Fantasy Football Cut-N-Go: Wave Goodbye to Crabtree's Draft Value

Cut-N-Go is Fantasy Football FanHouse's daily gathering of links from around the web, covering the goings-on in NFL Training Camp which have an impact on fantasy value.

At our 12-team mock draft the other night, I took an 11th-round flier on 49ers receiver Josh Morgan, one round after someone rolled with Michael Crabtree. Guess which one likely won't be the top target when San Francisco opens the season on Sept. 13? If you guessed the 10th overall draft pick, I have a rude awakening for you.

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Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News reports it's becoming increasingly likely that Crabtree will not sign before the end of August unless one side budges in contract negotiations. According to Kawakami's source, Crabtree's agent Eugene Parker doesn't want to bend until September if the 49ers don't pony up the desired guaranteed cash.

Meanwhile, on planet Earth, Josh Morgan stakes his claim for the No. 1 receiver spot. He's doing and saying the right things -- the stuff you want to hear from someone entrusted with that spot. "I want everybody to say, 'Josh Morgan is our best receiver,"' Morgan told the AP last week. "I feel I can make a difference and be a big playmaker on this team, and that keeps me hungry. The sky's the limit, and I'm not going to be satisfied until I reach my potential."

I believe his potential this year is around 800 yards and at least five touchdowns if all the cards fall right. That's fantasy WR4 territory for sure. Entering his second NFL season, the unheralded Morgan is also drawing high praise from 49ers coaches, including offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. "For a big-bodied guy his size, for a big receiver, he has excellent explosion," Raye said. "He doesn't look like he would have that kind of explosion, but he's an explosive guy and a great leaper."

Last year, Morgan averaged 16.0 yards on his 20 receptions and each of his three TD catches went for 30 yards or longer. He made some great catches like the one below. If it weren't for injuries like a staph infection and groin tear, his rookie season would've been even better. With Crabtree still a no-show and Isaac Bruce not getting any younger, Morgan is in a prime opportunity to succeed.


Other Camp Notes With Fantasy Spin:
• From Colts.com, coach Jim Caldwell doesn't allay our fears that Joseph Addai will be a risky RB2 pick this season. He admits that there will be "some type of rotation" between Addai and rookie Donald Brown. I'm staying away from both unless it's late in the draft.

• The Bills' no-huddle offense is here to stay, and I'm starting to believe the biggest benefactor might be Lee Evans. The speedy wideout has never played alongside another top threat like Terrell Owens. And while teams will be locking down T.O., don't be surprised to see Evans streaking downfield for more deep TDs. He's an excellent bet to improve on his total of three scores last year.

• Panthers beat writer Darin Gantt reports Steve Smith was catching passes on the sideline following his shoulder strain. Sneaky, sneaky. For now, I'm more worried about Antonio Bryant and Donnie Avery than I am about Smith.

• Possible sleeper Brian Robiskie has "faded a bit" at Browns camp according to SI's Don Banks. I've had discussions with fellow Fantasy FanHouse writer R.J. White about Robiskie's potential, but I don't think any Cleveland receiver outside of Braylon Edwards will have fantasy value.

• Here's one more reason to love Andre Johnson as a first-round pick courtesy of John McClain from the Houston Chronicle. "It doesn't seem realistic considering how good he already is, but receiver Andre Johnson just keeps getting better. Johnson hasn't dropped a pass in camp. He's catching the ball all over the field."

• Jason La Canfora of NFL.com came away impressed with Knowshon Moreno at Broncos camp. Says La Canfora: "He is explosive and stands to be a feature element in that offense ... and he will go in as the starter in the preseason opener." Moreno's average draft position continues to rise significantly.

• ESPN's John Clayton believes Rashard Mendenhall is living up to his billing in this year's camp so far. "Going back to Tomlin's love for young players, you get the feeling the Steelers have a pretty good plan for Mendenhall," Clayton said. Mendenhall is beginning to get some love in recent mock drafts, while Willie Parker slides a bit.

• Tom Kowalski says the Lions running backs outside of Kevin Smith are struggling in pass protection. I don't think Maurice Morris or others will steal many carries from the versatile Smith.

• If you needed further confirmation that Devin Hester is the top fantasy receiver you want in Chicago, check out the preseason depth chart analysis provided by Snyder.

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