Our goal and my deadline for this series is always "before last weekend, please." Oops. See you fantasy enthusiasts have a bad habit of drafting this past weekend in server crashing droves. Can't you wait until the air clears a little more around these teams? I need more time, man. Maybe draft a little closer to the opener? I do.

Ideally, we would have a sound series of thoughts on camp battles published before last weekend. Last year I missed the deadline with RBs. This year it happened at WR. But with over 200 names making names for themselves at WR this pre-season, and ten games being played last Friday, more on Saturday, another on Monday, and stories breaking from various teams every day; I missed the deadline and proceeded to take the weekend off to enjoy some football, and prepare a better informed breakdown of WRs for those of you with the courtesy to wait another week. Thankfully, this coming weekend's draft frenzy is as demanding on servers as last weekend's. Hopefully, the three parts of the series that were on time helped many of you make decisions. And hopefully, those were good decisions.

So, let's jump right in and air it out with these WRs and see if we can clear some air.

Minnesota Vikings
Marcus Robinson (14.2) vs. Travis Taylor (14.2) vs Troy Williamson (14.4)

The loss of Randy Moss and high draft selection of Troy Williamson put this situation up in the air late last Spring. Nate Burleson is the Vikings clear #1 receiver going into the season. He's generally the 14th WR chosen in fantasy drafts, and he has legitimate shot at breaking into the top 10. After the elite receivers have left draft boards, signing Burleson can not be criticized. The story here is the three WRs above with 14th round ADPs. An educated argument can be made for each one of these receivers emerging alongside Burleson. It's difficult to choose the best argument. Robinson is a proven redzone target with more time in the Minny system. Williamson was drafted to fill the Moss void, and his measureables and athleticism cannot be ignored. Taylor came from seemingly nowhere to win the starting job as the team's #2 WR. Generally, I would avoid such a convoluted situation, but Minnesota's passing attack is too good to ignore. Culpepper is promising to spread the ball around liberally, and at this point, until injury or circumstance clears the air a little more there is no reason to doubt the QB. So if you disagree with my "reach" below, understand it's a tough call I feel obligated to make because of the offensive potential in Minnesota. Go with your own thinking if all three of these guys fall to the end of the draft, and you need a little more depth at WR. You may strike gold, you may end up in free agency.

If you read my take on the Broncos' RBs, you know I don't try to pick starters for NFL coaches. I think that's just silly. Travis Taylor has won the starting job. He's developed a great rapport with the Vikings' receivers coach, Wes Chandler. Chandler likens Taylor's situation to his many years ago. Chandler came into the league with big expectations, disappointed in a terrible situation, was shipped to San Diego after a few years, and became a star for Air Coryell and Dan Fouts. Taylor came into the league with big expectations, disappointed in a terrible situation, has been shipped to one of the league's premiere offenses and won the starting job. In the 13th or 14th round, it won't ruin your season to give Taylor the same chance the Vikings are. And you have to ask "what if?"

Oakland Raiders
Jerry Porter (5.10) vs Ronald Curry (15.7) vs Doug Gabriel

The addition of Randy Moss bears discussion even though he isn't in anything closely resembling a camp battle. Hardly a day goes by when I don't read someone somewhere ranting about the incredible season in front of Randy. Old school fantasy wisdom advises us to avoid WRs changing teams and learning new systems. Terrell Owens blew a hole in that theory a year ago, and the new wisdom says that the old wisdom isn't applicable to truly great receivers. I agree that Randy Moss is the best WR in the NFL. Period. Bear with me though.

A year ago in Philadephia quarterback Donovan McNabb had absolute garbage to throw to other than T.O. That's not the case in Oakland. T.O also went from a slow natural grass surface to the speedy artificial surface in Philly. That's been reversed for Moss. Some cite Moss's great numbers coexisting with big numbers from Cris Carter and Nate Burleson as reason not to worry about the situation in Oakland. Carter and Burleson were both excellent possession players who allowed Randy to play homerun hitter. All three of his counterparts in Oakland have struggled in the possession game but are very capable homerun hitters themselves. Some people are upgrading quarterback Kerry Collins to the elite level of NFL QBs. The addition of Moss certainly adds positive numbers to Kerry's projections, but let me be the ten thousandth to remind you that Kerry Collins is no Daunte Culpepper. Add all of this to Norv Turner's career long history of power running and using speedy wideouts as decoys to open the middle and move the chains, and I'm sorry, but this is a recipe for disappointment. Am I predicting Moss to bust? No. I am encouraging you not to draft him in the 1st or early 2nd round, and target one of the league's top backs instead.

Jerry Porter is the clear #2 in Oakland, and when healthy he has shown flashes of brilliance. He's missed the last three weeks of camp with a pulled hamstring, and there are rumors in the Raider underground that HC Turner isn't just concerned about Porter's absence but seriously considering demoting Porter and his 5th round ADP. I'm tempted to endorse Ronald Curry at his 15th round value, but he's coming off frightening Achilles' surgery and has struggled with stamina. Big play maker Doug Gabriel dislocated his finger, required surgery and is out for a month. Al Davis must be giddy about all this talent at WR, but I'm staying away and wishing them all the best.

Philadelphia Eagles
Greg Lewis (13.2) vs Reggie Brown (15.11)

Like the Moss situation above, the #1 WR in Philly deserves discussion. Terrell Owens is an idiot. But, the NFL is full of idiot WRs with incredible talent. Of all the NFL's idiot WRs, only Moss surpasses Owens in talent. There's two ways to read the coming season for Mr. Silent Treatment. Can you believe this character? My six year old gives me the silent treatment from time to time, and it never works to her advantage. Owens is trying to prove that he can hate the team's front office, break down communication with coach and QB, yet still be one of the league's most dominant players. Oddly, it looks like he just may pull it off. If seismologists were monitoring the situation, they'd be warning us all that there's a 50% chance this volcano's gonna blow. If you like drama, melodrama for that matter, go ahead and take Owens in the late 2nd or early 3rd round. It looks like feast or some feasting before the famine. If it's a feast, it will be a good one. T.O. has the look of a man possessed with something to prove, when he doesn't have the look of an incredibly petulant spoiled rotten brat. If they pull it off, Donovan McNabb deserves an award for patience, and children's psychologists should be watching this one carefully.

The good news is Freddie Mitchell and Todd Pinkston are no longer in the picture, and during T.O.'s timeout, McNabb developed a nice connection with Greg Lewis, who has won the starting job alongside Silent Treatment. Reggie Brown has also looked better than expected and he'll get to be featured this week while the starters rest.

But to me, the story behind the the T.O. drama, is the play of Donovan McNabb. He looks very relaxed in the pocket, and the game seems to be coming to him very easily. Maybe the smartest way to play the drama in Philly is to take Lewis late. You'll have a respectable #4 who may emerge in T.O.'s presence, and will certainly become a great QB's go to player should T.O. "not talk" his way into a longer timeout.

Carolina Panthers
Keary Colbert (11.2) vs Rod Gardner (15.9)

The loss of last season's surprising fantasy super star, Muhsin Muhammad; the return of speedy go to receiver Steve Smith, and the addition of Rod Gardner, have made this battle between Keary Colbert and Gardner the source of much debate. Shrewd fantasy owners know one of these two is in for a big season. Carolina's reputation as a grind it out running team turned into a myth last season, as Jake Delhomme proved to be an excellent fantasy QB.

The Colbert backers have won the argument for now. Keary has won the starting job and current ADPs seem right on target as far as differentiating the two. But, I'm going to toss what little reputation I have in Colbert's basket for the whole season, given good health. He is an extremely determined, hardworking, mature young player, who demands the respect of defenses with great route running and terrific playmaking. He has the look of a young Keenan McCardell who has spent his entire career (except for one season) underrated by fantasy enthusiasts.

The Gardner backers point out Rod's superior strength and size, his similarities to Muhammad. Had he won the starting job, I would be pointing them out to you also, but for now he looks like a #3 with average promise.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Reggie Williams (14.9) vs Matt Jones (11.9) vs Ernest Wilford

Mat Jones is a freak. He's a beast. If you're in a deep keeper or dynasty, you cannot reach for him. Just draft the kid and enjoy him for years to come. That's the good news. The bad news is twofold; he's Jacksonville's #3 WR, and the only sensible way to approach this series is from the standpoint of redraft leagues. It remains to be seen how fast he gets going and becomes a primary option for the Jags. Also, it's pretty hard to get 12 owners together without having one who is overly excited about him this year. The 11th round ADP is an average from various sites, but doesn't accurately reflect the most current drafts-- drafts taking place after Jones made that crazy one-handed catch. I've seen him drafted in the 8th round regularly the past few days, and that would cause me to hesitate. He has won the battle for the slot position, and sent Troy Edwards packing, but Jimmy Smith is option #1 and a slimmer, dedicated Reggie Williams is #2. Those two will be on the field during downs 1-3 and look to get most of the targets. Williams was drafted higher than Jones just last year. He has struggled, but there are reports of him having an excellent camp. Add Ernest Wilford, another tall, young, athletic, redzone threat to the mix, and it gets difficult projecting these WRs, but it's safe to say, Byron Leftwich is out of excuses for not being a topflight fantasy QB.

San Diego Chargers
Keenan McCardell (11.1) vs Eric Parker (15.7) vs Reche Caldwell (14.5)

It's hard to write about training camp battles at the WR position without discussing every single team in the league. Be it a battle for the #1, 2 or 3 WR, most teams have a position up for grabs that may prove important for fantasy purposes. So, the task of covering this in a reasonably brief and interesting format becomes a little daunting, and I have forgone discussing draft strategy specific to WRs beyond basic valuation opinions. However, here's a case where an old school and long proven strategy is a little obvious, though perhaps not as tempting as I'd like. The strategy is to target teams' #1 receivers when they fall past the 10th round. When the Keary Colberts, Greg Lewis's and Reggie Williams's of the league, all #2s, are being taken, generally another team's #1 can be found and provide the most bang for the buck. There's a reason why the #1 is still available and caution is required, but it's a safe strategy that rounds out your depth with proven performers who have more real upside than the potential upside hyped for various 2s and 3s.

Keenan McCardell would fit the strategy perfectly if not for some interesting things happening on the San Diego depth chart. Eric Parker is going into the season as #1. McCardell is #2, Caldwell #3. A variety of expert opinions across the internet favor each one of these WRs to emerge in San Diego this season. I side with McCardell. I like everything I read about Parker and tabbed him as a sleeper a year ago, but he now needs to prove it to me once. He might. Caldwell had some nice games before being injured a year ago, and many believe he is simply the best WR on the roster and will soon emerge. This is a tough situation to read. Parker and Caldwell could very likely be in free agency in your league and are both worthy of a watchful eye. McCardell is falling below the 11th lately with the demotion on the depth chart being noted in fantasy circles. He is "very close" to being exactly what I look for as #4 or 5 depth on my roster, but the "demotion" makes me balk.

Atlanta Falcons
Michael Jenkins (14.3) vs Dez White vs Roddy White vs Brian Finneran

Peerless Price got pink slipped, and the Falcons look to field the formidable foursome above this season. Fantasy fans are staying clear of the situation and with good reason. QB Mike Vick has not been able to find any WR with enough regularity to make him a consistent fantasy player. It remains to be seen if he can, but if all you're spending is a 14th rounder, and you're getting a team's #1 WR, I certainly cannot criticize the late pick of Michael Jenkins. He has all the tools to be a top flight NFL WR, and now he has every opportunity. He would be exactly what I look for late in a draft if only he had a little more seasoning. If that was the case, he probably wouldn't be around this late in a draft.

I try to avoid commenting on my hunches. If there's a real good reason to see value in a player, I like to share that. If I just have a hunch that a player is really on the rise, but cannot support that with sound reasoning, then I should probably avoid embarrassing myself. But, I have a strong hunch about Michael Jenkins, for what it's worth. He looked great against the Jags for three quarters last week.

Dez and Roddy White are both slowed by injuries and Brian Finneran may end up starting opposite Jenkins. Anyone of those three can step up to be Vick's #2. But since Vick has struggled so much to establish a #1, #2 in Atlanta isn't very enticing. Finally, the story of camp has been rookie WR Cole Magner. Vick has said he prays Cole makes the team, and the coaches say he catches everything. I'd guess Price was cut to make room for him, and if the others stay nicked up and struggle watch this name hidden deep in free agency, just in case.

Around the League

In Washington Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner are gone and replaced by Santana Moss (9.1) and David Patten (14.2). Fantasy opinion heavily favors Moss in this camp battle, but Patten seems to be staying with Santana play for play. I won't be surprised to see their numbers end up about even. Unfortunately that doesn't make Patten a big value. They are both overvalued and in real need of Patrick Ramsey to step up his play.

In Cleveland the offseason story was #1 draft pick Braylon Edwards (16.3). A typical rookie hold out has delayed Edwards' progress, and the story in Browns' camp quickly became Antonio Bryant (12.8). He spent the summer working out with new QB Trent Dilfer, and a steady flow of glowing reports have many fantasy fans confidently taking Bryant after the 10th round. I'm on the bandwagon. He's a very talented receiver who has struggled to reach his potential. In the 12th round you cannot expect a better value and more potential than Bryant this season.

In Kansas City Eddie Kennison (9.7) continues to be one of fantasy footballs consistently undervalued WRs. Clearly the #1 WR in an offense that looks first to run and second to the TE, Kennison still offers excellent production for a 9th rounder. As your #3, he's a perfect fit. The battle in Kansas City was for the #2 role, and speedy Samie Parker has won the job. He had a good run down the stretch last season and might be another player to monitor in free agency.

In Denver Rod Smith (9.3) and Ashlie Lelie (6.12) return as #1 and 1a. Early in camp Lelie struggled with dropped balls and there were rumors of a battle shaping up between him and Darius Watts. Watts ended up having a worse case of the dropsies, and Lelie looks set to have his best season. Smith caught 25 more passes than Lelie a year ago. They both had 7 TDs, and Smith had 100 or so more yards. Obviously, fantasy fans think the young Lelie is finally going to take over the statistical production in Denver. I like the old guys, but it's always hard to tell when production will finally fall. Still Smith in the 9th round is easily the better value here. It will be no surprise for this pundit, when all is said and done, Rod Smith is again the top receiver in Denver.

In Tennessee Steve McNair's favorite target Derrick Mason is gone. Drew Bennett (5.10) had a great season, and takes over the #1 duties. Bennett is going to face opponent's top DBs this season, and it remains to be seen if he can continue his excellent play. The Titans were quick to sign Troy Edwards after his release from the Jaguars, and prior to that both McNair and Bennett had expressed satisfaction with the group of young receivers on the roster. Not lost in the mix is a physical specimen named Tyrone Calico (14.1). He was my choice to emerge over Bennett a year ago, then he blew out both knees in the preseason. He's been hesitant to test his rehabilitated knees, but the Titans are naming him #2 going into the season. If the passing offense wasn't being overhauled by Norm Chow, I would be very high on Calico. The old system was very nice to #2 receivers. Chow's system is an unknown, but he has been nothing short of spectacular everywhere he's coached. I'll probably pass on Tyrone this year, and I may live to regret it.

In Baltimore Derrick Mason (6.3) has come aboard and wowed Raven coaches and QBs with his route running. This isn't the best place for a WR and Mason's big numbers should be adjusted accordingly. Redzone specialist and league secret Clarence Moore is inked in as the Ravens' #2, and rookie Mark Clayton has locked down the #3 spot. This has quickly turned into a very talented core of receivers, and they will go as QB Kyle Boller does. So far in his career, he's been below average. He needs to prove it to me, so I'm passing on Ravens WRs.

In Cincinnati Peter Warrick has been released. Chad Johnson (3.2) is an elite receiver. The Bengals are happy with T.J. Houshmandzadeh (10.2) as their #2. In his third year, Kelley Washington finally looks to be an active part of the offense and has held off some spirited competition for the #3 job. I think the ADPs here are spot on, but Washington is a player to watch should anything go awry with the other two. He's one of the league's many potential stars that for whatever reason has yet to make a splash.

In Pittsburgh Plaxico Burress has moved to the Big Apple, and Antwaan Randle El (13.7) steps into a full-time receiving role alongside the proven veteran Hines Ward (4.5). Randle El was in a real battle with Cedrick Wilson early in camp, but Wilson has struggled of late. I like QB Ben Roethlisberger, and I'm certain he can be an excellent passing QB, but that's not the plan for a team that went 15-1 running the ball. So, I have to downgrade these receivers, with all due respect.

In Miami Chris Chambers (6.12) and Marty Booker are still starting and anxiously awaiting the team to decide on a QB. News out of Miami is focused on the QBs with rumors now surfacing that the Dolphins will platoon Frerotte and Feeley. Nice. David Boston (15.9) is being drafted in some leagues whereas Booker is almost always overlooked. Wes Welker is #3 on the depth charts and Boston appears to have barely made the team. Obviously, some fantasy fans look at Boston's measureables, compare him to Booker, and think maybe David is back to form. Eh, it's a real late draft pick, who knows, but this situation isn't promising for any of these WRs. If forced to take a Dolphin receiver not named Chambers, Booker seems like the sane choice.

In Seattle Peter Warrick quickly found a home, and many fantasy experts have to reconsider the quiet expectations of possible sleeper Bobby Engram (15.6). The star is Darrell Jackson (4.7), and he should continue to be a very solid fantasy WR. With Koren Robinson gone, the sure handed Engram was well under the radar, and I'm going to continue to predict a surprisingly productive season for him, despite the addition of Warrick.

In Dallas Patrick Crayton has won the #3 job in a battle with Quincy Morgan. I wonder if Parcells and Jones are rethinking the trade that brought in Morgan and shipped out Antonio Bryant. It sure looks like a loser for Dallas, who has Keyshawn Johnson (12.2) and Terry Glenn (15.5) as a 1 and 1a. Either could provide a solid bye week fill in. Reports out of Dallas suggest that Glenn is the better option of these two, and their ADPs should probably be switched-- then lowered.

In San Francisco Arnaz Battle has surprised many by winning a camp battle against Johnnie Morton. The #1 receiver is last year's disappointment Brandon Lloyd. His mediocre performance had many wondering if Morton wouldn't take over, but it's been Battle making plays and impressing coaches since the beginning of preseason. If Rattay continues his preseason play into the regular season, Battle will quickly be worth a roster spot in most leagues.

In St. Louis Tory Holt (3.1) and Isaac Bruce (7.7) look as solid as ever, but Kevin Curtis is the interesting story for fantasy teams. He looks set to have a break out season-- maybe similar to Brandon Stokley a year ago. High performance from him could cut into Bruce and Holt a little, and that's a very minor heads up. I wouldn't avoid the two primary Ram receivers, but I'd certainly feel good about taking Curtis very late.

I know I've left a few teams out, but the above stories seem the most interesting and applicable to camp battles.

Summary

There's a not so old adage in fantasy football: You can't win a championship in the first round, but you can lose one. I disagree. I agree you can't win a championship with your first pick, but I also believe you cannot blow the whole season either. Not if you're on your toes throughout your draft and during the season. There's another adage: Fantasy football championships are won in the middle rounds. I like that, and there's certainly some truth to it, but I'm not selling this one either. Maybe the adage should have a subtle change: Fantasy football championships are "earned" in the middle rounds. Fantasy football championships are "won" in week 16 when the fickle finger of fate points at it's favored sons in the NFL.

This is alot like playing poker, but I don't recommend bluffing. If you do everything right, you deal yourself the best hand, you can still be beat by the unpredictable-- like poker. But, you give yourself the best chance by doing everything right. That's why I pay particular attention to camp battles and breaking news every August. The team I draft in early August is never the same team I draft before the opener.

I deliberately wrote the RB segment with a very light tone. I meant it when I said you shouldn't get emotional about those RBs. I hoped to slow the flood of emails I received a year ago. I don't want to tell you exactly who to draft in the first round. We all have the same information, and I want you to draft who you decide to draft. I want to help you draft in the middle and late rounds-- when championships are earned. But, most of all I want You to draft Your team and do so with sound information that You evaluate. You can get Cheatsheet Compiler and Draft Buddy and draft FFToday's team. It will be a good team, but it's not really Yours unless you adjust the projections to fit your own thinking.

If there's a player from this series who you really want; someone you know you should wait for in the draft; whose ADP falls precariously between your draft picks; it's okay to reach for that player. I hope you do. He's probably not coming back to you, and he should be on your team. That's the fun of this gig. In one of my more serious league's an owner just took Cadillac Williams in the 2nd round. He was ridiculed. I understood the pick, and I respected it. He has Caddy way up his draft board. He thinks Caddy will be that rookie to break the top ten this year. He knew Caddy would not come back to him late in the third. Crazy? He won the league a year ago with a draft that was ridiculed. I've rarely won anything by playing it safe.

Here's the dirty little secret us "experts" hate to share. Our information is all wrong. No one has ever picked perfect top tens let alone projected stats that resemble the final results. If you love Corey Dillon this year and have the fourth pick and can't trade down; it really is okay to draft him. If you have to have Greg Lewis and know someone else in your league feels the same way, it won't destroy your season to pick him a couple rounds before his 13th round ADP. That's drafting Your team. It's more fun, and you'll learn more by doing so. Just be solid through your whole draft, and don't be afraid to go with your heart when it tells you too. If there is karma, it favors those with heart. Be active during the season. Don't worry too much about injuries while you're drafting. Pay better attention to strength of schedule when torn between two players. It's more tangible than other concerns. Finally, you can do like me and keep a complete set of NFL bobble head dolls in a closet and stick needles in the players who oppose you every Sunday. It works.

May there be angels in your backfield. May the stars align for your receivers. May your QB be blessed with his career season. And may the fickle finger of fate point your way in week sixteen. Good luck. Have a great season everybody.