Each year, receiver is a position where many players breakout. People around the league think that the 3rd year is the breakout year for a receiver and the theory was proven true last year as players like Roddy White and Braylon Edwards had great seasons. Edwards even made it to the Pro Bowl as he had 16 touchdowns. Tight Ends are harder to predict but every year, somebody like Donald Lee burst on to the scene and has a big impact in the passing game.
Wide Receiver:
Calvin Johnson Lions: Johnson had a solid rookie year as he had 756 yards and 4 touchdowns. But compared to his hype coming in, that was a disappointment. Johnson has great size at 6'5 and with 4.3 speed and a 40' inch vertical, many people thought he would come right in and be an elite receiver. Johnson was bothered by a back injury last year which slowed him down so now that he is healthy and the Lions will be running a more balanced attack, don't be surprised if he has more than 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Sidney Rice Vikings: Rice had a solid rookie season as he had 396 yards and 4 touchdowns. Now he has added 8 pounds of muscle this offseason and with his 6'4 frame, it was important for him to fill out. Now with Bernard Berrian on the other side, Rice will have single coverage on smaller corners and become one of the best red zone targets in the league.
Santonio Holmes Steelers: Holmes had a very good sophomore campaign as he averaged over 18 yards a catch and had 8 touchdowns. But he should be even better this year as he has a great connection with Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward is starting to decline. Don't be surprised if Holmes gets at least 1200 yards this year and makes the Pro Bowl.
Mike Walker Jaguars: I was very high on Walker last year until the Jaguars put him on injured reserve. Now he is fully healthy and with Jerry Porter missing preseason, Walker might come in to training camp as the Jaguars number one receiver. Don't be surprised if Walker becomes one of the better players from the receiver heavy 2007 draft class.
Anthony Gonzalez Colts: Gonzalez had a solid rookie season as he had 576 yards and 3 touchdowns. But with Marvin Harrison declining and his health a factor, Gonzalez could be starting for one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Gonzalez probably won't become a number one receiver but he has the potential to be an elite number two. Don't be surprised if he gets around 1000 yards and 6 touchdowns this year.
Chansi Stuckey Jets: Like Walker, Stuckey was placed on injured reserve for his whole rookie season. Stuckey though could come in this year and right away be the slot receiver for the Jets and with his speed, gives them another deep threat. With the quarterback situation still unsettled, Stuckey should show glimpses this year but should really start hitting his stride in 2009.
Tight End:
Ben Utecht Bengals: Utecht is a pass catching tight end and he now gives Carson Palmer a dimension he has never had during his time in Cincinnati. Utecht has great size at 6'6 and has experience in pass oriented offenses as he was previously with the Colts. Utecht could end up with around 55 catches and 5 touchdowns in his first year with the Bengals.
Marcedes Lewis Jaguars: Lewis has great size and soft hands and with the Jaguars low risk passing attack could have a career year in his 3rd season. Last year Lewis had 391 yards and 2 touchdowns. Don't be surprised if that touchdown total at least doubles this year.
Zach Miller Raiders: Miller had a very good rookie year as he caught 44 passes and 3 touchdowns. Miller has a growing connection with JaMarcus Russell and if Javon Walker isn't fully healthy, could have a big year. Don't be surprised if Miller catches at least 60 passes this year.
Brent Celek Eagles: Celek may have only caught 16 passes last year, but he showed lots of potential at the end of the year and with his great size and L.J. Smith's injury history, Celek could get a very good chance to start and could put up big numbers.
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