Every fantasy season, there are players who we all yearn to draft. This has gone on since the early days of fantasy football. In the 90's, it was Barry, Emmitt or Michael. Later, Marshall Faulk cemented his place on the thrown. More recently, LT, Shaun Alexander and Peyton Manning have all been extremely sought after in many fantasy football drafts.

However, just because you landed the stud of your league's scoring system does not guarantee you automatic success. A successful fantasy football team is usually built in the later rounds of the draft. I have a friend who commonly refers to these players as "gems."

Well, who are these "gems?" Where do we find them? And what makes them so valuable?

The days leading up to training camp is the perfect time to go investigate and find a few angles on players that "Average Joe" fantasy football GM will not see. For example, a player's value can dramatically change if he has signed with a different team. At the same time, a player's value could dramatically change if his team's front office brought in some additional firepower that alters the way opposing defenses react. Maybe the player is the final year of his contract and he's playing for a big payday. Some people believe that when a player reaches his third year, it's make-or-break time.

Below I take a look at wide receivers that could make for solid additions to your fantasy squad.


Chris Chambers, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
Average Draft Position = 29
Chambers was an absolute superstar in 2005. Let me remind you that the starting quarterback of the Dolphins last season was Gus Frerotte and there was a rookie (Ronnie Brown) in the backfield. I'm sure Frerotte and Brown did not cause opposing defenses to game plan around them.

Fast forward to 2006. Miami opened the door for Viking Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper. Once Culpepper fully recovers from his 2005 knee injury, the Phins air game will open up. This will bode extremely well for Chris Chambers. Do not be afraid to anoint him as your number one wide receiver. Average draft projection is late third round, early fourth round. Go get him.


Derrick Mason, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
Average Draft Position = 71
Mason is probably the most underrated wide receiver in fantasy football. Before I even mention the fact about being reunited with quarterback Steve McNair, be aware that despite the Ravens offensive woes in 2005, Mason quietly broke 1000 yards receiving.

Now, with Steve McNair added to the equation, here’s a juicy nugget. Mason averaged over 1100 yards and 7-8 touchdowns per season while playing with McNair.

Look for a productive reunion in Baltimore in 2006. Solid #1-2 wide receiver for your squad. Average draft position in early mock drafts is fifth, perhaps 6th round.


Koren Robinson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Average Draft Position = 105
Fresh off his return from the Pro Bowl (as a kick returner), Robinson has emerged as the Vikings #1 wide receiver. Some people say it was by default. Regardless, who cares! Koren has cleaned up his act since his troubled days in Seattle. He had the opportunity to leave Minnesota for greener pastures but decided to stay given the changes the team was making. For the first time in his career, he is taking responsibility for his own actions.

With offensive guru Brad Childress now in charge, Robinson will fit in well and produce. I predict Robinson to surpass his best season as a pro (2002: 1240 yds, 5 TDs) and make fantasy GMs very happy they spent a late round draft pick on him.

On a personal note, I have heard Koren give several interviews since the end of the season. I believe he has changed his ways. I thought he was nothing but a street thug during his time in Seattle. Call me sucker but I believe his lack of production and off field issues will remain a thing of the past.


Reggie Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Average Draft Position = 97
With the release of Terrell Owens and the fact that no true (and proven) veteran exists in the Eagle wide receiver corps, second year player Reggie Brown becomes the go to guy. Although many “experts” predict sophomore slumps for wide receivers (a.k.a. Michael Clayton, Tampa Bay), Brown has the supporting cast necessary to help him avoid a lack of production.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Brown snagged 34 receptions for 463 yards and tallied 4 touchdowns in a nine game stretch. Very impressive numbers for any rookie. Average draft projection is late ninth to early eleventh rounds.


Michael Clayton, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Bucs
Average Draft Position = 85
A few sentences earlier, I alluded to Michael Clayton's miserable 2005 campaign. After posting 1000+ yards in his rookie year, Clayton managed a measly 372 yards last season.

Look for Clayton to rebound nicely in 2006. With Simms entrenched at quarterback, more attention placed on Joey Galloway, David Boston and rookie Maurice Stovall battling for the third spot, Clayton has a red carpet rolled out for him to produce. Opposing defenses will also force Tampa Bay to pass given the Bucs established running game.

Clayton is finally at 100 percent health; injuries were part of the reason for his lack of production.