We are almost through the dead part of the NFL offseason. Which means soon, training camp and fantasy football drafts will consume our everyday lives. Over the last several weeks, I broke down my top rookie players in dynasty leagues this upcoming fantasy football season. And whether or not you play Dynasty, Devy, Daily, Standard, Best Ball, Vampire, or any other format, these rankings will help you win your fantasy football league.
Here’s a look at the previous dynasty articles in this series.
Here are my top rookie wide receivers to target in your upcoming dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
1. N’Keal Harry, New England Patriots (ADP 1.02)
Never throughout the history of mankind has Bill Belichick drafted a wide receiver in the first round. That is until N’Keal Harry came along. The 6’4, 228 lbs. WR from Arizona State checked all the boxes. This would eventually lead to him getting drafted 32nd overall by the New England Patriots in last April’s draft. Harry projects to be one of the top rookies in fantasy football this upcoming season. But how Belichick and his coaching staff plan to utilize his skill set is yet to be determined.
After all, the Patriots have turned average wide receivers into perennial pro bowlers throughout their reign atop the NFL. And although many will credit the system for most of the team’s success, when a skillful receiver lands in New England, the rest of the NFL is put on notice. During his time at Arizona State, Harry amassed 213 receptions for 2,889 yards and 22 touchdowns. He’s an elite talent that should be a staple in New England’s offense for many years to come.
2. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (ADP 1.06)
By now, everyone knows who D.K. Metcalf is. And yes, the biggest gripe with his game continues to be his route running. But that hasn’t stopped Russell Wilson from doing everything he can to get acclimated with the second-round rookie. After all, with the sudden retirement of Doug Baldwin, Metcalf should see plenty of opportunities in his first year.
The Seattle Seahawks’ offense may slowly shift into a more run-oriented unit. But until that day comes, Wilson will be slinging the rock to his stable of playmakers. And when looking up and down the Seahawks’ depth chart, there’s no wide receiver with more potential than Metcalf.
3. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens (ADP 1.10)
Some would argue that Marquise Brown was the most dynamic player in college football during his time at Oklahoma. After all, “Hollywood” did have the luxury of being surrounded by Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray consecutively. But don’t let that take anything away from his career 132 receptions, 2,413 yards, and 17 touchdowns. He’s a playmaker and one of the fastest players in the league.
Lamar Jackson isn’t the most accurate quarterback in the NFL, which doesn’t necessarily help Brown’s cause. However, in an offense that continues to push the limits of the traditional NFL, the Baltimore Ravens will find ways to get him the football. They don’t call him “Hollywood” for nothing. Even in this offense, it’s no surprise that Brown is going in the back end of the first round in dynasty drafts.
4. Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts (1.7)
You could make an argument that Parris Campbell is as deserving as Brown at number three. I just so happen to like the latter’s potential a bit more long-term. This is not a slight against Campbell, who possesses a similar skill-set of his own. And adding a speedster of his caliber to an already high-octane offense like Frank Reich‘s is scary.
I think, unlike some of the other receivers on this list, Campbell’s impact could come sooner than later. He should be able to transition seamlessly and begin taking reps immediately. How often he is utilized and how the depth chart ultimately shakes out is still to be determined. But don’t be afraid to draft the Indianapolis Colts rookie, because with Andrew Luck at the helm big things are expected.
5. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans (1.5)
Although most of the talk this offseason was about D.K. Metcalf, many forget that A.J. Brown was the more productive wide receiver at Ole Miss. Whether or not that translates to the NFL is anyone’s guess. And although one receiver may have the superior quarterback, both players have the potential to burst onto the scene.
The hardest thing for Brown moving forward is trying to find an identity in the Tennesee Titans’ offense. After all, Matt LaFleur went an entire season without truly understanding Tennessee’s offensive weaponry, or so at times, it seemed. Brown is probably the most likely of the group to become a true number one wide receiver in the NFL.
Other notable wide receivers
- JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Philadelphia Eagles
- Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs
- Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
- Hakeem Butler, Arizona Cardinals
- Andy Isabella, Arizona Cardinals
- Terry McLaurin, Washington
- Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins
- Kelvin Harmon, Washington
- Miles Boykin, Baltimore Ravens
- Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Note: All ADPs were taken from FantasyPros.com using full point PPR. Josh Houtz is the Fantasy Football Director and Lead Writer for PFN. You can follow him @houtz on Twitter.