Fansided

Top 20 NFL breakout candidates in 2017

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson (10) returns a punt against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson (10) returns a punt against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul Richardson

Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

Paul Richardson has not had a good first three years in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle took a gamble on the former wideout from Colorado with their second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. To date, he has only 51 catches for 599 yards and two touchdowns.

That being said, Richardson actually had a strong end to his 2016 campaign. Apparently something clicked with him around the holiday season. From Week 16 on Christmas Eve, Richardson had at least three receptions for 40 yards in the Seahawks’ final four games of the year, including the playoffs.

Richardson had 15 catches for 203 yards and two touchdowns since Week 16. His best game actually came in Seattle’s NFC Divisional Round defeat to the Atlanta Falcons, 36-20. Richardson had four catches for 83 yards.

It isn’t just Richardson finally figuring out the nuances of offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s passing game that indicates a strong fourth year for Richardson. Keep in mind that vertical threat Tyler Lockett is dealing with a severely broken leg. Quarterback Russell Wilson will need more than possession receiver Doug Baldwin to make plays this fall. It’s Richardson’s time to shine in the liquid sunshine of the Pacific Northwest.

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