Especially with half-point and full-point PPR leagues, wide receivers that earn targets from their quarterbacks are some of the most sought after pieces in fantasy football drafts. With injuries to major players like Jordy Nelson and Kelvin Benjamin, managers drafting in the next week may have to dip further into the wide receiver pool than previously expected to find values and sleepers.

But managers also don’t need to read articles on why to draft Julio Jones, Dez Bryant and the other crop of elite or great wide receivers. It’s nice to read about rookies like Amari Cooper who will have an immediate impact in a pass-happy offense, but it’s usually more informative to learn about sleeper wide receivers that are being drafted in the later rounds - the ones that will make a fantasy football manager look way smarter than he or she actually is.

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Later Round Wide Receiver Draft Values & Sleepers

For the purpose of this article, I’m drawing the line at WR40 for the definition of “late-round” wide receiver. For reference, FantasyPros has a great list of fluid average draft positions. Below are four later-round wide receivers that managers should consider as a draft sleeper when on the clock, as they can return nice value on their draft day cost.

Kendall Wright | Tennessee Titans | WR46 | ADP: 132.5

With news throughout the preseason indicating Kendall Wright is becoming newly drafted franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota’s favorite target, Wright has a great chance to be more effective than his current WR46 label. After nearly catching 100 passes in 2013, Wright—along with the rest of the Tennessee offense—took a step back in terms of fantasy value. With Mariota already showing promising signs in the preseason, Wright figures to end up more towards his 2013 output of 94 catches compared to his 2014 output of 57 catches. If the touchdowns come along with 85 catches, Wright will outplay is WR3 label.

Eddie Royal | Chicago Bears | WR48 | ADP: 137.4

With John Fox taking over the helm in Chicago, can Eddie Royal be last season’s Emmanuel Sanders? Of course Peyton Manning is at quarterback, but Fox is going to bring some components of the Denver offense to Chicago, where secondary wide receivers were effective. With Kevin White missing extended time, and no one having a clue about Alshon Jeffrey’s readiness for Week 1, the Bears have to throw someone the ball.

Enter Eddie Royal, who’s coming off the second-best season of his professional career in San Diego (62 catches, 778 yards, seven touchdowns). If some things break the right way for the Bears offense, Royal can reach the 80-catch territory, which is a welcomed surprise for a wide receiver barely inside the top-50.

Michael Crabtree | Oakland Raiders | WR52 | ADP: 160.3

Indications of Michael Crabtree having a strong camp have been nullified by not doing much in preseason action. But, the opportunities have been available, which is the part to focus on. If a few miscommunications were straightened out, Crabtree could be on the receiving end of two touchdowns in limited action. Everyone and their grandmother knows the Raiders are going to be throwing a lot this season and although all the ranting and raving is being used for rookie wide receiver Cooper, why would anyone be surprised if Derek Carr leaned on a veteran when needed.

Crabtree’s ceiling is replicating Anquan Boldin’s 2014 season with the 49ers, which resulted in 83 catches and five touchdowns.

Brandon Coleman | New Orleans Saints | WR70 | ADP: 194.5

This season is important for the relationship between fantasy managers and the New Orleans Saints. After a down 2014, expectations are sky high as signs are pointing for a bounce back year for Drew Brees, which means positive news for Brandin Cooks and Mark Ingram.

But Brees did lose some familiar faces during the offseason, all they are a potent offense where a fantasy star can emerge. Brandon Coleman is 6’6” and can be the team’s next Marques Colston for as long as Brees is chugging along. From 2009 to 2012, Colston averaged 79.25 catches and 8.5 touchdowns. If Colston’s athleticism begins to fade and the Saints find their groove, Coleman can be an absolute gem towards the end of drafts. This may be a year or two away from happening, but he should be on everyone’s radar.

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