The first wide receiver taken in the 2008 draft showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman campaign last season. Since the Rams cut Torry Holt, they clearly believe that Avery can be their new WR1 now; he should be given every opportunity to succeed. He will post better numbers than last year, but be cautious with your expectations as he is still learning how to be a consistent NFL receiver.
('09 Proj: 70 rec, 900 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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The speedster out of Houston showed why he was the first wide out taken last season putting up 53 receptions, 674 yards, and three touchdowns. With Torry Holt and Drew Bennett gone, Avery is now the Rams number one option. I like the kid to put up some solid numbers with even better soon after.
('09 proj: 77 rec, 1,004 yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Robb Perkins
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Avery has a legitimate chance to be a good number one receiver, now that the Rams and Holt have parted company. But who’ll be throwing the balls in St. Louis is the problem. For now, I’m tempering my expectations.
('09 Proj: 70 rec, 900 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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I pimped this guy already in my NFC West Help Wanted column as he will take over in St. Louis and become their top target similar to Dwayne Bowe in K.C. He was third in the league in rookie receiving yards last season and was the Rams rookie of the year, scoring on a run last season to boot.
('09 Proj: 64 rec, 775 yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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With running game likely to be emphasized in the red zone, touchdowns could be rare this season. However, with Holt being cut, Avery now warrants consideration as a high upside number 3 receiver this year due to an increase of targets he’s sure to get as the de facto number one receiver for the Rams.
('09 Proj: 950 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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The Rams need to address their wide receiver situation and do it quickly. Donnie Avery has the ability to succeed in this league, but not as the top receiver for a struggling Rams offense. He has a lack of experience as well. That, combined with a smaller stature and fading veteran quarterback could mean trouble for Mr. Avery.
('09 Proj: 62 rec, 830 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
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The facts are there for whatever argument you want to make with Avery. On one hand, the "loss" of Holt (can we call it a loss?) means defenses don't have a name brand to concern themselves with beyond 20 yds other than Avery himself. That's a lot of Easter eggs to put in the basket of this second year receiver. Flip the coin and you're left with the line of thought that "They have to throw it to somebody". In the end, I'm liking my cohorts thoughts above - a modest stats increase out of sheer number of targets alone. But Avery's quantum leap won't happen until the Rams get more talent across the board.
('09 Proj: 70 rec, 860 yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins
