Like my last post, I will be breaking down how my predictions for who would break out last year look now. This time it is wide receivers and tight ends and while some didn't do that well, others did what I expected and more.
Wide Receiver:
Calvin Johnson Lions:
What I said: 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.
Now: Even though he had multiple quarterbacks throwing him the ball, Johnson did what I expected and more in his second season. He averaged over 17 yards a catch and had over 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns. Johnson is now one of the elite receivers in the league and will be a guy everyone is fighting for in your fantasy league. If Matthew Stafford comes in and develops into everything the Lions think he can be, as scary as it is, Johnson can get even better.
Hit or Miss: Hit
Sidney Rice Vikings:
What I said: 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.
Now: Rice had nagging injuries all of last year and his stats took a big hit. While he did have four touchdowns, he only had 15 catches and averaged less than ten yards per. On the bright side, Rice is only 22 and is entering his third year which is a year where receivers such as Roddy White and Braylon Edwards took their games to the next level. The only problem is, the Vikings still aren't settled at quarterback.
Hit or Miss: Miss
Santonio Holmes Steelers:
What I said: 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.
Now: Holmes had a solid regular season, but decided to breakout on the grandest of stages. Holmes was named the MVP of the Super Bowl after his 9 catch 131 yard performance. This also included a touchdown catch in the very last minute that will be replayed along with the David Tyree helmet in the NFL Films vault for the next 50 years. Considering his big game performance and Hines Ward's decline, many people will be expecting Holmes to become the number one receiver and possibly make his first Pro Bowl this upcoming year.
Hit or Miss: Hit
Mike Walker Jaguars:
What I said: 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.
Now: Walker always shows flashes of potential, but those glimpses are always ruined due to injuries. After his first career 100 yard game on Sunday Night Football, Walker then goes on to miss the next four games as he's in the hospital with a staph infection. The Jags are looking for a receiver to start opposite Torry Holt now though and as of now, Walker is the leader in the clubhouse.
Hit or Miss: Push
Anthony Gonzalez Colts:
What I said: 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.
Now: Gonzalez had a year very similar to his first as he had 664 yards and 4 touchdowns. Now that Marvin Harrison has been released, Gonzalez will be the starter and should get more balls thrown his way. He will probably never be a number one, but Gonzalez could develop into a premier number two receiver.
Hit or Miss: Push
Chansi Stuckey Jets:
What I said: 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.
Now: Stuckey was one of the pleasant early season surprises as he scored a touchdown in each of his first three games. However, that was all he scored. With the departure of Laveranues Coles, Stuckey should get more balls thrown his way and touchdowns this year.
Hit or Miss: Miss
Tight End:
Ben Utecht Bengals:
What I said: 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.
Now: Utecht only played 10 games last season but for someone who was primed to have a breakout year, he really disappointed. In an offense that has been looking for a pass catching tight end, Utecht only caught 16 passes for 123 yards. The Bengals drafted Chase Coffman in the third round this year so it will be interesting to see what ends up happening with Utecht.
Hit or Miss: Miss
Marcedes Lewis Jaguars:
What I said: 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.
Now: Lewis actually had his best year statistically catching 41 balls for 498 yards. It is amazing how the Jaguars considering their receiver situation last year didn't throw it more to the 6'6 Lewis. Lewis is a productive player but in Jacksonville will never have the numbers worthy of a first round pick. If you switched the picks of Lewis and Maurice Jones-Drew, you would be looking at an excellent draft.
Hit or Miss: Push
Zach Miller Raiders:
What I said: 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.
Now: Miller definitely built off his early connection with Russell as he is now one of the best tight ends in the league. While he had 778 yards last year, Miller only had one touchdown last year. As the Raiders young receivers continue to develop, look for that number to improve and for Miller to keep on getting better.
Hit or Miss: Hit
Brent Celek Eagles:
What I said: 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.
Now: Celek didn't have many opportunities to shine last year, but he made the most of them. This included a 131 yard game against the Seahawks and a 10 catch game along with two touchdowns in the NFC Championship game. With L.J. Smith out of town, Celek will now be the starter and it wouldn't be surprising if he caught 50 balls this year.
Hit or Miss: Push
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