Upside - by Cecil Lammey

Edwards is a physical playmaker that could rank among the league leaders in the near future. He had a great career at Michigan where he had 97/1330/15 in his senior season. He has great measurables and fits the mold of an elite NFL WR. He is a great route runner that sets up defenders well. He has great body control and rarely tips off the cornerbacks as to what route he is running. His footwork is extraordinary and he can work the sidelines well. Braylon is also a good red zone target because he has a great leaping ability coupled with the fact that he times his jumps well and catches the ball at the highest point. Hand/eye coordination is among the most important skill a WR can possess, and Braylon routinely makes the circus catch look easy. The Browns made Edwards the #3 overall pick and envision him tearing up the league with his combination of size and speed. Romeo Crennel has done a good job of bringing in his guys to a new revamped Browns team. Braylon is exactly the type of big play WR that the Browns need. The Browns would’ve benefited by a healthy Kellen Winslow Jr., but now the majority of the success of the passing game relies on Braylon. The Browns will get consistent QB play from veteran Trent Dilfer and that should help ease Edward’s transition to the pro game. According to Gray’s Ultimate Strength of Schedule the Browns have an 8.8% easier schedule for WRs than in 2004. Braylon is going to be tested early and often. But with his physical style of play and the fact that he is a fierce competitor, I feel that he should post solid numbers for a rookie. He should provide great value in fantasy drafts.

Downside - by David Dodds

Rookie Braylon Edwards has an average draft position of WR39. Thatâs what happens when you are chosen #3 overall in the NFL Draft. The hype machine is working on over-drive with this player. Although I am in agreement that he could likely be a big star in this league, I have my doubts he will earn his draft position this season.

Over the last 4 years, the 39th best WR has averaged 763 receiving yards, 4 TDs and 101.4 fantasy points.

Letâs put those numbers into perspective. Over the last 10 seasons, only 23 rookie WRs have done this well or better. Thatâs about 2 per year. Statistically, odds are that Braylon Edwards wonât be one of the two that does it this year. Consider these things working against Braylon Edwards: