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So far we've looked at the biggest risers and fallers at both the quarterback and running back positions. This time we're looking at wide receivers who improved their stock or saw it plummet.
Wide receiver scoring was down as a whole this season, which meant more fallers than usual. At the same time, some veteran receivers rebounded nicely and provided their fantasy owners with game-winning performances on a regular basis.
As we gear up for the final game of the 2017 NFL season, Super Bowl LII, let's look at some of the biggest risers and fallers at the wide receiver position in 2017 according to ADP.
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Biggest Risers of 2017 - Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU), ADP: WR15
Hopkins had a similar season to Todd Gurley in the sense that both had huge expectations entering 2016, disappointed, and then rebounded in 2017. What did we learn from Hopkins last year? Namely that as long as his quarterback is not named Brock Osweiler he is an absolute stud. Hopkins was one of the most consistent players and finished the year with 96 catches, 1,378 yards and 13 touchdowns. With a presumably healthy DeShaun Watson, Hopkins is a sure-fire top two wide receiver selection in 2018 drafts.
Jarvis Landry (WR, MIA), ADP: WR29
The knock on Landry has always been his inability to find the end zone. Prior to the 2017 season he had only 13 total touchdowns and never produced more than five in a season. That changed with Jay Cutler under center, as Landry caught more touchdowns than he had in the previous two years combined, hauling in nine. He also led the league in catches with 112 and finished as PPR WR5. There are concerns entering 2018, namely where will he be playing, but he should still go off draft boards as one of the early wide receivers regardless.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN), ADP: WR42
While teammate Stefon Diggs had all the preseason hype, it was actually Thielen who broke out and emerged as the Vikings' number one receiver. Despite only catching four touchdowns, Thielen set career highs in targets (142), catches (91) and yards (1,276). He finished as PPR WR8, which was an absolute steal for owners who drafted him in the ninth or 10th round of drafts. He enters 2018 as the Vikings top receiver and should see his ADP sky rocket.
Marvin Jones (WR, DET), ADP: WR44
After a hot start to the 2016 season, Jones cooled off and was a bit of an afterthought for drafters in 2017. That all changed, however, as Jones consistently put up big games and finished as the PPR WR12, averaging over 14 points. The big difference? His increased yards per reception and touchdowns. Despite only catching 61 passes, he hauled in 1,101 yards (18 yards per reception) to go along with nine touchdowns. With the Lions sure to continue to be a team that struggles running the ball, Jones should continue to be a valuable fantasy asset and will see a much higher ADP in 2018 drafts.
Other Risers: Keenan Allen (WR, LAC), ADP: WR12, Davante Adams (WR, GB), ADP: WR21, Pierre Garcon (WR, SF), ADP: WR31, Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR), ADP: WR50, Robby Anderson (WR, NYJ), ADP: WR53, Mohamed Sanu (WR, ATL), ADP: WR63, Robert Woods (WR, LAR), ADP: NA, Josh Gordon (WR, CLE), ADP: NA
Biggest Fallers of 2017 - Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant (WR, DAL), ADP: WR9
The days of considering Bryant an elite receiver are likely over. Bryant now hasn't eclipsed more than 69 catches, 838 yards or eight touchdowns in three straight seasons. Still considered a WR1 entering 2017 drafts, Bryant finished a disappointing WR24 in PPR formats and will now likely be viewed as more of a low-end WR2 as we enter 2018, regardless of where he is playing.
Amari Cooper (WR, OAK), ADP: WR10
Cooper was undoubtedly one of 2017's biggest busts. After starting his career with back-to-back seasons of at least 70 catches and 1,000 yards, Cooper struggled mightily, catching just 48 passes for 680 yards while being plagued by drops (again). If there is a silver lining, it's that he did set a career high with seven touchdowns. Cooper, and the entire Raiders offense, should rebound in 2018, but it's unlikely he will be going in the first few rounds of drafts.
Terrelle Pryor (WR, WAS), ADP: WR14
After a breakout year with the Browns in 2016, Pryor signed with the Redskins and the fantasy community fell in love. What wasn't to like? After a 77 catch, 1,007 yard season the sky seemed to be the limit as he was joining a high-volume passing attack led by a good quarterback. Things didn't quite turn out as expected as Pryor was completely invisible from the Redskins offense, totaling just 20 catches for 240 yards and one touchdown in nine games before being placed on IR. The Redskins have plenty of pass catchers with Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed (when healthy) and Chris Thompson, so it remains to be seen what Pryor's role will be, but it's safe to say he will not be going in the third round again in 2018.
DeVante Parker (WR, MIA), ADP: WR25
Parker entered 2017 with a lot of hype as a potential third year breakout receiver, but failed to live up to expectations. In 13 games he caught just 57 passes for 670 yards and scored only one touchdown. He now has three straight seasons with less than 60 catches, and has never eclipsed 750 yards or had more than four touchdowns. If Jarvis Landry moves on he could see a bigger role, but maybe this is just who he will end up being. Needless to say there isn't likely to be much hype surrounding him as we enter 2018 drafts.
Other Fallers: Mike Evans (WR, TAM), ADP: WR4, Jordy Nelson (WR, GB), ADP: WR6, T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND), ADP: WR13, Kelvin Benjamin (WR, BUF), ADP: WR17, Martavis Bryant (WR, PIT), ADP: WR19, Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS), ADP: WR28, Brandon Marshall (WR, NYG), ADP: WR30, Sammy Watkins (WR, LAR), ADP: WR32, Jeremy Maclin (WR, BAL), ADP: WR35, Eric Decker (WR, TEN), ADP: WR38
