Being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft means a lot, but teams tend to be impatient. Production must match the expectations within the first couple of seasons, or they’ll find a replacement. Three wide receivers stand out as candidates to be replaced unless they turn it around in year three.
Year 3 Wide Receivers Entering Make-or-Break Season
Jameson Williams – Detroit Lions
Jameson Williams remains one of the most electrifying prospects in recent memory. After a slow start at Ohio State, Williams transferred to Alabama for his third and final college season. The speedster racked up over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns during his lone season in the SEC. His prolific season ended with a devastating injury, suffering a torn ACL in the National Championship game.
Despite a significant injury just months before draft day, the Detroit Lions believed in Williams’ ability and selected him 12th overall. It’s no surprise his rookie season was uneventful, as he spent most of the year recovering, but expectations remained high entering his second season. However, Williams was suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy and missed a few games.
Following the suspension, Williams rejoined the team in week five with only one career reception. He received a light workload at first but topped 40 receiving yards in five games following Detroit’s bye week. Williams was a key role player by the end of the season, reaching the end zone twice in the NFC Championship game.
Williams heads into year three with fewer than 600 career yards from scrimmage, including playoff games. It’s tough to envision Williams being a high-volume player within a crowded offense. But there’s reason to believe it’s not over yet. He’s seemingly won over Detroit’s coaching staff, and head coach Dan Campbell relayed that sentiment this offseason. It’s a make-or-break year for Williams, as he’s finally gifted a chance to prove himself as a starter.
Jahan Dotson – Washington Commanders
If you went back a year ago, it’d be surprising to see Jahan Dotson on this list. Dotson had a promising rookie campaign that yielded over 500 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games. But Dotson suffered a sophomore slump, and now his future is unclear. Despite the Commanders topping 4,000 passing yards in 2023, Dotson’s numbers remained the same despite playing in all 17 games.
Dotson in 2022: 61 targets, 35 receptions, 523 yards, 7 TDs (12 games)
Dotson in 2023: 83 targets, 49 receptions, 518 yards, 4 TDs (17 games)
Dotson’s saving grace is the reconstruction of the Commanders’ offense. Washington replaced quarterback Sam Howell with Jayden Daniels in a move expected to improve the entire offense. Additionally, Dotson figures to see more targets with the departure of Curtis Samuel, Washington’s runner-up in receiving yards last year. From the coaching staff to the roster Washington made multiple moves to give Dotson a better opportunity. Now it’s up to him to take advantage.
Treylon Burks – Tennessee Titans
On the opposite end of the “opportunity spectrum” is Tennessee’s Treylon Burks. Unlike his peers, it appears as if Burks’ organization doesn’t want to see him on the field. The Titans signed Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd this offseason to go with incumbent starter DeAndre Hopkins. Even in the most pass-heavy offenses, there are typically just three receivers on the field, so these signings spell trouble for Burks.
In Tennessee’s defense, they invested a lot in Burks, and the results have been disappointing. Tennessee traded A.J. Brown to Philadelphia for the 18th overall pick, which they used to draft Burks. Burks had unrealistically big shoes to fill due to a head-scratching trade and couldn’t deliver.
NFL coaches love saying that “Availability is the best ability,” and Burks has been very unavailable. After missing six games as a rookie, he missed six more games during his second season. There are legitimate excuses for Burks missing games, but at some point, he has to demonstrate an ability to stay on the field. Whether it be with the Titans or another organization, time is running out for the former first-round selection. To save his career, Burks must stay healthy and seize opportunities when they arise.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Detroit Free Press
