Fantasy Football: Predicting a "Breakout Candidate"

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

A dream of every fantasy football manager is to draft the "next big thing" in the middle-late rounds.  The guy who flashes the potential to be a game-changer in real life and difference-maker on your fantasy roster.

  Two years ago, it was the sensational rookie running back from Sooner Country, Adrian "All Day" Peterson who took the fantasy world by storm.  Last season the title was claimed by back Michael "The Burner" Turner, who had switched teams during the off-season.

  Who is it going to be this year?

  To start, lets have a look at ten of the most notable breakout performers from last season and reasons as to why they may have experienced so much success.

  -Michael Turner-

  Everyone knew he had potential, the question was when would he have a chance to start?  An answer came in the off-season when the Chargers let him go; an when the Atlanta Falcons signed him.  No longer was he hidden in LaDanian Tomlinson's shadow; Turner was ready to show not just the Falcons, but also the entire NFL what he had, and he sure showed them.

  -Roddy White-

  Although Roddy White was another Falcon, the similarities between him and Turner end there, (although they both put together sound statistical seasons).  White, instead of benefiting from opportunity, benefited from consistently improving in each season he has played in the NFL.  In 2005 he caught 29 passes for 446 yards.  In 2006 he caught 30 passes for 506 yards.  In 2007 he caught 83 passes for 1,202 yards.  And last year he caught 88 passes for 1,382 yards.

  -Calvin Johnson-

  The Big Nasty from Georgia Tech improved upon his rookie numbers last season, raising his catches from 48 to 78, his yards from 756 to 1,331, and his touchdowns from four to 12.  Aside from the insane amount of talent that Johnson possesses, perhaps what increased his numbers so dramatically was the fact that fellow talented wide receiver Roy Williams was shipped to the Dallas Cowboys mid-season.  No longer did he have to split a significant amount of targets with another receiver on the team.

  -Dwayne Bowe-

  Bowe, like Johnson, improved upon his rookie numbers from two seasons ago.  Receptions increased by 16, yards by 27, and touchdowns by two.  He was hampered by inconsistent quarterback play, but now has capable QB Matt Cassel to throw him the ball.

  -Steve Slaton-

  The first of three rookies on this list of 2008 breakouts.  Slaton enjoyed a fine season last year with the Texans, since he was in position to start come the regular season.  He proved that his college career was no fluke as he totaled 1,282 yards on 268 carries, and an extra 377 yards on 50 receptions while also scoring ten total touchdowns.  Look for these numbers to grow next season since he will hopefully have a fully healthy Matt Schaub throwing him the ball and keeping the passing game, (and in turn running game) honest.

  -Chris Johnson-

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