3rdYear Widereceivers
1. Calvin Johnson -Detroit Lions
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 237 | Age: 23
Calvin is already a big deal but still a 3rd year player who is only scratching the surface of what looks to be a great career. If the Lions select Stafford, I would expect the two to develop a chemistry early on in training camp.
2. Dwayne Bowe -KansasCity Chiefs
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 217 | Age: 24
Bowe the show is the real deal. The kid can flat out play and now he has a new QB throwing him the ball. I’m trying to stay cautiously optimistic when I rank Bowe but it’s hard not to put him in my top 15 WRs at this point.
3. Steve Breaston -Arizona Cardinals
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Age: 25
Steve Breaston just had his coming out party last year but if the Cards part ways with super star Anquan Boldin, I would look for Breaston to have another improved year statistically. It also helps that Breaston is on a contract year.
4. Anthony Gonzalez -Indianapolis Colts
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195 | Age: 24
Gonzo has been progressing nicely and the Colts appear to be giving him the opportunity to work as the #2 to Reggie Wayne’s #1. He is a smart player, who is only going to get better but don’t expect Harrison type numbers. Dallas Clark is still Peyton’s 2nd option on most plays.
5. Ted Ginn -Miami Dolphins
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 178 | Age: 23
Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland recently went on record saying that; “The club is expecting a lot more out of Ginn and the 2009 season needs to be a good one for him.” I’m not sure if Ted Ginn has what it takes to be more than a slot-type/kick returner at the pro level.
6. Steve Smith -NewYork Giants
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Age: 23
The Giants are desperate for somebody to come in and lead the team in receiving. It’s rumored that the team has refused to part ways with Smith in trade requests by other teams, so it’s very possible that this 3rd year WR might have a big impact this year.
7. Jason Hill -SanFrancisco 49ers
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 204 | Age: 24
I still think there’s hope for Jason Hill but San Francisco has got to get better QB help if anything is going to happen via the pass. They actually have some quality skill position players and now it’s time to get the QB help they need.
8. Laurent Robinson -St. Louis Rams
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 201 | Age: 23
The change of scenery can only help Robinson who must have fallen out of favor with the coaches or the coaches fell in love with last year’s rookie Harry Douglas. Robinson has a tremendous opportunity to shine in the Rams offense.
9. Mike Walker -Jacksonville Jaguars
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 209 | Age: 24
Talk about a golden opportunity. Mike Walker is now the default starter at WR for the Jaguars alongside Dennis Northcut but this is mostly the result of Matt Jones & Reggie Williams penchant for getting arrested. If Walker can stay healthy, he should be a solid candidate to have a breakthrough season.
10. James Jones -GreenBay Packers
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Age: 24
GreenBay has too many widereceivers and James Jones is another in a very talented group. Jones hasn’t been able to get onto the field that much, considering that Jennings & Driver are taking most of the snaps. It also doesn’t help Jones that the coaching staff loves last year’s rookie Jordy Nelson with a passion.
11. David Clowney -NewYork Jets
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 188 | Age: 24
Clowney has shown flashes in the pre-season but has yet to do anything when it counts. The Jets have parted ways with WR Laveraneus Coles, so Clowney could have a window to showcase his skills.
12. Johnnie Lee Higgins -Oakland Raiders
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185 | Age: 25
This kid has proven that he can play at the pro level. Now, if only JaMarcus Russell could do the same. All jokes aside, if the Raiders’ passing game makes any strides, Higgins will play a big part in it along with super tightend Zach Miller.
13. Robert Meachem -NewOrleans Saints
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 211 | Age: 24
It’s sh!t or get off the pan for Meachem. The Saints coughed up a 1st round pick for this guy and he’s done next to nothing. Getting out-performed by a street free agent is a good indication that Meachem might be a bust.
14. Sidney Rice -Minnesota Vikings
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 202 | Age: 22
Rice has interesting measurables as well as solid upside, it’s just when the light will come on if at all. Rice certainly has the athletic ability but lack of solid QB production isn’t helping either.
15. Craig Davis -SanDiego Chargers
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 202 | Age: 23
Injuries, injuries, injuries. “Buster” Davis has barely touched the field and hasn’t looked like much when doing so. I have lost faith in this kid and with San Diego’s crowded WR corps, he’ll be lucky see any of the field this season as well.
16. Dwayne Jarrett -Carolina Panthers
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 213 | Age: 22
Jarrett has had a rough first 2 years in the league but few folks realize that he is EXTREMELY young and his maturity issues shouldn’t be a surprise. If he understands how hard he needs to work to get on the field, then he might be in store for a solid ‘09 season.
