Jeremy Maclin Already Fantasy Relevant

When the Eagles selected Missouri's Jeremy Maclin in the first round of the NFL Draft, surely a smile was brought to the face of Donovan McNabb. In addition to the versatile DeSean Jackson -- whom they drafted last season -- McNabb now has one of the most talented wideouts in football. Maclin only needed 28 games to score 32 career touchdowns in college. It's possible the explosive wideout doesn't yet realize his full potential during 2009, but, as with all first round draft picks, his impact will be felt across the entire roster.

We'll fantasy spin the fallout after the jump.

McNabb: With all due respect to the crappy receivers he's had to deal with while quarterbacking the Eagles -- an obnoxious, divisive presence notwithstanding -- it's amazing he's never made more of a fuss about the lack of quality wideouts he's been forced to work with. No more. With Jackson and Maclin, the Eagles have a duo with the potential to be among the NFL's best 1-2 punches. They can't be Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but they can work into the range that Cincy had with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson. McNabb had almost 4,000 yards passing last season, along with 23 touchdown passes. Those totals will rise, and he's really pushing the elite tier of fantasy quarterbacks. Take him early and enjoy the growth at the receiver position.

Jackson: Some might say this pick means Jackson won't see as many touches, but it will actually help in his development. He won't receive as much attention as Brian Westbrook or Maclin, so he'll benefit. With continued growth and no double-teams, expect Jackson to easily eclipse the 1,000 yard mark in 2009. Look for him to begin as a WR3, with the chance to leak into the WR2 range by the end of the season.

Maclin: He'll probably be drafted before Jackson in most leagues, but that would be a mistake. Rookie receivers often struggle to make the transition. Check out the difference between Calvin Johnson's rookie year and year two, for example. He's got tons of potential, though, so he's worth a later-round pick. You'll get inconsistency, but we will see some flashes of what he can be. Hopefully when you be using him as a bye-week replacement if/when those moments occur. Eventually, though, he's going to be a WR1, as soon as 2010. Keeper-league players, take note.

Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, Hank Baskett, Reggie Brown: With Maclin and Jackson being worked in, in addition to the importance the Eagles place on the running back in the passing game, none of these guys are worth owning in ordinary fantasy leagues. In fact, a few of them are gonna be cut before training camp breaks.