Steve Breaston

Playing in less than ideal passing environments the last couple years, Breaston has been an efficient possession receiver, averaging 8.3 YPT in 2010 and 8.0 last season. (YPT numbers are typically lower for chain-movers than deep threats). At 6-0, 189, Breaston’s not big, but he’s unafraid to operate in the middle of the field, and he’s explosive enough to make a big play (two catches of 40-plus). Breaston’s also exceptionally sure-handed, not dropping a single one of his 98 targets. With Dwayne Bowe unhappy about his franchise tag, there’s a chance Breaston could go into camp as the team’s No. 1 wideout. But protracted holdouts are rare these days, and in any event, 6-4, 230-pound second-year man Jonathan Baldwin is more of a prototypical lead dog. Still, the return to health of Matt Cassel should solidify the Kansas City passing game, giving Breaston some value, particularly in PPR formats.

Despite playing in arguably the worst passing game environment in the league, Breaston had a solid season in 2010 as the Cardinals' No. 2 WR with 8.3 YPT and 15.3 YPC. Now in Kansas City, he is a candidate to assume that same role opposite Dwayne Bowe, provided he can beat out rookie Jonathan Baldwin in camp. While his strong YPT and YPC numbers from last season could drop in the more conservative Chiefs’ passing attack, he should be primed for a boost in catches, yards and scores playing with Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Cassel. His speed gives the Chiefs an explosive weapon that can play in the slot or out wide, and Breaston should benefit from the opportunities a terrific ground game will present for the passing attack, making his value markedly better in Kansas City.

On the one hand, Anquan Boldin’s departure should make Breaston Arizona’s No. 2 receiver. On the other, Kurt Warner’s departure should make it a run-first team. Breaston’s numbers declined across the board from his 2008 breakout, in part due to a lingering right knee injury, and in part due to reduced opportunities in what was a more conservative Cardinals attack. At 6-0, 178, the slightly built Breaston has explosive speed and is dangerous in the open field. He’s a good route runner and very quick in and out of his breaks. While he lacks bulk, he’s not afraid of contact over the middle of the field, and he’s willing to make plays in traffic. Breaston will have to catch passes from the Matt Leinart/Derek Anderson duo this year, and even if they play well, there’s a good chance coach Ken Whisenhunt’s offense will become more run oriented now that Warner’s hung it up.

It’s not often that a team’s No. 3 receiver cracks 1,000 yards. Then again, not too many third wideouts see 113 targets, either. Make no mistake – Breaston wasn’t just in the right place at the right time – he was also very effective, with 8.9 yards per target (9th) and a 68-percent catch rate. At 6-0, 178, Breaston is explosive and dangerous in open space, but isn’t going to outmuscle defenders for the ball in the red zone (he was targeted just 13 times there, and only four of those were from inside the 10). While he had just three catches of 40-plus, that was due in large part to the Cardinals sending him on shorter routes, not a lack of quickness or long speed. The biggest question for Breaston is the status of Anquan Boldin, who at press time was still under contract with the Cardinals, albeit unhappily. Were the Cardinals to find a taker for Boldin, Breaston would immediately be the team’s No. 2 wideout, and see a substantial bump in targets. Conversely, should Boldin remain with the team, and manage to stay healthy for more than the 12 games he played last season, Breaston’s role would likely shrink.

Breaston served as Arizona's primary kickoff and punt returner as a rookie in 2007; he posted decent numbers in both categories. He was rarely deployed as a receiver last year, but Breaston has improved markedly since then and is a leading contender to serve as Arizona's No. 3 wideout this season. Depending on how he fares during training camp, he could be a decent sleeper, especially if your league counts return yardage.

Breaston, the Cardinals' 2007 fifth-round pick, is most likely to make an impact as a rookie in the return game. He'll have to solidify that role during training camp. He drew inconsistent reviews as a receiver during Arizona's spring minicamps.