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In case you missed it, Braylon Edwards has swapped coasts for the 2011 season, moving from the New York Jets to the San Francisco 49ers. Edwards was a 50 reception, 900 yard, 7 TD receiver last season with Mark Sanchez slinging the rock.

First off, I'd like to point out that Edwards has typically been flagged as a pass dropper. During his time in Cleveland he was a perennial league leader. In 2010, do you know how many passes he dropped? 1. Kudos to him for cleaning that up, let's hope it's permanent.

So is a transition to Alex Smith a downgrade for him? At first glance, you might say "definitely," but I'm not so sure.

Last season, Sanchez had a horrendous completion percentage of 54.8% while Smith finished with a more palatable 59.6%. Sanchez did his best to make up ground by throwing the ball over 500 times. With that many attempts, his numbers should have been a lot better (Alex Smith actually edged him out slightly in points per game).

Sanchez also had a much better receiving corps. Smith only had two real options, the inconsistent Michael Crabtree (not a fan) and Vernon Davis. Sprinkle in a little Josh Morgan as a third target. Smith couldn't throw every pass to Vernon Davis and the 49ers lacked a quality outside receiver. Braylon Edwards gives them that presence.

He has the ability to change the dynamic of San Fran's passing game. They can let Vernon Davis tear up the middle, let Crabtree work the underneath routes, and let Braylon take it wide. Mix Frank Gore in and Smith has better options than he's used to seeing when making his reads.

Fantasy Outlook:
Recall how at one point Edwards had big success with Derek Anderson at QB and you can't rule out that he still has potential. I wouldn't gamble too early, but he has sleeper potential and you might be able to land him late to fill out the back end of your roster.

I'd estimate his upside this year would be in the range of his 2010 numbers (900 yards, 7 TD). I would take those numbers from a late round WR any day.