3rd Year Wide Receiver Break Out

3rd Year Wide Receiver Break Out

A wide receiver that is coming into his third season has in the past been considered a breakout candidate for fantasy teams.   This year there are a number of wide receivers entering this three year mark.  I have created a list of third year receivers to keep your eye on entering your fantasy league draft.  Some of these players have yet to live up to expectations, others stepped up their games last season, while others unfortunately had let downs last season.  Overall, all of these players are expected to make solid contributions to their teams in 2010.

Early Doucet – Arizona – Doucet moves up the depth chart in 2010 after the departure of Anquan Boldin.  Doucet was the team’s fourth receiver last season, but will move into the third receiver role at the start of training camp and will have the opportunity to compete for the #2 receiver spot.

James Hardy – Buffalo – Hardy has yet to live up to the expectations Buffalo had for him when they drafted him in the 2nd round.  However, this could be the make or break year for Hardy.  With the departure of Terrell Owens, Hardy will be given the chance to earn a starting spot opposite Lee Evans.

Earl Bennett – Chicago – Bennett is in a crowded group of receivers.  The Bears have many young receivers and Bennett will have to stand out during the preseason in order to get some quality playing time.

Andre Caldwell – Cincinnati – Caldwell did well last season when given opportunities.  He became a bit of a red zone favorite of Carson Palmer, but will have to battle newly acquired veteran, Antonio Bryant, for playing time.

Eddie Royal – Denver – Royal had a spectacular rookie year which was followed up by a true sophomore slump.  Last season Royal was expected to be the Wes Welker in new coach Josh McDaniels offense.  That did not happen, but news is coming out of Denver that this will be Royals role in the coming season.

Pierre Garcon – Indianapolis – Garcon was a surprise playmaker for the Colts last season.  He took over the #2 receiver spot and ran with it.  This season expect Garcon to do more of the same, although there are many receivers on the roster there are still plenty of balls to go around in Indy.

Davonne Bess – Miami – Bess is another receiver who will get the chance to start as the team’s #2.  The addition of Brandon Marshall can only help Bess’ chances to succeed as Marshall should draw coverage away from Miami’s number two man.

Mario Manningham – New York Giants – Manningham had a good sophomore season for the G-Men and had some outstanding performances during the year.  However, he will be battling for touches in the Giant’s offense and needs to impress the coaching staff in order to get on the field regularly.

David Clowney – New York Jets – Clowney was a sleeper pick by many last season, however he did not put up any big numbers or great single game stats.  The Jets receiving core is not a superior one, so if Clowney works hard he can expect to get additional playing time.

Chaz Schilens – Oakland – Schilens battled injuries last season along with some poor quarterback play in Oakland.  Schilens however may be the Raiders best bet to earn the #1 receiver slot in their offense and the addition of new starting QB Jason Campbell can only help all of Oakland’s receivers.

DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia – Jackson had a breakout season in 2009 and expectations are that he will only improve in the coming season.  The change at quarterback should not change Jackson’s value and he should be considered a solid #1 receiver for any fantasy team.

Josh Morgan – San Francisco – There were many fantasy owners who had high expectations for Morgan last season.  This season Morgan will be given the chance to earn the spot opposite #1 Michael Crabtree.

Donnie Avery – St Louis – Avery is a player who will be looked upon to step up his game in 2010.  The Rams will need someone to stretch the field to open up more running lanes and to also take pressure off of their rookie quarterback.

Devin Thomas & Malcolm Kelly – Washington – Both of these third year receivers will be asked to step up their games by new coach Mike Shanahan.  Each player should get every opportunity to play in the Redskins new offense, especially with a possible suspension of starter Santana Moss looming.  I expect Thomas to get more opportunities than Kelly, but if Shanahan and new quarterback Donovan McNabb can reproduce what they have done in prior years then owners can expect big things from Thomas and Kelly.

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