Crabtree to be the Niners go to receiver this season?

[mudloggerone]

Michael Crabtree was the recipient of the first four passes of 49ers offseason workouts at this week's OTAs.

"Perhaps providing an early clue that he'll be the team's go-to receiver," writes beat reporter Matt Maiocco. Crabtree didn't catch a single pass from Alex Smith until midseason of last year due to a prolonged contract holdout. It may not fully show up in his fantasy stats due to shaky quarterback play, but Crabtree is likely to become a big-time player in year two. Mar. 31 - 3:37 pm et
Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat



What say you Outlaws? Can Crabtree be a legitimat number one WR in fantasy play in only his second season? With a less than stellar QB chunking him the pigskin? I dunno...

 

[Cooley Cadets]

Refresh my memory - who else have they signed so far this season?

I could see him definitely moving ahead of the likes of Morgan and an aging Bruce to become their #1 regardless of who is at the QB position. In my mind that makes him a solid #2 and depending on how the team develops/comes together I could see that quickly becoming a solid #1.

 

[mudloggerone]

Oh I can see him becoming their number one easily and there's little doubt in my mind that with the right QB he'll be a legitimate fantasy one some day but I have my doubts about it happening this season. Will his increased looks come at V. Davis's expense?

 

[Cooley Cadets]

I could still see Smith becoming a solid QB in the league. By that meaning he will not be holding players like Crabtree back. More than a drain on numbers for Davis I would be more concerned about getting consistent enough play from the other wide out to help balance the offense. I don't see Crabtree being a Steve Smith this year, and basically being the teams only aerial threat but if someone like Morgan can take that next step the balance will work in all of their favor.

 

[Phicinfan]

I think Crabtree becomes the 49er's #1 this year. I don't think Crabtree becomes a fantasy #1 though. I don't think there will be that much passing. My understanding is they want to utilize Gore, Coffee and maybe one more back more.

I also think V.Davis has a better shot to get passes than Crabtree.

 

[efactor]

Fantasy wise, I can see a 1100 yard, 6-8 TD season out of Crabtree. Nice #2 type stats. I just don't see him entering the elite receiver until either Smith can step it up on a consistent basis(best case for SF) or they get a new QB.

 

[storminn0rm]

Agreed. Crabtree will probably put up nice #2 stats this season. Vernon Davis will be targetted a lot though, if last year was any indication.

 

[JackG1980]

I think Davis was targeted more often due to the lack of experience Alex Smith has. Typically younger QBs target their tight ends. The niners know that they cant win a championship off a great TE only. Therefore I see Crabtree getting alot of passes this year. I think he will succeed and they will only target Crabtree more thoughout the season. He will start off as a solid #2 WR but will end up a good #1. I have him as one of my biggest sleepers. And I hope it stays that way till draft day. ESPN have him as the 21st WR. I have him as a top 12.

 

[derringer007]

If not the #1 WR this season Crabtree should be soon enough

 

[WesDawg]

If everything breaks right and Alex Smith finally realizes he's Utah's Alex Smith, you will see a poor man's version of the early to mid-90's Cowboys offense, fantasy-wise.

A. Smith = Aikman. Not a crap-ton of yards, but solid TD's and (hopefully) low INT's, making him a borderline QB1, high end QB2. He'll also chip in some rushing yards and TD's, unlike Troy.

Gore = Emmitt. Traditional 3-down back that racks up plenty enough receiving production to accompany 80+ rushing yards/game.

Crabtree = Irvin. Same first name, similar size and skillset, same diva attitude. Fortunately, the 85-95 catch potential is also there for Crabtree, even though this won't be a true pass-happy attack.

Josh Morgan = Alvin Harper. The "3rd year WR" theory goes into play here. He'll probably have fewer than 70 receptions, but at 16+ yards per clip and red zone looks, he'll be very valuable as a top fantasy WR3 this season with a much higher ceiling.

Vernon Davis = Novacek. The Cowboys dynasty had a pecking order in the passing game that was basically Irvin, Novacek, Harper, Emmitt. Look for that same concept with Crab, Davis, Morgan, Gore going forward. So long as Smith can just be smart and solid (like Aikman), Davis will be a top-3 TE for the next 5 years.

 

[mudloggerone]

Nice post WesDawg.

 

[MNJHNSN]

I think Davis was targeted more often due to the lack of experience Alex Smith has. Typically younger QBs target their tight ends. The niners know that they cant win a championship off a great TE only. Therefore I see Crabtree getting alot of passes this year. I think he will succeed and they will only target Crabtree more thoughout the season. He will start off as a solid #2 WR but will end up a good #1. I have him as one of my biggest sleepers. And I hope it stays that way till draft day. ESPN have him as the 21st WR. I have him as a top 12.

I agree with the young QB's outletting to TE but Crabtree a sleeper??? How could this guy ever be a sleeper giving his history and antics?

 

[Miller]

I will not predict him as a number 1 WR this year, but I would not be shocked if he approached the top 10 area. I would imagine he will come out in the 15-20 ranked range in my rankings this summer. He has tremendous upside.

Consider this, Calvin Johnson his rookie year had 48 rec, 756 yds and 4 TD's. He exploded his soph year (in what I would call a bleaker offensive situation than Crabtree has) for 78 rec, 1331 yds and 12 TD's. Calvin was a STEAL in the 4th round of drafts that year.

Crabtree had 48 rec, 625 yds and 2 TD's in only 11 games. If he had a similiar explosion I would not be shocked and will be someone worth a look in the 4-6 rounds this year.

 

[WesDawg]

Totally agreed, Miller. I'll be drafting/ranking him as a solid WR2, so long as I can get another similar upside guy as my WR3/Flex. Maybe a Hakeem Nicks/Mike Wallace type.

 

[JackG1980]

I will not predict him as a number 1 WR this year, but I would not be shocked if he approached the top 10 area. I would imagine he will come out in the 15-20 ranked range in my rankings this summer. He has tremendous upside.

Consider this, Calvin Johnson his rookie year had 48 rec, 756 yds and 4 TD's. He exploded his soph year (in what I would call a bleaker offensive situation than Crabtree has) for 78 rec, 1331 yds and 12 TD's. Calvin was a STEAL in the 4th round of drafts that year.

Crabtree had 48 rec, 625 yds and 2 TD's in only 11 games. If he had a similiar explosion I would not be shocked and will be someone worth a look in the 4-6 rounds this year.

If he is around in the 5th round I will for sure get him. I plan on going WR, QB, RB, RB, WR in my draft this year. If I dont have a top 4 pick.

 

[mudloggerone]

cbssports.com,
49ers coach Mike Singletary said he's been impressed with second-year WR Michael Crabtree during the offseason workouts. This is Crabtree's first full offseason after dealing with a foot injury and a holdout last year. "I think Crabtree continues to really carry himself well," Singletary said. "He works his tail off and is getting the work done that he needs to get done. So, I think Michael Crabtree has had a good OTA, a good minicamp."

Analysis: We like Crabtree heading into 2010. The offseason work should help his production, and he should develop chemistry with QB Alex Smith in training camp, which Crabtree didn't have last season. Go into the year with Crabtree as a low-end No.2/No. 3 Fantasy WR with upside. He's worth taking with a pick around Round 5 or 6 in all leagues

 

[mudloggerone]

rotoworld,
Michael Crabtree moved into the slot for three-wide receiver sets during OTAs, with Ted Ginn entering at split end.

The Niners run fewer three-wide sets than most teams, but they now have the personnel to take advantage on passing downs. Already a well-rounded receiver capable of running all routes, Crabtree should overtake Vernon Davis as the 49ers' leading pass-catcher this year.
Source: csnbayarea.com