Outside of Steven Jackson, fantasy football general managers will take a pass on most of players from the St. Louis Rams in the early part of their fantasy draft.
And why wouldn't they? Most fantasy prognostication and draft day decision making is overwhelmingly rooted in precedent, and players from team that averaged less than 11 points per game last year don't merit much consideration. That could potentially to your advantage. The Rams offense is bound to improve this season. Yes, they have a rookie QB, but Sam Bradford possesses the talent to make some things happen. Because of that, Rams receivers might be a nice, buy-low addition to your team. But which ones will have the most fantasy value?
With a young, talented group of players in the mix, several guys could end up getting a lot of balls thrown their way this year with a good preseason. Receiver #3-6 is anyone's guess, and even the top two could end up being someone else than you might predict.
Right now, Donnie Avery and Laurent Robinson project as the top two receivers for the Rams, and are probably the guys you should consider first. Avery always makes some nice plays in practice, and this year has been no different. What is different is Avery's extra body mass, which will make him more durable and less susceptible to the injuries that have dogged his first two seasons. Robinson, the "old man" of the bunch, has been making it look easy in camp and was looking sharp before injury ended his season last year. He should be available late in the draft, or even on the wire, and is worth consideration. These two guys at CBS have both Avery and Robinson ranked way too low.
After that, it's tough to make any recommendations, but there are two names you should keep an eye on: Danny Amendola and Keenan Burton.
Burton is healthy and fighting for a roster spot after injuries derailed his first two seasons. It's just practice, but he's probably been the most impressive receiver of the bunch, making sweet grabs in traffic and all over the field. As a fan, I'm anxious to see what he shows in the preseason, as a fantasy football GM, too. The Rams are going to be making lots of short, quick passes, and Burton's physical style of play that often puts him just behind the line could turn him into a solid possession receiver.
Amendola has been sharp in the early goings of camp as well, even getting Wes Welker comparisons. Similar to Burton, he could be a regular presence in the offensive game plan as the team looks to get better moving the ball down the field.
After those four, it's anybody's guess. The receivers all have the potential to make an impact this year. Rookie WR Mardy Gilyard is a guy I personally believe in, but I think his fantasy value will be limited this year.
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