Studs | Super Solid | Safe | Gambles | Busts
Sleepers | Super Sleepers | Over the Hill
Contract Year | Third Year Receivers
The third year in the NFL is often a breakout season for wide receivers, so About Football has put together this list of receivers who are entering year three, along with some comments on their fantasy football potential. Some of these guys are already established contributors, but a sleeper or two might be found among the rest.
Included are all receivers entering their third year, listed in the order they were selected on draft day.
1. Santonio Holmes, PIT - Holmes has posted more than 1,700 yards in his first two seasons in the NFL, and with eight touchdowns in 2007 is quickly becoming a solid fantasy option at wide receiver.
2. Chad Jackson, NE - The Patriots traded up in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft to grab Jackson, but injuries have kept him out of all but 12 games over his first two seasons. He missed much of the 2007 season with a torn ACL, and when he was activated he was used primarily as a return man.
3. Sinorice Moss, NYG - Moss has also had some injury problems, and has recorded just 250 yards receiving and no touchdowns over his first two seasons.
4. Greg Jennings, GB - Jennings really emerged during his sophomore season with 920 yards and 12 touchdowns. He may be catching passes from Aaron Rodgers this year instead of Brett Favre, so his numbers could very well drop. If Favre somehow wiggles his way back into the Packers starting QB position, however, Jennings could be a top fantasy option at wide receiver this year.
5. Devin Hester, CHI - Doing most of his damage as a return man since joining the league, Hester has become one of the most dangerous players in the NFL. Whether or not he can translate that ability to the wide receiver position is unknown, but he could be a sleeper if the Bears can figure out how to get him the ball in the open field.
6. Travis Wilson, CLE - At this point Wilson has done little in his NFL career and is currently buried on the Browns’ depth chart.
7. Derek Hagan, MIA - Hagan has had some moderate production over his first two years, but nothing to warrant drafting him onto your fantasy team. And with the current situation at quarterback in Miami, I wouldn’t expect a breakout season this year.
8. Brandon Williams, SF - Over his first two seasons, Williams has yet to record a reception and is an average return man at best. He is currently with the St. Louis Rams.
9. Maurice Stovall, TB - Stovall has not produced much over his first two years, but could become more involved in the offense this year if Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard begin showing their age. However, he’s not much of a fantasy option at this point.
10. Willie Reid, PIT - Had four receptions in six games during the 2007 season, and with the drafting of Limas Sweed out of Texas, Reid isn’t likely to move up the depth chart anytime soon.
11. Cory Rodgers, GB - Rodgers was cut by the Packers prior to the 2006 season and is currently in the CFL.
12. Jason Avant, PHI - The Eagles aren’t exactly loaded at wide receiver, but Avant has not been able to crack the starting lineup.
13. Demetrius Williams, BAL - Williams has scored just two touchdowns in two years and the Ravens could be starting a rookie quarterback this year, so he’s not worth a roster spot at this time.
14. Will Blackmon, MIN - Moved back to the cornerback position in 2006.
15. Brandon Marshall, DEN - Marshall has the potential to be a superstar, but off-field issues and an injury to his right arm are cause for concern. He should still be a quality fantasy starter, but I’m not sure he’s ready to make the jump to elite receiver just yet.
16. Skyler Green, DAL - Green has been cut by the Cowboys and Bengals, and is currently trying to make the Saints roster.
17. Domenik Hixon, DEN - Cut by the Broncos just four games into his rookie season, Hixon quickly caught on as a return man for the Giants.
18. Marques Hagans, STL - Currently buried on the Rams’ depth chart.
19. Jeremy Bloom, PHI - After landing on injured reserve during his rookie season, Bloom was eventually cut by the Eagles and is currently trying to land a spot on the Steelers’ roster.
20. Mike Hass, NO - Cut by the Saints prior to his rookie season, Hass landed on the Bears practice squad in 2006, and served as their sixth receiver in 2007.
21. Jonathan Orr, TEN - Cut by the Titans, Orr landed on the Raiders’ practice squad in 2007, but suffered a leg injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season.
22. Delanie Walker, SF - Currently listed as the third wide receiver on the 49ers’ depth chart.
23. Adam Jennings, ATL - Burried on the depth chart.
24. Jeff Webb, KC - With the release of veteran Eddie Kennison, Webb could see more playing time this year, but not enough to make him a viable fantasy option.
25. Ethan Kilmer, CIN - Is listed as a safety on the Bengals’ roster.
26. Todd Watkins, ARZ - Spent time on the Cardinals’ and Falcons’ practice squads and is currently trying to make the Raiders’ roster.
27. Bennie Brazell, CIN - Was on injured reserve his rookie season, but has not been on an NFL roster since.
28. Devin Aromashodu, MIA - Currently on the Colts’ roster, but has less than 100 career yards receiving and no touchdowns.
29. Ben Obomanu, SEA - Buried on Seattle’s depth chart.
30. David Anderson, HOU - Buried on Houston’s depth chart.
31. Marques Colston, NO - The steal of the 2006 NFL Draft, Colston has developed into an elite NFL receiver, producing 2240 yards and 19 touchdowns over his first two seasons. He should be among the top receivers selected this year.
32. Kevin McMahan, OAK - Has bounced around on a handful of practice squads.
Cheat Sheets: Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF | DL | LB | DB
