As we approach fantasy football drafts, it’s always fun to look ahead at potential breakout receivers who could vault into stardom. Finding those diamonds in the rough or younger players ready to step into larger roles can give your team a major boost. Let’s take a look at 15 wide receivers who have breakout potential heading into the 2023 season.
Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders
Jahan Dotson 2022 Stats
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
2022 Regular Season
12
35
61
2.9
523
14.9
43.6
7
61
2
0.2
-7
-3.5
-0.6
0
3
516
7
0
0
Jahan Dotson Madden 24 Ratings:
Jahan Dotson: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Overall
77
Jahan Dotson: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Catching
84
Carrying
74
Spectacular Catch
85
Catch in Traffic
80
Jahan Dotson Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Short Route Running
77
Medium Route Running
80
Deep Route Running
80
Jahan Dotson: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Speed
92
Acceleration
94
Strength
61
Agility
84
Awareness
77
Stamina
88
Injury
90
Toughness
81
Jahan Dotson led Washington in receiving touchdowns as a rookie in 2022 despite missing 5 games due to injury. With Terry McLaurin still recovering from a lingering toe injury, Dotson could see an expanded role as the team’s top receiver option, especially early in the season.The 16th overall pick in 2022 showed strong route running ability and contested catch skills last season. He finished the year strong too, with an impressive 24% target share over the final 5 weeks. Even with lingering questions at quarterback, Dotson’s talent and potential volume make him an intriguing breakout candidate in year 2.
As a rookie, Dotson dealt with shaky quarterback play just like McLaurin has throughout his career. But he still managed to tie the veteran receiver in targets and production over the last 5 games of 2022. Dotson has a chance to establish himself as a go-to option for whoever earns the starting quarterback job. His efficiency and nose for the end zone give him weekly upside. Keep an eye on McLaurin’s toe injury, as it could open the door for an expanded role for Dotson. He has true breakout potential if he becomes the top guy in Washington.
Skyy Moore, Kansas City Chiefs
Skyy Moore 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
16
22
33
1.4
250
11.4
15.6
0
30
3
0.2
24
8.0
1.5
0
12
410
0
3
3
Madden 24 Ratings:
Skyy Moore: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Overall Rating
Skyy Moore
73
Skyy Moore: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Catching
Carrying
Spectacular Catch
Catch in Traffic
Skyy Moore
84
78
86
70
Skyy Moore: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Short Route Running
Medium Route Running
Deep Route Running
Skyy Moore
75
72
74
Skyy Moore: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Speed
Acceleration
Strength
Agility
Awareness
Stamina
Injury
Toughness
Skyy Moore
89
95
69
86
70
85
86
80
Second year receiver Skyy Moore could be poised to break out in 2023 by taking over the vacant slot receiver role in the Chiefs’ offense. As a rookie in 2022, Moore struggled to earn playing time and finished with just 33 catches for 250 yards. However, when he did get opportunities, he was efficient from the slot. Patrick Mahomes has frequently praised Moore throughout training camp, indicating he could be in for a much larger role this season.
With 135 vacated targets from departed receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, Moore has a prime opportunity to become Mahomes’ top slot target. The Chiefs want to get Moore involved given his draft pedigree, and he should benefit from Mahomes’ elite quarterback play. In an offense that produces prolific fantasy receivers, Moore has clear breakout appeal in year 2 if he can seize the starting slot job. A revamped role and Mahomes’ trust could lead to a highly productive season for the talented young receiver.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
Romeo Doubs 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
13
42
67
3.2
425
10.1
32.7
3
26
1
0.1
11
11.0
0.8
0
11
475
3
2
1
Madden 24 Ratings:
Romeo Doubs: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Overall Rating
Romeo Doubs
74
Romeo Doubs: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Catching
Carrying
Spectacular Catch
Catch in Traffic
Romeo Doubs
84
67
81
76
Romeo Doubs: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Short Route Running
Medium Route Running
Deep Route Running
Romeo Doubs
75
76
76
Romeo Doubs: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Player Name
Speed
Acceleration
Strength
Agility
Awareness
Stamina
Injury
Toughness
Romeo Doubs
92
94
60
85
76
86
89
86
Second year Packers receiver Romeo Doubs is an intriguing breakout candidate as a potential top receiving option besides Christian Watson. Doubs is an explosive deep threat who compares stylistically to Packers star Davante Adams. While Watson profiles as the “X” receiver, Doubs can fill the “Z” role and use his speed tobreak open the top off defenses.
Doubs has turned heads this preseason as Jordan Love’s favorite target. He had an impressive 100% route participation rate with Love in preseason games, along with strong efficiency numbers. If Aaron Rodgers has declined, then Love will need to take more deep shots, an area where Doubs excels. He finished last season strong too, earning Rodgers’ trust down the stretch. Doubs has an opportunity to emerge as the clear number two receiving option in Green Bay this year. His rapport with Love and deep threat ability give him major fantasy breakout potential.
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
17
52
84
3.1
801
15.4
47.1
4
42
3
0.2
24
8.0
1.4
1
22
825
5
0
0
George Pickens: Madden 24 Ratings
Overall Madden 24 Ratings:
Category
Rating
OVR
80
Receiving Madden 24 Ratings:
Category
Rating
Catching
87
Carrying
74
Spectacular Catch
94
Catch in Traffic
90
Route Running Madden 24 Ratings:
Category
Rating
Short Route Running
80
Medium Route Running
79
Deep Route Running
78
Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings:
Category
Rating
Speed
90
Acceleration
93
Strength
61
Agility
90
Awareness
81
Stamina
86
Injury
85
Toughness
79
Steelers rookie receiver George Pickens turned heads last season with some incredible contested catches. While he didn’t put up huge numbers overall, he developed impressively as a route runner throughout the year. Entering 2022, Pickens is expected to be Kenny Pickett’s top target as the go-to receiver in Pittsburgh’s offense.
As a second year player, Pickens should only continue to refine his game and improve his timing with Pickett. The two college teammates already built a strong connection at Pittsburgh. With JuJu Smith-Schuster gone, the top receiver role is open for the taking. Pickens is the favorite to seize it. If his impressive catches start coming through a full slate of snaps and targets, he will post big numbers. Don’t be surprised if Pickens establishes himself as a reliable WR2 by midseason and keeps building from there. His natural playmaking ability gives him clear breakout appeal in year two.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
Drake London 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
17
72
117
4.2
866
12.0
50.9
4
40
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
866
4
3
3
Madden 24 Ratings:
Drake London: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
Overall
80
Drake London: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
Catching
90
Carrying
73
Spectacular Catch
86
Catch in Traffic
86
Drake London: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
Short Route Running
79
Medium Route Running
77
Deep Route Running
72
Drake London: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
Speed
88
Acceleration
92
Strength
75
Agility
88
Awareness
83
Stamina
83
Injury
89
Toughness
88
Rookie Drake London immediately produced for the Falcons in 2022 on his way to 866 receiving yards. The first round pick will look to break out even further in his second season as a focal point of Atlanta’s passing attack. Despite shaky quarterback play, London impressed by earning a strong 2.41 yards per route run average. He finished especially strong, with an impressive 36 targets over the final four weeks.
New starting quarterback Desmond Ridder built a strong connection with London right away down the stretch last season. These two young talents should only continue to grow together in 2023. With Kyle Pitts and the emergence of RB recruit Bijan Robinson, London won’t face endless double teams. He should see plenty of single coverage and targets to produce a true breakout sophomore campaign. Don’t be surprised if London establishes himself as a reliable WR2 by season’s end.
Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman has been hyped going into his third NFL season after finally getting fully healthy. The former first round pick struggled with injuries during his first two seasons, limiting him to just 31 games. But when on the field, he flashed intriguing upside as a perimeter playmaker. With Marquise Brown traded to Arizona, Bateman should receive an expanded role as the clear top receiver for Lamar Jackson heading into 2023.
Baltimore traded Brown in part due to a belief in Bateman’s ability to take over as the alpha receiver. He and Jackson have built a strong rapport both on and off the field. With Mark Andrews drawing attention over the middle, Bateman should see plenty of single coverage opportunities to post big games. The Ravens are also expected to open up the passing game more this season to better support Jackson. Coming off a solid finish to 2022, a healthy Bateman is a prime breakout candidate with WR1 upside entering his third season.
Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys
Michael Gallup 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
14
39
74
2.8
424
10.9
30.3
4
27
0
0.0
0
0.0
0.0
0
424
4
0
0
0
Madden 24 Ratings:
Michael Gallup: Overall Madden 24 Ratings:
Overall Rating
80
Michael Gallup: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings:
Stat
Rating
Catching
86
Carrying
77
Spectacular Catch
77
Catch in Traffic
85
Michael Gallup: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings:
Stat
Rating
Short Route Running
80
Medium Route Running
82
Deep Route Running
84
Michael Gallup: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings:
Stat
Rating
Speed
91
Acceleration
89
Strength
68
Agility
87
Awareness
80
Stamina
87
Injury
85
Toughness
85
When healthy, Michael Gallup has been a productive outside receiver for the Cowboys, posting over 1,100 yards in 2019 and 2020. He got off to a strong start last season before a torn ACL cut his year short. Now over a year removed from the injury, Gallup is ready for a full slate of snaps again in 2022. With Amari Cooper gone, he has an opportunity to take over as Dak Prescott’s number one option.
Gallup has proven chemistry with Prescott and the talent to produce big numbers in Dallas’ elite offense. While CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz will remain involved, there are plenty of targets to go around a in a pass heavy attack. Gallup averaged over 15 yards per reception prior to last year, showing his impressive downfield playmaking skills. Don’t be surprised if a healthy Gallup returns to WR2 status, or possibly even WR1 numbers in his expanded role. He has major breakout appeal if his knee holds up this season.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
14
41
66
2.9
611
14.9
43.6
7
63
7
0.5
80
11.4
5.7
2
46
726
9
0
0
Madden 24 Ratings:
Christian Watson: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
OVR
77
Christian Watson: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Catching
83
Carrying
74
Spectacular Catch
83
Catch in Traffic
85
Christian Watson: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Short Route Running
76
Medium Route Running
79
Deep Route Running
81
Christian Watson: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Speed
96
Acceleration
94
Strength
65
Agility
85
Awareness
79
Stamina
80
Injury
87
Toughness
78
Christian Watson displayed tantalizing flashes as a rookie in 2022 when he was actually on the field. The second round pick battled injuries but still managed 4 touchdowns on just 34 targets. With blazing 4.3 speed and elite size at 6’4″, Watson is an athletic freak poised to break out in year two. He is expected to start immediately as the Packers top outside vertical threat following the trade of Davante Adams.
Watson will be relied upon to stretch the field and provide big play ability for Green Bay’s offense. Even if Aaron Rodgers has declined, Jordan Love has the aggressiveness to take shots downfield to Watson. He should also benefit from the departure of Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, opening up 130+ targets in the offense. Watson may start slowly coming off an injury shortened rookie year. But once he settles in, expect fireworks. His otherworldy physical gifts and opportunity give him sky high breakout potential.
Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
16
41
78
2.6
593
14.5
37.1
2
47
0
0.0
0
0.0
0.0
0
593
2
1
0
Alec Pierce Madden 24 Ratings:
Alec Pierce: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
OVR
74
Alec Pierce: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Catching
82
Carrying
75
Spectacular Catch
85
Catch in Traffic
84
Alec Pierce: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Short Route Running
74
Medium Route Running
76
Deep Route Running
77
Alec Pierce: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Attribute
Rating
Speed
92
Acceleration
94
Strength
62
Agility
79
Awareness
75
Stamina
83
Injury
87
Toughness
84
Rookie receiver Alec Pierce has been earning rave reviews in his first NFL training camp. The second round pick is expected to start opposite Michael Pittman Jr as one of the Colts’ top two receivers. He is an ideal fit to take the top off defenses with his impressive vertial speed and raw athleticism. New quarterback Matt Ryan has always loved pushing the ball downfield, an area where Pierce thrives.
Indianapolis lacked a true deep ball threat last season, hurting their passing game. Pierce has a chance to fill that role right away as a rookie starter. While Pittman should draw coverage focus, Pierce can exploit single coverage and create explosive plays. He put up huge numbers at Cincinnati by winning downfield and in contested situations. Expect Pierce to become a trusted target for Ryan, especially on shot plays. Don’t be surprised if he produces WR3/WR4 fantasy numbers out of the gates as a breakout rookie.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
JALEN TOLBERT 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
8
2
3
0.3
12
6.0
1.5
0
8
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
12
0
0
0
Madden 24 Ratings:
JALEN TOLBERT: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
OVR
70
JALEN TOLBERT: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
Catching
79
Carrying
72
Spectacular Catch
81
Catch in Traffic
74
JALEN TOLBERT: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
Short Route Running
70
Medium Route Running
73
Deep Route Running
75
JALEN TOLBERT: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Category
Rating
Speed
91
Acceleration
94
Strength
61
Agility
86
Awareness
64
Stamina
87
Injury
92
Toughness
87
Third round receiver for 2022 draft, Jalen Tolbert has been the talk of Dallas Cowboys training camp. He was reported to have out-snapped veteran receivers in camp and has earned first team practice reps. Tolbert has a chance to seize a key role right away alongside CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
Dak Prescott already praised Tolbert for his skill set and mindset. The Cowboys have an excellent track record of getting production immediately out of young receivers like Lamb and Gallup. Tolbert profiles in that same mold and will have every opportunity for a major role. Playing in one of the league’s top offenses with an elite QB, Tolbert could be this year’s surprise breakout rookie receiver. Don’t sleep on him in drafts.
DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
Devonta Smith 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
17
95
136
5.6
1196
12.6
70.4
7
45
0
0.0
0
0.0
0.0
0
1211
7
1
1
Devonta Smith Madden 24 Ratings:
Devonta Smith: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
Rating
Value
OVR
87
Devonta Smith: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Rating
Value
Catching
94
Carrying
72
Spectacular Catch
88
Catch in Traffic
85
Devonta Smith: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Rating
Value
Short Route Running
88
Medium Route Running
86
Deep Route Running
88
Devonta Smith: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Rating
Value
Speed
91
Acceleration
94
Strength
49
Agility
91
Awareness
90
Stamina
92
Injury
89
Toughness
87
Former Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith quickly established himself as the Eagles top receiving option as a rookie in 2021. Despite questionable QB play, he managed 64 catches and 811 yards in his first season. Smith should take another step forward in year two as Jalen Hurts continues to develop as a passer. Philadelphia’s offense is on the rise, giving Smith a prime opportunity to break out.
Smith has a great rapport with Hurts and will remain his go-to perimeter receiver. His nuanced route running and quickness give him separation skills to consistently create space. With AJ Brown now drawing coverage on the other side, Smith should feast against single teams. He has true WR1 upside if Hurts takes the next step as a passer. Don’t be surprised to see Smith finish as a top 15 fantasy receiver, establishing himself as an elite talent.
Talented former first round pick Kadarius Toney is the quintessential post-hype breakout candidate for 2022. He struggled with injuries and never found a rhythm with the Giants after being drafted 20th overall last year. Now Toney gets a much-needed fresh start on the explosive Chiefs offense. This is the ideal situation to finally capitalize on his tantalizing potential.
Toney is a human highlight reel when healthy, bringing game-breaking YAC ability and speed. Andy Reid is the perfect innovative offensive mind to properly utilize Toney’s versatile skill set. Patrick Mahomes will allow Toney to thrive on short passes, screens, sweeps, and more. Don’t be surprised if Toney becomes one of the NFL’s most explosive role players this year. He can fulfill the “gadget” role better than almost any other player. Toney’s upside in KC’s offense is sky high.
Garrett Wilson already led the Jets in receiving as a rookie despite playing with backup-level QB play for much of 2022. He managed a promising 15.6 yards per reception along with 4 TDs in a struggling offense. The biggest development for 2022 is the addition of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Rodgers has already praised Wilson for his impressive skill set. He is locked in as the Jets alpha receiver this year.
The upside for Wilson this season is enormous. Surrounded by Rodgers and an improved offense, he will easily see 130+ targets. And he will actually catch them, unlike when Zach Wilson was throwing him hospital balls routinely. Wilson is ready to explode onto the scene as an elite fantasy receiver. Don’t be surprised if he finishes top 10 at the position as a sophomore. The Jets finally have the playmakers and quarterback to unleash his full potential.
Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans
Treylon Burks 2022 Stats:
GP
REC
TRG
REC/G
YDS
AVG
YPG
TD
LNG
ATT
ATT/G
YDS
YPC
YPG
TD
LNG
TOT YDS
TOT TD
FUM
LOST
11
33
54
3.0
444
13.5
40.4
1
51
4
0.4
47
11.8
4.3
0
20
491
2
0
0
Madden 24 Ratings for Treylon Burks:
Treylon Burks: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
OVR
75
Treylon Burks: Receiving Madden 24 Ratings
Receiving Stats
Rating
Catching
84
Carrying
77
Spectacular Catch
76
Catch in Traffic
77
Treylon Burks: Route Running Madden 24 Ratings
Route Running Stats
Rating
Short Route Running
76
Medium Route Running
75
Deep Route Running
71
Treylon Burks: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
Physical Stats
Rating
Speed
89
Acceleration
91
Strength
74
Agility
89
Awareness
77
Stamina
83
Injury
87
Toughness
84
Treylon Burks was drafted in the first round by Tennessee to take over for the departed AJ Brown as the team’s top receiver. It may take some time to adjust to the NFL game, but the opportunity is there for Burks in year one. He is expected to start immediately across from veteran Robert Woods. Burks has drawn rave reviews for his work ethic and performance in training camp.
At 6’3″ 225 lbs with 4.5 speed, Burks has an ideal build and skill set for the Titans offense. He and Ryan Tannehill seemed to build a strong connection this summer. If that rapport carries over, Burks could establish himself as the #1 option right away. There will be some volatility as a rookie, but the upside is sky high. Don’t be surprised if he produces WR3 numbers out of the gates. Big things are coming for Burks in Tennessee’s run-first attack.
Second year receiver Wan’Dale Robinson had his rookie season cut short by a torn ACL after flashing intriguing potential last year. While he played a “gadget” type role initially for New York, Robinson is slated for a full time starting job in 2022. He is expected to be the Giant’s primary slot receiver after drawing rave reviews from coaches for his route running.
Brian Daboll loves utilizing quick, shifty receivers like Robinson in the slot to create YAC. Daniel Jones needs targets he can count on, and Robinson fits the bill perfectly. He should quickly become one of Jones’ favorite and most reliable options, especially on third downs. Don’t be surprised if Robinson catches 70+ balls this year primarily on short routes. PPR leaguers should highlight him as a breakout candidate. Robinson is poised for a heavy dose of targets in his second season.
