5 Rookie Receivers for Your Fantasy Football Drafts
By Bobby Bishop
Everyone’s fantasy football drafts are right around the corner and most years there are a few rookie sleepers that stand out.
Every year someone in your fantasy football draft drafts a rookie way to early. Whether it’s a quarterback, receiver or the classic running back. In today’s game many teams are pass happy and it’s shown in the NFL draft. Also, they’ve been producing at a unbelievable level for the most part. Look for these rookie receivers to have break out seasons.
1. Corey Davis, Tennessee
Corey Davis is a stud standing at 6’3 and 209 pounds. The receiver from Western Michigan should find himself at the top of the Titans depth chart this season. He’s a strong, big receiver who could help Marcus Mariota take the next step. Tennessee desperately needed to get Mariota help in the passing game if they want to take the throne of the AFC South.
Corey could be drafted high in most standard fantasy leagues, likely to high for a rookie with an often injured quarterback throwing to him. If possible you could steal him in the mid rounds, he’ll be worth the pick.
2. Ryan Switzer, Dallas Cowboys
With the Lucky Whitehead fiasco these past few weeks, it helped no one more than Ryan Switzer. The slot receiver out of North Carolina could be the steal of the NFL draft, and also your fantasy draft. Despite having Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley and the great running game with Ezekiel Elliot, Switzer could find himself carving out a big role.
Dak Prescott emerged as a promising young quarterback who needs a receiver who could work in the slot and gain yards after the catch. Switzer is more of a Tavon Austin type of receiver who’s quick and can make some miss, and also blow by the safety for big touchdowns. Keep an eye out for him in the late rounds, he could be a steal if over looked.
3. Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton is desperate for help at the receiver position. Behind Kelvin Benjamin, the receiving corps isn’t championship caliber. In fact, tight end Greg Olson is the teams best receiver and it isn’t close. Curtis Samuel might go under rated in most drafts based on him not being a full-time receiver in college, and some might be skeptical on Cam’s health. However Curtis does have under rated hands and could be a huge boost for the Panthers.
He instantly becomes the starter next to Benjamin, or at worst the number 3 guy. And if Cam can be healthy, he could sling the ball all over the field. Samuel could be a great mid round pick if available.
4. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are loaded with talent on offense. And that make it hard to draft Smith before the late rounds. However, he might even if he slips into free agency. A good camp and preseason, would surely help him shoot up the depth chart and compete for snaps. Smith is a big receiver at 6’1 215. He’s fast, big and could see big plays off Antonio Bryant’s double teams.
Also, with a loaded box for Le’veon Bell, Smith could see one on one coverage. Also, he’s a big target in the red zone. He could see some time getting the ball in the corner on a play action. Smith will be well worth a late round flier if you can afford an extra receiver on your roster.
5. Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions
Golladay could be the biggest draft day steal out of the rest of the players on this list. Selected in the third round, Golladay landed in a great spot and situation with the lions. Mathew Stafford is a stud who seemingly throws for 4,000 yards with his eyes closed. Besides Golden Tate and Marvin Jones Jr., someone has to step up and take those extra yards.
Golladay is a tall receiver at 6’4 and could find himself snagging red zone touchdowns this season. Not to mention the Lions run game was non existent last year. Most noteworthy is another issue, which no player rushed for more than 400 yards. While it’s possible he’ll be unknown and not taken, it wouldn’t hurt to take him with a later pick. Look to take him in the late rounds as he’ll fly under the radar in most traditional leagues.
In conclusion, fantasy football is a gamble and other rookies could soar to stardom. Because of injuries or playing time concerns some guys didn’t make this list. Honorable mentions: John Ross (Cincinnati), ArDarius Stewart (New York Jets), and Taywan Taylor (Tennessee).