Last year these six players had seasons that justify picking them up in your fantasy draft this year. Note that quarterbacks have been excluded; this is because, well, quarterbacks are just too obvious and would dominate most of the list.
Here are your second-year studs.
Doug Martin RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Martin electrified the fantasy world in 2012 as the second or third highest scoring running back (depending on your scoring format) in the league last year. There’s no reason to expect any less of Martin this year and he’s an easy first round draft choice.
Trent Richardson, RB Cleveland Browns
The former Crimson Tide running back also had a great rookie season. Although he didn’t have as many yards as Martin, he did have as many touchdowns (11). Richardson should improve on his 2012 total of 905 yards as he’ll be the focus of the Browns’ offense. He’s an exceptional RB2 or solid RB1 option.
David Wilson, RB New York Giants
Wilson is being tabbed as a potential breakout star but he’s yet to be named the starter. He’s competing with Andre Brown but is considered to have the edge, and for good reason. Wilson averaged five yards per carry on 71 touches for a total of 358 yards in 2012. Three of his four touchdowns came in his final four games.
TY Hilton, WR Indianapolis Colts
Hilton is behind Reggie Wayne for the WR1 spot but he’s still a very viable option as a WR2 or WR3. Hilton snagged 50 passes for 861 yards and seven touchdowns in 2012. Expect similar numbers from him in 2013.
Lamar Miller, RB Miami Dolphins
Miller is another sleeper pick and in his first preseason game (although he started with a fumble) he had two carries for 21 yards and showed good vision and burst. In 2012 Miller racked up 250 yards on 51 carries with one touchdown. He’s also the expected starter over Daniel Thomas.
Kendall Wright, WR Tennessee Titans
Wright’s first year in Tennessee was solid yet unspectacular, catching 64 passes for 626 yards and four scores. He’ll be the No.2 wideout in Tennessee behind Kenny Britt. The good news is Britt has struggled with injuries throughout his career so if Britt goes down, Wright becomes Tennessee’s primary receiving option.
Eric Smith is an MMA and fantasy football contributor with Craveonline.com. Follow him on twitter or @EricSmith_SP or email him at ejmith7@asu.edu.
