Wide Receivers

[ON THE RISE] Cruz salsa'd into eagle-eyed waiver-wire watchers' hearts in 2011, and there's evidence to think that he can improve. The main reason is that he ranked third in receiving yards despite playing extensively in just 14 games. (He got four targets in Week 1 and 2 before the Giants realized what they had.) He's Wes Welker with run-after-catch ability.

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

3 Steve SMITH PANTHERS TIER: 1

AGE: 33 BYE WEEK: 6 AUCTION: $23

[ON THE RISE] The undersized burner enjoyed a dazzling career revival with Cam Newton, and there's no reason to doubt that Smith can replicate his 2011 season. All Smith needed to get back to being an elite receiver was a capable QB, and it's clear that Newton loves throwing to him. Also, because safeties have to account for Newton's legs, they cannot always double Smith.

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

4 Greg JENNINGS PACKERS TIER: 1

AGE: 28 BYE WEEK: 10 AUCTION: $23