Survivor I - Hines Ward Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	12	142	0	112	1329	12	219.1	3
2003	11	61	0	95	1163	10	182.4	6
2004	7	25	1	80	1004	4	132.9	28

Positives - Last year was an off year for Ward, and he still managed to put up his fourth straight 1,000 yard receiving season. Plaxico Burress has departed, cementing Ward as the go to man for Big Ben. This also means that Ward will be covered by the opposing team’s top DB, and could be doubled, but it’s not like that’s going to be anything new, Hines has always received this treatment. Ward had two consecutive double-digit TD seasons before last year’s disappointment. Roethlisberger will have another year of experience under his belt, with the same offensive coordinator, which should help to increase the Steelers passing game numbers. The elevation of Randle El, and the additions of Cedric Wilson, rookie WR Fred Gibson, and TE Heath Miller will offset the departure of Burress.

Negatives - I drafted Hines Ward as the 10th WR taken in the draft, and a 1,000 yard 8 TD season will justify that selection. I had targeted Donovan McNabb for this pick, but, once again, Nipsey stole him two picks before me. I also considered Drew Bennett, Michael Clayton, Anquan Boldin, and Laveranues Coles at this pick. Bennett is in a tough situation, as he becomes the #1 WR on the Titans. He is not used to drawing double coverage and the top corner from opposing teams, and I think his numbers will reflect that. Clayton enters his second year with the Bucs after an amazing rookie season. It should be known that I’m a Bucs homer, and follow Tampa Bay with a rabid passion. Gruden has a lot of new toys this year: TE Alex Smith, a healthy Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and a shiny new Cadillac. I would be very surprised for Clayton to put up 7 TDs again this year. Over in Arizona, Larry Fitzgerald established himself as a reliable target in the Red Zone and Boldin returns from injury. I don’t expect a return to his 2003 numbers. Coles is also battling a chronic toe injury, and it is yet to be seen if he or Pennington can stay on the field for the entire season. Once again, I opted for consistency, as Ward is a lock for another 1,000 yard, 16-game season.

Draft Strategy - Last year Ward burned a lot of fantasy owners with his four TD performance, and he has had similar years in the past. Also, Pittsburgh defines smash-mouthed football, and will be among the league leaders in rushing attempts, which could limit the number of balls thrown Ward’s way. I do not see Plaxico Burress’ departure as a negative. This is not a situation of a #2 becoming the #1 receiver on the team; Ward always was the #1.