Fantasy Corner: Third Year Receivers
If you follow fantasy football you know experts place alot of stock in receivers entering their third NFL season. Last year Steve Smith, Robert Meachum and Sidney Rice emerged as consistent fantasy conributors in their third year. Here are some third year guys I think could be in for a big season.
Devin Thomas & Malcolm Kelly, Redskins
Neither of these guys have done much but with Donovan McNabb coming to DC he will finally give the Redskins a passing game. Devin Thomas could be the "Desean Jackson" in the Skin's passing attack. Kelly might be even more talented than Thomas but he always seems to be injuried.
Desean Jackson, Eagles
I know I know he already had a huge season last year. But that was his second season. With Kolb and his big arm taking over in Philly Jackson could get even more long bombs. Kolb knows Desean is the best talent in the offense and he will get him the ball alot. A fantasy team with Desean Jackson as a WR2 will make you look like a genius.
The good news is Anquan Boldin is no longer a Cardinal. The bad news is neither is Pro Bowl quarterback Kurt Warner. Doucet blew up in the playoffs last season with 14 catches for 145 yards and two TD's. He could emerge as a great slot receiver if Matt Leinart decides to stop playing really bad.
Chaz Schilens, Raiders
The best thing to happen to Chaz was when the Raiders traded for quarterback Jason Campbell during April's draft. Schilens has the talent but has been limited by injuries and the fact that his quarterback last year was a baluga whale (Jamarcus Russell). Look for him to step up as the Raiders #1 receiver in 2010.
Pierre Garcon, Colts
Josh Morgan, 49ers
With Crabtree and Vernon Davis getting alot of attention from opposing defenses look for the former Virginia Tech standout to get one on one coverage early and often. I wouldn't draft him but keep an eye on him early in the season and snatch him up before your friend's do.
Other third year receivers that could have a break out season: Mario Manningham, Andre Caldwell, Jordy Nelson, Donnie Avery, Eddie Royal
Thanks guys!
Ryan- Yea I def agree Garcon isnt getting enough love as far as a WR2. If you can get him as a WR3 its a steal.
Chugg- Schilens is a guy I had on my radar last season but that injury screwed him. He's a #1 receiver you can get really late in drafts.
Great post. I'm really liking Devin Thomas and Chaz Schilens to be the cream of the 3rd year receiver crop this year. I enjoy your blog fellas. Keep up the good work.
- Chugg at You Heard It Here First
(Sorry about the deleted comment. That was me. I tried to get it to say "You Heard It Here First said...but it's just not going to do it.)
Love the list. I'm stocking up on all these guys with the exception of the two Redskins (whom I think are both talented enough but I don't trust enough to bother with in 2010, but if either goes undrafted they'll be on radar). Garcon inclusion particularly solid- I'm not sure what everyone else has seen in the other guys that convinces them there's not an obvious #2, but Garcon is it to me. He looks just like Reggie did when he first started cutting into Marv's world. And that last mention of Eddie Royal may be hitting on the most unnecessarily discarded guy around. I think he has a big comeback year in 2010. Nice work, as always! -Ryan