Fantasy owners across the nation secretly despised the guy who ended up with Miles Austin on his team last year and reaped the benefits of the receiver’s breakout season. As the Dallas wideout was racking up yards, touchdowns and points week after week, you muttered under your breath about how lucky that dude was to somehow end up with Austin in the late rounds of your draft. Unless, of course, that guy was you.

Well this year, you can be that lucky son of a gun by preparing rather than hoping when it comes to picking receivers in the late rounds and knowing which ones to nab out of free agency. By knowing which young players have the most potential and are ready to break out, you can end up with the Miles Austin of 2010.

Here are a few receivers that I think have the opportunity to jump onto the scene this year and also a few guys who might just be past their prime.

The Rising

1.) Jeremy Maclin PHI
Jeremy Maclin is my choice for a WR sophomore breakout season in 2010. Once Maclin and QB Kevin Kolb get a little more chemistry together, I think they could have a dangerous connection in this electrifying offense. They key piece though is Kolb. A lot of people have question marks around the QB, but I believe he is going to be a good fit in Philly, which is good for any fantasy owners who invested in Maclin.

2.) Dez Bryant DAL
Bryant is my choice for offensive rookie of the year in 2010. With his size, hands talent and Tony Romo throwing to him in a dangerous Dallas offense, Bryant could put up some big numbers. After a few weeks riding the fantasy bench, owners will have no choice but to slip him into their rotation. A knock on the rook is that his character could affect his career and that might be right. I’m not saying he will have a consistent Hall of Fame career, but I think he will have a huge rookie season. Then when he gets a taste of success and it all goes to his head, we will see if he turns into a T.O. and ruins his own career. But for now, you should feel comfortable that Bryant will produce.

3.) Hakeem Nicks NYG
Hakeem Nicks is the key to success for both Eli Manning and the New York Giants offense. The reason is that Nicks is the lone deep threat for Manning and the only way for the Giants to put points on the board is for them to spread the field. With Steve Smith as the No. 1 receiver controlling the short passing game, Nicks should have plenty of opportunities deep, and I think this will turn into a breakout year for the young receiver.

The Falling

1.) Braylon Edwards NYJ
Since 2007, Braylon Edwards’ production has steadily decreased. His lack of effort and low productivity in Cleveland forced the organization to deal him to the Jets, and although he picked up his play a bit through the final 12 games of ’09 in New York, he certainly was not the receiving force that he once was in the league. It’s safe to say that those elite days are over for Edwards and the most fantasy owners can hope for is a third WR out of the veteran. This year, Mark Sanchez will go through a sophomore slump (not that his rookie season was much to be excited about fantasy-wise), and Edwards’ numbers will likely drop again.

2.) Roy Williams DAL
With a Cowboy rookie entering the mix (see Dez Bryant above), a Cowboy veteran must take a backseat. This will be Roy Williams this year as I think Bryant will step into the No. 2 receiving slot midway through the season, bumping Williams to the curb where he belongs. Williams has had his chance in Dallas, spending over one and a half seasons with the team while only tallying 57 catches for 794 yards and eight touchdowns in 25 games. It will be tough for Williams to make any type of a comeback this year with the emergence of Miles Austin as the go-to receiver and Bryant nipping at his heels. Williams did celebrate seven touchdowns last season, but I wouldn’t expect anything close to that in 2010.

3.) Chris Chambers KC
Once an elite receiver with the Dolphins, Chris Chambers has fallen into normalcy. His lack of consistency throughout a season will drive an owner nuts, and it won’t get any better from here on out. The 32-year-old receiver is far past his prime and looking for a new shot with the Kansas City Chiefs. It will take a lot from QB Matt Cassel and Chambers to be able to turn that chance into a successful combination. I honestly don’t see any chance of that actually happening. I won’t be picking up this bum anytime soon and neither should you.