2008 Fantasy Football Player Profile-Calvin Johnson

WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

2007 Stats: 48 receptions, 756 receiving yards, 4 TDs
Projected 2008 Stats: 81 receptions, 1124 receiving yards, 11 TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 4th Round
Wide Receivers to be picked ahead of Calvin Johnson: Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you should draft Calvin Johnson: Last season, Johnson had nine games with at least three receptions, and he scored a touchdown in his first two starts.  Jonson has the luxury of lining up opposite Roy Williams, which allows him to face mainly single coverage. In other words, if Johnson can stay healthy this year, he should rack up some big fantasy numbers.  

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Calvin Johnson: In his rookie campaign, Johnson was held under 50 receiving yards in eight games, and after scoring two touchdowns in the first two weeks, he only had two scores the rest of the season.  Johnson sustained a significant back injury, and it remains to be seen if he has fully recovered from it.

Bottom Line: If Johnson can stay healthy in 2008, he could flirt with being an upper tier No.1 fantasy receiver.  However, since his health is somewhat of a concern, it might be wise to wait until the third or fourth round to take him, if possible.