Early

Doucet

Even with Seattle essentially taking Larry Fitzgerald out of the game in the second half, Doucet finished with uninspiring fantasy production. He’s a WR5.

Doucet had a touchdown catch called back due to an illegal hands to the face penalty that had nothing to do with the play. He racked up 16 targets, most of which came after the Cardinals trailed 28-0. Note that Doucet had a total of 13 catches in the previous four games leading up to today. Predicting his useful games will be impossible.

Doucet didn’t start the game, but outproduced Andre Roberts (1-8) yet again. With defenses leaving him in single coverage and Doucet racking up at least five receptions in three of the last four games, he’s worth WR3 consideration on a weekly basis. The Cardinals play the Ravens in Week 8 and Rams in Week 9.

The Cardinals’ decision to let the market establish Doucet’s value paid off. Aside from drawing a quick look from the Cowboys, Doucet generated surprisingly minimal interest, and will now return for a fifth year in the desert after posting career highs across the board last season. One of the league’s most physical slot receivers, Doucet struggled with injury early in his career, but will solidify himself as a WR3/4 in PPR leagues if he can match or build on his 54/689/5 line from 2011.

Doucet is by far the biggest name on that list, but will also be the most expensive after posting a career-best line of 54/689/5 in 2011. He’d be a solid third receiver fallback for a team that already has Miles Austin and Dez Bryant if they fail to re-sign Laurent Robinson.

“Michael Floyd hasn’t done one thing in this league as a player,” said Whiz, who has a penchant for making rookies prove themselves. Roberts may open the season as the starter, but it won’t be long before Floyd sends him to the No. 4 role. Doucet is the slot receiver.

The Cardinals are expected to let the market establish Doucet’s value after he set career highs across the board with a 54/689/5 line last season. Colston has four inches on Doucet, but Doucet would be an intriguing replacement for Colston’s physical slot role in New Orleans.

Kevin Kolb expects Roberts to “thrive” in the slot. “I think he’s a special player,” added Kolb. Missing the extra gear that most NFL starters possess, Roberts has always been more ideally suited for the slot. He’ll vie with Floyd and Early Doucet for snaps in two- and three-wide sets.

Doucet dropped a potential touchdown at the pylon, but bounced back in beating Cary Williams for a 10-yard back-shoulder touchdown. He led the team with six targets compared to just three for “starter” Andre Roberts (0 catches). Heading into a Week 9 matchup against the Rams, Doucet is on pace for a 64/821/6 line as the No. 2 option in Arizona’s passing game.

Doucet was targeted four times and averaged 24.3 yards per reception with John Skelton at quarterback. His overall production has been serviceable, but he’s been far too inconsistent despite having the benefit of consistent single coverage opposite Larry Fitzgerald. He was out-targeted this week by both Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts.