X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Rookie Wide Receivers with the Best Fantasy Outlook

Charlie Kleinheksel discusses rookie wide receivers taken in the 2017 NFL Draft that are in the best situations to help fantasy football owners in re-draft leagues.

The first week of May means Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo. It also means fantasy football, specifically dynasty rookie drafts and best-ball leagues. The first two are nice, but you're here for the third. Let's talk about rookie wide receivers with the best immediate fantasy outlooks.

In redraft or best ball leagues, we're looking for an immediate contribution. In dynasty, we can play a longer game but let's face it, we'd rather have our cake and eat it too. A rookie that contributes now and in the future is usually preferable to one we have to wait on. To identify these prospects, I've used a combination of available targets and Air Yards. If the team lost receivers that accumulated a lot of targets and air yards, then there should be a corresponding opportunity for incoming rookies. I've also ordered the list by how valuable I perceive the opportunity, which is not the same as which player will have the best season. For example, Cooper Kupp's landing spot has more opportunity than Corey Davis, but I think Davis will have the better performance.

Here are the 10 rookie wide receivers with the best immediate situations for fantasy owners.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

For more NFL draft coverage, free agency news, and fantasy football analysis, bookmark our NFL page to get the advantage over your competition.

 

Rookie Receivers in Favorable Situations

Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds, Los Angeles Rams

Since Kenny Britt and Brian Quick left in free agency, the Rams are left with just Tavon Austin and a group of guys that have limited experience and represent minimal draft capital. Britt and Quick leave behind over 200 targets, and Kupp (third round) should see the field immediately. Reynolds (fourth round) will compete with last year's fourth-round pick Pharoh Cooper. Kupp is an older prospect but was incredibly productive in college. His long-term ceiling may not be that high but he should be an immediate starter in the slot.

Josh Reynolds and Pharoh Cooper bear some striking similarities. Both were selected with the 117th pick and had very similar college numbers in terms of receiving yards per game (81.1 for Cooper, 79.9 for Reynolds). They also managed similar market shares of receiving yards and TDs.

Both Kupp and Reynolds should be helped by the arrival of a new coach (Sean McVay) who should lead a more pass-heavy offense. Kupp is the favorite here, but keep an eye on Reynolds.

Tim Patrick and Quincy Adeboyejo, Baltimore Ravens

Who are these guys? Neither was drafted by Baltimore; both were signed as free agents after the draft. That probably tells us that Baltimore is happy with their current options at WR. Undrafted free agents seldom pan out, but so don't get too excited. But if you're in a really deep dynasty league these guys are worth watching given the amount of available opportunity. Steve Smith and Kamar Aiken took over 150 targets with them when they left. Baltimore's presumptive starters are now 30-year-old Mike Wallace and still-unproven Breshad Perriman. Don't get me wrong, odds are still against Patrick and Adeboyejo, but the obstacles in front of them don't appear insurmountable.

Of the two I prefer Patrick. Playing at Utah, he accounted for a third of the team's receiving TDs in his final season, along with over a quarter of the receiving yards. At 6 feet 4 inches and 208 pounds, he has great size. He also has above average athleticism, running a 4.47 40-yard dash and posting a 37.5 inch vertical.

Zay Jones, Buffalo Bills

The first WR taken in the second round, Jones lands in a plum situation. Buffalo brought in a few free agent WRs but none with the draft pedigree of Jones. Further, those free agents were brought in by now-deposed former GM Doug Whaley, so it's not clear that the coaching staff really likes them. Jones should be an immediate starter and given Sammy Watkins' propensity for injury, Jones could see a lot of targets, even if Buffalo remains a low-volume passing offense. Jones accounted for over 40 percent of his team's receiving yards last year, and as a relatively high draft pick, I expect him to be involved early and often.

Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans

The first WR selected in the draft also lands in a good situation from an opportunity point of view. Last year, Tajae Sharpe started the season at WR for the Titans, but his performance tailed off as the season progressed. The Titans also jettisoned Kendall Wright and Andre Johnson and forced Harry Douglas into a pay cut. Rishard Matthews played well and should be a starter, but the spot across from him is all Davis. Matthews could keep his 108 targets from last year, and Davis could still easily inherit 140 or more from the departed and demoted WRs. The opportunity isn't technically the best, but the WR is. Davis should be the top-performing rookie WR this year.

Ardarius Stewart and Chad Hansen, New York Jets

Taken in the third and fourth rounds respectively, Stewart and Hansen enter a situation that is somewhat murky - the Jets have a lot of bodies at WR - but also ripe with opportunity. Devin Smith is injured, Brandon Marshall is gone, and Eric Decker might be cut or traded. Even if Decker is retained, the loss of Marshall alone frees up 128 targets. If Decker is released, that leaves just Quincy Enunwa as major competition. Enunwa did well last year but is just a sixth round pick himself. After that is just undrafted Robby Anderson and suspended Jalin Marshall. Stewart and Hansen could both have roles, but it's difficult to tell how the Jets roster will shake out. They're similar prospects so if you're looking for an end of the bench staff, go with whichever is cheaper.

Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers

Ted Ginn's departure frees up about 100 targets. Devin Funchess hasn't broken out yet, and Kelvin Benjamin is reportedly overweight. In other words, there's no sure thing at any WR spot for the Panthers. Even if Funchess and Benjamin work out though, Samuel offers a very different profile and should be able to grab Ted Ginn's role with no problem. With a second-round pedigree and positional versatility, he could be an impact player straightaway.

Chad Williams, Arizona Cardinals

Coming from Grambling, Williams didn't have much pre-draft hype. He's got decent size and athleticism, but more importantly, has good production. He accounted for over a third of Grambling's receiving yards and TDs in his third and final college season. The draft capital spent to acquire him is encouraging, and the Cardinals could have a role for him right away. Michael Floyd is gone, J.J. Nelson is dynamic but undersized, and John Brown may or may not have his sickle cell issues under control. Add in an aging Larry Fitzgerald and there are several scenarios where opportunity could come available in bunches.

 

More 2017 Fantasy Football Analysis


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jorge Polanco

Declines his 2026 Option to Become a Free Agent
Darius Garland

Set to Suit Up On Wednesday
Anthony Edwards

Back in Action on Wednesday Night
Zach LaVine

Ruled Out Versus Golden State
D'Andre Swift

Says he Will Play in Week 10
Jimmy Butler III

Sidelined Versus Sacramento
Domantas Sabonis

Sidelined on Wednesday
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers "Pretty Confident" Brandon Aiyuk Will Play This Year
Adam Gaudette

Available Against Kraken
Anthony Edwards

Probable for Wednesday's Matchup With Knicks
Scott Laughton

Set for Season Debut Wednesday
Justin Brazeau

Ruled Out for Four Weeks
Tristan Jarry

Expcted to Miss Three Weeks
Quinshon Judkins

Not on the Week 10 Injury Report
Johnny Furphy

Unavailable Wednesday
Conor Garland

Returns Against Blackhawks
Puka Nacua

Should Play in Week 10
Rasmus Sandin

Back for Capitals Wednesday
Trey Benson

Not Practicing Wednesday, Cardinals Taking it Day by Day
Denton Mateychuk

Out on Wednesday
Quenton Jackson

Unavailable on Wednesday
RayJ Dennis

Probable For Wednesday
Tobias Harris

Remains Out With Ankle Injury
Walker Kessler

Out For The Season
Ka'imi Fairbairn

Not Expected To Play in Week 10
Davis Mills

C.J. Stroud Will be Out in Week 10, Davis Mills to Start
Kyler Murray

Heading to Injured Reserve
TreVeyon Henderson

on Track to Lead Backfield in Week 10?
Rico Dowdle

Dealing With Quad Injury, Officially Misses Practice
Garrett Wilson

at Practice Wednesday After Missing Last Two Games
Chris Sale

Braves Picking Up Chris Sale's 2026 Option
Ray Davis

Could Have Expanded Role in Week 10
Jayden Daniels

Commanders Still Evaluating Jayden Daniels' Elbow Injury
Brian Thomas Jr.

Not Seen at Practice on Wednesday
James Cook

to Miss Practice With Ankle/Foot Injury
Michael Thorbjornsen

Poised to Continue Hot Play in Mexico
Davis Riley

Struggling to Find Form Ahead of World Wide Technology Championship
Taylor Montgomery

Leaning on Putter at World Wide Technology Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Offers Strong Value at World Wide Technology Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Stay Hot at El Cardonal
Nick Dunlap

Looking to Find His Game at El Cardonal
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Consistency at El Cardonal
Michael Brennan

Aims to Extend Fairytale Start at El Cardonal
Nathan MacKinnon

Extends Point Streak to Seven Games
Akira Schmid

Posts First Shutout of the Season
Jack Roslovic

Takes Point Streak to Four Games
Wyatt Johnston

Records Three Assists Against Oilers
Trevor Zegras

Dishes Out Two Assists in Tuesday's Win
Darcy Kuemper

Shuts Out Jets With 23 Saves
Cutter Gauthier

Erupts for Four Points Against Panthers
Zach LaVine

Questionable to Face Warriors
Domantas Sabonis

Iffy for Wednesday
Austin Reaves

Considered Questionable for Wednesday
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Available Wednesday
Anthony Davis

Remains Out Wednesday
Jimmy Butler III

Expected to Miss Wednesday's Game
Stephen Curry

Won't Play on Wednesday
Shane Bieber

Staying in Toronto for 2026
Salvador Perez

Agrees to Two-Year Extension With Royals
Gustav Nyquist

Jets Move Gustav Nyquist to Injured Reserve
Noah Hanifin

Expected to Return From 10-Game Absence Tuesday
William Eklund

to Remain Out Wednesday
TB

Max Crozier Available Tuesday
Tristan Jarry

Lands on Injured Reserve
Jason Zucker

Placed on Injured Reserve
Trevor Story

Opts in for Remaining Two Years on his Contract
Pyotr Kochetkov

Starts on Tuesday
Luguentz Dort

Available on Tuesday
Yu Darvish

to Miss All of 2026 Following Flexor-Tendon Surgery
Jacoby Brissett

to Start Again in Week 10
Anthony Edwards

Considered Questionable For Wednesday
Yves Missi

Out Tuesday
A.J. Brown

Won't be Traded at Deadline
Garrett Wilson

"Untouchable" in Trade Talks
Shota Imanaga

Becomes a Free Agent
Luis Robert Jr.

White Sox Pick Up 2026 Option on Luis Robert Jr.
CFB

LJ Martin Expected to Play in Top-10 Matchup Against Texas Tech
PGA

LIV Golf Expanding To 72-Hole Format In 2026
Rashid Shaheed

Being Shipped to the Seahawks
Sauce Gardner

Colts Acquiring Sauce Gardner From the Jets
Travis Hunter

Not Expected to be Out Long-Term
Atlanta Braves

Braves Hire Walt Weiss as Their Next Manager
Kris Bubic

Cleared to Begin a Throwing Program
Brandon Woodruff

Declines Mutual Option for 2026
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Exercise 2026 Option on Freddy Peralta
Lucas Giolito

Declines his 2026 Player Option
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Sixth at Procore Championship
PGA

Matti Schmid Finishes Tied for 46th at Baycurrent Classic
Keith Mitchell

Finishes Tied for 10th at Baycurrent Classic
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied for 21st at Genesis Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Misses The Cut at Sanderson Farms Championship
Max Greyserman

Finishes Second at Baycurrent Classic
Austin Eckroat

Finishes Tied for 56th at Baycurrent Classic
Luke Clanton

Finishes Tied for 56th at Bank of Utah Championship
Pete Alonso

Officially Opts Out of his Contract With Mets
Alex Bregman

Opts Out of his Contract With Boston
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz on the Open Market This Winter
Cody Bellinger

Becomes Free Agent After Opting Out
Robert Suarez

Opts Out, Becomes Free Agent
Kyle Larson

Wins His Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix
Ryan Blaney

Concludes the 2025 Season with A Win at Phoenix
William Byron

Strong Championship Effort Ends With Late-Race Flat-Tire Crash
Denny Hamlin

Overtime Four-Tire Call Costs Denny Hamlin the Championship
Chase Briscoe

Championship Bid Never Really Started After Two Tire Failures
Brad Keselowski

Nearly Steals Phoenix Race
David Onama

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Steve Garcia

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Ante Delija

Suffers His First UFC Loss
CFB

Dylan Raiola Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Gets Knockout Win
Themba Gorimbo

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 110
Jeremiah Wells

Gets Back In The Win Column
Yadier del Valle

Remains Undefeated
Isaac Dulgarian

Cut By UFC Following Submission Loss
Daniel Frunza

Still Winless In The UFC
Charles Radtke

Dominates Daniel Frunza
Allan Nascimento

Gets Submission Win
Cody Durden

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Max Scherzer

Doesn't Plan on Retiring
Michael King

Becomes Free Agent After Declining Mutual Option
Austin Cindric

is A Driver to Avoid for Phoenix DFS Lineups
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Named World Series MVP
Alex Bowman

Could Alex Bowman be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Phoenix?
Noah Gragson

Should DFS Players Roster Noah Gragson At Phoenix?
Erik Jones

Is Erik Jones Worth Rostering for DFS at Phoenix?
Michael McDowell

an Easy Recommendation for DFS at Phoenix
Chase Briscoe

Probably Won't Win the Title
Joey Logano

Could Play Spoiler in Championship Battle at Phoenix
Tyler Reddick

Seeking to End Winless Drought, but Probably Won't Have the Speed
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looks to Protect Top-10 Points Finish at Phoenix
Brad Keselowski

Hasn't Been Fast at Phoenix With RFK Racing
Daniel Suarez

With Nothing at Stake, Expect Little From Daniel Suarez
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well, but Will Probably Finish Worse Than he Starts
Chris Buescher

Ryan Preece has a Shot to Overtake Chris Buescher as RFK Racing's Lead Driver
Austin Dillon

Looks to Avoid Finishing Last in NASCAR Playoffs
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Might be a Worthy DFS Option
David Onama

Set For UFC Vegas 110 Main Event
Steve Garcia

Returns At UFC Vegas 110
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Set For Co-Main Event
Ante Delija

In Search For His Second UFC Win
Themba Gorimbo

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 110
Jeremiah Wells

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Yadier del Valle

Looks To Remain Undefeated
CFB

Arizona State Quarterback Sam Leavitt Out for the Season
Isaac Dulgarian

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Daniel Frunza

Looks For His First UFC Win

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP