Forget About Third Year WR Rule: Five NFL Sophomores Ready To Bust Out

There is an old fantasy myth that WRs will breakout in their third season.  Last season this held true for Steve Smith (NY) and Mike Sims-Walker.  With more and more emphasis on OTA’s and off season programs, players are reaching their potential at a much higher rate.  We look at 5 WRs that look to take the next step, and become big contributors for your fantasy team.

Michael Crabtree WR, 49ers: 

The most talented WR in 2009 draft was picked after the speedy Darrius Heyward-Bey, and he starting pouting about it immediately.  The Crabtree Soap went on until week 7 of the 2009 season, so he had to cram a ton of information into a short amount of time.  Everything considered, Crabtree had a decent rookie campaign, as he grabbed 48 passes for 625 yards in only 10 games of action.  He only hit pay dirt twice 2009, but he was a monster in college, scoring 41 TDs.  We see his TDs going up, dramatically.  Crabtree demonstrated the soft hands and pristine route running that made him a success at Texas Tech.  His on the ball instincts are second to none, as he always puts himself in good position to make a catch.  He doesn't possess blazing speed, so he has to rely on his skill set to be successful.   Crabtree did not have a 100 yard game in 2009, but caught at least 4 passes in 9 of 11 games, showing he can be a dependable target. The 49ers would like to run the ball more effectively in 2010, but Crabtree should team with Vernon Davis to be a dangerous combo in the passing game.

Johnny Knox WR, Bears:

The Bears WR corp was a glaring weakness in 2009, but they did show flashes of making strides heading into 2010.  Knox only compiled 527 yards receiving, but was able to grab 5 TDs in his limited action.  He has been the favorite target of Jay Cutler in early training camp, as they build a solid rapport heading into the season.  Mike Martz passing system has worked in every city he has been an OC or HC in.  I expect nothing less in Chicago.  With Devin Aroshmadu getting most of the off season pub, Knox is falling in drafts.  With the potential to be the number one target in the Mad Mike’s offense, I love the value Knox possesses.  He could play a same role that Torry Holt did in “The Greatest Show on Turf”, which will lead to a major uptick in stats across the board.

Jeremy Maclin WR, Eagles: 

Maclin had a solid rookie season, as he totaled 762 yards with 4 TDs.  Jeremy Maclin entered the 2009 season as a first round pick and highly touted kick returner.  He quickly became a part of their offense as well in week 5 when he totaled 142 yards and 2 TDs.  Unfortunately, that was his only 100+ yard game of the season, but he did have 5+ catches in five games, and at least 60 yards in six games a season ago.  Not bad for a rookie.  We got a glimpse of his potential.   He is teamed with DeSean Jackson, as the duo will be receiving passes from new QB, Kevin Kolb.  We think Kolb is more than capable, and the Eagles throw more than any team in the NFL.   He is a little bit bigger than his counterpart DeSean Jackson, but unfortunately, they play the same role.  They both go deep and rely on speed. .  We think he builds off his impressive rookie season, and comes close to 1,000 yards receiving in year two.

Hakeem Nicks WR, Giants: 

The Giants passing game went on a youth movement in 2009, as they made Hakeem Nicks their first round draft pick.  Steve Smith and Mario Manningham began the year as the starters, but Nicks’ talent thrusted him into the starting lineup by midseason.  He finished the season with 47 receptions, 790 yards receiving, and 6 TDs.  The Giants passing game may be curtailed slightly, as the defense and running game should be better in 2010.  He plays bigger than his 6'0 215lb frame, and could slide into the same role that Plaxico Burress did for the Giants during his three plus years with the team.  During the 2005-07 seasons, Plaxico averaged 1,075 yards and 9.6 TDs, numbers that could be obtained by the talented second year WR.  Plaxico obtained those stats with a rushing attack ranked 6th, 7th, and 4th respectively, so the G-Men could still have a powerful rush attack, while still having a top WR.  Nicks showed big play potential in 2009, and should make even bigger strides going into his second season.

Mike Wallace WR, Steelers: 

Wallace quickly became the deep threat in the Steelers passing game, and a reliable target for Big Ben. In 2009, Wallace totaled 756 yards receiving with 6 TDs, which are solid stats for a third WR.  This season, we see him making one of the biggest jumps on this list, but it may have to wait until Ben comes back from his suspension. With Santonio Holmes residing in New York, Wallace steps right into his shoes. Santonio Holmes had 79 catches, 1,248 yards receiving, and 5 TDs last season, if Wallace can come close to those numbers, his ability to get the ball in the endzone can increase the amount of TDs.  Wallace is worth considering in the middle rounds of your draft, as he has potential as a WR2 with upside. 

Tommy Rowan is the co-founder and writer for fantasyfanplay.com  

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