The Wide receiver class is arguably the deepest of the fantasy offensive positions in 2009. Six receivers were taken in the first round in 2009, while none were taken in the first round of the 2008 draft. This should be a clear indication that even the NFL thinks this is a great class. That being said, keep in mind that the bust rate of fantasy wide receivers is higher than other positions. Let’s look at the best of this year’s class:

1. Michael Crabtree, 49ers: Despite what Al Davis thinks, Crabtree is the best receiver in this class, and could easily end up being the best fantasy player of this draft. Crabtree is the best prospect at the position since Calvin Johnson. He does not have elite speed, but his size, hands and ability to make a play on the ball in the air, remind me of Johnson.

Crabtree, will be an impact player for the 49ers his first year, and will likely be a solid number three receiver for fantasy owners his first year. The one thing standing in his way, and it might be a problem for his first few years, is the lack of an impact quarterback to get him the ball. Until the 49ers address this issue, Crabtree will never reach his full potential. While Calvin Johnson has made up for the lack of a quarterback in Detroit with his speed, Crabtree really needs a solid quarterback to get him the ball.

1. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles: Maclin has excellent speed, good hands, and is great in the open field and hard to bring down in space. I expect him to develop by year two into the best receiver they have had since T.O. left town. The addition of Maclin will let Jackson return to the number two receiver role, which is what he was drafted to be. If you get points for return yardage, Maclin will likely give you a nice bump in value his first few years.

1. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders: D.H.B. is the fastest player in this class, which is why he ended up in Oakland. He combines elite speed with good size, but he has very questionable hands. Even in the open field he has far too many drops, and he has major problems in traffic, which will be more common in the NFL. How many track star receivers have we seen Al Davis fall in love with, and then become busts? There is limited competition on the roster, so the upside is big, but the chances of a bust with this pick are huge.

1. Hakeem Nicks, Giants: Nicks is a solid combination of speed, hands and average size. He is an above average route runner, and will be given every opportunity to develop into the teams number one receiver in camp. Of the players on their roster right now, Nicks is the most likely to develop into Manning’s top target, since most of the other receivers on the roster are complimentary receivers.

1. Kenny Britt, Titans: Britt is a big body receiver drafted by a team that rarely drafts receiver that high. What should you take form that? First the Titans were very high on Britt, and number two the lack of elite receivers for the Titians means that Britt could have an impact early in his career and could develop into a starter for the team.

1. Percy Harvin, Vikings: I have best seen Harvin described as a first round talent, with a free agent head. Basically, he has the talent to be an elite player, but his EGO, attitude, and tendency to get in trouble with the wrong crowd off the field make him a huge risk.  The fact that he failed a drug test at the NFL combine (when you know your going to be tested), reinforces the fact that this guy has some screws loose. I know for a fact that no less than twelve NFL teams took Harvin off their draft boards completely after the failed drug test.

Personally, I would not have him in my top ten in my rookie draft board, but given his upside I am putting him at number six in my rankings (still much lower then most). Harvin is an elite playmaker in the mold of Reggie Bush. He runs the ball, catches the ball, and makes plays in the open field at an elite level. His upside is great, which is why he was taken in the first round despite his issues, but personally, I’ll be taken a pass until very late in my drafts. Buyer beware.

1. Brian Robiskie, Browns: While he is not a speed demon, he runs great routes, and many experts feel he is one of the most NFL ready players in the draft. With Stallworth likely going to be unavailable for 2009 due to legal problems, I would not be surprised if he was the number two receiver at the start of the season. Only average upside, but if you need a rookie to help you this year, he is a solid option late in your draft.

1. Ramses Barden, Giants: Small school player with big upside, and a body and game similar to Burress. Barden is a big player with solid ability to jump for the ball and strong hands. He could develop into a key target and part of the wide receiver rotation. He is a guy you add if you have room on your bench for a player to develop for a few years.

1. Patrick Turner, Dolphins: Turner is a solid receiver who played in a pro-style offense, and is going to a team filled with average talent at the position. His upside is limited, but he might be a started by default by the end of the year.

1. Austin Collie, Colts: With Gonzalez moving to the outside, the colts have limited options for who can take over in the slot. Collie is a solid receiver with good hands, and could easily win the slot spot in camp.

Best of the Rest:

1. Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns
2. Pat White, Dolphins
3. Derrick Williams, Lions
4. Juaquin Iglesias, Bears
5. Mike Wallace, Steelers