Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

After two straight Biletnikoff Awards for being the best receiver in college football, Michael Crabtree took the leap into the NFL following only two seasons as a Texas Tech Red Raider. He compiled otherworldly numbers in the process with 231 catches, 3,127 yards, and 41 touchdowns. Those remarkable numbers had fantasy football owners salivating when he was taken by the San Francisco 49ers with the 10th overall pick in 2009. 

Expected to be immediately thrown in as a starting wide receiver, Crabtree failed to sign with the Niners until Week 5 of the season and therefore his 2009 numbers should be more of an asterisk on his resume than what to expect in 2010. With a full training camp and extra time with starting quarterback Alex Smith, Crabtree’s numbers can only improve from his 48 catch, 625 yard, two touchdown campaign. 

Even though Crabtree is not known for his blazing Darrius Heyward-Bey speed (the only WR drafted ahead of him in 2009), he is a polished receiver and route-runner, and has an outstanding work ethic (don’t pay any attention to the fiasco he caused prior to signing). 

With the addition of two monster offensive linemen via the 2010 NFL Draft, quarterback Alex Smith should have more time to air the ball out to playmakers Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Unfortunately for Davis and Crabtree, the Mike Singletary-led 49ers want to establish themselves as a run-first team, which could prevent the 1,000-yard campaign that Crabtree has set his sights on.

The big question among fantasy owners is…how does Crabtree stack up against his opposing wide outs in terms of 2010 fantasy football value? And, with that in mind it’s time to take a look at the Bruno Boys Crystal Ball to predict his 2010 value.

First off, he is not a No.1 fantasy football wide receiver in 10 or 12 team leagues. After the top 10-12, the wide receiver rankings get a little fuzzy, though. Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Reggie Wayne, Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Brandon Marshall, Roddy White, Marques Colston, Miles Austin, Greg Jennings, DeSean Jackson, and Vincent Jackson are all guarantees ahead of the next group.

One could argue that Sidney Rice belongs there too, but with Brett Favre as an unknown, let’s stay away from calling him a true WR1 as of now.

Does Crabtree belong in the next tier of wide receivers? The answer is yes, although it is closer to the bottom than the top. It’s not that his ceiling isn’t as high or higher, just that he hasn’t contributed enough, yet. Granted, if this is a dynasty/keeper league, he may be closer to the top of this tier. 

The list of receivers that you can compare Crabtree in 2010 with from a fantasy standpoint include: both Steve Smith’s, Chad Ochocinco, Sidney Rice, Anquan Boldin, Mike Sims-Walker, Hines Ward, Donald Driver, Hakeem Nicks, Percy Harvin and Dwayne Bowe. Whether it is a PPR league or not, Crabtree should see enough targets and make enough plays to be a solid WR2 for your fantasy football squad. In addition, more time with Smith, and a stronger grasp of the offense, should project Crabtree to finish among the top 20 fantasy football wide receivers in 2010.

A realistic projection for Crabtree’s 2010 campaign: 75-80 catches, 850 yards, 5-7 TDs (quite similar to Mike Sims-Walker in 2009).

 
Have an opinion on Michael Crabtree’s prospects for 2010? If so, let us know!

To see more Crystal Balls predictions go here… 2010 Fantasy Football Crystal Balls

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