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NFL: What to expect from rookie wide receivers

By Lyle Graversen

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Sammy Watkins (Clemson) poses for a photo after being selected as the number four overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Sammy Watkins (Clemson) poses for a photo after being selected as the number four overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) following a reception in the second half against the New England Patriots in the first half of the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) following a reception in the second half against the New England Patriots in the first half of the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2010 NFL Draft

No. 22 – Demaryius Thomas – Denver Broncos – 22 rec, 283 yards, 2 TDs

No. 24 – Dez Bryant – Dallas Cowboys – 45 rec, 561 yards, 6 TDs

Of the five NFL draft classes that are on this list, 2010 had the fewest wide receivers taken with only two. However, those two were both hugely successful picks. If you were making a short list of the best current wide receivers in the NFL, both Thomas and Bryant would be on the list.

You can see that Bryant was more successful as a rookie as Thomas only hauled in 22 receptions. Bryant’s 45 receptions for 561 yards and 6 TDs was solid, but it still wasn’t really what you would call a dominant performance. The 2010 class proves that even if a team hits on a great wide receiver with their first round pick it doesn’t always translate to huge numbers right away as a rookie.

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