David Givens

There are a lot of question marks here from how the big and physically gifted Givens will pair up with the even taller Drew Bennett to who will be throwing Givens the ball – Billy Volek or rookie Vince Young. The latter is the worst-case scenario, of course, but it’s worth remembering that Bennett was far and away Volek’s favorite target when he filled in for Steve McNair in 2004. Givens has good, if not blazing, speed, and at 6-0, 215, he looks like he’s equal parts bodybuilder and wide receiver. Givens hauled in 62 percent of his targets last year from the accurate Tom Brady, but traded in a few yards per catch last season to do so. Givens has excelled in the red zone, come playoff time, with touchdowns in a whopping seven consecutive postseason games, but for some reason has only had five regular season touchdowns over the last two years. Keep an eye on the battle for the quarterback job in Tennessee this preseason and adjust Givens’ value accordingly.

After signing a one-year deal in April, Givens is back in New England and should again be one of Tom Brady’s primary targets. Givens is big and athletic at 6-0, 215 pounds, and can stop and start on a dime. And while he doesn’t have blazing speed, he’s fast enough to make downfield plays and big enough to go over top of defenders. Givens averaged 15.6 yards per catch last season and pulled in 53 percent of the 106 balls thrown his way. He also converted 2-of-4 throws from inside the five into touchdowns, though those were his only two red-zone scores despite having 14 passes thrown his way from inside the 20. Givens’ biggest issue is the way the team spreads the ball around, especially in the red zone. And considering Givens saw just 106 passes in 14 full games despite Deion Branch being out for the better part of eight games, one wonders how much action he’ll see if Branch stays healthy all season. On the positive side, Givens could again be Tom Brady’s top target this season, his size makes him a good red-zone target – Givens has scored in five consecutive playoff games – and in his fourth season, still has room for growth.

In the Patriots’ last six games including the postseason, Givens had 33 catches for five TDs, which projects to 88 catches and 13 TDs over a full season. He’ll be stolen in many leagues from fantasy owners who weren’t paying attention, especially in January. Givens is the complete package, with excellent size, speed and running skills. He caught 63 percent of the 54 passes thrown to him during the regular season. He would be ranked higher if not for the Patriots expected emphasis on multiple-TE formations in ’04.