The Vikings have high hopes for Bernard Berrian this year. After signing him to a six-year, $42 million contract this offseason, Minnesota expects Berrian to play like an elite wide receiver.
But is Berrian really that type of player? Can he really be a legitimate No. 1 option?
Berrian put up quality stats the past two seasons in Chicago. In 2006, he had 51 catches for 775 yards and six touchdowns. Then last year, Berrian had a career season with 71 catches for 951 yards and five scores.
His stats last year easily would have made him the Vikings' No. 1 receiver, passing Bobby Wade (54 catches, 647 yards and three touchdowns). But Berrian finished as the No. 28 Fantasy wide receiver in a standard scoring league, which means he has a lot of work to do.
In Berrian's defense, he had poor quarterback play last year with Rex Grossman, Brian Griese and Kyle Orton all struggling. And Chicago's offensive game plan wasn't exactly comparable to the Patriots in terms of a passing attack.
But what will change for Berrian in Minnesota? The Vikings are still a run-heavy team with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor and have an inexperienced quarterback in Tarvaris Jackson. How is Berrian supposed to improve?
The hope is Berrian, a California native, will thrive playing eight games indoors at the Metrodome. Jackson also has gotten solid reviews during the offseason about his development. If he improves then Berrian could really have a breakout year.
So there is a chance for Berrian to keep getting better and be a solid Fantasy option. You're not going to draft him as a No. 1 WR or maybe even a No. 2. But if Berrian is your third wide receiver then your Fantasy team is probably in good shape.
He is a great addition for the Vikings. And he's talented enough to help your Fantasy team if you draft him in the right spot.
Positives: Speed. Berrian is a burner, and he will look great running on the turf of the Metrodome. He has improved in yards and catches the past three seasons despite poor quarterback play in Chicago. A California native, Berrian is looking forward to playing indoors.
Negatives: He's never been a dominant presence and has yet to break 1,000 yards receiving in four years. Jackson was disappointing last year as a starter and has a lot to prove to make Berrian more attractive. He's only averaged four touchdowns the past three seasons.
Outlook: Berrian is a great No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver. He has the talent to be a No. 2 option, and if Jackson improves, then Berrian will end up as a Fantasy starter. Consider drafting Berrian around Round 8 in all leagues and hope this is his first 1,000-yard season.
Position battle: No. 2 wide receiver
 | Sidney Rice
Pro: Rice played well toward the end of the season and started to look like a promising player in his rookie year. In three of his final six games, Rice had at least 50 yards receiving and a touchdown. He is a great target at 6-foot-4.
Con: Rice missed three games last year due to hamstring and ankle injuries, so he could be injury prone. Despite a solid rookie season, Bobby Wade still finished with better stats. |
 | Bobby Wade
Pro: He was the Vikings best receiver last year with 54 catches, 647 yards and three touchdowns. Those aren't great stats, but he developed a rapport with Jackson. He had five games with at least five catches.
Con: The Vikings got Berrian for a reason, and it was to replace Wade. He only scored in two games last year and went three games with just one catch. He is more suited to be a slot receiver. | | Prediction: Rice is the player to target as a sleeper in Fantasy leagues this year. Wade will see the field as the No. 3 receiver, but Rice and Berrian should form a decent tandem. Consider Rice a No. 4 Fantasy option in 2008. | |
