2005 preview: Wide receivers
More Carter: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB
The only trend I see at wide receiver this season is that touchdowns will be up for the marquee receivers. Offenses went through a period where, when they got in the red zone, they started running the ball. But now teams are starting to throw the ball more when they get inside the 20-yard line.
The reason: Receivers are bigger.
Look at the two top receivers, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. Moss is 6-foot-4 and T.O is 6-3. And most of the receivers that have come into the league are fitting that mold. Last year, it was Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Williams and Reggie Williams. This year, it's Mike Williams and Troy Williamson. Receivers are bigger, and offensive coordinators are taking advantage of that edge over smaller cornerbacks.
Best in the business: Randy Moss
The Oakland Raiders' new go-to wideout has the rare combination of size, speed, grace and athleticism. His ball skills – the ability to adjust to it in mid-air – are second to none.
Quarterback Kerry Collins will definitely be able to get him the ball, and Norv Turner has always been a phenomenal offensive coordinator. That will make for a great combination in Oakland.
Moss has never had any problem putting up numbers. He'll do exactly what he did in Minnesota. I know he's in great shape – he was in Florida working out this offseason – and he has a chip on his shoulder because he feels has something to prove after being traded by Minnesota.
It's just like when he came into the league. Randy thinks people don't believe in his ability. That's not good news for cornerbacks, especially cover guys in the AFC West. I think he'll have at least 80 catches with 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Most underrated: Derrick Mason
He has great ability. He can run great routes and he's consistent week in and week out. And he comes up with far more big plays than people give him credit for.
Mason is a great fit with the Baltimore Ravens. Brian Billick is used to having marquee receivers from his days in Minnesota, and he hasn't had the luxury of relying on one in Baltimore. Mason is the perfect personality to fit in Baltimore's scheme and locker room. I think his move to the Ravens will add a lot to his career.
Most overrated: Santana Moss
You can include David Boston, Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn and Koren Robinson in the group of receivers who have yet to make the most of their talent. Moss, though, is the one most likely to fulfill his potential.
The change of scenery with the Washington Redskins could be good for Moss. He's still very young (26), and Joe Gibbs really needs a speed guy like Moss in his offense. That said, Moss won't make his mark in Washington until the Redskins settle their quarterback situation.
Ready to break through: Nate Burleson
He's been groomed to be the Minnesota Vikings' No. 1 receiver, playing eight games last season as the main guy when Randy Moss was hurt. That experience will serve as a great lead-in for this season.
Burleson had a very good season last year with 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns while catching only 68 balls. That's great productivity. This season, he should reach double digits in touchdowns. He's a very good route runner and he has excellent hands. I also think he runs with the ball better than people realize.
Rookie to watch: Mark Clayton
The Ravens' first-round pick really came into his own his last two years at Oklahoma. He runs routes better than most college receivers coming into the NFL, and his skills and the coaching in Baltimore will be a great match.
Also, keep an eye on Braylon Edwards. The thing that's going to really help Edwards' learning curve – that is, if he doesn't miss a lot of training camp – is having Trent Dilfer at quarterback.
Michael Clayton was helped out a lot by having Brad Johnson and Brian Griese throwing him the ball last year at Tampa Bay. Dilfer will help out Edwards because he'll teach him a lot about running routes. Most young quarterbacks can't help you out because they don't even know their own assignments. Edwards will benefit from having a veteran quarterback helping him out.
No. 3 receiver to watch: Ronald Curry
He's always going to get single coverage with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter clearing things out for him. Curry was starting to emerge with back-to-back 100-yard games before he got hurt late last season. The Raiders organization is very excited about having him healthy again.
