Drew Bennett

It’s no longer “The Greatest Show on Turf” from the Mike Martz/Kurt Warner era, but current incarnation of the Rams’ passing game with Scott Linehan calling the plays and Marc Bulger slinging the rock is nothing to scoff at. Bennett enters the picture after spending a lost year in Tennessee working with Kerry Collins and then rookie Vince Young under center. Bennett caught just 47 percent of the passes thrown his way, and despite his 6-5 frame saw just seven looks in the red zone. But that should change in St. Louis. Coach Scott Linehan loves to throw in the red zone and near the goal line – last year Torry Holt led the league in red-zone looks with 30, six of which were from inside the five, and even No. 2 wideout Isaac Bruce had 14 red-zone looks, three from the goal-line. And last year wasn’t the first time a Linehan-coached team showed such a pronounced throwing tendency from in close. The Dolphins’ Chris Chambers led the league in targets inside the five with seven, and the year before that, the Vikings threw to Randy Moss and Marcus Robinson inside the five a combined 18 times. Linehan was the offensive coordinator of both teams before taking over the Rams in 2006. Bennett’s got deceptive speed, terrific hands, and he’ll run good precise routes. He’s not overly quick, and though he’s not afraid of contact, Bennett lacks the strength to break tackles in the open field. With Bennett likely replacing Bruce (who at press time might return as the team’s third wideout), there’s a good chance he sees close to 20 red-zone targets in 2007. Just keep in mind that besides one huge month in 2004 when Billy Volek locked in on Bennett against some weak defenses, there’s not a whole lot of substance on this resume.

With David Givens brought in to play the role of what Tyrone Calico might have been, Bennett again has some competition for targets in Tennessee, but like Givens, Bennett’s fate depends in large part on who’s throwing them the ball. Billy Volek, who connected with Bennett on 38 passes for 741 yards and 10 scores in just six weeks in 2004, would be the ideal choice here, and with Steve McNair rumored to be heading to Baltimore via trade at press time, the most likely. But rookie Vince Young could be in the mix, if not right away, then later on in the year, and it’s unlikely he’ll be polished enough to support a high-octane passing game. At 6-5 and with good hands, Bennett is a tough cover for most defensive backs, and while he doesn’t have much burst, Bennett can move once he gets up to speed. Bennett battled knee, thumb and groin injuries much of last year, missing three games outright and putting up disappointing per play numbers (6.8 yards per target) overall. But if Volek’s under center, and poor play by the team’s defense forces the team to throw, there’s some upside here. Bennett missed the Titans’ first organized workouts while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, but is expected to be 100 percent for the start of training camp.

With Derrick Mason now in Baltimore, Bennett enters the 2005 season as Tennessee’s unquestioned No. 1 target. And even as the No. 2 a year ago, Bennett saw 146 passes thrown his way, thanks in part to a defense that finished 30th in points allowed and often forced the Titans to shoot it out. Tennessee’s defense is again expected to be below average, so between Bennett being the top option and the Titans needing to throw, Bennett could be among the league leaders in targets this season. Bennett is more tall than big at 6-5, 206 pounds, but his height advantage, smooth route running and strong hands allow him to make plays both at intermediate depth and downfield against smaller defensive backs. Despite his height, Bennett was surprisingly ineffective in the red zone, scoring on just two of the 17 passes. It’s also worth noting Bennett did most of his damage when Billy Volek filled in for Steve McNair. In Weeks 8, 10 and 13-17, Volek and Bennett connected on 38 passes for 741 yards and 10 scores. In Weeks 1-6, 11 and 12 with McNair at the helm, Bennett caught 41 passes for 488 yards and just one score. With McNair completely healthy at press time, Bennett will be paired with the quarterback from whom he saw less production, but keep in mind, again, that Mason is no longer around, and that the Titans will have to count on the physically imposing, but unpolished (and also returning from a serious knee injury) Tyrone Calico to fill his shoes.

Bennett missed seven games due to injury in 2003, but he still managed to catch 32 passes for 504 yards with four touchdowns. Bennett enters the 2004 season as the Titans No. 2 receiver alongside Derrick Mason, and should significantly improve on last season's numbers if he stays healthy. Bennett is a fairly risky fantasy pick, however, because he could eventually be forced into a backup role by the still raw but supremely talented Tyrone Calico.

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2001, Bennett has steadily improved in his first two seasons, yet has never warranted much fantasy consideration. Heading into 2003, however, Bennett is expected to be the Titans' number two receiving option. While Derrick Mason will remain Steve McNair's go-to-guy, Bennett could emerge as a respectable fantasy option this season.