32 NFL Wide Receivers Ready to Break Out in 2012

Finally, it's the end of July and NFL training camps take shape this week. That means players have roughly five weeks to prepare and these wide receivers are ready to break out and shine this season.

Some of these men have a chance to become outright stars while others can quickly become unsung heroes for their teams in 2012.

Whether they're set to become the undisputed No. 1 in their town or a trusty No. 2, they'll all play a vital role in their team's success.

As the season approaches, get used to these guys' names because you'll be hearing them frequently throughout the season. 

AFC West: Jonathan Baldwin Will Be Much Better in His Second Season

Denver Broncos: Eric Decker will Begin to Look Complete in 2012

Eric Decker led the Broncos with 44 catches in 2011 and those numbers will tremendously improve with Peyton Manning now leading the stampede in Denver. Decker caught eight touchdowns last year, but he only began to scratch the surface of his talent. Expect a Pro Bowl nomination for him this season.  

Kansas City: Jonathan Baldwin will Look Like a Different Player This Year

A full offseason in the NFL will treat Kansas City Chiefs receiver Jonathan Baldwin well. There's no doubt that he has ridiculous talent, now all he needs to do is get on the field and prove that he was worth a first-round pick in 2011. Chiefs fans won't be disappointed as the team has been very pleased with his effort this offseason. Hard work leads to positive results and Baldwin is on his way to stardom.

Oakland Raiders: Jacoby Ford Gets a Second Chance at a Breakout Season

After showing flashes of brilliance in 2010, Oakland Raiders receiver Jacoby Ford was set to take off last year. Unfortunately, injuries took their toll and Ford only played in eight games last season. 2012 will be the year that Ford becomes the man in Oakland. He's a multi-dimensional weapon who will make big plays when the Raiders need him most. 

San Diego Chargers: Vincent Brown will be Philip Rivers' New Favorite Target

The San Diego Chargers have undergone a face-lift this offseason and Vincent Brown will make a name for himself this season. The Chargers now have the notable names of Robert Meachem, Malcom Floyd and Eddie Royal in their receiving corps, but they're not exactly stars. This leaves Brown with a giant opportunity to become a stud in San Diego. Don't expect anything less from Brown this season. 

NFC West: Michael Crabtree Will Be as Smooth as a Dr. J Finger Roll This Year

Arizona Cardinals: Andre Roberts will become Reliable This Season

The Arizona Cardinals drafted wide receiver Michael Floyd with the idea that he'll be the sidekick that star Larry Fitzgerald needs. While this will be true in the future, it will be Andre Roberts, not Floyd who breaks out this season. Expect the third-year receiver to gain momentum throughout training camp. 

St. Louis Rams: Brian Quick will be the No. 1 by Week 1

The Rams are thin at wide receiver to say the least. They will rely on rookie receiver Brian Quick to become the No. 1 overnight. It will be a trial by fire for Quick in the NFL, but he'll stay afloat and impress. A healthy Danny Amendola in the slot will give Quick the breathing room he needs to succeed. 

San Francisco 49ers: This is the Year for Michael Crabtree to Explode

Sure, Michael Crabtree tallied 72 catches in 2011, but in 2012, the sky is the limit. While it's true that the Niners brought in Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, this only opens the door for Crabtree to find open space. His production has gone up in each of his three NFL seasons and this year will be no different as he eclipses the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time. 

Seattle Seahawks: Doug Baldwin Dreams Big

The Seattle Seahawks have a receiver in Doug Baldwin that wants nothing less than to be the best. His 788 receiving yards as an undrafted free agent last season speaks volumes toward what he wants to accomplish. Baldwin will have to beat out Golden Tate or Sidney Rice in training camp to avoid the slot role, but we've learned that every job is up for grabs in Seattle this offseason. 

AFC South: Kendall Wright Has Already Become the Titans' No. 1 by Default

Houston Texans: The Texans Won't Forget About Lestar Jean

The Houston Texans were a playoff team in 2011 and if they're to return they'll rely on the emergence of wide receiver Lester Jean. Now in his second season in the league, Jean has yet to catch a pass but will get plenty of opportunities this season.

Indianapolis Colts: T.Y. Hilton is a Firecracker

The new regime in Indy will fall in love with rookie wide receiver T.Y. Hilton this season. He can do anything with the ball in his hands and quarterback and fellow rookie Andrew Luck will need Hilton to keep drives alive. Colts fans will instantly dub Hilton as a hero.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon was Drafted No. 5 Overall for a Reason 

Jaguars' fans were elated to draft a big name receiver in 2012 to bring life to their stagnant passing game. Justin Blackmon was chosen as their franchise receiver and he's been anything but that thus far. A DUI doesn't help Blackmon's case for a favorable contract, which has yet to be inked. Regardless, they'll need him to buckle down and become the standout receiver they desperately need. 

Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright is Already the No. 1 

The Tennessee Titans drafted wide receiver Kendall Wright with the intention of him becoming their No. 1 receiver of the future. Things don't always go as planned as Wright will be the No. 1 in Week 1 thanks to veteran Kenny Britt getting in trouble with the law. Wright may not be ready, but he'll improve on a weekly basis. 

NFC South: 2012 Is the Year That Julio Jones will Take Flight for the Falcons

Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones will Become a Superstar 

The Atlanta Falcons made a bold move in the 2011 NFL draft in order to acquire wide receiver Julio Jones and this year he'll show everyone why. He had an impressive rookie season, but 2012 will shoot him into stardom. Hey, anytime Jerry Rice says you're a stud you must be doing something right. 

Carolina Panthers: Don't be Surprised when Brandon LaFell Takes Over

The Carolina Panthers were one of the best teams to watch on offense in 2011 because of quarterback Cam Newton and the resurgence of wide receiver Steve Smith. In order for the team to grow they'll need third-year man Brandon LaFell to emerge as a solid No. 2. He'll do just that and then some and the combination of Smith and LaFell will cause fits for defenders. LaFell will be the added dimension the Panthers' passing attack needs to be a playoff spoiler this season. 

New Orleans Saints: Nick Toon will Turn out to be a Blessing

The New Orleans Saints got a steal in fourth-round wide receiver Nick Toon in the draft this season and he'll become a factor in their offense this season. Quarterback Drew Brees has no qualms spreading the ball around and he'll take a liking to Toon very soon.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preston Parker will Make an Impact When Called Upon

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson to be their star this offseason, but slot receiver Preston Parker will make the difference in the passing game for the Bucs. Having caught 40 balls last season, Parker will be trusted on the check-down option when Jackson and No. 2 wide receiver Mike Williams are covered. 

AFC North: Greg Little Will Put Up Big Numbers in Cleveland

Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith will Build on a Successful Rookie Campaign

The Baltimore Ravens hit pay dirt when they drafted Torrey Smith last season. A proven deep threat, Smith's game has evolved this offseason as he's quickly becoming a well-rounded receiver. This means nothing but trouble for the Ravens' opponents in 2012 and beyond.

Cincinnati Bengals: Mohamed Sanu will Be the No. 2 

The Cincinnati Bengals need a No. 2 receiver to break out this season and it will be rookie Mohamed Sanu. While the job is a hot topic around the AFC North, it'll be Sanu's by Week 1. A big body with solid hands and smart route running will seal the deal for Sanu. Expect him to thrive as the safety valve when No. 1 receiver A.J. Green is doubled. 

Cleveland Browns: Greg Little will Become a Human Highlight Reel 

Browns' fans have to be happy this offseason. Despite playing in a division with three playoff teams from a season ago, the Browns tremendously improved on offense. Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden has a cannon and running back Trent Richardson will carry the load between the tackles. The biggest winner for the Browns this offseason is wide receiver Greg Little, who will do nothing less than dominate this season. He's already their best receiver and will love having Weeden under center. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Time for Emmanuel Sanders to Break Out is Now 

Emmanuel Sanders has hinted at his ability to become a star in the NFL, but has yet to break out. With Steelers No. 1 receiver Mike Wallace possibly holding out, the time is ripe for Sanders to earn some valuable playing time. Sanders is fun to watch when healthy. Keep an eye on him this season. 

NFC North: Alshon Jeffery Is a Sleeper ROY Candidate in Chicago.

Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery is a Beast

The Chicago Bears deserve credit for making a splash this offseason and giving quarterback Jay Cutler some much needed help in the passing game. Rookie Alshon Jeffery is the newest monster of the midway and will make a living in the red zone this season. 

Detroit Lions: Titus Young Has Matured and is Ready to Break Out 

Titus Young will be the X-factor in the Detroit Lions passing game this season. With the Lions struggling in the run department, the Lions need Young to take some pressure off of star Calvin Johnson. Look for Young to improve on his 607 receiving yards on 48 catches as a rookie last season.

Green Bay Packers: Look for Aaron Rodgers to Get the Ball to Randell Cobb  

The Green Bay Packers have an excellent all around tool in Randall Cobb. He's like a Swiss Army Knife—so many ways in which to use him and he always gets the job done. Although he's their primary return man, expect the ball to find Cobb's hands when the Packers need a big play.

Minnesota Vikings: Greg Childs will Get His Chance to Prove Himself

Greg Childs was a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in 2012 with the hopes of him becoming a star. Although often injured, he has loads of talent. He'll get his chance to play a vital role in the offense this season as the Vikings will take whatever they can get from him. In any event, it's a low-risk, high-reward situation for the Vikes.  

AFC East: Stephen Hill Will Be a Playmaker from Day 1

Buffalo Bills: David Nelson is the Key to the Success of the Bills This Season

At 6'5", wide receiver David Nelson is an easy target for Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Nelson has gained Fitzpatrick's trust and he won't forget about him this season. The Bills have tall aspirations and Nelson will be an important factor in their offense as he'll take the focus off of No. 1 receiver Stevie Johnson and the running game. 

Miami Dolphins: Someone Has to Break Out and Roberto Wallace will Be It 

The Miami Dolphins receiving corps is thin to say the least, which means there's plenty of room for unproven players. This year, Roberto Wallace will be that player who shoots up the depth chart overnight. At 6'4", 225 lbs. he's a big receiver and with some experience, he'll show that he's capable of thriving in the NFL. Look for him to make some noise on HBO's reality series "Hard Knocks."

New England Patriots: Matt Slater Will See More Time on Offense

On a team full of veteran receivers, someone has to have a breakout season and it'll be Matt Slater for the New England Patriots this year. Slater, a special team wiz, only has one catch in his four-year career which means even the slightest bit of production translates to a breakout year.

New York Jets: Stephen Hill is the Missing Piece to the Puzzle 

Stephen Hill brings a fresh breath of air to the New York Jets offense that needed a receiver like him. The rookie was taken in the second round by the Jets and will stretch the field for Gang Green in the immediate future. Quarterback Mark Sanchez has to love that he now has a true deep threat. Playing in New York, Hill will get plenty of media coverage in the coming months, especially when he frequents the end zone. 

NFC East: All Eyes Are on Jeremy Maclin in Philadelphia

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant Can Only Silence His Critics By Excelling on the Field

Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has made news for all the wrong reasons this offseason. Now all he can do is silence his critics by turning into an undisputed star on the field this season. He looks like he's one of the best receivers in the league, now all he has to do is put it all together. 

New York Giants: Rueben Randle will be an Instant Hit in New York

The New York Giants will need a wide receiver to breakout this season if they're to defend their Super Bowl championship. Victor Cruz exploded onto the scene last year and rookie Rueben Randle will this year. Due to free agency and injuries, the Giants need Randle to make a difference on Sundays. He won't disappoint. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Get Ready for Plenty of Jeremy Maclin Praise

Sometimes it takes highly touted NFL players a few years to meet expectations. This year, Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin will exceed expectations. He's been solid in his first three NFL seasons, but this season he'll become a star. Thanks to Maclin's production, the Eagles will look like the juggernaut they were supposed to be last season. For Maclin, this is no time to look back. 

Washington Redskins: Pierre Garcon will become the Real Deal in 2012

Many may have questioned the Washington Redskins when they signed free-agent wide receiver Pierre Garcon to be their No. 1 in 2012, but he's done nothing but make the 'Skins smile this offseason. While he had a career-best 970 receiving yards last season for the Indianapolis Colts, that's not considered a breakout year. Expect Garcon to make rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III comfortable in 2012. RG3 will make sure that Garcon pads the stats this season by targeting him early and often. 

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