Mid-Draft Targets
WR Reggie Wayne, IND (WR - #23)
For the first time since 2003, Reggie Wayne failed to top 1,000 yards (weak QB play gets most of the blame). Wayne finished his 11th NFL season with 75 catches for 960 yards and four TDs (barely WR3 worthy). With Andrew Luck under center (and looking impressive through one preseason game), Wayne could bounce back even with the rookie QB sure to face growing pains. The 33-year-old WR is no longer a downfield threat, but he should rebound nicely with a competent QB under center. A return to his 2010 production when he was a borderline WR1 (finished as 9th best fantasy WR) is unlikely, but snagging a potential lower end WR2 in rounds 7/8 makes him a solid value.
TE Jared Cook, STL (TE - #12)
With Kenny Britt almost assured of a 2-4 game suspension following yet another run in with the law, TE Jared Cook could emerge as a red zone favorite in a Titan offense that figures to become more pass happy. The Titans also added rookie WR Kendall Wright, and veteran Nate Washington will be looking to prove that his breakout 2011 was not a fluke. Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has the athleticism to emerge as a lower end TE1 with increased targets. The South Carolina alum flashed his potential over the final 3 weeks of the 2011 season when he amassed 21 catches for 341 yards and TD and is currently coming off the boards in rounds 10/11 based on current ADP data.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveTE Jermaine Gresham, CIN (TE - #10)
Gresham is yet another former first round pick that has yet to live up to the hype. In his first two seasons, the Oklahoma Sooner has averaged just 36 YPG, but has been serviceable in the red zone hauling in 10 TDs. With second year QB Andy Dalton looking more comfortable under center during the preseason, Gresham's ability in the open field could be on full display in his 3rd NFL season. He'll need to show improvement with his route running and understanding of opposing defenses, and he remains a solid option in PPR leagues (averaged 54 catches over first two seasons). If you miss out on the top tier of TEs, snagging the Bengals' likely #2 receiving option in rounds 9/10 could pay dividends in 2012. He did leave the week 2 preseason game against Atlanta with a knee injury, but post game comments from the Bengal coaching staff confirmed that Gresham should be fine.
