Last year we saw NFL wide receivers such as Chris Godwin, Deebo Samuel, and Courtland Sutton have their breakout years. Every year a few receivers step onto the scene to become elite and these are some of the wide receivers that could be due for their breakout seasons.
NFL Wide Receivers Due for Breakout Seasons
5. N’Keal Harry
N’Keal Harry was selected in the first round of the 2019 draft by the New England Patriots. Many assumed he would fit in nicely and be the big target the Patriots missed without Rob Gronkowski. Instead, Harry had a disappointing year by only accumulating 12 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Most of this was in part to Harry missing the majority of the season due to injuries. With Julian Edelman turning 34 years old and the departure of Tom Brady, Harry looks to be the favorite target of fellow second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham in 2020.
4. Parris Campbell
Parris Campbell was drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Campbell had an injury-filled rookie season with a broken foot, broken hand, and sports hernia in 2019. In the few games where Campbell did play and was healthy, he showed off his incredible speed and put up respectable numbers for a rookie. Campbell also gets a better quarterback this year with the addition of Philip Rivers in free agency. Campbell’s elite speed will be something Rivers will look to use often in 2020.
3. Preston Williams
Preston Williams was undrafted during the 2019 draft and signed by the Miami Dolphins. During his rookie campaign, he managed to put up 32 catches for 428 yards and four touchdowns. Those stats aren’t unbelievable but Williams only played until Week 9 where he tore his ACL during a game against the New York Jets. Many thought the Dolphins would draft a wide receiver in the 2020 draft with the amount of draft capital they possessed. Instead, they passed on every receiver in the draft showing that they have a lot of confidence in Williams going into the 2020 season.
2. Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson, another 2019 draft pick, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round. He had a great rookie season posting 59 catches for 680 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson was named second-team All-Pro at the conclusion of last year’s season. He managed to have that good of a year with the worst quarterback play in the NFL. After Ben Roethlisberger was injured at the beginning of the season he had to catch passes from Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges who are both horrible. Roethlisberger will return for the 2020 season which means Johnson should have an even better year.
1. Calvin Ridley
Ridley was drafted in the first round of the 2018 draft by the Atlanta Falcons and had an incredible rookie year. In 2019, many hoped he would explode onto the scene and become an elite receiver building upon his great rookie year. Ridley managed to still have a somewhat productive year but was very inconsistent from week to week with his play. He also suffered an abdominal injury at the end of the year causing him to miss a few weeks. Ridley will once again be lined up opposite of future Hall of Fame wide receiver Julio Jones. This will allow Ridley to face a lot of one on ones and have less safety help over the top because of the focus on Jones. The Falcons lost Austin Hooper in free agency which means Ridley’s target share will increase as well.
