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. Calvin Johnson, Detroit - With 1,331 yards receiving in just his second year in the league, Johnson is already a viable fantasy option and appears poised to explode as a dominant offensive threat. The problem is, he could be catching passes from a rookie quarterback before the season is over and his numbers could suffer because of it. But I wouldn't get too concerned. Johnson appears to be a special talent and should continue to produce at a high level for years to come.
2. Ted Ginn Jr., Miami - While Ginn's numbers over his first two seasons aren't exactly eye-popping, they haven't been horrible either. He went from 420 receiving yards his rookie season to 790 yards last year. With Chad Pennington entering his second season as the Dolphins starting quarterback, Ginn could be positioned for his first 1,000-yard campaign. He hasn't exactly been a touchdown machine in the passing game, however, catching just four touchdown passes in his first two years.
3. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City - A late first-round draft pick, Bowe has looked and produced like a seasoned veteran from the get-go. Through two seasons he has already produced more than 2,000 receiving yards to go along with 156 receptions and 12 touchdowns. If Matt Cassell can solidify the quarterback position in Kansas City, Bowe could be set for a big season in 2009.
4. Robert Meachem, New Orleans - Injuries derailed Meachem's NFL career before it even got started, causing him to miss all of his rookie season. In 2008 he managed just 12 receptions for 289 yards. He did cross the goal line on three of those catches for a nice touchdown-to-reception ratio, but he's not worth a spot on your fantasy roster until he begins to produce more consistently.
5. Craig Davis, San Diego - Showing some promise as a rookie, Davis caught 20 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, but injury limited him to just four games in 2008. He's not worth drafting, but might warrant keeping an eye on.
6. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis - Already established as a fantasy option, Gonzalez is one of those players who appears to have everything in place for a bust-out year. Obviously having Peyton Manning distributing the passes helps pad his numbers. And with Marvin Harrison out of the picture, Gonzalez figures to see more balls thrown his way in 2009, which obviously increases his fantasy value.
7. Sidney Rice, Minnesota - Although his numbers dropped his sophomore year, Rice has shown promise as a red-zone threat with eight touchdowns on just 46 career receptions. If Brett Favre is signed, Rice's value increases.
8. Dwayne Jarrett, Carolina - With just 16 receptions over two seasons, Jarrett has little fantasy value if any.
9. Steve Smith, NY Giants - With Plaxico Burress gone, Smith is in a great situation to break out in his third year. At this point, he and Domenik Hixon figure to start on the outside for the Giants, but he could move inside to the slot when rookie first-round pick Hakeem Nicks is ready to take over.
10. Jacoby Jones, Houston - Had 15 receptions as a rookie, but saw more time as a return man in '08 than as a receiver.
11. Yamon Figurs, Baltimore - Mainly a return man.
12. Laurent Robinson, Atlanta - Robinson went from three to 37 receptions from his rookie to his second season. But, despite the increase in production, he may have trouble holding off Keenan Burton for a starting job.
13. Jason Hill, San Francisco - Had 30 catches for 317 yards and two touchdowns in 2008, but the addition of rookie first-round pick Michael Crabtree could cut into his playing time.
14. James Jones, Green Bay - Showed a lot of promise his rookie season with 676 yards receiving, but was limited to just nine games because of injury last year, which led to just 20 receptions for 274 yards. He has the potential to be a factor again this season, but with Greg Jennings and Donald driver in front of him, his opportunities will be limited unless one of the aforementioned is injured.
15. Mike Walker, Jacksonville - If you're looking for a real sleeper at the wide receiver position, Walker could be your guy. He missed his rookie season with a knee injury and started just one game in 2008. With only Troy Williamson, Dennis Northcutt, and the aging Torry Holt currently ahead of him on the depth chart, he could emerge as a factor in the jaguars' passing attack.
16. Paul Williams, Tennessee - Has played in just five games and has one career reception so far.
17. Johnnie Lee Higgins, Oakland - Higgins has had some early success, especially in the return game. But he is expected to focus more on the receiver position in 2009, and could have a break-out year if JaMarcus Russell can get him the ball consistently.
18. Ryne Robinson, Carolina - May have some value in leagues that value return yards, but as a receiver he's not likely to be a factor.
19. Chris Davis, Tennessee - Currently buried on the Titans depth chart.
20. Steve Breaston, Arizona - The No. 3 receiver on an offense that loves to throw the ball around, Breaston put up more than 1,000 yards receiving in 2008. He would benefit tremendously should the Cardinals happen to move Anquan Boldin before the season begins, but that doesn't appear likely to happen. He also has added value as a return man in leagues that award points for return yards.
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