Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports
Rueben Randle (New York Giants)
While the guys above have at least started to break out to some degree, Randle didn’t quite make the expected leap in 2013. He still scored six touchdowns in his second campaign, but a poor season from Eli Manning and the offense held him back. The sky could be the limit for Randle in 2014, however, as he’ll take over as New York’s #2 receiver. Hakeem Nicks is out of the picture, opening the door for legit WR2 value for Randle.
Jarrett Boykin (Green Bay Packers)
James Jones’ departure to Oakland should give the undrafted Boykin every opportunity to take a major step forward in 2014. The Packers have been high on him from day one and his numbers from 2013 (49 receptions, 681 yards and three touchdowns) suggest he might be ready to take the next step. Green Bay has a lot of mouths to feed, but he should return WR3 value at the very worst in such a potent system.
Marvin Jones (Cincinnati Bengals)
Jones has improved from a raw talent to a fairly useful red-zone option in Cincinnati. Most fantasy owners will remember him for his random four-touchdown game last season, but Jones actually put up six more touchdowns and cracked 700 receiving yards in just his second season. If he can fend of Mohamed Sanu for the #2 gig, he could post quality WR3 numbers again. Repeating the 10 touchdowns isn’t very likely, however.
Mohamed Sanu (Cincinnati Bengals)
Sanu took a solid leap in his second season and showed the hands and route-running ability of a future PPR threat. Unfortunately, he’s on the same team as A.J. Green and Marvin Jones will be battling him for targets as well. He’s merely a WR4 until he gains some separation from Jones (a major if).
Chris Givens (St. Louis Rams)
Givens has proven to be a fairly solid deep threat the past two seasons, but consistency has not been his strong suit and he has just three touchdowns to his name. His third season could be time for a major breakout, although the Rams did add Kenny Britt and could add another receiver in the draft. It’s quite possibly now or never for Givens, who will enter 2014 as a WR4.