Donnie Avery 2008 Fantasy Projections - St. Louis Rams

A lot of draft experts had opinions on who would be the first wide receiver taken in the 2008 NFL Draft. However, few if any predicted that Donnie Avery would be the first wide receiver selected. Avery, out of the University of Houston, was picked with the 33rd overall pick.

What Avery brings the Rams is a playmaker at the wide receiver position. With starters Torry Holt and Drew Bennett, the Rams don’t have blazing speed at wide receiver. Avery, on the other hand, is a speedster who can make plays with his legs after catching the ball. He excels at gaining yards after the catch, an area the Rams struggled with in 2007. Avery could potentially fill the void left when Isaac Bruce left for the Sam Francisco 49ers.

However, truth be told, Avery is a bit of a project. At the University of Houston, Avery didn’t play against great competition. He also dropped passes and wasn’t the smoothest route runner while in college. There’s a good chance that he’ll take a couple seasons to get acclimated to the NFL.

Avery isn’t a great fantasy pick in a 2008 fantasy football draft. He’ll be a third receiver at best. That said, Kevin Curtis had good success in a similar role while with the Rams, so there is precedence for Avery to have success. Additionally, Avery could get some touches in the return game, which could up his value.

Photo: Newscom