AFC Wide Receiver Breakout Candidates: Anthony Gonzalez, Chris Henry, Eddie Royal

While we all know Randy Moss and Terrell Owens are the big names atop the wide receiver board in the AFC this year, perhaps the more intriguing question is: who will be this year's Wes Welker? Who is going to emerge from mediocrity into the category of superstar. Well, it all starts with a breakout year, and here are three candidates to do just that.

Anthony Gonzalez

The first candidate in the AFC that I would consider to have a breakout season is Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez. With the departure of Marvin Harrison, Gonzalez steps into the WR#2 role with the Colts. Last year, playing in the slot, Gonzalez recorded 57 receptions for 664 yards. He also reached the end zone four times. So, why should we expect a breakout from the Ohio State product this year? Well, think about the monster numbers Reggie Wayne put up while being a number two wide receiver behind Marvin Harrison. This year, Wayne will attract all the attention from defenses, and Peyton Manning should have a field day picking apart secondaries apart and finding Gonzalez open.

2009 Predicted Stats: 80 catches, 1100 yards, 7 TDs

Chris Henry

Chris Henry is in a somewhat similar situation in Cincinnati. TJ Houshmanzadeh was considered the Bengals number one wide receiver last year, and he has departed for the Seahawks. Chad Ochocinco is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2008 campaign, but has the talent to attract double teams from defense. As long as Henry can stay out of legal trouble, he should be all set to have a big year. Carson Palmer is coming back to run the offense, and the Bengals are looking to feature a run and gun style offense this year. In 2008, Henry played in 12 games and had 19 catches for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns. His biggest year was actually his second year in the league when he had 36 catches for 605 yards and 9 touchdowns. I expect a jump from those numbers.

2009 Predicted Stats: 55 catches, 1000 yards, 8 TDs

Eddie Royal

The last wide receiver I expect to have a breakout campaign in the AFC is Eddie Royal. As 99% of football fans know, Josh McDaniel is now the head coach is Denver. There has been plenty of controversy surrounding McDaniel so far. However, we do know that he knows how to game plan in offense. Look at all the success he had in New England. More importantly, look at all the success Wes Welker had in New England. Eddie Royal is expected to be the Wes Welker of Denver, and he is perfectly suited to fill this role. While his numbers might not be quite as good as Welker's by the end of '09, I would definitely expect a huge year. As a rookie last year, Royal had 91 catches for 980 yards and 5 touchdowns. Things are looking up from there.

2009 Predicted Stats: 105 catches, 1150 yards, 7 TDs

Sources: http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=GON586238; http://www.nfl.com/players/chrishenry/profile?id=HEN601374; http://www.nfl.com/players/eddieroyal/profile?id=ROY461040