Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford’s newest weapon has a chance to thrive being on the opposite end of Calvin Johnson.  In 13 games with Seattle last season, Burleson had 63 receptions for 812 yards and three touchdowns. Burleson was targeted 103 times even though the quarterback position was in flux most of the season because of Matt Hasselbeck’s injury issues.  Burleson signed with Detroit in the offseason and now has Matthew Stafford, a young quarterback with a strong arm who is sure to target him for long bombs down the field. The Lions’ premier receiver Calvin Johnson should draw many double teams, and that along with the addition of tight end Tony Scheffler should leave Burleson with many open looks. 

Burleson’s career has been impacted by injury issues including a torn ACL he suffered in 2008 that effectively ended his season. He appears to have recovered from that injury, and he should have a more explosive first step off the line and also be able run and cut more comfortably.  Burleson’s move to Detroit reunites him with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, with whom he had one of his best statistical seasons, compiling over 1000 yards and six scores in 2004 when both were with the Minnesota Vikings. If Burleson can stay healthy this season and if Matthew Stafford can take productive steps in his sophomore year, then Burleson could have similar statistics to his 2007 season where he recorded 694 yards and nine touchdowns.