Tier 5: The Replacements
41. John Brown, (Buffalo Bills)- Known as a boom-or-bust guy for most of his career, Brown was incredibly consistent last season in Buffalo. He had double-digit points in 13 games, with 115 targets, and 1060 receiving yards. Now that Diggs is in town, those numbers are likely to come down. Brown should still be one of Allen’s preferred targets but the volume simply isn’t there for Brown to have a higher ceiling.
42. Emmanuel Sanders, (New Orleans Saints)- It was amazing to see Sanders come back from injury and produce like he did last season. He may have even more opportunity to produce with the Saints this season. Michael Thomas will soak up most of the targets though and it will be tough to predict the big weeks for Sanders.
43. Mike Williams, (Los Angeles Chargers)- I love Mike Williams but what I don’t love is his team’s quarterback situation. Williams saw 90 targets last season and surpassed 1000 receiving yards. I do not expect him to get anywhere close to that number this season. He did only have two receiving touchdowns last season, so perhaps he can find more production in that department.
44. Preston Williams, (Miami Dolphins)- Here is a guy that nobody is talking about enough. He was a top-40 WR through nine weeks last season and now has a chance to be the top guy opposite Devante Parker. The volume will be there for Williams and with an upgraded running game in Miami, that should open up the passing game. It should also be noted that Allen Hurns and Albert Wilson opted out and the Dolphins are low on receivers.
Tier 6: The Benchwarmers
45. Darius Slayton, (New York Giants)- Slayton showed flashes last season of being a quality WR last season. However, there were very few games where all of the Giants’ weapons were healthy and that is a concern for all of their values heading into this season. Slayton is no exception and given his low floor, he cannot be ranked any higher.
46. Anthony Miller, (Chicago Bears)- Allen Robinson is the focal point of the Bears’ offense but they need someone else to step up. With the departure of Taylor Gabriel, perhaps Miller will see an expanded role.
47. *Deebo Samuel, (San Francisco 49ers)- Samuel burst on to the scene last year in a big way and was extremely productive for a rookie WR in a run-first offense. However, he had foot surgery in the offseason and it has already been reported that the will be missing games. He is a great value if he can come back quick but the foot issue could linger and it is tough this year to have any player on your bench who isn’t readily available to play.
48. Golden Tate, (New York Giants)- Tate might be had for cheap in drafts but there’s a reason for that. With a multitude of weapons in New York and Tate being 32 years old, there is not a lot of room for huge production.
49. Mecole Hardman, (Kansas City Chiefs)- Hardman is talented and fits this offense perfectly. However, his opportunity is tough to predict and you cannot rely on him to be consistent. This late in the draft though, he is a perfect target. He is apart of one of the best offenses in the NFL and if there is an injury to Tyreek Hill, his value would catapult immensely.
50. N’Keal Harry, (New England Patriots)- Early reports are that Mohamed Sanu could miss some games and Edelman is coming into this season at age 34. The Patriots need someone to step up and they also lack red-zone weapons. Harry could be that guy.
51. Breshad Perriman, (New York Jets)- Perriman finished the season strong last year. He posted 25 receptions, 506 receiving yards, and five touchdowns in his last five games. The Jets need someone to be a reliable option in the passing game opposite Crowder. Perriman should be the defacto 1B WR.
52. Curtis Samuel, (Carolina Panthers)- The Panthers got an upgrade at quarterback and their defense is undergoing a rebuild. That should lead to the panthers playing from behind and airing it out more. Unfortunately, the Panthers have D.J. Moore, Christian McCaffrey, and Robby Anderson all competing for targets. Samuel may have some big games but they will be tough to predict.
53. DeSean Jackson, (Philadelphia Eagles)- If you were to make a bet on Jackson being healthy for the entire season, it might be the worst bet in history. If by some miracle he does stay healthy for most of the season, Jackson could be dangerous in this offense. We saw glimpses of it last season when Jackson had 8 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns in their first game. He is a huge gamble but if you are brave enough, it could pay off.
54. Dede Westbrook, (Jacksonville Jaguars)- It seems that everyone is forgetting that Westbrook was a top-45 WR last year and saw 101 targets. I do not think rookie Laviska Shenault will be enough of a factor to hinder Westbrook’s numbers this year. Jay Gruden is calling the offense now and Crowder was extremely productive under him out of the slot, which is where Westbrook primarily operates. Westbrook could be a major steal this late.
55. Allen Lazard, (Green Bay Packers)- I do not like anything about Lazard but he takes this spot due to the lack of options on the Packers’ roster. They refused to draft a receiver this year or add anyone of note in the offseason. Devin Funchess was going to compete but he opted out.
56. Alshon Jeffery, (Philadelphia Eagles)- Jeffery may have taken the biggest fall between my rankings last year and this season. For years he has been viewed as a top option in fantasy but has always struggled with injuries. With Marquise Goodwin opting out and Jalen Reagor not up to speed, Jeffery and DeSean Jackson should be the early favorites to lead Philly at the receiver position.
57. Parris Campbell, (Indianapolis Colts)- Campbell had a quiet rookie campaign but now has an upgrade at quarterback and an opportunity to separate himself as the top option opposite T.Y. Hilton. There are few people I think have more potential than Campbell at his current ADP.
58. Sammy Watkins, (Kansas City Chiefs)- Watkins has struggled with injuries over his career but managed to play in 14 games last season. In those games, he saw 90 targets and is apart of arguably the best offense in football. He is capable of big games but with Hill, Hardman, and Watkins all being the same type of receiver, it will be tough to predict Watkins big weeks.
59. Robby Anderson, (Carolina Panthers)- Anderson goes to Carolina, where he is back with his former coach Matt Rhule. There is no question he has big-play potential but there are too many weapons on this roster for Anderson to provide any kind of consistency.
Tier 7: The Rookie(s)
60. Henry Ruggs III, (Las Vegas Raiders)- I was surprised to see Ruggs selected over his fellow teammate Jerry Jeudy but nothing the Raiders do should surprise us anymore. The Raiders have been outspoken about Ruggs being their version of Tyreek Hill. Ruggs is a speed merchant and there is not another receiver on the roster with his kind of talent. There should be an immediate opportunity for Ruggs to make an impact, as long as he can learn the offense quickly.
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire / Adapted by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)