The average fantasy football owner is well aware of wide receiver bust rates for a better understanding of what you can reasonably expect of guys being taken later in drafts.
But what these receivers can do for you is provide equity. At their current average draft position (ADP), it seems likely they'll outperform their current draft cost, thus providing value for your fake football squads. All ADP info is based on full point-per-reception (PPR) scoring from My Fantasy League.
Eric Decker, New York Jets
It feels strange including While’s Smith poor rookie season may paint a gloomy portrait for his future, his 2013 game splits give a bit of context, and perhaps provide some hope.
Even if Smith doesn't evolve into a star quarterback in 2014, Decker certainly has one thing going for him: volume. The other receivers on the Jets roster don't strike fear in anyone and Decker is a lock for 125 targets with upside for more. Currently being drafted between Rounds 6 and 8, Decker offers real value considering he's here for Patterson possibly being the most overrated player in all of fantasy football. While there’s no doubt Patterson is ultra-explosive, it’s another Vikings wideout who could end up as the team's most valuable fantasy receiver.
In his seven seasons in Green Bay, depth chart at wide receiver is downright depressing. Even with the addition of first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin, the receiving corps is still largely devoid of game changing talent. Add in the fact that Cam Newton is still recovering from his off-season ankle surgery, and the Panthers passing game isn’t evoking much excitement around the fantasy community.
Expecting Benjamin to be the first option immediately is probably unfair, given his unpolished route running ability. With Steve Smith now in Baltimore, the lead-dog role appears wide open.
Last season while in Pittsburgh, Jerricho Cotchery quietly caught 10 touchdowns. That's right, 10. Before 2013, his previously career-high was six in 2006. He’d only caught five or more touchdowns twice in his nine-year career. Last season, his 0.98 Reception NEP per target, a measure of efficiency based on target volume, ranked second out of 34 wide receivers with 60 to 90 targets.
While a regression in touchdown receptions is almost certain to happen this season, Cotchery still has a chance to be the team’s leading receiver. At his current WR82 ADP, Cotchery is basically free. He’s going off the board after unproven rookies Paul Richardson and Jarvis Landry who are staring down ambiguous roles in 2014.
While the Panthers will probably be fairly run-heavy this season, someone has to catch the ball when they do air it out. At age 32, Cotchery is approaching the twilight of his career, but before he goes, he could be an ace waiting on the end of your fantasy bench.