Young wide receivers are all the rage in fantasy football lately. It isn’t without reason — more receivers are entering the league and dominating early in their careers.
This year, one receiver hoping to continue that trend is Keon Coleman, who the Buffalo Bills took with the 33rd pick in April. Another option considered around the same spot is second-year Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Both players bring different things to their teams, but their consensus rankings sit close together. Even their average draft position (ADP) is close, with Smith-Njigba at No. 103 overall and Coleman at No. 114.
Selecting one of these young wideouts could be the Skeleton key for fantasy managers. Let’s break down their fantasy outlooks and correctly identify the player who can elevate your rosters.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Keon Coleman
Coleman has the size that every NFL general manager drools over. He stands 6’4″ and weighs 215 pounds. He comes to a Bills team that parted ways with Stefon Diggs and is looking to replace the alpha role. Coleman has the stereotypical X wide receiver build, but does he have the skill?
For his size, he is an impressive athlete. Coleman’s explosiveness and strength are above average, giving defenders a nightmare ride during his routes.
With his size, he excels in contested catches. Due to his speed, he had to master this trait, and he became one of the best we have ever witnessed in recent years. For a young wide receiver, he even fights off press well with active hands that harness that aforementioned strength.
Coleman’s issue is his lateral agility; it’s nothing to write home about and can hamper his game. Defenders love to make him move from East to West. He also struggles with separation within his route, referring to the lack of speed issues.
Speaking of that, he has a limited route tree.
Coleman was a big-body college-wide receiver who thrived on vertical routes, and his coaches utilized that to the fullest, keeping his game incomplete.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Jaxon Smith-Njigba
For Smith-Njigba, we have to work through target competition to see the player shine.
He received 93 targets last year and recorded 63 receptions, 628 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
KEEP READING: PFN’s Consensus Fantasy Football Rankings
Smith-Njigba recorded the fifth-most drops last season, per TruMedia.
He will need to clean up to take a step forward this season in Seattle.
Who Should I Draft in 2024?
At their ADP, we are shooting for upside in target opportunities. Both players bring a unique skill set to the field, but one is tied to Josh Allen and can fill a direct need for the alpha wide receiver role, and that is Coleman.
Be prepared. Rookies may start slow, but after their bye week, they tend to elevate their game; Coleman enjoys his in Week 12.
If the pattern holds true, this first-year wideout can propel your fantasy team at the most crucial time of the season..