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31.) Vincent Jackson, Bucs – After averaging 8 TDs in the previous three seasons, V-Jax only found the end zone twice last year. I’m more apt to blame QB Josh McCown but Jackson is 32 this year and is coming off a season with the lowest yards per catch (14.3) of his 10-year career. The upgrade in QB talent could give Jackson a late career boost, but the odds are just as good that he’s done.
32.) Brandon LaFell, Patriots – Surpassed his career best by 25 catches, 326 yards, and 2 TDs last year. LaFell was inconsistent early in the season while he struggled to devleop rapport with Brady, but averaged roughly 6-67 the last three weeks of the season and then scored 2 TDs in the playoffs. With a year under his belt in the Pats scheme and the best size among the Pats receivers, LaFell could be due for a breakout season.
33.) Steve Smith Jr, Ravens – Everyone thought Smith was washed up before last season, but he surprised the masses with a 79 | 1065 | 6 line. Smith had a rough patch late in the season but bounced back with 90+ yard games in two of his last three. He’s 36 years old so the end could come any day, but I’m not betting against Smith.
34.) Terrance Williams, Cowboys – A high efficiency receiver last season who could see a boost in targets with the loss of DaMarco Murray. He’ll compete for targets with Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley (who almost made this list as well), but Romo is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and should throw more this season. With Bryant drawing most of the attention, Williams has the talent to capitalize on 1-1 coverage and possibly have a breakout season.
35.) Eric Decker, Jets – The loss of Geno Smith actually helps Decker as at least Ryan Fitzpatrick is a mediocre NFL QB. Decker’s stats have taken a big hit since coming to the Jets, but he could be in for a little boost this year. He managed to put up a respectable 74 | 962 | 5 line last year despite awful play from his QB. The addition of Brandon Marshall should take some attention away from Decker and he is a still a weapon in the red zone who could come close to the double-digit TD numbers he put up in Denver.