Year three is a traditional breakout year for wide receivers.  From Terrell Owens to Steve Smith and Donald Driver, the third year is a good time to watch for talented wideouts to start putting up big numbers.  Take a look at our picks from the 2009 rookie class to put up big numbers in 2011.

Kenny Britt, Tennesee Titans, WR1 - Britt showed flashes of brilliance last year, proving to be one of the best mid-season fantasy pickups.  With the Titans signing QB Matt Hasselbeck, Britt looks poised to break out for over 1000 yards and double-digit touchdowns.  Britt looks like he could go just outside the top 10 wideouts in most leagues.

Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles, WR2 - Maclin is more of an obvious choice in this category.  In his 2010 season, Maclin put up 964 yards and scored 10 TD's in only his second year.  Numbers like that make him one of the most valuable second option receivers.  While I'm still divided on whether Maclin will be able to eclipse last year's stats, I certainly look for him to have 1000 yards and 10 more more touchdowns again.  While Maclin may not be drafted within the top 20 WR's, he will be a must start every week.

Hakeem Nicks, New York (football) Giants, WR1 - Nicks had a breakout sophomore season with 1052 yards receiving and 11 TD.  Like Maclin, I don't expect to see a huge jump in stats, but I do expect him to put up numbers that are at least as good as last year.  Nicks was hampered by a leg injury towards the end of last year, and wasn't able to perform down the stretch for fantasy teams.  If he can stay healthy for all 16 games, look for him to put up pro-bowl numbers.  I expect Nicks to go in the top 5 WR's.

Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings, WR1 - With Harvin getting the bump to the top spot after Sidney Rice parted for Seattle, expect big things for Percy in 2011.  The Vikings addition of QB Donovan McNabb may look shaky after a terrible season in Washington, but remember, the Vikings play in a dome.  McNabb has a career passer rating of 96.3 indoors.  Look for a healthy Harvin to put up big numbers this season for a team that could have a surprisingly good offense.

Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears, WR1 - Knox is entering his second year as a starter, but caught nearly as many balls in his rookie year, 45, as he did last year, 51.  I include him because I think the Bears will have their first 1000 yard receiver since Marty Booker in 2002.  Everyone will be in the second year of the high powered Mike Martz offense, look for Knox to easily catch 60-70 balls this year.  Knox will likely be taken in the second half or later in most drafts, but owners may be understandably hesitant to start him until they see the Bears offense get rolling.

Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers, WR2 - Wallace had a huge 2010, with 1257 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, he averaged an incredible 21 yards per reception.  Six of his touchdowns were over 40 yards last year, so he has even greater value in leagues that award bonus points for long TD's.  Wallace is a no-brainer top fifteen wideout, look for his third season to be a big one.

Austin Collie, Indianapolis Colts, WR3 - Collie has had nearly identical stats in his first two years, but last year emerged as a fantasy sleeper because of several big games and his developing chemistry with Peyton Manning.  Collie only played 9 games last year, due to a vicious helmet to helmet hit against the Eagles.  If Collie can stay on the field for all 16 games, he will be a 1000 yd & 10 TD guy for sure.  Collie's evolving rapport with his QB make him a good fantasy option.  Don't let the WR3 tag scare you, he is a top 30 fantasy WR and will start in most leagues every week.

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers, WR1 - The 49ers had an anemic offense last year, raking 24th in the NFL and scoring a whopping 29 touchdowns on offense.  This team has nowhere to go but up.  The signing of Braylon Edwards should take some attention off of Crabtree.  Look for Crabtree to be a viable third WR/flex player option, but don't draft him high.  If he's around at the end of the draft, take a flyer on him, otherwise look for him on the waiver wire in week 1.

Mike Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars, WR1 - Mike Thomas enters his third year having improved on his rookie stats considerably, posting 820 receiving yards and 4 TD in the 2010 season.  Thomas is currently slated for the number 1 position in Jacksonville, which would make him a viable WR3 option in most leagues, especially PPR.  Expect him to catch nearly 80 passes if he starts all 16 games.  Look for Thomas as a sleeper in the late rounds of your draft.

Brandon Gibson, St. Louis Rams, WR2 - Gibson is currently listed as the starting WR opposite of Mike Sims-Walker on the Rams depth chart.  This may change depending on how much action Danny Amendola sees as a return man.  Gibson has quietly had 87 receptions in his first two seasons, and could stand to benefit from new OC Josh McDaniels and the development of second year QB Sam Bradford.  Gibson is not likely to be drafted, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to use him to fill out your roster in the final rounds or pick him up as a free agent after the draft.  He definitely could be a sleeper that comes to life after the first couple of games of the season.