3 Top Young NFL WRs on the Verge of Monstrous Breakout Seasons

They say NFL wide receivers typically break out in their second or third professional season. Sure, guys like A.J. Green and Randy Moss exploded onto the scene as rookies, but usually, it takes pass-catchers a year or two to acclimate themselves to the professional ranks. 

Larry Fitzgerald eclipsed the 1,400-receiving yard mark in his sophomore campaign. Roddy White's reception total jumped from 30 to 83 in his third year with the Atlanta Falcons, and Brandon Marshall hauled in over 100 passes in his second season with the Denver Broncos in 2007.

These players, based on what we saw for stretches during 2011, their quarterback situation, natural talent and playmaking ability, will emerge as household names during 2012 season.

Greg Little

Over the last decade, the Cleveland Browns offense certainly hasn't been synonymous with explosiveness. While it may not be extremely dynamic in 2012, it'll be much more productive than last year's unit that scored a meager 13.6 points per game and punted on more than half of their possessions. 

Trent Richardson should be the focal point of the offense and will likely garner a significant amount of carries per game.

It may take time for quarterback Brandon Weeden to fully acclimate to the professional game, but his arm strength and accuracy will aid improving a rather stagnant aerial attack. 

The biggest beneficiary of the young offensive talents? 

Wide receiver Greg Little. 

Entering his second year in the NFL, the 6'2'', 220-pound North Carolina alum has the size, strength and deceptive speed to become a formidable weapon. 

With Colt McCoy throwing him passes as a rookie last season, Little hauled in a respectable 61 passes for 709 yards with two receiving scores. 

He should emerge as Weeden's go-to target on the outside as well as his primary chain-mover. 

Little probably set to have the "least monstrous" season of anyone on this list, but he'll improve on his 2011 numbers and could crack the 1,000-yard mark this year. 

Brandon LaFell

Steve Smith is the central pass-catching target in Carolina, but don't sleep on third-year pro Brandon LaFell. 

Quarterback Cam Newton brought an electric big-play dimension to the Panthers offense last year and will continue to do so in 2012 and beyond. 

Though it's not surprising the masses overlooked LaFell's 2011 season that featured only 36 catches, it's important to remember he averaged 17 yards per catch and reeled in three touchdowns. 

At 6'2'' and 210 pounds, he's another big target who can win on deep balls against more diminutive cornerbacks and safeties. 

Smith is an extremely tough cover, but opposing secondaries will look to roll coverage over the top on his side of the field to eliminate the most proven pass-catching commodity on the team. 

With what should be an increased amount of targets, look for LaFell to have a breakout 2012. 

Randall Cobb

Cobb was a spirited kick returner for the Green Bay Packers in 2011, scoring twice on special teams. As a receiver, he simply was overshadowed by the likes of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, Donald Driver and James Jones—guys who formulate the absolutely loaded Packers' pass-catching contingent. 

With Driver at the end of his illustrious career, look for head coach Mike McCarthy to slowly phase him out as a top receiving priority and give Cobb many more touches in space. 

The former Kentucky Wildcat's fresh legs and tremendous lateral agility make him a premier YAC wideout, especially with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football and with all the talent around him. 

Though it still won't be easy for Cobb to become a frequently targeted wideout, he'll assuredly see more than the 31 targets he received last season. 

The Packers passing game is as vertically explosive as any in football, but the quick bubble screens, slants and drag routes run by Cobb will add another feature to Green Bay's vaunted attack that'll make it even more difficult to stop.