Whether or not Laveranues Coles does end up returning to the Jets, Cotchery will still be the #1 WR in New York. He is the perfect possession receiver for whomever ends up as quarterback to rely on. Cotchery may face more double teams, but his targets will almost certainly increase and you should expect him to be a little more consistent, particularly in point per reception.

('09 Proj: 90 rec, 1,300 yards, 8 touchdowns)   ~Frank Mazzola
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Cotchery is an interesting player heading into 2009. Coles was released by the Jets, and is expected to sign elsewhere. So one would think that Cotchery will be the main man regardless. However, with new coach Rex Ryan's philosophy (run first, second and often) and no sure bet for a quarterback, I see Cotchery being the Jets version of Derrick Mason. Solid, but unspectacular.
 

('09 Proj: 80 rec, 1,000 yds, 4 touchdowns)   ~Jeremy Fischer
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Going into 2008, there were high hopes for Cotchery, as it was thought that with the arrival of Brett Favre, Cotchery could actually improve upon his 2007 season. But as Favre faded in the second half of the season, so too did Cotchery. He is still young enough to be a factor in fantasy football, but I don’t see Cotchery as a viable No. 1 NFL wide receiver (even if he is this year by default). As such, it is hard for me to recommend him as anything other than a great No. 3 wide receiver for your fantasy team.
 

('09 Proj: 920 yds, 4 touchdowns)   ~Jon Rascon
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After watching this guy the past three seasons, I’ve decided he is what he is; and that's nothing more than a number two fantasy wideout. We’ll see if that changes any with Coles leaving town. Until he improves on his one touchdown per 18 receptions average, he’ll remain (at best) your second option.
 

('09 Proj: 77 rec, 964 yds, 5 touchdowns)   ~Robb Perkins
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I think Robb pegged it.  He's just not a game breaker.  A nice complimentary wide receiver that I'll take as my #3 fantasy receiver any day of the week.  Well, that's exaggerating; I'd rather have him on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.  Robb's crystal ball must need a shot of Windex though.  He missed a 23 yard touchdown that'll be scored in the 3rd quarter of week three. 

('09 Proj: 78 rec, 987 yds, 6 touchdowns)   ~Rick Perkins

With Coles probably gone, Cotchery’s numbers could increase next year. Though his numbers were slightly down from the previous two years, he ranked tenth in the AFC in receptions and is a solid #3 fantasy wide receiver.

('09 Proj: 75 rec, 875 yds, 6 touchdowns)   ~Steve Cavanagh

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Owners anticipated a breakout season from Cotchery with the addition of strong-armed quarterback Brett Favre, but it never materialized. Though he started fast, with 26 receptions, 328 yards and three touchdowns through the season’s first five games, he faded shortly after midseason along with Favre’s arm, ultimately regressing below the standard he had set the previous two seasons. The Jets have a number of questions to answer this year, most notably at the quarterback spot and it will be the development of young Kellen Clemens that dictates the success of Cotchery this season.
 

('09 Proj: 80 rec, 1,150 yds, 5 touchdowns.)   ~Stan Feldman