Five Rookie Wide Receivers Who Could Outperform Dez Bryant in 2010

Last year’s rookie wide receiver class was one of the most productive and consistent that we’ve ever seen in the history of the league. Guys like Percy Harvin, Austin Collie, Michael Crabtree, Mike Wallace, Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, Mike Thomas, Johnny Knox, and a host of others all made substantial impacts for their squads in just their first year on the job.

This year’s rookie receiving group is headlined by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ new toy—Dez Bryant, a talented yet troubled receiver out of Oklahoma State. The 6‘2" rookie was the focus of an abundance of pre draft chatter, and he ultimately ended up plummeting in round one due to a myriad of concerns.

Bryant is expected to be a star in Dallas right away, but things may not be so simple. I forecast some troubles for the rookie as he tries to adjust to life as a pro.

Here are five receivers from Bryant’s class who could outperform the Cowboy in 2010.

Dexter McCluster: Kansas City Chiefs

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dexter McCluster stands only 5‘8", but his size certainly doesn’t limit his versatility. The Chiefs are expecting McCluster to line up at running back, wide receiver, quarterback, and kick returner this year.

The Chiefs were looking to add a weapon that would help diversify the offense and take some pressure off quarterback Matt Cassell. They may have found just what they were looking for with their second round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

McCluster is coming off a senior season at Ole Miss in which he totaled over 1,500 offensive yards.

Look for the speedy and shifty slot man to open things up for fellow receivers Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers.

Mike Williams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs after a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

After being kicked off of the Syracuse football team midway through his junior year, many around the NFL felt like Mike Williams could be more of a headache than he was worth.

The Tampa Bay Bucs saw something in Williams that many didn’t. They saw his potential to be a difference maker in their offense, and therefore selected him with a fourth round pick in last April’s draft.

So far, Williams has shown flashes in training camp that he was exactly the right choice. This is an offense that needs a consistent big play spark in the passing game, and that’s something Williams could provide this season.

Demaryius Thomas: Denver Broncos

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NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Demaryius Thomas (R) from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as they hold up a Denver Broncos jersey after Thomas was drafted by the Broncos number 22 overall during the the first round of the 2

Many felt the selection of Demaryius Thomas before Bryant was a repeat case of what we saw last year when Darrius Heyward-Bey was foolishly selected before Michael Crabtree.

Don’t let the Georgia Tech product’s lack of catches fool you though, he has the tools to be a star in the NFL, and the Broncos were on target by taking him where they did.

Thomas has been limited in the preseason because of nagging foot injury, but when he gets back to full health, he should be the go to option in Denver’s passing attack. Thomas along with fellow rookie Eric Decker should be bright spots for the Broncos’ future.

Brandon LaFell: Carolina Panthers

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CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 21: Wide receiver Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers stretches before the start their preseason game against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mary Ann

Brandon LaFell may have lost out in a position battle with a slimmer and more in tune Dwayne Jarrett, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a factor this season.

LaFell won’t start out the season as the Panthers’ number two receiver, but expect the LSU product to work his way up and demand more attention as the season goes on.

The 6‘3" rookie caught 160 balls during his last three seasons in college, and is the type of receiver that may lack great speed, but certainly doesn’t lack great hands.

LaFell has shown the ability to produce and should keep that up now that he’s in Carolina.

Emmanuel Sanders: Pittsburgh Steelers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 21: Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the sideline against the New York Giants during their preseason game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 21, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Ge

Out with the old, in with the new.

That could be the motto used in Pittsburgh this season, as the Steelers’ passing game gets a much needed facelift. Gone is former number one option and former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes, and on his way out is the dependable yet aging Hines Ward.

The Steelers receiving group will evolve into a new look bunch as the 2010 season progresses. The leader is lightning fast second year man Mike Wallace, but he has two rookies—Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown, who will help him in the transition.

Sanders is fresh off a highly productive career at SMU. As a senior, the 5‘11" highlight maker made an astonishing 98 catches in June Jones’ high powered offensive attack.

He won't repeat that total this year, but expect the rookie to make a splash, similar to what his predecessor Wallace was able to accomplish last season.