5 NFL Receivers Who Will Improve In 2017 (And 5 Who Won't)

Wait, really? Travis Benjamin is on this list? It seems far-fetched, but last season, on the injury decimated San Diego Charges, Benjamin carved out a nice niche for himself as Philip Rivers' de facto #1 receiver. In 14 games (Only eight starts), Benjamin pulled down 677 yards and four touchdowns. Nothing eye popping, but a decent stat line for a return specialist who has been largely underappreciated during his NFL career.

Unfortunately, as the Chargers move from San Diego to Los Angeles, Benjamin's rosy 2016 reality will be fiction in 2017. The Bolts' true #1 receiver, Keenan Allen, is returning from a torn ACL that sidelined him for much of 2016, so he instantly jumps to the top of the depth chart. What's more, the team drafted top rookie receiver Mike Williams 7th overall this year and he's the kind of rookie who will contribute right away.

Add to that the obligatory targets for Antonio Gates, young tight end Hunter Henry rising up through the ranks, and the massive workload running back Melvin Ingram will demand, and the Chargers offense is looking stacked, but crowded. At best, Benjamin will be a third option, hopefully not lost in the shuffle.