Steve Smith spent the majority of his collegiate career buried under talent. He would have garnered the spotlight on any other squad, but from 2003 to 2005 the USC Trojans simply had too many gifted players for the media to cover...

Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett were statistical freaks and posted double-digit touchdown seasons like there was no alternative. Then, of course, there was Reggie Bush. It wasn’t until his senior year that Smith proved to be one of the best kept secrets in college football. He tallied 71 receptions for 1,083 yards and nine touchdowns in his final year at USC.

The New York Giants drafted Steve Smith with their second round pick (51st overall) in the 2007 NFL draft. This was six picks after the Carolina Panthers drafted ex-teammate Dwayne Jarrett. Apparently the Panthers had a slight problem with employing two wide receivers named Steve Smith. Granted, it could become confusing, but the Panthers chose the inferior receiver out of USC.

Football is just like any other profession - those who work hard with a modest amount of skill will reach the top while those who take their talent for granted will flounder in the dust. Steve Smith is the former of the two with Dwayne Jarrett being the latter. Smith won a Super Bowl ring during his rookie season and was a clutch target during the postseason; Dwayne Jarrett...well, he likes running red lights under the influence of alcohol.

Smith has gradually built himself in a quick possession receiver with sure hands. He is undoubtedly Eli Manning’s favorite target on third down passing plays. Think of Wes Welker, but with a greater ability to pick up yards after the catch. This was quite evident in Super Bowl XLII. It was 3rd and 11 with 45 seconds to go in the game and Smith got the Giants 12 hard-earned yards. The next play was a touchdown pass to the gun toting Plaxico Burress.

WR Steve Smith (NYG)

Year	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns	Fantasy Points
2007	8	63	0	6.3
2008	57	574	1	63.4
2009 (Predicted)	78	845	6	120.5

Much like his college days, Smith is on a steady path to becoming a premiere possession receiver in the NFL. A prediction of 120.5 fantasy points would put him amongst Steve Breaston, Lee Evans, and Santonio Holmes of last season. Smith could easily surpass those numbers but we will err on the side of caution for now. To the day he has only caught one touchdown pass but that is sure to change in the upcoming season. He is currently a starter alongside Domenik Hixon and if anyone is in danger of losing their job, it would be Hixon.

Smith is an undervalued starting wide receiver in any league format you participate in. However, this is less prevalent in dynasty leagues as he is no longer “off the radar.” He has quietly stepped up from the slot position to take the place Amani Toomer or perhaps even Plaxico Burress. Let’s just hope he doesn’t emulate the habit of securing a two pound pistol with the band of his sweatpants. Smith is also entering the magical third year for a wide receiver and is quite possibly one of the safest plays you can make with an unproven player. He has all the makings of a quality No. 2 fantasy receiver and worth being taken in the eighth or ninth rounds. Stash him on your roster and watch as he establishes his presence during the first four games of the season.

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