2006 Third Year Wide Receiver List

For those of you who are really into Fantasy Football, you know what this story is going to be about. For Fantasy Football, it is in the third year that the wide receiver is supposed to have their breakout performance.

I've compiled a list of this year's top ten third year wide receiver list. From a draft viewpoint, there aren't too many names that make me want to say yes. The 2006 third year wide receivers are (in order of NFL drafted position)

2006 Third Year Wide Receivers

01. Larry Fitzgerald, ARZ Already a fantasy superstar.
02. Roy Williams, DET Only superstar now that Mike Williams and Charles Rogers are struggling
03. Reggie Williams, JAX Run heavy team, should be dissappointing
04. Lee Evans, BUF #1 guy now that Moulds is gone. I like it!
05. Michael Clayton, TB Simms has a nice target to pass to.
06. Michael Jenkins, ATL Lelie and poor QB Vick make this a bust.
07. Rashaun Woods, SD New QB and limited action - 160 career yds.
08. Devery Henderson, NO Horn and Stallworth run this show.
09. Darius Watts, DEN Too much depth in Denver.
10. Keary Colbert, CAR Could explode if Smith is injured.

As you can see, This year's crop of third year wr's is pretty weak. Larry Fitz is the only top 5 receiver listed. This year I wouldn't complain if I grabbed Lee Evans in the middle/late rounds as my 3rd wideout. I would keep an eye on the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay to see how they do early in the season.

I've looked at a few of the stats, and I'm not really buying the third year rule. To me, a lot of wide receivers have the biggest increase in production in their second year. This doesn't mean I'm going to go load up on the sophomores, but for those in deep leagues or have a team plagued with injury, keep an eye out on the second year receivers.

This year's NFL sophomore class of wideouts are: Troy Williamson (Min), Mike Williams (Det), Matt Jones (Jax), Mark Clayton (Bal), Roddy White (ATL), and Reggie Brown (Phi). Reggie Brown is the man in Philly now that Terrell Owens is gone. McNabb will be throwing downfield, so be sure to grab Reggie Brown. Troy Williamson is another choice since their is no clear cut number one in Minny.

Hope this information is helpful for your draft. Good luck this season and remember to have fun!