Lance Moore only caught 32 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns in 2007. In 2008, he caught 79 passes for 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. It came from out of nowhere, considering all the other receiving options in New Orleans, but that doesn't mean we can't start grasping at who could be the one who goes from relative fantasy obscurity to a great contributor in the time of one season. Let's check it out those who will likely see an expanded role in their offense next season, in addition to growth as a playmaker. Please realize these are for deep keeper leagues. Do not even think about keeping any of these over an elite receiver.
Donnie Avery, Rams -- As I said in my top-10 picks post about Steven Jackson, the Rams can't get any worse. They'll figure some things out in the offseason and Mr. Avery is going to be an important part of the offense for any new administration due to his youth. We saw the flashes of talent this time around, and next season we'll see him grow into a real NFL receiver. Plus, it's not like his division is chock full of beastly defenses.
DeSean Jackson, Eagles -- He was a fickle option, to say the least. Still, he was only a rookie, and it was obvious the Eagles thought highly of his big-play ability. You know they like to throw the football, and he's easily their most talented wideout.
James Hardy, Bills -- Never really got a chance in the Buffalo offense, but he has the physical tools not many others do.
Jason Hill, 49ers -- He began to emerge in the second half of the season as the Niners found their stride. He never put up big numbers, but Isaac Bruce is -- as you know -- a thousand years old. The new guard is right around the corner as the Niners are set to become players in the weak NFC West.
Josh Morgan, 49ers -- As I said above, new guard. I actually like the upside of Morgan much more than Hill. He's the future WR1 for the Niners. The only question is whether he gets to the echelon we want in 2009 or 2010.
Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders -- The Raiders closed the season with two wins over decent opponents. In those games, Higgins caught six passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. The strength of the Raiders is going to be the running game with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, but JaMarcus Russell is going to need a deep threat. Higgins is a gamebreaker, and I'm hardly confident about Ronald Curry, Javon Walker or Ashley Lelie at this point.
Andre Caldwell, Bengals -- Unless the Bengals' "strong" finish -- a three-game winning streak which killed their draft status -- made the front office believe they would have been strong with Carson Palmer at the helm this season, they'll find a way to part with Chad Johnson and Chris Henry. They may even let T.J. Houshmandzadeh walk, though I doubt it. Either way, Caldwell is a very talented receiver who caught five passes in Week 17 and will be getting a much better quarterback next season after he's had a year to learn the system.
