him after a 2011 season interrupted by shoulder and concussion problems. When Rice played 16 games in 2009, he caught eight TD passes, and at 25 years old, he is still very capable of being a big-play producer. Fantasy owners can be comfortable with him as their third to fourth WR off the board in their drafts.

The hard-working and intelligent Doug Baldwin became a Fantasy darling last year after emerging from nowhere to become a notable free agent addition and solid contributor. Baldwin is going in later rounds of many drafts this year, yet he can certainly outperform the trend. Baldwin had five games with five or more catches last year and is determined to make bigger contributions this season, so target him for sure if your league awards points for receptions.

Golden Tate knows this is a pivotal season for him, and in camp, he has continued to flash the playmaking potential that could make him the next “Fantasy Baldwin,” a free agent addition who could make an impact on your team. Keep him on your radar for sure. Edwards could also be a real wildcard, as he still offers a potent combination of size and playmaking ability. With his name recognition, you will surely see him go off the board in the late rounds of some drafts. If injuries do become an issue, Edwards could surprise.

Ben Obomanu is ultra-dependable, and has proved he can be a respectable Fantasy plug-in if pressed into action. Smart Fantasy players should remember his name, as the QBs know they can trust him. You always need to consider an Obomanu type later in the year when injuries potentially affect your Fantasy team. Speedster Ricardo Lockette is worth the roster spot for sure in a dynasty league, where you carry over full rosters of players from one season to the next. Bryant offers further depth, and has surprised in the past. He’ll likely go undrafted in most Fantasy leagues, but if the playmaking ability is still there, you need to monitor his progress.

From a league-wide perspective, Calvin Johnson is the undisputed kingpin of the position, as he is in a class by himself. You’ll see a lot of top wideouts go off the board from rounds two through four, and you cannot afford to wait too long to join in the run. Some notable names to keep on your early short list include Julio Jones, who could be in for a big year, Brandon Marshall, who appears set for a big year paired with Jay Cutler again, and Antonio Brown, who is emerging as a complete all-around playmaker with a high ceiling.

In the middle rounds, Eric Decker may turn out to be the best of the Denver WRs this year, and Denarius Moore has tremendous potential as a downfield threat. Mike Williams appears set for a rebound year with the Buccaneers, and Robert Meachem has the opportunity to break out as a prime target for Philip Rivers. Titus Young and Saints rookie Nick Toon are also other names to keep in mind as the later rounds beckon. Make sure you grab at least two of your top starters in the first five rounds and you’ll be off to a strong start at the position in your draft.

SEAHAWKS FANTASY HISTORY: Joey Galloway caught 22 combined TDs in 1997 and 1998, going over 1,000 yards in each season. Galloway was one of the very first Seahawk Fantasy standouts as Fantasy Football started to explode in popularity in the mid to late 1990s.

NEXT WEEK: Lynch set for big season as a top Fantasy running back.

For more in-depth Fantasy Football analysis, rankings and much more, check out the Xclusive Edge Fantasy Football Package (http://rotoexperts.com/fantasy-football-package-2012/) at RotoExperts.com. More than just a draft kit, you get full season access that includes great features like Scott Engel’s 80 Tips for Fantasy Success and live gameday chats.