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We're back with the next portion of my wide receiver rankings. This is the first article of five that outline my top 50 wide receivers for the 2023 season. It's finally draft season, and I appreciate all of you for checking out my work.
If you are a fan of receivers, it’s a great time to be part of fantasy football. There is a great mix of aging stars such as Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, and DeAndre Hopkins as well as younger talent such as Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson.
My name is Ellis Johnson, and I am proud to say that in 2021, my receiver draft rankings finished 15th in the FantasyPros accuracy competition. This article breaks down my WR rankings for the 2023 season and outlines how I view each player. You can also check out my video player profiles on TikTok @FiresideFantasy_FF.
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Ellis' Wide Receiver Draft Rankings #41-50
50. Zay Flowers (WR, BAL)
If you look throughout my rankings, I'm buying into the Ravens' offense and the narrative that they will have a high-powered offense. However, I find myself consistently avoiding Flowers in drafts.
Honestly, even though I think Flowers is a great prospect with great routes, fast feet, and slippery open-field ability, I struggle to find consistency in this offense.
I project Bateman to be the top option here behind Mark Andrews, leaving a small slice of the passing pie for Flowers and OBJ. I view Flowers as a (hopefully) healthy Kadarius Toney-esque option in 2023.
49. Treylon Burks (WR, TEN)
I'll be honest, I was not in on Burks last season. However, when he played I was pleasantly surprised with what he managed to do with mediocre QB play. Despite being riddled with injuries and asthma issues, Burks managed to show splashes of deep playability.
The Titans are stuck with Tannehill for at least another year and also brought in D'Andre Hopkins. Although I think Burks possesses the talent to thrive as an NFL number two option, this team will need to pass more than their 30th yards per game last season. I don't think that's going to happen, pushing the young WR into the 40s of my rankings.
48. Michael Thomas (WR, NOS)
I don't know what to do with Michael Thomas. After missing what has felt like forever due to a nagging ankle injury, he may finally be healthy for his age-30 season.
Plus, if Chris Olave is half as good as the off-season hype suggests, there might not be room for Thomas to be consistent for fantasy.
This team is loaded with a variety of weapons from rookie Kendre Miller, to Swiss army knife Taysom Hill, or even the likely (and hopefully) suspended Alvin Kamara. With all this uncertainty, I'll risk taking the L on Thomas for the 2023 season.
47. George Pickens (WR, PIT)
George Pickens exploded onto the scene making highlight reel catches all season. Unfortunately, these plays didn't necessarily come with fantasy production but they looked good.
I worry that these amazing grabs will pump up his ADP higher than his projected production.
When you are relying on Kenny Pickett and sharing volume with Deontae Johnson who is primed for positive regression, I am wary that Pickens will find enough volume to break out this season...especially if Pickett fails to pass for multiple touchdowns in a game once again.
Although I am sure Pickett will improve, it'll need to be a substantial jump to support Johnson, Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris out of the backfield. That step is not something I want to bet on.
46. Van Jefferson (WR, LAR)
To start this offseason, it was easy to forget about this Rams team. With all of their injuries, it was no surprise that they seemed to throw in the towel at the end of the year. However, Jefferson managed to return from knee surgery and be a contributor over the back half of the season.
Nothing about his numbers last year exudes confidence, however, the 2020 second-round pick has the potential to be a great number two behind Cooper Kupp. Jefferson has flashed big play ability, and since all reports are that Matthew Stafford is healthy, he should get find his way to be a weekly flex play in fantasy.
45. Skyy Moore (WR, KC)
I’m still getting used to the fact that the Chiefs can have a top offense and not have a consistent receiving option outside of Travis Kelce. However, that won’t stop me from trying to call for another breakout.
I am in the camp that Andy Reid does not like to play rookies, as a result, I’m buying into Moore walking into a larger role this season. Also, if you have followed my articles you will know that Kadarius Toney has yet to make an appearance.
I have him lower as I think he may not be a full-time player but instead used for specific plays. Also, his injury history, along with getting injured on the first day of training camp buries him in my rankings.
It’s going to be Skyy Moore season in Kansas City, however, I am uncertain how valuable that role will be.
44. Romeo Doubs (WR, GB)
In both training camps Doubs has taken a part in, he has received glowing praise from his QB. First, Aaron Rodgers showered the rookie in praise, and he has followed it up with reports saying he is Jordan Love's favorite camp target.
Although last year, the Rodgers connection failed to come through largely for fantasy, Love might use his chemistry Doubs as a safety blanket.
Although Christian Watson will be the unquestioned alpha of this team, last year Doubs saw one more target than Watson despite playing one fewer game. As a result, Doubs could be a solid volume play for teams looking for a weekly flex option in 2023.
43. Courtland Sutton (WR, DEN)
It's hard to look past how mediocre Sutton's last few campaigns have been. However, he still has flashed the talent that led him to be the 40th pick in the 2018 draft.
If you believe Sean Peyton can fix this offense, then there is reason to be excited about Sutton. Sutton fits the prototype that Peyton has leaned on throughout his career, more so than Jerry Jeudy does.
Considering he is going as the WR40, making him a relatively cheap option for a player who could find himself as a weekly WR-two if Russell Wilson can return to form.
42. Elijah Moore (WR, CLE)
Moore might win the offseason hype award if he makes some big plays in the preseason. The Browns traded for the 2021 second-round WR from the Jets this offseason, he has reportedly been ripping up practices. This trade wasn't a surprise since he was openly upset about his usage on the Jets last season.
However, that was before Aaron Rodgers arrived; I wonder if he regrets that decision. Anyways, there is a steady beat for Moore to have a good season and build on the flashes we saw in New York.
I'm proceeding with caution as not only are we banking on him consistently producing (something we have yet to see), but we also need the Cleveland QB to perform.
41. Mike Evans (WR, TB)
Over the last four years, there has only been one receiver to have a thousand yards and finish outside of the top 26. That WR was Mike Evans in 2019, with 1001 yards and two touchdowns. I say this as Evans is looking for his tenth consecutive 1,000 season.
Although I am skeptical that he reaches that mark this year, even if he does it's hard to see him reach 6+ touchdowns on what could be the worst offense in the NFL. Knowing Evans, I probably have him too low, however, I don't see enough upside to have him any higher.
Thank you for reading. I'll be back next week with my running back rankings!
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