Running backs are going to go quick and early in fantasy drafts this year, so this list of receivers can fall to you later than they should.
30. Jamison Crowder (Washington Redskins): Jamison Crowder broke out in a big way in 2016. He had 847 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as the number two receiver for the Washington Redskins. Now that DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon left and the Redskins only added Terrelle Pryor, Crowder is in line for more targets and a bigger workload. Last season lining up in the slot, Crowder found tons of success. He lined up in the slot on 56 percent of snaps per game. In a bigger role, expect Crowder to have more production and a better season.
29. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals): If anyone can beat father time its Larry Fitz. After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, it doesn’t look like Fitzgerald is slowing down any time soon. Injuries haven’t been a problem for Larry Fitzgerald as he’s played in all 16 games in every season since 2008 except 2014 when he played in 14. Fitzgerald is also still consistent in terms of yards after catch. Over the last two seasons, he had at least 350 yards after the catch and there’s no reason why that number should decrease. Without Michael Floyd in the mix, Fitzgerald should be even better than last year.
28. Golden Tate (Detroit Lions): Golden Tate had a bounce back season for the Detroit Lions last year. In his first season as the number one receiver for the Lions, Tate lived up to expectations. He had 1,077 yards and four touchdowns. What people don’t know is how Golden Tate was a top-tier receiver in terms of production.
Tate ranked first in yards after the catch with 676 and tenth in receptions with 91. With Anquan Boldin still a free agent, it looks like Tate could be in line for more targets. Don’t be surprised if Tate ends up a top-15 wide receiver this year.
27. Donte Moncrief (Indianapolis Colts): The hype that surrounded Moncrief last offseason ended when he only played in nine games. In a disappointing season, Moncrief only had 307 receiving yards. What was a nice surprise was how he ended his season with seven touchdowns.
Playing alongside Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton, Moncrief still has great upside. Currently being drafted as the 29th receiver and 67th player overall, Moncrief is going after he should be. He’s currently being drafted as a WR3 but has WR2 upside.
26. Tyreek Hill (Kansas City Chiefs): Rookie sensation Tyreek Hill put on a show for fans last season in Kansas City. With a combined 860 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns, Hill had an impressive season as a running back, receiver and a kick returner. He has big shoes to fill this season however.
With the departure of Jeremy Maclin, Hill is stepping into the lead receiver role for the Chiefs. An interesting quality of Hill was that he was the second best receiver in terms of fantasy points per target with 2.42. Now with the added targets and more experience in the NFL, Hill has the chance to be a legit WR2 this year.
25. Julian Edelman (New England Patriots): Reigning Super Bowl champ Julian Edelman is an interesting fantasy candidate this year. The yardage is consistently there for Edelman (1,106 yards last season), but the touchdowns are irrelevant. Last season he had three touchdowns which turns a lot of fantasy owners off.
One of the most productive receivers, Edelman ranked fourth in receptions, fourth in yards after catch and 12th in receiving yards. With the addition of Brandin Cooks, expect a decrease in yards but still a lot of production as a WR2.
24. Martavis Bryant (Pittsburgh Steelers)- There’s not much to write about surrounding last season for Bryant considering he didn’t play at all. The talent and skillset that Bryant has is rare in the league today. His off the field actions is the only thing that is holding him back.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 211 pounds, Martavis Bryant has the size and catching ability to be a WR1 for the Steelers this season. If he can stay on the field and out of trouble, him and Antonio Brown will form a killer duo in this league.
23. Jarvis Landry (Miami Dolphins): Juice is loose in Miami. Landry enjoyed another outstanding season for the Dolphins in 2016. In back-to-back years, Jarvis Landry had 1,100-plus yards and four touchdowns.
Jarvis Landry was more productive than we expected in the slot. He ranked third in slot rate, seventh in receptions and second in yards after catch. Juice has the talent and surrounding cast to continue to succeed in this league. If he can produce more in the red zone, he’ll be a WR1.
22. Emmanuel Sanders (Denver Broncos): The quarterback situation in Denver is the only reason Sanders isn’t higher on this list. Even with that, Sanders has eclipsed 1,000 yards every season he’s been in Denver even with a hobbled Peyton Manning and Trevor Siemian.
Last season, Sanders ranked 17th in fantasy points per game, receptions and receiving yards. Lining up in the slot and on the outside, Sanders has been as reliable as anyone recently and we should expect that to continue. If the quarterback play increases, then Sanders can be a fringe WR1.
21. Michael Crabtree (Oakland Raiders): Crabtree is in a perfect situation to succeed again for Oakland this season. He is the second receiver on a high-powered offense in Oakland. After eclipsing 1,000 yards and catching eight touchdowns, Crabtree can take the next step this season.
Playing alongside Amari Cooper, Crabtree ranked 14th in fantasy points per game and 13th in receptions. Currently being drafted as the 21st ranked wide receiver, Crabtree is right where he should be. Don’t draft him too early but if he falls to you he’s a solid WR2.
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