Second-Year Wide Receiver Breakout Candidates
by Matthew Gajewski, April 6, 2020Arguably the most unproven receiver room in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts sit with T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell atop their wide receiver depth chart. While Campbell appeared in only seven games as a rookie, the former second-round pick should receive opportunity early in Indianapolis. The Colts already traded their first-round pick for DeForest Buckner, increasing Campbell’s likelihood of seeing the field. With little competition in his way, the former Buckeye is a strong candidate for a second-year breakout.
A second-year receiver from Toledo, Diontae Johnson looks capable of taking a second-year leap in Pittsburgh. He already appeared to ascend near the end of 2019, posting 59 receptions and 680 receiving yards on 92 (No. 37) targets. Looking at the Steelers offense alone, this team completely collapsed without Ben Roethlisberger. With Big Ben now set to return, it’s wheels up for Johnson.