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. Only players who remain active in the league are included.
1. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland
The Raiders surprised a lot of people by taking Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin, and so far he has been a disappointment. With just 490 receiving yards and two touchdowns in two seasons, he doesn't figure to be a big factor in fantasy leagues this year.
2. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
Considering the quarterback situation in San Francisco, Crabtree has put up decent numbers. Problem is, that situation doesn't appear to be getting much better in 2011, which should hold his value down for at least another season.
3. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia
A consistent scorer week to week during the 2010 season, Maclin is a solid selection as a No. 2 fantasy receiver in 2011.
4. Percy Harvin, Minnesota
Averaging more than 800 yards and six touchdowns per season, Harvin has the potential to really break out in 2011, especially if the Vikings lose Sidney Rice to free agency. Of course, Minnesota is going to have to find someone who can get the ball to him consistently for him to have a big year.
5. Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
Nicks scored 11 touchdowns in just 13 games last year and appears to be developing into one of the game's best young receivers. He has missed five games to injury over the last two years, though.
6. Kenny Britt, Tennessee
Britt has quickly developed into one of the more dangerous deep threats in this draft class, but his off-field issues threaten to derail his career. He's also dealing with an unsettled quarterback situation.
7. Brian Robiskie, Cleveland
Drafted in the second round, both Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi have failed to emerge as consistent threats in the Browns passing attack.
8. Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland
See above.
9. Derrick Williams, Detroit
Not worthy of drafting at this point, Williams may see more action at wide receiver this year. But don't expect him to have a huge breakout year, especially with the Lions adding Titus Yound in this year's NFl Draft.
10. Brandon Tate, New England
While he is effective as a return man and he has some potential as a deep threat, there is talk that the Patriots are not sold on Tate as the long-term answer at wide receiver.
11. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh
Wallace broke out as one of the best deep threats in the league last year and should be poised for a big year in 2011. Most likely he will be gone by the late second/early third round of most fantasy drafts. So if you want him you better pick him early.
12. Ramses Barden, NY Giants
Having barely seen the field in 2010, it's hard to imagine Barden making a huge impact this year. He's not worth drafting, but might be worth keeping an eye on.
13. Patrick Turner, NY Jets
Has just two receptions for 26 yards during his NFL career.
14. Deon Butler, Seattle
There's not a lot of depth at wide receiver on Seattle's roster, so there is some potential for Butler to contribute. But he is coming off a significant leg injury that could hamper his performance.
15. Mike Thomas, Jacksonville
Thomas led the Jaguars in receptions and receiving yards in 2010, but only scored four touchdowns. He's probably not going to be an elite receiver in 2011, but would be a good option as a No. 3 on your fantasy roster.
16. Brian Hartline, Miami
Behind Brandon Marshall and Devone Bess, it's not likely Hartline will have a big fantasy impact unless one of the two aforementioned is lost to injury.
17. Louis Murphy, Oakland
Murphy has shown great potential, but the emergence of Jacoby Ford could make the number of times he is targeted less frequent.
18. Austin Collie, Indianapolis
Collie appeared to be breaking out in 2010, but a series of concussions make him a risky pick if you are counting on him as your top receiver this year.
19. Johnny Knox, Chicago
Knox is actually the second receiver the Bears drafted in 2009, but he has fared far better than Juaquin Iglesias, who is no longer with the team. Knox has developed into quarterback Jay Cutler's favorite deep target and just missed posting 1,000 yards last year.
20. Jarett Dillard, Jacksonville
Injuries have played a big part in Dillard's slow development in the NFL.
21. Quinten Lawrence, Kansas City
Lawrence has made no impact whatsoever as a receiver in Kansas City.
22. Brandon Gibson, St. Louis
Gibson showed some potential late last season and is worth keeping an eye on, but is not worth drafting at this point.
23. Manuel Johnson, Dallas
Has just one reception for six yards during his two years in Dallas.
24. Julian Edelman, New England
Edelman is a near-clone of Wes Welker, featuring many of the same skills. But with Welker back from injury, Edelman is not likely to make much of a fantasy impact.
25. Sammie Stroughter, Tampa Bay
If Arrelious Benn has not fully recovered from a knee injury suffered last season, Stroughter has a shot at slipping into the No. 2 receiver role. He's probably not worth drafting, even in deep leagues. But he is worth keeping an eye on.
26. Tiquan Underwood, Jacksonville
If Mike Sims-Walker leaves via free agency, Underwood may get on the field more in 2011. But I wouldn't expect a huge fantasy impact out of him.
Cheat Sheets: Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF | DL | LB | DB