Fantasy Football: Don't Forget About the Wide Receivers
While the wide receiver pool is usually deep, drafting one early can still pay big dividends for a fantasy team.
Wide receivers are playing a bigger role in fantasy leagues, given how much the passing game is emphasize in today's NFL. Yet some fantasy players still tend to overlook them.
With the rush to get the top running backs or the lure of a top fantasy QB, one might forget to draft a top wide receiver who can help. This is particularly true in leagues that score points for receptions, because receivers that draw a lot of targets and make a lot of catches can give your team a boost.
It's true the receiver position is deep in most years, but you should still consider taking a receiver in the first two rounds of your fantasy drafts. Getting a highly productive receiver can do a lot for your fantasy team.
When looking at receivers in your drafts, there are three things to keep in mind when targeting them:
* Look for teams that like to throw the ball a lot, but keep in mind how often a receiver is targeted. Some quarterbacks tend to frequently target one receiver, while others may spread the ball around.
* Look for receivers who have been consistently productive regardless of who is at quarterback. Consistent producers can be a good bet to help your team, even if the offense isn't particularly good overall.
* Don't depend on rookie receivers to help your team, but look for second- and third-year receivers who have had decent production in the past. Those could be the receivers about to break out.
Here are my picks for certain fantasy categories.
Boom: DK Metcalf
Buyer beware: AJ Brown
Value pick: Justin Jefferson
Sleeper: CeeDee Lamb
Deep sleeper: Gabriel Davis
Top rookie: Ja'Marr Chase
And now for my fantasy wide receiver rankings.
1. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City
Hill caught 15 touchdown passes in 2020 and surpassed 1,200 yards in 2020. He plays in one of the most prolific passing games in the NFL and, with Travis Kelce in the lineup, defenses can't simply focus on Hill. It remains to be seen what Mecole Hardman Jr. does this season, plus Hill isn't one of the leaders in receptions (thanks, in part, to his speed leading to bigger plays). Still, you can't go wrong with Hill as your No. 1 fantasy receiver.
2. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo
Diggs led the NFL in receptions in 2020 with 127, becoming the top target for Josh Allen after Diggs was traded to the Bills last season. He also led the league in yards with 1,535, though he had just eight touchdowns. The Bills did release John Brown, but still have Gabriel Davis (who was a surprise last year) and Cole Beasley in the lineup. Diggs is arguably the best fantasy WR going into 2021, particularly in PPR leagues.
3. Amari Cooper, Dallas
Despite Dak Prescott missing most of the 2020 season with an ankle injury, Cooper was still productive, catching 92 receptions (a career best) for 1,114 yards. Though he only scored five touchdowns, Prescott's return from injury should help there. It will also help that CeeDee Lamb should improve in 2021 and draw more attention from defenders. Don't let the lack of scoring keep you from making Cooper a No. 1 fantasy receiver.
4. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona
Hopkins gave the Cardinals the No. 1 wide receiver they needed, and he finished with 115 receptions for 1,407 yards with six touchdowns. There's hope that Kyler Murray can keep improving as a receiver, and the Cardinals added A.J. Green, who will look to prove he still has something left in the tank. Hopkins has a lot of value in PPR formats, but in all formats, he's one of the better No. 1 fantasy WRs out there.
5. Allen Robinson, Chicago
Despite the quarterback issues the Bears had last season, Robinson was one of the best fantasy wide receivers. His 102 receptions made him a great player to have in PPR leagues, and his 1,250 receiving yards and six touchdowns made him useful in other formats. Though Andy Dalton, who may be the opening week starter, hasn't impressed as of late, Justin Fields holds intrigue -- and besides, Robinson has shown he can produce regardless of who is QB. He's an easy choice as a No. 1 fantasy receiver.
6. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay
The arrival of Tom Brady in Tampa Bay was a boon for Evans, who scored 13 touchdowns, the first time he hit double-digit TDs since 2016. The Bucs kept almost everyone from last year's roster, including Evans' WR teammate Chris Godwin. Evans isn't going to get you a lot of points for receptions, nor does he often post high yardage totals. But the Bucs' offense, as long as Brady is in top form, should mean plenty of chances for Evans to help fantasy players as a No. 1 WR.
7. DK Metcalf, Seattle
Metcalf made a jump in his second season, catching 83 passes for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns. Russell Wilson remains one of the top passers in the NFL and an improved offensive line could give Wilson more time in the pocket, thus increasing Metcalf's opportunities. Though teammate Tyler Lockett may be considered the top target, Metcalf may be poised to take that spot this season. Pencil Metcalf in as a No. 1 fantasy WR and draft him with confidence.
8. Davante Adams, Green Bay
Adams led all receivers in touchdowns (18) in 2020, plus he caught 115 passes, giving him great value in PPR leagues. He would be the top fantasy receiver, were it not for the questions surrounding Aaron Rodgers. There would still be plenty to like about Adams, because other receivers have shown they can produce with lesser QBs -- it's just that if Rodgers isn't there, Adams isn't as valuable. Keep an eye on what happens with Rodgers and, if he does play, move Adams up your rankings. If Rodgers doesn't play, there's still a case for Adams as a No. 1 fantasy WR.
9. Keenan Allen, LA Chargers
Allen missed two games while he was on the COVID-19 reserve list, but he still finished the season with 100 receptions, though some fantasy owners may have hoped for more than 900 yards receiving. However, fantasy players had to be happy with eight touchdowns, and if Justin Herbert can continue his development, Allen could see his numbers jump. While getting more consistent play from teammates would be great, there's still a lot to like about Allen as a No. 1 fantasy receiver.
10. Adam Thielen, Minnesota
Thielen scored 14 touchdowns in 2020, though he caught just 74 passes -- a far cry from the 113 passes he caught in 2018. Still, his numbers improved across the board after a disappointing 2019 season. Justin Jefferson showed last season he can be a good complement to Thielen, too. You may not take Thielen as high in a PPR format, but in other formats, there's plenty to like about Thielen to make him a solid No. 1 fantasy receiver.
11. A.J. Brown, Tennessee
Brown saw his production jump in 2020, in which he had more receptions (70) and touchdowns (11) than he did in his rookie campaign in 2019. While Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith left in free agency, the Titans acquired Julio Jones in a trade, which should mean defenses won't be able to focus solely on Brown. However, Brown did undergo knee surgery and his Week One status is in question. If healthy, he'll be a No. 1 fantasy WR, but keep an eye on his recovery.
12. Michael Thomas, New Orleans
Thomas missed most of 2020 because of a high ankle sprain and a hamstring injury, hence his production was nowhere near what fantasy owners had hoped. To make matters worse, Drew Brees has retired and Jameis Winston appears to be the likely starter. However, other receivers who have played Winston have been productive, so there's reason for optimism that Thomas can stay productive. He may not reach 149 receptions like he did in 2019, but there's a good chance he bounces back, so long as he's healthy. Don't be too quick to dismiss him.
13. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta
Ridley broke out in 2020 with 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. He was productive even when Julio Jones wasn't in the lineup, so it's not a given that his production will drop following Jones' trade to the Titans. Plus, the Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts, for whom the Falcons have high expectations. Matt Ryan is still a solid QB, so as with Thomas, you don't need to shy away from Ridley. He may not be a top fantasy option, but chances are good he'll be up among the better ones.
14. Tyler Lockett, Seattle
Lockett has his best season as a pro, catching 100 receptions for 1,054 yards and 10 touchdowns. While he's arguably the top Seahawks WR, DK Metcalf emerged last year, gaining more yards and scoring just as many TDs. The case can be made for Lockett to come off the board earlier than Metcalf, though some would argue Metcalf has more upside. In deeper leagues, you should look to Lockett as a No. 1 fantasy option, while in others, he may be better suited as a top No. 2.
15. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota
Jefferson was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, leading the Vikings with 1,400 yards receiving on 88 receptions. Though teammate Adam Thielen found the end zone more often, Jefferson scored seven touchdowns himself. With another season under his belt and Kirk Cousins playing well overall, Jefferson's upside is huge. In deeper leagues, you should think of him as a No. 1 fantasy WR, and in all other formats, he's a top No. 2 who is arguably a No. 1.
16. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh
After exploring free agency, Smith-Schuster decided to return to the Steelers. He led the team in receptions with 97, looking more like the player he was in 2018 when he caught 111 passes. Smith-Schuster is part of a receiving corps in which the production tends to be spread out, plus there's no telling how much longer Ben Roethlisberger can play at a high level. Making Smith-Schuster a No. 1 fantasy WR carries risk, but his value is increased in PPR leagues -- and as a No. 2 fantasy WR, he's one of the better options.
17. Cooper Kupp, LA Rams
After scoring 10 touchdowns in 2019, Kupp scored just three in 2020, though he remained productive otherwise with 92 receptions, just two fewer than in 2019. The Rams traded for Matthew Stafford, so there's reason to be optimistic that Kupp can increase his production through better QB play. He and teammate Robert Woods had similar production last year, though Woods scored more TDs. But Kupp, who is younger, has a little more upside and is arguably the first of the Rams receivers who should come off the board.
18. Terry McLaurin, Washington
McLaurin saw his receptions rise from 58 to 87, his yardage rise from 919 to 1,118, but his touchdowns dropped from seven to four. Though there is hope that Washington will get better play with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, he's not the QB you would think of as the long-term solution. McLaurin did show he can produce with subpar QB play, though, and his upside is still there. The QB questions mean he's not a given as a No. 1 fantasy WR, but as a No. 2, he's a safe bet.
19. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay
Godwin missed four games in 2020, but put up respectable production with 65 receptions, 840 yards and seven touchdowns. He'll be back with the Buccaneers, though he'll play under the franchise tag, but that still means he'll be surrounded with familiar faces, notably Mike Evans and Tom Brady. Provide he stays healthy, Godwin is a good bet to surpass 1,000 yards receiving again. Feel confident in making him a No. 2 fantasy receiver.
20. DJ Chark, Jacksonville
Chark looked good in 2019, but saw his production decline in 2020, thanks in part to poor QB play. The Jaguars now will have Trevor Lawrence under center, plus Laviska Shenault Jr. could improve, which could set the table for Chark to have a bounce-back season. It wouldn't be surprising if Chark surpasses 1,000 yards again and reaches eight touchdowns, as he did in 2019. He should be a good No. 2 fantasy WR and he has the potential to be a No. 1 option.
21. DJ Moore, Carolina
Moore had 1,193 receiving yards and scored four touchdowns in 2020, despite a decline in receptions. The Panthers made some changes on the offense, with Sam Darnold acquired via trade and Curtis Samuel departing in free agency. Robby Anderson is still in the fold and Christian McCaffrey returns from injury, but will that be enough to help Moore? While Moore is a pretty good No. 2 fantasy WR, there are questions to be answered before you can consider him a potential No. 1.
22. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas
Lamb's rookie season wasn't bad, though he might have produced more were it not for Dak Prescott's ankle injury. But Prescott should be healthy again, plus Amari Cooper will draw attention from defenders -- both factors that should allow Lamb to exceed the 74 receptions, 935 yards and six touchdowns he had in 2020. Put Lamb down at the top of your list of fantasy sleepers and give him a shot as a fantasy No. 2.
23. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh
Claypool was a pleasant surprise, emerging down the stretch as one of the Steelers' top receivers. He finished with 62 receptions and nine touchdowns, and should feel more comfortable in the offense. The Steelers kept their receiving corps together, though it remains to be seen how much Ben Roethlisberger has left in the tank. But Claypool holds a lot of intrigue, should be a good fantasy No. 2 WR and among the top fantasy sleepers at the position.
24. Courtland Sutton, Denver
Sutton broke out in 2019 with 1,112 receiving yards and six touchdowns, but a torn ACL ended his 2020 campaign early. He's expected to be healthy for training camp, but will be competing for targets with Jerry Jeudy and possibly KJ Hamler and Tim Patrick. Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater will be under center. If Lock wins that job, that may favor Sutton, but if Bridgewater gets it, it may not. Put down Sutton as a No. 2 fantasy WR for the time being, but adjust your rankings depending on who gets the QB job.
25. Brandin Cooks, Houston
Cooks was the Texans' top receiver in 2020 with 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns. However, DeShaun Watson's status with the team is in doubt and the Texans don't have any QB option that's likely to excite fantasy players. Still, other receivers have shown they can produce with lesser QB play and one might argue Cooks did that when he played with Jared Goff in 2018. There is one other point, though: Cooks doesn't have a productive teammate alongside him, which limits his upside. He's a borderline No. 2 fantasy WR, but may be better off as a No. 3.
26. Robert Woods, LA Rams
Woods caught 90 passes for 936 yards and six touchdowns -- production that was below his previous two seasons. However, the Rams traded for Matthew Stafford, so that means Woods has a chance to bounce back. Cooper Kupp remains the top receiver in the offense, but Stafford's presence should help everyone. Put Woods down as a top No. 3 fantasy WR, who could produce at No. 2 level if the Rams can improve offensively.
27. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati
The 2020 second-round pick played well as a rookie with 67 receptions for 908 yards and six touchdowns. Joe Burrow showed promise before his injury, plus the Bengals drafted Ja'Marr Chase in the first round, so the pieces are in place for a strong passing offense. You don't want to draft Higgins too early in drafts, but there's plenty of sleeper potential in him. Draft him as a No. 3 fantasy receiver who could produce at a higher level.
28. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland
Landry caught just 72 passes in 2020, his lowest reception tally in a single season. A positive sign was that Landry's production increased toward the end of the season, so there's reason for optimism that he could bounce back. It would also help to have a healthy Odell Beckham Jr. in the lineup, or improvement from second-year receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Landry enters 2021 as a No. 3 fantasy receiver, but with potential to be a No. 2.
29. DeVante Parker, Miami
Parker had three games with 100 yards receiving or more, finishing the season with 793 yards and four touchdowns. The Dolphins drafted Jaylen Waddle and added Will Fuller in free agency, and they're hoping second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can prove he's a worthy starter. Things are in place for Parker to be a more productive receiver, likely as a top No. 2 fantasy receiver, but going into the season, think of him as a No. 3 option.
30. Marquise Brown, Baltimore
Brown saw more targets and receptions in 2020, which led to 769 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. The Ravens drafted Rashod Bateman and signed Sammy Watkins, so they have the potential for a top receiving trio. The question is if the Ravens continue to rely more on the run and how Lamar Jackson continues his development as a passer. Brown has sleeper potential, but may be better thought as a No. 3 fantasy option going into drafts.
31. Kenny Golladay, NY Giants
Golladay missed 11 games in 2020 with injuries, disappointing fantasy players who had hoped he would produce at the level he did the two prior seasons. He signed with the Giants in free agency and will enter as their top option. However, how well Golladay performs depends a lot on what Daniel Jones does at quarterback. Golladay might get back to the No. 2 fantasy WR production if he stays healthy, but until he proves that, he's best viewed as a No. 3.
32. Curtis Samuel, Washington
Samuel had a career-best 77 receptions in 2020 for 851 yards. He signed with Washington in free agency and will be the No. 2 option alongside Terry McLaurin. While it remains to be seen how the quarterback situation plays out, Samuel did play well in a Panthers offense that was lacking one of its better players and Washington has some playmakers with upside. He's worth more in PPR leagues, but he should be a decent No. 3 fantasy WR.
33. Gabriel Davis, Buffalo
When other receivers missed time, Davis quietly stepped into the Bills lineup and did well for himself with 599 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Though Davis didn't get much in the way of receptions (just 35), the Bills released Josh Brown, though they did add Emmanuel Sanders in free agency. Still, the potential is there for Davis to break out in 2021. While he should be viewed as a No. 3 fantasy option, the sleeper potential is great here.
34. Robby Anderson, Carolina
Anderson was a steady performer for the Panthers in 2020 with 95 receptions for 1,096 receiving yards. He'll be reunited with Sam Darnold, his former Jets teammate, who the Panthers acquired in an offseason trade. Anderson enters the 2021 season behind DJ Moore, who does have more upside, and there are questions as to whether Darnold can turn things around. Given that Anderson wasn't as productive with Darnold before, you don't want to draft him too high, but he should be a decent No. 3 fantasy option.
35. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco
Aiyuk had a solid rookie campaign with 60 receptions on 96 targets with 748 yards receiving and five touchdowns. It's worth noting Aiyuk got more involvement as the season progressed (he had 10 receptions for 119 yards in Week 13). Other receivers have missed time with injuries, though, plus the Niners need to get their QB situation settled. Aiyuk is another receiver with potential to produce No. 2 fantasy WR numbers, but until he does, view him as a No. 3 with upside.
36. Jerry Jeudy, Denver
Jeudy got targeted a lot as a rookie (113 times) but caught just 52 passes and scored only three touchdowns. Between drops and inconsistent QB play, it was a frustrating rookie season for Jeudy. It remains to be seen who will be the Broncos' QB, but the receiving corps is deep and Jeudy is one of the best route runners in the NFL. How good of a fantasy option he is may depend on who is the quarterback, but either way, he should be a good No. 3 fantasy option with upside.
37. Mecole Hardman, Kansas City
Hardman got more targets in 2020, turning those 62 targets into 41 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns. The Chiefs allowed Sammy Watkins to depart in free agency, so they have some faith that Hardman can take a bigger role in the offense. He'll still be behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, but the Chiefs passing offense gives him the chance to be a productive fantasy option. Hardman is another No. 3 fantasy WR with upside.
38. Laviska Shenault Jr., Jacksonville
The Jaguars didn't have consistent quarterback play in 2020, but Shenault had a solid rookie season with 58 receptions for 600 yards and five touchdowns. There's high hopes for Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft, and if he plays well, Shenault could break out in 2021. While Shenault will be the second option behind DJ Chark, there's still potential for Shenault to contribute. View him as a No. 3 fantasy WR with upside.
39. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh
Johnson made a good impression early in 2020 and finished the season wiht 88 receptions for 923 yards and seven touchdowns. However, his production declined later in the season at the same time that Chase Claypool emerged. And with JuJu Smith-Schuster back, Johnson will be relegated to third on the wide receiver depth chart. That limits his upside, but fantasy players in deeper leagues could roll the dice on him as a No. 3 fantasy option.
40. Julio Jones, Tennessee
Jones missed seven games in 2020 and that resulted in one of his worst seasons as a pro, with just 51 catches for 771 yards and three touchdowns. He was traded to the Titans and will now be the No. 2 receiver alongside A.J. Brown. If he's healthy, Jones could become a No. 2 fantasy option, but his age means his upside is limited. View him as a No. 3 option, with a chance to be a No. 2, but you shouldn't think of him as a No. 1 fantasy WR any longer.
41. TY Hilton, Indianapolis
Hilton missed six games in 2019, then in 2020, his total remained low, with just 56 receptions for 762 yards and five touchdowns. Phillip Rivers has retired and the Colts traded for Carson Wentz, who is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro. Perhaps Wentz can bounce back under Frank Reich, but Hilton is a player in decline and it's hard to trust him like you used to. He might have usefulness as a No. 3 fantasy receiver, but don't expect more than that.
42. Will Fuller, Miami
Fuller put up good numbers in 2020 despite missing five games. He posted season bests in receiving yards (879) and touchdowns (eight). He signed with the Dolphins in free agency and joins a promising offense with Tua Tagovailoa, DeVante Parker and first-round pick Jaylen Waddle. However, Fuller hasn't played a full 16-game schedule since he's entered the league (though the games he missed last year were because of a suspension). It's better to think of Fuller as a bench option, but the potential to contribute to fantasy teams is there.
43. Corey Davis, NY Jets
Davis has his best season as a pro in 2020 with 65 receptions, 984 yards and five receiving touchdowns. He left the Titans for the Jets, meaning he'll move from one of the better offenses in the NFL to one of the worst. The Jets are rebuilding around first-round pick Zach Wilson, and while they do have a good young receiver in Denzel Mims, it's hard to expect Davis to put up the production he did in 2020. Those in deeper leagues might have to take him as a No. 3 fantasy receiver, but all others should draft him for the bench.
44. Michael Gallup, Dallas
Gallup had 1,107 receiving yards in 2019, but his production dipped in 2020, thanks mainly to the season-ending ankle injury that Dak Prescott suffered. Though Prescott will return and should be healthy, Gallup could have another problem -- CeeDee Lamb's star is on the rise, so Gallup's upside in 2021 will be limited. Your best bet is to draft Gallup for the fantasy bench, but there might be weeks in which he can help your fantasy team.
45. Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas
Renfrow did see an uptick in some of his numbers in 2020, with 56 receptions and 656 yards receiving, but with just two touchdowns. The Raiders appear to be a team that will emphasize the run this year, with Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake splitting carries, and when they throw the ball, Darren Waller tends to get most of the attention. On the other hand, the Raiders allowed Nelson Agholor to leave in free agency, which could mean Renfrow gets more targets. Still, it's best to view Renfrow as a bench option.
46. Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland
Beckham missed nine games with injuries, but prior to that, he was on pace for a down season, after having caught 74 passes for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns in his first season with the Browns. The team did get things together on offense overall last season and Baker Mayfield improved as a QB, but the question is whether Beckham can get back to performing at a high level again. Perhaps he can bounce back, but you shouldn't view him as anything more than a bench option until he proves otherwise.
47. Nelson Agholor, New England
Agolor caught eight touchdown passes and was targeted 82 times, but he only caught 48 of those passes. Still, the Patriots saw something in him that prompted them to pay him a lot of money in free agency. Agholor will be part of a revamped receiving corps, with the Patriots looking to Agohlor and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry to lead the way. It remains to be seen how well the Patriots' moves to revamp the offense work out, so better to draft Agholor for the bench.
48. Mike Williams, LA Chargers
In 2018, Williams caught 10 touchdown passes, but had just 43 receptions. In 2019, he surpassed 1,000 yards receiving on just 49 receptions, but had only two scores. His 2020 campaign seems more in line with the type of fantasy player he is -- one who can contribute once in a while, but isn't a consistent option. Perhaps things change in Justin Herbert's second season, but until you see it, better to draft Williams for the bench unless you are in a deeper league.
49. Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia
Reagor had a quiet rookie campaign with 31 receptions for 396 yards and one touchdown. The Eagles released veterans DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffrey, plus they traded Carson Wentz and will now start Jalen Hurts. They will be looking to Reagor and first-round pick DeVonta Smith to be the receiving duo who can boost the Eagles' passing offense. Reagor's potential is there, but you should draft him for the bench at this time.
50. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco
Samuel had a promising rookie season with 57 receptions for 802 yards and peaked down the stretch, but he missed nine games in 2020 because of injuries. Brandon Aiyuk appears to have ascended to the top spot on the receiver depth chart, and the Niners' quarterback situation has yet to be settled. Samuel is best drafted for the bench, but perhaps he can bounce back from injury and contribute to fantasy team like he did in the latter half of 2019.
51. Cole Beasley, Buffalo
Beasley caught a career-best 82 receptions in 2020 for 967 receiving yards. However, it's not clear if Beasley is going to make the roster this year -- the Bills signed Emmanuel Sanders in free agency and they seem to like Gabriel Davis, who played well as a rookie. Keep an eye on how things develop in training camp -- if Beasley makes the roster, you can move up your rankings a bit. Just remember his upside may be limited going into 2021.
52. Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas
The 2020 first-round pick was targeted 43 times and caught 26 passes for 452 yards. He's a deep threat, but he doesn't get a lot of attention from Derek Carr, who isn't known for being a deep passer. Maybe Carr will look for Ruggs more often with Nelson Agholor gone in free agency, but after the Raiders added Kenyan Drake in free agency, they may think of themselves more as a run-first team who relies on screen passes. Ruggs simply isn't likely to get enough attention to be anything more than a fantasy bench option.
53. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati
Chase had 1,780 yards receiving with 20 touchdowns in 2019, but opted out of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That didn't stop the Bengals from making him the first receiver off the board in the 2021 draft. Chase is now part of a young, promising offense with Joe Burrow under center and Tee Higgins making a good impression as a rookie. Of all the receivers taken in the first round, Chase may be the best bet to contribute to fantasy teams.
54. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis
After the Colts lost Parris Campbell to injury in 2020, Pittman worked his way into the starting lineup and had solid numbers, with 40 receptions for 503 yards. But with the Colts trading for Carson Wentz, and the questions surrounding him after he struggled last season, Pittman's upside is limited. Couple that with Campbell's return and Pittman isn't somebody you want to consider a fantasy starter. However, it's fine to stash him on your bench in case he surprises.
55. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia
Smith was one of the more productive receivers for Alabama the past two seasons -- he was particulary impressive in 2020 when he caught 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Eagles drafted him in the first round, but he'll be part of a young offense in which it remains to be seen if Jalen Hurts, Jalen Reagor and others can come together and produce. There is some intrigue about Smith's situation, but you are better off drafting Smith for the bench until you can see what he does.
56. Darius Slayton, NY Giants
Slayton caught 50 passes in 2020, but after scoring eight touchdowns as a rookie, he scored just three in 2020. Perhaps the addition of Kenny Golladay will help, but the Giants also need Daniel Jones to improve his quarterback play. With the question surrounding the Giants offense at this time, you shouldn't look at Slayton as anything more than a player to stash on your bench in the hopes that he might contribute in certain weeks.
57. Jaylen Waddle, Miami
The Dolphins selected Waddle in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, despite Waddle missing part of his 2020 college football season with injuries. He'll enter an offense that has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL, as long as Tua Tagovailoa continues with his development. Waddle will likely be third on the depth chart behind DeVante Parker and Will Fuller, so his upside as a rookie will be limited. You shouldn't see Waddle as anything more than a fantasy bench option at this time.
58. Denzel Mims, NY Jets
Mims played nine games last season and caught 23 passes for 357 yards, but was otherwise quiet in his rookie season. The Jets are rebuilding the offense, adding Corey Davis in free agency and drafting Zach Wilson to be their quarterback. It will take time for things to come together for the Jets, so Mims should only be drafted for the bench at this time. If he can stay healthy and improve, though, he might become a solid fantasy contributor.
59. AJ Green, Arizona
Green caught just 47 passes on 104 targets for 523 yards in 2020 and he left in free agency to sign with the Cardinals. Green's best days are behind him, as injuries have taken their toll. It wouldn't be surprising to see him get a lot of targets, but the question is, can he turn that into production? Given his age and situation, fantasy players are better off drafting Green for the bench.
60. Sammy Watkins, Baltimore
Watkins missed six games in 2020 and had one of his worst statistical seasons, catching just 37 passes for 421 yards. He joined the Ravens in free agency and enters as their second option on the depth chart, but the Ravens drafted Rashod Bateman and will give him the chance to earn the No. 2 job. It appears the days of Watkins contributing to fantasy teams are over. You can stash him on your bench and see what happens, but don't expect a lot.