He’s only 5’9”, isn’t the best receiver on his own team, and only found the end zone three times last season after putting up eight touchdowns in 2007 but in points per reception leagues there aren’t many better, 223 receptions over the past two seasons. He’s not sexy but what you see is what you get. An extremely productive #2.
('09 Proj: 113 rec, 1,180 yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Robb Perkins
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Wes Welker became the definition of a possession receiver during his first year in New England. His speed out of the slot position is extraordinary and cornerbacks find it hard to keep up with him. Welker has managed to post two consecutive seasons with 110+ receptions, regardless of the quarterback throwing to him. He is a gold mine in leagues where players are awarded points per reception. Expect Welker to move up in player rankings as Tom Brady returns to form.
('09 Proj: 105 rec, 1,230 yds, 7 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
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Welker doesn’t seem to care who is chucking him the ball as his numbers ended up very similar to ’07 when Brady was under the helm. Finished second in the league in receptions and with the return of Tom expect Welker’s touchdown total to increase too!
('09 Proj: 110 rec, 1,150 yards, 7 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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What scoring system does your league use? His value fluctuates greatly because he catches a lot of passes, but doesn’t break the long gain very often and touchdowns are pathetic when compared to the number of catches. Yet, Welker is a perfect fit for the Patriots scheme, and a pretty safe bet to get to 1000 yards.
('09 Proj: 105 rec, 1,120 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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This Wide Reciever from Texas Tech had virtually the same numbers in 07 and 08 down the line except in touchdowns where he went from 8 to 3. It appeared Pats did not trust Matt Cassel enough to go over the middle close to the goal line. Welker was the mainstain of the offense between the 20’s but they looked other ways in the Red Zone. With Brady back all pass calls are back on even in the Red Zone.
('09 Proj: 110 rec, 1,100 yds, 9 touchdowns) ~Dave Fosdick
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Welker has been remarkably consistent the last two seasons, with two different quarterbacks. In 2007, with Tom Brady, he had 112 receptions and 1,175 yards. In 2008, with Matt Cassell chucking the ball, he had 111 receptions and 1,165 yards. Expect more of the same.
(’09 Proj: 110 rec, 1,100 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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He is the Patriots’ number one safety valve and, in this offense, that translates to fantasy gold, especially in PPR leagues. Even though Tom Brady and Randy Moss have some amazing chemistry together, it’s not like Welker will be forgotten once the quarterback returns. On the contrary, there will be more than enough opportunities to feed both of them and Welker should eclipse the 100 reception mark for the third straight year.
('09 Proj: 107 rec, 1,100 yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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It doesn't get much more consistent than Welker's two seasons in New England. One catch and 10 yards is all that seperates the two. Well, that and Welker's eight touchdowns in 2007 to a paltry three last year. But touchdowns can easily fluctuate like that from year to year. I'm still not convinced about Tom Brady's timetable for return and I barely recognize the names behind him currently on the deph chart. These projections are conservative with room to get bumped if Brady looks crisp in camp.
('09 Proj: 85 rec, 920 yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins