2014 Fantasy FootballFantasy Football

2014 Fantasy Football: Potential Wide Receiver Busts To Avoid In Your Drafts

Wes Welker

The definition of a sleeper or a bust has drastically changed over the years. Access to the Internet — and instant news feeds such as Twitter — have ultimately provided equal access to relevant cutting edge information to all fantasy football enthusiasts.

The following list of names may guide you to a few wins this season. However, these guys may not return a profit based on their ADPs, and you may want to avoid them on draft day.

All ADP data is found in parenthesis (ADP) and taken from FantasyPros.com. All commentary reflects a 12-team league.

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Andre Johnson | Texans (36)

An aging pass catcher whose failed to eclipse five receiving touchdowns in each of the past three seasons is the concern here. Johnson is one of the best receivers of the current generation, no one should dispute that. He’s hit for more than 1,000-yards and 100 receptions five times in his career, which is incredible. But the dip in touchdown totals — especially considering three of last season’s five came from within the five yard line parlayed with the dip in yards per receptions could be a concern. A new coaching staff and Ryan Fitzpatrick behind center could also be a concern. I’m passing, unless ‘Dre falls to me in the fourth or fifth rounds.

Wes Welker | Broncos (41)

In each of the last three seasons, Welker has seen his touches, receiving yards and yards per reception take a hit. He does have Peyton Manning calling plays who likes to spread the ball around pretty evenly, but the Broncos still have a ton of talent going out for passes even after the departure of Eric Decker. Aging and recent concussions are also a cause for concern — as it is for most players — but, I’m going to be playing it safe and steering away from Welker in year-long formats.

DeSean Jackson | Redskins (49)

Jackson is coming off of a career year in terms of receiving yards (1,332) and receiving touchdowns (9). But the Eagles released him, then he landed with their division rival Washington Redskins? What gives? I’m not so sure, but Jackson is a deep-threat receiver that will need to share the rock with Pierre Garcon and Robert Griffin favorite, Jordan Reed, this season. With Alfred Morris also needing the pigskin out of the backfield, I’m just not sure there will be enough touches to go around each week. I know it only takes one deep connection, but the uncertainty week-in and week-out will likely cause me to pass on him this year.

Eric Decker | Jets (89)

For Decker, a well-deserved payday came his way. He earned it. He’s hauled in more passes, for more yards in each of the last three season. And that’s with a stable of wide receivers around him! But, two of those three season were also with Peyton Manning behind center. Yes, Peyton Manning. That’s a lot different than second-year man Geno Smith. While Smith could work out in the long-term for the Jets, he’s not exactly someone I want to put faith in this season to get one of my top pass catchers the ball. There are way too many other options with way better signal-callers. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Decker.

Hakeem Nicks | Colts (122)

A change of scenery sounded like the best option for former Giants’ wideout Hakeem Nicks. But based on preseason reports, Nicks hasn’t been all that impressive and will be fighting for targets with Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton. Add in a couple of talented tight ends and Nicks may not see enough looks to warrant your attention in a 12-team league. But in a 12-team league, not many selections after the tenth round could be considered a bust, so some may be willing to take on the risk. Not me, I’d rather reach for some young guns in a good situation with a high ceiling. Happy Drafting!

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