X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Player Comparisons
News and Alerts

Which Rookie Wide Receivers Are Worth Our Attention?

With the NFL Draft now come and gone, we go from scouting incoming players for the draft to now determining their values in fantasy football. The crop of receivers in the 2019 class was an intriguing one. With many experts having varying opinions on how to rank this group. If you follow me on Twitter @RotoSuperstar or listen to my podcast, I was touting how deep this class was would, in turn, affect the draft stock of the players.

That is exactly what we saw last week during the draft. While many were expecting the likes of D.K. Metcalf to be the first off the board, it was Marquise Brown the first to be taken. Only two were selected in the first round, while days two and three were littered with selections. Some of the landing spots were questionable, while some others may lead to players becoming fantasy relevant rather quickly.

Over the course of the last few years, it's become a rare instance to see rookie wideouts come into the league and achieve success early on. The seasons put together by Calvin Ridley and D.J. Moore just last year are prime examples of players overachieving. In fantasy circles, we have the "three-year rule". Which typically means that a receiver isn't fully prepared to contribute in the league until his third season. I expect to see that hold true with most of this class, but there may be some players based on where they landed that can come in and help your fantasy team in 2019.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!

 

Potential Top Tier

These players are expected to see immediate action and should be among the first selected in rookie drafts. There is potential for redraft value as well.

 

Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens

We start with the first receiver off the board in this year's draft. Brown's landing spot with the Ravens is indicative of the dire need they had entering the draft. He was fourth in the nation last year in yards per route run at 3.56 and fifth in deep-pass yardage with 592. That is exactly what Baltimore hopes to get out of him - a vertical threat that can take the top off the defense that is focused on stopping the team's strong running game.

2019 Fantasy Value - Potential low-end WR3 in standard scoring (WR4 in PPR)
Dynasty Value - WR2 is his ceiling based on the offense in which the Ravens employ.

 

N'Keal Harry, New England Patriots

The next receiver off the board was somewhat of a surprising move with Harry going to the Patriots. Fantasy circles are already ablaze talking about the potential of Harry in a Brady offense. But we have to pump the brakes here. Brady turned in his worst fantasy season in years last season and this team may focus more on the run game moving forward as we near Brady's retirement. Harry steadily improved in college and has the makings of being a WR1 on this team. Can they utilize him in that way with veteran pass catchers in front of him (Julian Edelman, Demaryius Thomas, James White)?

2019 Fantasy Value - WR4 in any format with a potential to rise to a WR3
Dynasty Value - All the makings of a low-end WR1, but destined to be a high-end WR2

 

Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs

Hardman wasn't an outstanding prospect coming out of college, but the Chiefs surprisingly made him a second-round pick. The speedster (4.33 40-yard) will look to fill the shoes of Tyreek Hill who could be potentially out as he faces legal issues. If thrust into the role, he obviously will not match Hill's numbers, but the targets must go somewhere. Look for him to become the big-play threat that this offense needs with Mahomes at QB.

2019 Fantasy Value - Could see WR3 value, but inconsistent production. A great best ball draft pick.
Dynasty Value - May develop into a steady producer as a low-end WR2 depending on Hill's status.

 

Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts

Campbell falls into a favorable fantasy position in the Andrew Luck's Colts offense. He was fifth in yards per route run in 2018 (3.47) and third in slot receptions (79), meaning he should be the starting slot option for this team. Playing in a fast-paced and high-powered offense should lead to plenty of targets for Campbell even in the first year. You should see him develop into a useful asset in PPR formats as the 2019 season progresses.

2019 Fantasy Value - Flex/WR4 in PPR but has the upside to become a WR3 by season's end.
Dynasty Value - He should be looked at as the T.Y. Hilton replacement and may hold low-end WR1 in just a few seasons.

 

Sleepers to Watch

These players aren't guaranteed to make an impact in the league but should be on fantasy owners' radars, especially in dynasty formats.

 

Hakeem Butler, Arizona Cardinals

He slipped in the draft and falls to an exciting new offense led by Kyler Murray. He led the nation in deep pass receptions and yardage last season (19 catches, 721 yards) and should be playing with a chip on his shoulder. A dangerous combination for a receiver in a fast-paced offense and a QB that can extend plays.

2019 Fantasy Value - WR5 with the upside that may see him as a Flex play by the end of the year. A great pickup in best ball drafts and may be a nice DFS play in certain weeks.
Dynasty Value - May only see value as high as a WR4 in a now-crowded receiving room (Christian Kirk and Andy Isabella)

 

Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers

A receiver that rose up the draft board late, Johnson bears an odd resemblance to Antonio Brown. He had a very productive college career (24 touchdowns in three years) and could plug in right away as the third option in the Steelers passing game. The Steelers have a history of developing secondary receivers and if James Washington shows inconsistencies, Johnson could be ready to surprise.

2019 Fantasy Value - Late-round flier that could develop into a solid matchup play later in the season.
Dynasty Value - An interesting player. Draft and hold in 2019 as he could become as high as a WR2 in a number of years, but once Roethlisberger is gone his value immediately drops to a WR4.

 

Jalen Hurd, San Francisco 49ers

A one-year player at the position, Hurd improved by leaps and bounds in 2018. Primarily used out of the slot (10th in the nation in slot receptions with 67), he may be used in a multitude of ways by Kyle Shanahan. He'll be fighting for playing time early on in his career but he could develop into a weapon that is used similar to Cordarrelle Patterson.

2019 Fantasy Value - Little value to be had in 2019 unless injuries lead to more playing time.
Dynasty Value - Will become a player that has Flex value. May even develop running back eligibility as well. Certainly a player you can use in the right matchups.

 

DeMarkus Lodge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Signed as an undrafted free agent, Lodge will have the chance to prove that he should have been drafted. With the receiving options behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin thin, Lodge could make an impression in camp and earn playing time. He would line up as an outside receiver opposite of Evans and would see lots of single coverage. If he controls the drops (137th in drop rate in 2018 at 11%), he can become a solid target option in this offense.

2019 Fantasy Value - Waiver wire option only but could become a matchup play WR6 by season's end.
Dynasty Value - If he sticks with this team and Arian's offense, Lodge could prove to be a solid bench player in fantasy. Never a weekly starter, but a first off the bench type in case of injuries.


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Player Comparisons
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Khris Middleton12 mins ago

Misses Thursday's Practice, Questionable For Game 3
Dean Wade16 mins ago

Ruled Out For First Round
Sonny Milano22 mins ago

Misses Practice On Thursday
Filip Chytil34 mins ago

Joins Rangers For Trip To Washington
Jesper Fast47 mins ago

Remains Out On Thursday
Matt Martin56 mins ago

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Anton Lundell1 hour ago

Takes Over As Second-Line Center Thursday
Deebo Samuel1 hour ago

49ers Have Discussed Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk In Trade Talks
Ryan Lomberg1 hour ago

Ruled Out For Game 3
Chicago Bears2 hours ago

Bears Willing To Trade Down From Ninth Pick
Zack Gelof2 hours ago

A's Place Zack Gelof On 10-Day Injured List
Alec Marsh2 hours ago

Lands On Injured List
Keibert Ruiz2 hours ago

Back From The Injured List
Jackson Merrill3 hours ago

Scratched With Groin Tigthness
Nolan Jones4 hours ago

Remains Sidelined Thursday
Los Angeles Rams4 hours ago

Rams Trying To Move Into Top 10
Max Muncy4 hours ago

On The Bench Thursday
Drake Maye4 hours ago

Giants Trying To Trade Up For Drake Maye
Alex Vlasic4 hours ago

Inks Six-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Kyle Okposo5 hours ago

To Suit Up In Game 3
William Nylander5 hours ago

Reportedly Dealing With Migraine Issue
Framber Valdez5 hours ago

To Start Sunday
Brett Pesce5 hours ago

Tony DeAngelo To Replace Brett Pesce
Cal Raleigh5 hours ago

Back In The Lineup Thursday
J.P. Crawford5 hours ago

Heading To The Injured List
Sam Bennett5 hours ago

To Miss At Least A Week
Ceddanne Rafaela5 hours ago

The Team's Everyday Shortstop
Vaughn Grissom5 hours ago

Unlikely To Return This Weekend
Rafael Devers5 hours ago

Likely To Return To Third Base On Saturday
Corey Seager6 hours ago

Serving As Designated Hitter Against Seattle
Jonathan India6 hours ago

Back In Action Thursday
Bryce Harper6 hours ago

Back From Paternity List
Jack Eichel7 hours ago

Makes NHL History In Game 2 Win
Brad Marchand7 hours ago

Racks Up Three Points In Game 3 Victory
Leon Draisaitl7 hours ago

Posts Two Assists In Wednesday's Loss
Anze Kopitar8 hours ago

Completes Three-Point Night With Overtime Game-Winner
Mason Marchment8 hours ago

Exits With Injury Wednesday
Radek Faksa8 hours ago

Injured In Game 2
Trey Murphy8 hours ago

III Cools Off In Game 2
CJ McCollum8 hours ago

Blows Hot And Cold In Game 2
Brandon Ingram8 hours ago

Overcomes Cold Start In Game 2
Jonas Valanciunas8 hours ago

Leads Pelicans In Scoring Wednesday
Jalen Williams8 hours ago

Contributes In All Areas Wednesday
Chet Holmgren9 hours ago

Sets The Tone For Thunder In Game 2
Uros Medic9 hours ago

A Massive Favorite At UFC Vegas 91
Tim Means9 hours ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 91
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander9 hours ago

Leads Thunder To Victory
Austen Lane9 hours ago

Searching For First UFC Win
Jhonata Diniz9 hours ago

Making UFC Debut
Bogdan Guskov9 hours ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC Vegas 91
Ryan Spann9 hours ago

Looks To Snap Losing Skid At UFC Vegas 91
Garrett Whitlock17 hours ago

Still Not Cleared For Mound Work
Max Scherzer17 hours ago

Serves Up Two Homers In Rehab Start
John Means17 hours ago

Could Start Sunday
Alec Marsh17 hours ago

X-Rays Come Back Negative On Alec Marsh
Francisco Lindor18 hours ago

Comes Alive With Two Long Balls
Shohei Ohtani18 hours ago

Three Doubles For Shohei Ohtani
Naz Reid19 hours ago

Named Sixth Man Of The Year
Mitchell Robinson20 hours ago

Questionable For Game 3
Joel Embiid20 hours ago

Questionable For Game 3
Bam Adebayo20 hours ago

Looks Good In Win Over Boston
Kristaps Porzingis20 hours ago

Struggles Offensively In Game 2
Jayson Tatum20 hours ago

Has A Decent Showing On Wednesday
Jaylen Brown20 hours ago

Leads The Way In Game 2
Tyler Herro21 hours ago

Gets It Done On Wednesday Night
Dallas Cowboys22 hours ago

Cowboys Pick Up Micah Parsons' Fifth-Year Option
Ezekiel Elliott22 hours ago

Cowboys Meeting With Ezekiel Elliott
Cincinnati Bengals22 hours ago

Trey Hendrickson Requests A Trade From Bengals
Nic Claxton23 hours ago

Nicolas Claxton The "No. 1 Priority" For Nets In Offseason
Grayson Allen24 hours ago

Not Ruled Out For Game 3
Nikola Jovic24 hours ago

Available For Game 2
Ryan Lomberg1 day ago

Could Be Back For Game 3
Cam Talbot1 day ago

Starts Game 2 For Kings
Logan Thompson1 day ago

Heads Out For Another Win Wednesday
Jake Oettinger1 day ago

Tries To Bounce Back Wednesday
Michael Penix Jr.1 day ago

Could Be Among Top-Four Quarterbacks Selected
Jared Goff1 day ago

No New Deal “Imminent” For Jared Goff
J.J. McCarthy1 day ago

Broncos Interested In J.J. McCarthy
Detroit Lions1 day ago

Penei Sewell Becomes Highest-Paid Offensive Lineman
Justin Fields1 day ago

Steelers Not Expected To Pick Up Justin Fields' Fifth-Year Option
Rashod Bateman1 day ago

Ravens Sign Rashod Bateman To Contract Extension
Ja'Marr Chase1 day ago

Bengals Exercise Ja'Marr Chase's Fifth-Year Option
Amon-Ra St. Brown1 day ago

Lions Agree To Four-Year Extension With Amon-Ra St. Brown
James Harden1 day ago

Settles For 22 Points In Game 2
Brandon Aiyuk2 days ago

Trade Remains "Very Much In Play"
Denver Broncos2 days ago

Broncos Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Patrick Surtain II
New England Patriots2 days ago

Patriots Haven't Received "Serious" Offers For No. 3 Pick
Kadarius Toney2 days ago

Still In Chiefs' Plans
Jake Browning2 days ago

Bengals Re-Sign Jake Browning
Brandon Aiyuk3 days ago

49ers Have Received Calls Regarding Brandon Aiyuk
Tyler Reddick3 days ago

Survives At Talladega For First Win Of 2024
Brad Keselowski3 days ago

Finishes Second At Talladega After Last-Lap Wreck
Anthony Alfredo3 days ago

Gets Best Finish For Beard Motorsports Since 2022
Todd Gilliland3 days ago

One Of The Strongest At Talladega
NASCAR3 days ago

Bubba Wallace Finishes 36th At Talladega Superspeedway
Kyle Larson3 days ago

Fails To Deliver Value In DFS At Talladega
NASCAR4 days ago

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Finishes Fourth At Talladega
Noah Gragson4 days ago

Surprisingly The Most Consistent Driver At Talladega
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Acquits Himself Nicely In Drafting Debut
Michael McDowell4 days ago

Ends Talladega Wrecked From The Lead
Alex Bowman4 days ago

Quietly Captures Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Daniel Hemric4 days ago

Surges To Ninth-Place Result At Talladega
Harrison Burton4 days ago

Squeezes Into Top 10 At Talladega
NASCAR4 days ago

Bubba Wallace Will Start 14th For the GEICO 500
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Avoid Rostering Tyler Reddick At Talladega?
John Hunter Nemechek4 days ago

Should DFS Players Roster John Hunter Nemechek At Talladega?
Joey Logano4 days ago

Expect Joey Logano To Compete For The Win At Talladega
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Is Denny Hamlin Recommended For Talladega?
Justin Haley4 days ago

Is A Top DFS Value At Talladega
William Byron4 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win Talladega
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Is Best Suited As A Tournament Play At Talladega
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Kyler Murray - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Draft - Why Do The Bears, Cardinals, and Vikings Have Two First-Round Picks?

The NFL Draft is always one of the most exciting days for organizations and fans, but fans of teams with more than one first-round pick are even more excited and overjoyed. In the 2024 NFL Draft, three teams have multiple picks on Day 1. Landing two studs on the first day of the event can... Read More


Brian Thomas Jr. - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Draft: What Time Is The NFL Draft Tonight? How To Watch Thursday's Draft Picks

It’s finally here, RotoBallers! After months of waiting and speculation, the 2024 NFL Draft starts tonight. Along with the Super Bowl and the Kickoff Game that starts the season, Draft Day is one of the most exciting days on the NFL calendar. The anticipation is over and it is time to get things rolling. It... Read More


Darius Slayton - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Draft - Veterans With The Most Fantasy Football Value To Lose On Draft Night

It's almost here! The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft will take place tonight in Detroit, with 32 players set to join their first NFL team after all is said and done. But those players aren't just being drafted into empty roster spots. The NFL is a zero-sum game. For every new player that... Read More


2024 NFL Draft: Biggest Fantasy Football Questions

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us and anticipation is high for what could be a wild edition that will likely have huge fantasy football implications for the season ahead. RotoBaller's David Rispoli digs into the biggest fantasy football questions of the 2024 NFL Draft. What draft decisions could have... Read More


2024 NFL Draft Mock Spectacular - Woo Fantasy Podcast

Rotoballer analyst Brandon Murchison (@RotoSuperstar) is joined by co-host Nick Hefley (@therealffgoat) as they dive into their final first-round mock for the 2024 NFL Draft. With what is expected to be a wild and crazy night of selections and potential moves, where will the most coveted players for fantasy managers land? They discuss landing spots... Read More


2024 NFL Draft: Three Shocking Predictions for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us and anticipation is high for what could be a wild First Round. RotoBaller's David Rispoli drops three bold predictions for what could happen in Round 1 of the NFL Draft on Thursday night. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune... Read More


Marvin Harrison Jr. - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Rounds 1, 2, 3 Predictions (Final Mock)

It is the most magical week of the year, when the mysticism of Gandalf, Harry Potter, and all the power of your aunt's healing crystals cannot combine to match the aura surrounding NFL Draft week! With the best week of the year here and just a few days until the actual NFL Draft begins, it... Read More


Malachi Corley - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Draft - Ranking the Top-10 Small School Prospects

While many of the top NFL players came from large colleges, there's always some talented players that slip through the cracks in recruiting and wind up at either a Group of Five school or an FCS school. Some of the NFL's top stars didn't come from the Power 5. Randy Moss played at Marshall. Khalil... Read More


Caleb Williams - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

2024 Fantasy Football Rookie Mock Draft - Last Look Before Draft Day

There's a lot of people who wait until after the NFL Draft to do their fantasy football rookie drafts. It makes sense -- knowing where a player ends up is a huge part of what helps determine their fantasy football value. Still, it can be fun to do a last-minute rookie draft before we know... Read More


Laiatu Latu - NFL, Draft, EDGE, Prospect, DST, Defense, Rankings

2024 NFL Draft - Who Will Be The First Defensive Player Selected?

It is now finally time for the 2024 NFL Draft. With a plethora of offensive talent available, this feels like one of the more loaded draft classes in recent memory from an offensive point of view. Quarterbacks and skill players have gotten most of the headlines, but there are still players on the defensive side... Read More


Adonai Mitchell - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Draft: Top 100 Prospect Rankings (Final Update)

With the NFL Draft just a day away, it’s time to submit my final rankings for this class. Below, you will find the top-100 prospects on my board for 2024. There will be some changes from last month, as well as some surprises. Feel free to criticize my choices and views on the platform formerly... Read More


Rome Odunze - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Final 2024 First-Round NFL Mock Draft - Predictions for all 32 Teams

It's Christmas Eve. The NFL Draft is my favorite day of the year, and the picks made tomorrow night will have an enormous impact on the future of the NFL. With the Chicago Bears expected to select Caleb Williams at No. 1, the real draft begins at No. 2, where the Washington Commanders' pick remains... Read More


Caleb Williams - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

2024 NFL Draft - Brandon Murchison's First-Round NFL Mock Draft

In the realm of fantasy football, anticipation and strategy reach a fever pitch as the NFL Draft approaches. Every selection, every pick holds the potential to reshape not only the fortunes of real-life franchises but also the fantasy landscape for millions of enthusiasts. As the curtain rises on this year's first-round NFL Mock Draft, fantasy managers... Read More