The Best of the Rest: Rookie WRs You’ll Want on Your Fantasy Team
We all know the first three wide receivers off the block should be Marvin Harrison, Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. After that is a mix of Brian Thomas, Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Ricky Pearsall, Xavier Legette, Adonai Mitchell, and my favorite — Keon Coleman. But what about in the late second, 3rd, and 4th rounds? I have some great grabs and taxi stashes for you. Remember dynasty is about the journey.
Late 2nd Round
My favorite WR to slip into the late 2nd is Roman Wilson, Steelers. In the off-season, Diontae Johnson went to the Panthers. So, Wilson has a great chance to step into that WR#2 role. Hailing from Michigan State, Wilson is competitive and had 12 touchdowns and 789 yards this past senior year.
The Steelers only have Pickens, because though Van Jefferson has shown flashes in previous seasons with other teams, I love Wilson’s high ceiling too much to think he won’t beat out Jefferson and the others. I’d rather grab Wilson over rookies Ja’Lynn Polk, Malachi Corley, and Troy Franklin who are all going around the same time in the late 2nd.
3rd Round
In this round, my favorite option is Javon Baker, Patriots. I know most see Polk as Drake Maye’s new shiny toy, but not me. Baker last season at UCF, he had 1,139 yards, seven touchdowns, and led the team in receptions. He was taken in the 4th round and his counter partner Polk was taken in the 2nd.
I’m telling you, Baker’s attitude, speed, and big-play-making ability has me liking him so much more than Polk. There are not many offensive weapons already on the team for Maye to sling it to. I see Baker as the red-zone and deep ball threat and proving he has what it takes. If he is available in the 3rd or potentially slips to the early 4th. Grab him and thank me later.
4th Round and a Stash
Luke McCaffrey out of Rice College is the younger brother of CMC, and he is tough. He is not the most polished runner, but he is a McCaffery raised with the same work ethic as his older brother. He is athletic and crafty and I believe he will immediately step into the slot position while McLaurin and Dotson continue on the outside. He is smart as he was a QB for years before switching to WR in 2022. To me, this is gold, because he can build rapport with rookie QB Daniels and understand the routes and collaborate maybe with some fun trick plays. I for one am excited to see the new Commander’s offense.
Jacob Cowing, SF is a stash for me because of the uncertainty of their star receivers in San Fran, he could be useful next season. I do not see him leaping Pearsall who they drafted in the 1st round. In Arizona, Cowing was a beast having 90 catches and over 900 yards. He is speedy and versatile and we know Coach Shanahan loves to mix things up. So I like him on the cheap.
Hit me up on X @luvtractor3 and give me your favorites!
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