2010 Receivers to Watch: Sleepers
April 16th 2010 17:51
2nd-4th Year Receivers Ready to Make a Move
Receivers often don't "come into their own" until after their rookie season. Sometimes, it isn't until their 3rd or 4th year in the league.
Let's look at some examples:
Wes Welker - no catches rookie year, 29 his 2nd, 67 his third, and then Boom! 112 his 4th, and from then on.
Jerry Rice had 49 receptions his first year.
Marvin Harrison didn't break 1000 yards until his 4th year.
Michael Irvin caught 32 passes in his 1st season, and didn't break 1000 until his 4th.
Brandon Marshall caught 20 his 1st year, and 102 his second.
Isaac Bruce caught 21 receptions his 1st, and 119 his second.
Reggie Wayne caught 27 his 1st year...took him 4 years to break 1000 yds., too.
There are, of course, those receivers who perform as soon as they enter the NFL, the Anquan Boldins and Randy Mosses. But they're the aberrations, not the norm. And I'd rather draft a receiver who statistics indicate is ready for a big year than one whose future is completely unknown. I draft one or two rookie receivers in late rounds, hoping that I guess right. Receivers are as much a crapshoot as any position in the game.
This year, there are several receivers who are primed for big years:
Kenny Britt had 42 receptions last year on a Titans team that really didn't start playing until the second half of the season.
Michael Crabtree caught 48 passes in about half a season. He could explode this year.
Percy Harvin only caught 36 passes, but he looked great in spots.
Hakeem Nicks caught 47 and scored 6 TDs. impressive. But Mario Manningham was also good for the Giants last year. If Steve Smith continues to hold onto his #1 position, Nicks and Manningham will have to fight for the rest.
Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie competed for the #2 spot in Indy all of last year with no one the clear winner. Garcon performed well in the playoffs, so maybe he'll take the position away this year. If so, he stands a good chance of having a break-out season.
Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly both improved from their rookie seasons, but it's still a long-shot for them to become #1 caliber WRs.
Eddie Royal would seem to be in line for a big year, but after a wildy successful rookie debut in 2008, he nearly disappeared in '09 with Orton as QB. Who knows?
Earl Bennett came out of nowhere to have a spectacular 2nd season with the Bears. If Cutler ever settles down, Bennett could continue to improve. Cutler doesn't have too many other options.
This is a short list, but they're receivers with a solid chance of becoming someone this year, probably a better chance than a rookie WR. Watch them during preseason to see what happens.
Receivers often don't "come into their own" until after their rookie season. Sometimes, it isn't until their 3rd or 4th year in the league.
Let's look at some examples:
Wes Welker - no catches rookie year, 29 his 2nd, 67 his third, and then Boom! 112 his 4th, and from then on.
Jerry Rice had 49 receptions his first year.
Marvin Harrison didn't break 1000 yards until his 4th year.
Michael Irvin caught 32 passes in his 1st season, and didn't break 1000 until his 4th.
Isaac Bruce caught 21 receptions his 1st, and 119 his second.
Reggie Wayne caught 27 his 1st year...took him 4 years to break 1000 yds., too.
There are, of course, those receivers who perform as soon as they enter the NFL, the Anquan Boldins and Randy Mosses. But they're the aberrations, not the norm. And I'd rather draft a receiver who statistics indicate is ready for a big year than one whose future is completely unknown. I draft one or two rookie receivers in late rounds, hoping that I guess right. Receivers are as much a crapshoot as any position in the game.
This year, there are several receivers who are primed for big years:
Kenny Britt had 42 receptions last year on a Titans team that really didn't start playing until the second half of the season.
Michael Crabtree caught 48 passes in about half a season. He could explode this year.
Percy Harvin only caught 36 passes, but he looked great in spots.
Hakeem Nicks caught 47 and scored 6 TDs. impressive. But Mario Manningham was also good for the Giants last year. If Steve Smith continues to hold onto his #1 position, Nicks and Manningham will have to fight for the rest.
Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly both improved from their rookie seasons, but it's still a long-shot for them to become #1 caliber WRs.
Eddie Royal would seem to be in line for a big year, but after a wildy successful rookie debut in 2008, he nearly disappeared in '09 with Orton as QB. Who knows?
Earl Bennett came out of nowhere to have a spectacular 2nd season with the Bears. If Cutler ever settles down, Bennett could continue to improve. Cutler doesn't have too many other options.
This is a short list, but they're receivers with a solid chance of becoming someone this year, probably a better chance than a rookie WR. Watch them during preseason to see what happens.
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