Sleeper Watch

Jeff Garcia has packed his bags and left for Cleveland. Terrell Owens has arrived in Philadelphia following a storm of controversy. Tai Streets is now a Lion. Will there be anything familiar about San Francisco’s passing game next season?

No team has undergone such a major offensive overhaul as the 49ers this off-season. As a result, several intriguing opportunities have arisen for fantasy owners, particularly at wide receiver. Brandon Lloyd and Cedrick Wilson now receive the chance to step in as starters, and both could become valuable fantasy contributors.

Lloyd, a fourth-round pick out of Illinois in 2003, only gained 212 yards on 14 receptions in his first NFL season, but showed considerable skill in limited action, displaying both speed and excellent leaping ability. With a year in a backup role already under his belt, he’ll be in a better position to succeed than many of this year’s rookies. Wilson managed to compile a career-high 396 yards last season as a member of Owens’ supporting cast and looks to improve on that total in 2004. Slightly undersized at 5′10″, Wilson needs to use his elusiveness to prove he can be more than just a role player.

Due to their lack of a track record, both Lloyd and Wilson are risky players to pick up in fantasy drafts. San Francisco’s somewhat murky quarterback situation doesn’t help matters: Tim Rattay is slated to be the team’s starter, unless his groin injury heals slower than expected, in which case Ken Dorsey would step in. Unless of course Dorsey’s inexperience leads the team to bring in a free agent…

It seems as if this unit is destined to suffer through growing pains this season. Somebody will have to catch passes for Dennis Erickson’s team, however, and Lloyd and Wilson are in the right situation to do so. The familiar names may be gone in San Francisco, but don’t overlook the 49ers when searching for WRs in this year’s drafts. The risk is there, but so are the potential rewards.