The year of 2011 is going to be a year of transition. With the lockout/strike looming, no one is quite sure what will happen. Assuming that the football season does move forward, we can look to some of the sleeper receivers to break out or return to form.

Gone is the heyday of receivers such as Randy Moss and Ocho-Cinco. You will want to sit out drafting receivers like Steve Smith. His speed is still a weapon, but who knows when he will have a reliable quarterback to throw to him or a reliable running game to take off the pressure.

One receiver that is due for a return to form is Larry Fitzgerald. The Arizona Cardinals’ offense was a mess last year with a revolving door at quarterback. Marc Bulger steps in from a year of exile in Baltimore. Bulger has a strong and accurate arm, worked within a similar system to Arizona’s in St. Louis under Mike Martz, and put up Pro-bowl caliber numbers on more than one occasion. If Bulger can solidify the position, look for Kurt Warner 2.0.

Donnie Avery is another receiver due to have a break out season. He missed all of last year due to injury and the Rams missed him dearly. With Mark Clayton returning to the line-up across the field, and a fearsome running attack, Donnie Avery’s speed and deep route skills could make the Rams’ attack elite. Avery should be available in later rounds, so he could be a great late pick up. His career numbers are not stellar, but he is still young and entering his prime. With Sam Bradford more mature after his Rookie of the year campaign, and a Josh McDaniels created offense, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to break open games and put up big numbers.