Thread: Is third year a charm for these receivers?

By Michael Fabiano
NFL.com Fantasy Expert

(May 11, 2007) -- Here's a little bit of football trivia: What do Harold Carmichael, Stanley Morgan, Terrell Owens, Rod Smith, Santana Moss, Steve Smith and Javon Walker have in common? Aside from the obvious answer, all of them recorded statistical breakouts in their third season at the pro level.

This trend has been viable for several decades, from the likes of Homer Jones and Charley Taylor in the 1960s, Carmichael and Steve Largent in the 1970s, Ricky Sanders and Steve Watson in the 1980s, Owens and Rod Smith in the 1990s, and Moss, Steve Smith and Walker in the current era. It even occurred last season as Bernard Berrian, Jerricho Cotchery, Lee Evans, Devery Henderson and Roy Williams all had their greatest statistical performances in what was their third NFL season.

With the numbers to back it, this trend has become a popular tool in the world of fantasy football to determine potential breakout and sleeper candidates at the wide receiver position. With that in mind and in our continued effort to prepare owners for next season's drafts, here's our list of the top 15 wideouts that will enter their third season in 2007.

http://www.nfl.com/fantasy/story/10176818

Well lets hope that TWill gets it right

8. Troy Williamson, Minnesota: Williamson seemed to have experienced at least a slight rise in value earlier in the offseason with Travis Taylor out of the mix, but the selections of Sidney Rice, Aundrae Allison and Chandler Williams in April's draft could mean that Williamson now needs to earn a roster spot in training camp. However, he is still a wideout to watch in preseason action.

This is Williamsons last chance as far as im concerned.
If he doesnt have 700 yds 7 td's this year I say cut him.
Right now he is looking like a wasted #7 pick.
Not that he has had a good QB throwing him the ball.
Hopefully he can break out this year.

I certainly hope that he does...we don't need any busts with our top picks...that doesn't lend itself to championships!

Fabiano did not think much of T-will.
He has Chris Henry ranked ahead of him.
Henry is suspended for eight games, and with that cat's past, I would not be surprised to see him get in trouble again and sit the entire season.

well if he expects to play ball he better perform he has had flashes of potential now he needs to put up or shut up.
MMLV

I am giving T. Will the benefit of the doubt.
Maybe it's wishful thinking but I truly feel that he can be a great attribute to this team and can be a player that other Defenses have to plan around.
He has the speed, the atheltic ability, he just needs to get back to the basics and thats catching the damn ball.
I would imagine that Childress has and will address this alot during the next 5 months.
That NIke eye test he did might help a little but hard work and patience will be key.

It could be more like 3 strikes and yer out.

But I'd rather they all have a breakout year!