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Analysis of five fantasy football wide receivers to target late. Are these WRs undervalued players and potential sleepers to target in deeper 2023 drafts?
Once you reach the late rounds of fantasy football drafts, everyone wants to draft high-upside fliers that can provide a great return on value. You can afford to take risks on a variety of different players, including prospects, forgotten veterans, players returning from injuries, or even skilled players with potential playing time concerns.
It's essential to have at least a handful of sleeper targets at each position heading into your fantasy football drafts, no matter the format. Here are some late-round wide receivers for you to consider drafting this season.
Our editors have hand-picked these specific NFL players for your draft prep enjoyment. Usually only available to Premium subscribers, the outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2023 Draft Kit. Be sure to subscribe today and start reading all 300+ of our 2023 player outlooks, along with many other premium articles and tools available exclusively in our 2023 Draft Kit.
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Parris Campbell, Giants, Fantasy Football Outlook
Former Indianapolis Colts wideout Parris Campbell signed a one-year deal worth $4.7 million with the New York Giants this offseason. Campbell enjoyed the WR2 role in Indianapolis last year and posted career highs in receptions (63), receiving yards (623), and touchdowns (three). He finished as the WR48 in PPR and was an occasional flex play in 12-plus team leagues in 2022.
However, Campbell is in a more challenging situation this season in New York. He joins a wide receiver group featuring Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, Isaiah Hodgins, Wan'Dale Robinson, and rookie Jalin Hyatt.
Also, add Darren Waller as another receiving option in the passing game, and Campbell could easily wind up as a fourth or fifth option in the offense on his team. Considering the Giants ' wide receiver room, he won't be a major fantasy factor in 2023 and is mainly an option in deep-league formats. Campbell is ranked 192nd overall on RotoBaller.
Terrace Marshall Jr., Panthers, Fantasy Football Outlook
The Carolina Panthers traded away wide receiver DJ Moore this offseason, opening up more opportunities for Terrace Marshall Jr. (back) in the offense. Marshall missed a few weeks of training camp due to a back issue but returned to practice on Tuesday. It's been a disappointing start to Marshall's career since being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In his first two NFL seasons, he has just 45 catches for 628 yards and one touchdown. Last season though, Marshall showcased some breakthrough moments -- a four-catch, 87-yard game in Week 8 and a 76-yard day in Week 11.
However, the 22-year-old wideout has yet to be able to put it all together. 2023 could be a breakout year for Marshall, with no clear WR1 in Carolina. Adam Thielen has never been a WR1 in his career, and D.J. Chark is more of a WR2 than the No. 1 option in an offense. That gives Marshall a chance to shine in his third season in Carolina.
He'll face target competition with Thielen, Chark, Laviska Shenault Jr., and newly selected rookie Jonathan Mingo. Marshall has the talent to stay involved in the Panthers' offense but is more of a late-round flier in deep-league formats. He's ranked 216th overall on RotoBaller.
John Metchie III, Texans, Fantasy Football Outlook
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (illness) might be one of the best stories in the NFL this season. Joining the list of Canadian players to have an NFL impact, this could be a big year for the Brampton, Ontario native. After being drafted by the Texans with the 44th pick of the 2022 draft, Metchie missed his rookie season due to a diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in July.
Thankfully, the young star has fully recovered and started training with the team. In 2021, Metchie displayed his ability, having 96 catches in 13 games with Alabama. He managed this alongside Jameson Williams, who was selected in the same draft by the Lions 12th overall. The current Texans receiving room is murky with veterans Robert Woods, Noah Brown, and Nico Collins.
Houston traded Brandin Cooks to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason, opening the door for Metchie to be Houston's WR1. Plus, Texans will have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, quarterback C.J. Stroud under center in 2023. Although rookie QBs typically limit WR fantasy production, Metchie's talent may place him as the top option on a team that frequently plays from behind.
Rashee Rice, Chiefs, Fantasy Football Outlook
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, suggesting Andy Reid and company have big plans for the SMU product right away. The team drafted Skyy Moore in round two last season and traded for Kadarius Toney -- meaning Rice, Toney, and Moore are the prime contenders to be the No. 2 option in the passing game behind Travis Kelce.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said he envisions Rice replacing JuJu Smith-Schuster as the slot receiver with YAC skills. While it's irresponsible to go off what is being said, it certainly doesn't hurt his chances. Toney is an electric player, but he's struggled to stay healthy and prove himself as a legitimate wideout rather than a gadget player, and Moore totaled just 250 yards in his rookie campaign.
Ultimately, it's too early to know which player will emerge as the top wide receiver, but they all have a real chance. Toney is being drafted around the WR34 spot in early 2023 fantasy drafts, while Rice and Moore are coming off the board in the WR54-60 range. Given the discrepancy, Rice could be a tremendous value in an offense led by Patrick Mahomes.
Although Toney has been in the league longer, there's no glaring proof he'll have a leg up in the competition. Rice has a low-end WR2 ceiling in 2023, but he could also be nothing more than a shaky flex option as he adjusts to the NFL game.
Josh Downs, Colts, Fantasy Football Outlook
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (knee) was the 79th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is perceived as the second option for rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. The 21-year-old has "a little bit of a knee issue," but it isn't considered serious. Downs ran a 4.48 40-yard dash in the NFL Combine, and he could be a deep-ball threat in this Colts offense. According to The Athletic's James Boyd, Downs has become a volume target throughout training camp and the preseason.
Downs played 28 games in three years during his college career with North Carolina. He had 202 receptions for 2,483 yards in those games and recorded 22 touchdowns. The North Carolina product will likely produce at a high level in the NFL if new Colts head coach Shane Steichen designs plays for him. Given how great of an arm Richardson has, it won't be a surprise if he frequently tries to connect on deep throws with the 22-year-old wide receiver. If Downs can get separation from his matchup, he would be hard to track down, considering how explosive he can be in an open field.
Playing alongside Michael Pittman Jr. will also help him to a large extent. He is competing with Pittman and Alec Pierce for targets in the Colts' passing game. Fantasy managers can get the Colts' rookie receiver in the late rounds of the draft, and he could be a solid contributor as Indy's No. 2 target.
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