2009 could be a breakout year for wide receivers

By Lou DiPietro  |   Wednesday, May 13, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

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Every year, there are a bunch of players who are predicted to have breakout seasons in the NFL. In that vein, 2009 could be the year of the wide receiver. Much like Roddy White and Wes Welker in the last couple years -- and the likes of Kevin Walter and Bernard Berrian to lesser extents -- there are a bunch of fairly unheralded wideouts who are poised to possibly have career years.

Looking at the top three candidates, their potential for success is based on different factors. But whether it be acquisitions, departures, health or offensive scheme change, this trio could be huge in '09.

No. 3: Greg Camarillo, Miami Dolphins

For Camarillo, his breakout assistance includes health and offensive scheme change.

To some, he may have already had his breakout year in 2008. Camarillo was becoming one of Chad Pennington’s favorite targets, but a torn ACL in Week 12 ended his campaign after 55 catches and 613 yards. But in his absence, something happened: Others stepped up. Davone Bess ended up having a fine rookie year, Ted Ginn Jr. finally started to show flashes of why he was a top 10 draft pick and tight end Anthony Fasano had another solid year.

Looking solely at the stats, it may appear that Miami’s pass offense is very balanced, but a deeper look tells you that Camarillo is Pennington’s guy. While Bess, Ginn and Camarillo all had approximately the same production last year, Camarillo did it in five fewer games. If Ginn can be the outside threat the Dolphins thought they drafted and Bess can continue to develop into a solid No. 2 guy, Camarillo could surreptitiously have a Welker-like season as the slot WR -- a position that could become especially important if the Dolphins continue to run the "Wildcat" offense more and more.


No. 2: Rashied Davis, Chicago Bears

Sure, Davis is going to be 30, but thanks to acquisitions -- well, one acquisition: QB Jay Cutler -- this could be his big break. The undrafted San Jose State product has steadily improved each of the last three years, establishing new career highs of 35 catches and 445 yards in 2008. But until now, he’s always been a complement.

In the Rex Grossman era, Davis was the third or fourth receiver; Muhsin Muhammad was the capable possession receiver, with Berrian the vertical threat. And even last year, when all three were gone and Kyle Orton was the signal-caller, the pass offense seemed to favor speedster Devin Hester and the tight ends in a very limited vertical offense.

Not this year. Cutler’s 2008 total of 4,526 passing yards? That’s 700 more than the Bears’ all-time best single-season mark that belongs to, of all people, Erik Kramer. So to say Chicago’s offense will be more pass-happy would be an understatement.

Cutler had three very good receivers last year, and Davis does have talent around him. Hester is still there, and the speedster will definitely see a lot of deep balls. The Bears are also high on second-year man Earl Bennett and 2009 third-round pick Juaquin Iglesias, as they feel they have four capable receivers. Remember, very few thought Brandon Marshall or Eddie Royal were going to be superstars; but last year under Cutler, they racked up 195 catches, 2,245 yards and 11 TDs between them. Don’t be surprised if Davis, Hester and one of the kids fill the Marshall/Royal/Brandon Stokley molds well.

No. 1: Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams

In Avery’s case, his breakout chance stems from the departure side, as in most of St. Louis’ other receivers. Torry Holt, whom the Rams released, is now in Jacksonville. Veterans Dane Looker and Dante Hall? Gone. And even with new franchise tackle Jason Smith aboard, the Rams’ running game could suffer if Steven Jackson is once again plagued by injury.

As a rookie last year, Avery put up pretty impressive numbers on a bad team -- 53 catches for 674 yards and three TDs, all totals good for second on the team behind Holt -- and was the Rams’ rookie of the year. He clearly has the talent, but the combination of playing with Holt and Jackson, not to mention a 2-14 record, overshadowed his accomplishments quite a bit.

Avery is now clearly St. Louis’ No. 1 guy. QB Marc Bulger is healthy, and the same goes for Jackson. If they maintain and Avery’s colleagues -- fellow second-year man Keenan Burton, new acquisition Laurent Robinson and former special teamer Derek Stanley -- can contribute more than they have previously, Avery could have a great season.

If you’re a fervent fantasy GM, these guys should at the least be worth a look in deeper leagues or leagues that allow you to play three or more receivers at a time. And if you’re a Bears, Dolphins or Rams fan…well, you might find yourself with a Pro Bowler when all is said and done.
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About Lou DiPietro

Lou DiPietro is an accomplished freelance writer who is fascinated with all things sports. In addition to his duties at RealFootball365.com, Lou contributes to TheBleacherReport.com and Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine, and has been featured on "The Sports Buffet with Matt West" on 1080-AM ESPN ...
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