The AFC West is filled with players who have either performed at a high level in the past, players who have an abnormally large ceiling, and players who can’t off the injured list in recent years. This made for some difficult decisions, and it ultimately resulted in the creation of an honorable mention list.
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos
Despite being on the chopping block for much of the offseason, Sanders still has a lot of potential to perform at a high level. With the addition of Case Keenum, I anticipate his numbers moving back in line with his 2016 production (79 catches, 1,032 yards).
Injuries and poor quarterback play derailed his season last year, and Sanders is motivated to prove he is worth the big contract he signed not too long ago. His past production made it tough to not include him in the top five, but this league is truly a “what have you done for me lately” league.
Martavis Bryant, Oakland Raiders
Martavis Bryant could be the best Oakland Raider pickup of the offseason if he can stay off the suspended list. He has had a tumultuous four years in the league, missing all of 2016 due to suspension and battling with the coaching staff during an up and down 2017 season. The former fourth-round pick was finally traded this season to Jon Gruden’s land of misfit old toys.
If he can build chemistry with Derek Carr, the league should be worried. Bryant is a large and fast playmaker. Standing at 6’4”, he runs a 4.42 forty-yard dash and has hauled in 17 touchdowns in only 36 games.
Jordy Nelson, Oakland Raiders
Another Raider makes the honorable mention list. Either Jon Gruden truly is a genius or he is in for a world of hurt if his offseason additions don’t perform to previous standards. This is especially true of Jordy Nelson. Prior to 2017, Jordy performed at a Pro-Bowl level year in and year out.
The beginning of 2017 looked no different. With Rodgers in the lineup the first six games, Jordy hauled in nearly half of his total season receptions (25) and all six of his receiving touchdowns. With Hundley in the game, Jordy’s game saw a severe regression.
The big questions are if Jordy is getting too old (he is 33) and is he merely a product of playing with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers? Only time will tell.
Travis Benjamin, Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers fans may be up in arms seeing Travis Benjamin only on the honorable mention list, but I cannot justify placing him in the top five. The diminutive receiver out of Miami has immense big-play potential as his 16.7 yards per catch average shows.
Unfortunately, his talent level doesn’t justify a game plan devoted to stopping him unlike the receivers in this top five.
Although he has posted two of the best seasons of his career in San Diego, I’m giving the credit to Broncos villain Philip Rivers. Rivers is an elite level quarterback capable of making average receivers look good.