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NFL: 3 rookie wide receivers to watch in 2014

By Bryan Gibberman

Aug 8, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) stands on the field prior to the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) stands on the field prior to the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) reaches out for a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson (25) defends during second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Tennessee Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) reaches out for a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson (25) defends during second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Tennessee Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2014 NFL Draft was flush with wide receivers. In the seven-round event 33 WRs were selected.

The highest profile and most talented was Sammy Watkins out of Clemson. The Buffalo Bills traded up to get him with the fourth-overall selection, but he won’t be on the list, even though I think he has the highest ceiling of the bunch. Quarterback E.J. Manuel and the Bills run heavy attack will likely lead to him putting up numbers not worthy of his skills.

Mike Evans, out of Texas A&M, was the second pass catcher taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at seven. He’s in a similar situation as Watkins – questionable QB play featuring Josh McCown plus another top flight wide receiver in Vincent Jackson. Jackson could be a positive if McCown spreads the ball around.

These two have a strong opportunity to be the best receivers over time, but I don’t believe they will have an immediate impact this season, at least form a statistical perspective.

Here are three rookie wide receivers to watch for big seasons this year.

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