Bryant’s career season with the Bucs last year was mostly a product of him being heads and shoulders better than any other receiver the team had. With Kellen Winslow coming to town to share the load, expect Bryant’s numbers to come back down to earth. He’ll still be good, just not THAT good.
('09 Proj: 65 receptions, 975 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
___
Bryant was an absolute monster in the fantasy playoffs (weeks 14-16), catching 23 passes for 435 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, if those few weeks are to become the standard, and not a fluke stretch, Bryant will likely have to build a quick rapport with a new coach and quarterback. On a positive note, Bryant should be one of the first to welcome Kellen Winslow Jr to Tampa Bay, as Winslow can force defenses to account for a second option, allowing Bryant to take advantage of one-on-one coverage. There is also the matter of Bryant staying out of his own way. In the end, I think Bryant will be productive in 2009, but just know the risks going in.
('09 Proj: 950 yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
___
Bryant was spelled “Breakout” last year as the enigma known as Antonio Bryant had a monster finish. When the smoke cleared, he was in the top ten in the NFC in catches, yards and touchdowns. He has a couple of 1,000 yard seasons in the past three (while playing for three different teams). Watch the QB situation in Tampa before drafting this guy too high, but he's looking like a very solid #2 fantasy wideout.
('09 Proj: 75 rec, 1,050yds, 8 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
___
One of the most maddening players to own in all fantasy football. Has every bit as much raw talent as any other receiver in the NFL but without half the discipline to put it all together every time he plays. His career-year in 2008 earned him a franchise tag from the Buccaneers, which may be his saving grace in fantasy circles as he plays once again for a new contract. Approach with extreme caution but be encouraged by Tampa Bay’s acquisition of tight end Kellen Winslow and their apparent new commitment to the passing game.
('09 Proj: 80 rec, 1,200 yds, 8 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
___
I know the guy's had an up-n-mostly-down career. Here's my biggest problem with the line of thought that last year was a fluke. Bryant didn't take anybody along with him. Allow me to explain. What Bryant accomplished last year was in SPITE of a combo consisting of the 39 year old Jeff Garca's 7.2 yards per pass attempted and Brian Griese, he of a 69.4 QB rating. Not to mention a hodge-podge backfield featuring three RB's with 60+ attempts and none with more than four touchdowns. The dude wasn't riding anyone's coattails. I'll freely admit his thought process needs some WD40 from time to time and that makes him a risk. But are we really to expect the Bucs starting QB in '09 will be a major step back?
('09 Proj: BREAKOUT! 97 rec, 1,380, 13 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins
___
In my Late Bloomers article, I really liked Bryant as a serious 2009 sleeper. Not so much anymore. The trade for Winslow, Jr. will eat into some of Bryant's potential production, but more importantly, no one knows who will be slinging the pigskin for the Bucaneers in 2009, as Jeff Garcia is a free agent and is expected to sign elsewhere.
('09 Proj: 72 rec, 850 yds, 4 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
___
There arguably was no better story last season than Antonio Bryant, who wasn’t even in the league in 2007, coming back in 2008 with 83 receptions, 1,248 yards, and seven touchdowns, all career highs. It looks like the talented Bryant finally has his head on straight and at only 28 years old he’s still in his prime. I believe he’s got enough talent to put up even better numbers this season if the Buccaneers can settle on one quarterback.
('09 Proj: 85 rec, 1,264 yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Robb Perkins