Sleeper Watch

You know it’s a great year for rookie wide receivers when a player like Devery Henderson might fall into the third round.

Henderson’s phenomenal speed would give any team drafting him an instant big-play threat. An elusive, explosive receiver, Henderson showcased his talent last season at LSU, hauling in 53 passes for 861 yards (16.2 yards per catch) as a senior. Eleven of those 53 receptions were good for scores.

Like most first-year WRs, Henderson may need time to adapt to the challenges posed by NFL coverage. In the past, however, he has shown himself to be a quick study, adapting to the WR position smoothly after being shifted from RB.

San Diego, San Francisco, and Baltimore are just three of the teams that would love to add a speedster with Henderson’s upside to their rosters for the cost of a second or third round pick. And with fantasy owners focusing on the big names in the WR class of ‘04, he may well be overlooked in this year’s drafts. Make a note of which team drafts Devery Henderson – if he lands in the right situation, he could be an intriguing late-round flyer.