A changing of the guard will be taking place as the aging Randy Moss and Terrell Owens steadily get pushed by youngsters Braylon Edwards, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson. Moss and Owens are still the class of this group, but better-than-usual value is there in the second, third and fourth rounds in up-and-comers with big time ability.

Moving on down the line, it really becomes about risk versus reward, more so this year than in years past. And there are unique risks to take. Plaxico Burress, Chad Johnson and Anquan Boldin are unhappy; Brandon Marshall is ultra talented, but a headcase with a potential looming suspension; Torry Holt is an elder statesman, but still a good bet to churn out 1,300 yards and 6 or 8 TDs.

Speaking of elder statesmen, how does Marvin Harrison fit into the draft fold? Coming off a season in which he missed 11 full games and parts of two others with a knee injury, Harrison proceeded to have an odd scrape with the law in the offseason. Like Harrison, Hines Ward and Joey Galloway are on the tail ends of their careers, but are still worthy No. 2 wideouts in fantasy.

This is a top-heavy season for receivers where there are 15 guys with a good, solid case to be No. 1 wideouts. Beyond that, question marks abound. It will be imperative to get at least one piece of the action in the first four rounds. If that doesn’t work out, you had better build up some strength at quarterback and/or running back to give yourself depth and the ability to trade for the receiver you miss.

POSITION RANKINGS
** Players separated by tiers

1. Randy Moss, NE
2. Terrell Owens, DAL

3. Reggie Wayne, IND
4. Braylon Edwards, CLE
5. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
6. Steve Smith, CAR
7. Andre Johnson, HOU
8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
9. Marques Colston, NO
10. Plaxico Burress, NYG

11. Wes Welker, NE
12. Chad Johnson, CIN
13. Torry Holt, STL
14. Brandon Marshall, DEN
15. Greg Jennings, GB
16. Anquan Boldin, ARI
17. Santonio Holmes, PIT

18. Roy Williams, DET
19. Calvin Johnson, DET
20. Roddy White, ATL
21. Hines Ward, PIT
22. Dwayne Bowe, KC

23. Marvin Harrison, IND
24. Lee Evans, BUF
25. Donald Driver, GB
26. Santana Moss, WAS
27. Chris Chambers, SD
28. Joey Galloway, TB

29. Kevin Curtis, PHI
30. Anthony Gonzalez, IND
31. Laveranues Coles, NYJ
32. Bernard Berrian, MIN
33. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ
34. Javon Walker, OAK
35. Bobby Engram, SEA
36. D.J. Hackett, CAR
37. Donte’ Stallworth, CLE

38. Reggie Brown, PHI
39. Derrick Mason, BAL
40. Patrick Crayton, DAL
41. Reggie Williams, JAC
42. Nate Burleson, SEA
43. Ronald Curry, OAK
44. Isaac Bruce, SF
45. Vincent Jackson, SD

46. Sidney Rice, MIN
47. Jerry Porter, JAC
48. Jabar Gaffney, NE
49. James Hardy, BUF
50. Antwaan Randle El, WAS

FIVE TO WATCH
Torry Holt, St. Louis Rams
Even in a down season, in which every other skill position player on the Rams roster suffered through injuries, Holt still got his numbers. He had a bulky knee then, and, like Harrison, his dropoff could come suddenly and without warning. Take him only if the price is right - sometime after the fourth round.

Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts
Given Wes Welker’s fantasy impact last season, smallish slot receivers everywhere should be getting more attention in 2008. Gonzalez is smart, speedy and linked to a Hall of Fame quarterback in Peyton Manning. If Harrison struggles with knee problems again, Gonzalez could be making a huge splash.

Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
White is for real, but he comes with uncertainty at the quarterback position. He performed well under the same circumstances last season, so it shouldn’t be a problem. He has a chance to either develop a rapport with franchise rookie Matt Ryan or continue to bond with Chris Redman, who was surprisingly effective in ‘07. Fantasy owners should be rooting for Redman to win the job and provide a little more stability for White.

Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
Moss is an intriguing choice as the No. 25 receiver being selected in ESPN drafts. His inconsistency can be maddening as a smallish deep threat who can hit home runs or disappear for long stretches. But, he’s still the same guy as last season when he was going several rounds earlier in drafts.

James Hardy, Buffalo Bills
Few receivers have had success in their first seasons, which works against Hardy, but he has the size and ability to be an exception to the rule. Unlike, say, Calvin Johnson last season, less expectations are being heaped upon him. Lee Evans is still the No. 1 in Buffalo, but Hardy could very well end up leading the team in TD catches.

ROUNDTABLE SUPERLATIVES

Top Breakout Candidate
Dustin Hockensmith: Calvin Johnson is a special player, and fantasy owners will have a hard time shaking the memories of his disappointing rookie season. Be ready to pull the trigger in the seventh round, and you’ll be rewarded with third or fourth round production.

Brant Nelson: Robert Meachem finally gets it … at least that’s the vibe out of New Orleans. He has re-committed himself and appears posied to show everyone what he’s got. Even with Bush and Colston getting 80-100 catches each, Meachem should get plenty of looks in this high flying offense.

Top Bust Candidate
DH: Randy Moss will have a terrific season, I’m sure, but it will take another 20-plus touchdown season to justify using a first rounder on him. He’ll fall short of that and offer numbers comparable to those of Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne and Braylon Edwards.

BN: How valuable is a player who isn’t happy with his team? How about if that same guy is coming off “minor” double ankle surgery? The price to obtain Chad Johnson has dropped considerably, but I’m not touching him with a 10 foot pole.

Waiver Wire Gem
DH: With a little belief that Vince Young will improve in his third season, Justin Gage will also take another step forward. He caught 36 passes for 527 yards and 2 TDs in the second half of last season; numbers he could easily duplicate with more consistent play from Young.

BN: Going undrafted in most leagues and calling him my breakout receiver makes Robert Meachem an easy pick here. Combine his size and ability with an offense that lives and dies by the pass, and he could make an immediate fantasy impact at little to no cost.

Most Fantasy-Friendly Offense
DH: T.O. benefits from the fact that QB Tony Romo looks for him in both the possession game and in the red zone. There is competition for catches, but T.O.’s versatility makes his role in the Cowboys’ offense more significant than other receiver’s in the game.

BN: The Brady/Billicek combo is special, and that makes Randy Moss and Wes Welker owners very happy. There is nothing more fantasy friendly than 20+ TDs and 100+ catches, respectively.

Best Red Zone Threat
DH: All legitimate No. 1 receivers are excellent targets in the red zone, but Randy Moss tops the list with his athleticism and ability to adjust to the ball. Braylon Edwards and Plaxico Burress are next in line because of their size and hands.

BN: Plaxico Burress is not always the most popular pick as a No. 1 fantasy WR, but the man can flat out play.  His 6-foot-5 frame and humungous mitts are easy for Eli Manning to spot in a crowded end zone.