Burleson ready to lead Seattle: The summer heat has yet to arrive. But the heat, as in pressure, is on for the Seahawks' crew of wide receivers. For now, Nate Burleson is their veteran leader, reports the Seattle Times. The sixth-year pro is the most experienced wide receiver in practice during the team's ongoing minicamp. Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are either unable to practice or choosing not to. Which makes Burleson the elder statesman at the tender age of 26, in a corps of receivers that for now includes younger players Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, Jordan Kent and several others. Burleson hopes he can be a starting receiver while maintaining kick- and punt-return duties. Injuries to Branch and ex-Seahawk D.J. Hackett last year gave him more playing time at receiver, and he flourished with 50 catches, nine touchdowns and a pair of return TDs. (Updated 06/04/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/23/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Wide receiver is a position of emphasis for Seattle, especially without Engram until training camp and Branch until the regular season. Consequently, coach Mike Holmgren presided over the position drills Monday and Tuesday, making sure the players knew the urgency of the situation not only with his presence but with his instruction. It could be a big year for Burleson, especially if Engram is disgruntled and Branch is slow to recover. Consider him a solid sleeper in 2008 and worthy of being drafted as a No. 3 Fantasy option. (Updated 06/04/2008).
WR Nate Burleson as a No. 1 receiver? Even with Bobby Engram coming to camp, it could happen. With D.J. Hackett leaving in free agency and Deion Branch out probably half the year with a knee injury, Burleson becomes Matt Hasselbeck's primary big-play receiver. It is a scary position for the Seahawks to be in, at least in the sense that Burleson has not proven that he can be the top guy. Burleson points to the fact that he had nine touchdown receptions last year (as the third or fourth receiver) and has shown the ability to make explosive plays that break open games. He had a disappointing first year with the Seahawks after signing a $49 million contract but had an injured thumb that he never told anybody about. Last year was more what the Seahawks had in mind, but he also displayed inconsistency that a few times led to interceptions by Hasselbeck and raises concerns. Still, with Bobby Engram responsible for possession receptions underneath and no other receiver possessing experience, the Seahawks have no choice but to rely on Burleson for his vertical abilities. He likely will have his return duties curtailed because of the additional responsibilities on offense. 07/17/2008
No information available at this time.
Burleson ready to lead Seattle: The summer heat has yet to arrive. But the heat, as in pressure, is on for the Seahawks' crew of wide receivers. For now, Nate Burleson is their veteran leader, reports the Seattle Times. The sixth-year pro is the most experienced wide receiver in practice during the team's ongoing minicamp. Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are either unable to practice or choosing not to. Which makes Burleson the elder statesman at the tender age of 26, in a corps of receivers that for now includes younger players Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, Jordan Kent and several others. Burleson hopes he can be a starting receiver while maintaining kick- and punt-return duties. Injuries to Branch and ex-Seahawk D.J. Hackett last year gave him more playing time at receiver, and he flourished with 50 catches, nine touchdowns and a pair of return TDs. (Updated 06/04/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/23/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Wide receiver is a position of emphasis for Seattle, especially without Engram until training camp and Branch until the regular season. Consequently, coach Mike Holmgren presided over the position drills Monday and Tuesday, making sure the players knew the urgency of the situation not only with his presence but with his instruction. It could be a big year for Burleson, especially if Engram is disgruntled and Branch is slow to recover. Consider him a solid sleeper in 2008 and worthy of being drafted as a No. 3 Fantasy option. (Updated 06/04/2008).
