Previously I took a look at some of my favorite early sleepers in fantasy football at the running back position. This time, I’m looking at wide receivers. Unlike the RBs, this one was more fun for me; with plenty of options. Obviously not all the names on this list are going to hit, but these are some of my favorite names to target as we head into June.
Wide receivers are plentiful. In a league where passing is more prevalent than ever, picking the right players are important. Everyone knows who the studs are, but choosing the right Flex and depth players are just as important. Fantasy football is a game of attrition. Never forget that. So let’s get down to business.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City Chiefs
If you know anything about me, you know that JuJu being on here shouldn’t be a surprise. I’ve been singing his praises for a while for his prowess as a reliable receiver; both on third downs and in contested catch capability. Now, JuJu finds himself paired with arguably the best quarterback – and offense – in the NFL.
When healthy, JuJu is a walking top-24 wide receiver in the NFL. In an offense with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, he is going to thrive. The Chiefs drafted Skyy Moore in the second round and brought in MVS; but neither of those names will overshadow JuJu.
Obviously, JuJu isn’t Tyreek Hill, and I’m not expecting him to replicate what Hill did in that offense. What I am saying, however, is that there will be plenty of targets for JuJu to prove himself on his 1-year deal. With how late he’s going in drafts, Smith-Schuster is a steal for your fantasy football team.
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars
The third-highest paid WR in the NFL shouldn’t be on a ‘Sleepers’ list, but here we are. Yes, I know that Kirk hasn’t cracked 1,000 yards yet in his career. Yes, I admit he was vastly overpaid by the Jaguars. That being said, this isn’t the same mistake as the Kenny Golladay situation with the Giants.
Kirk fits the system that will be run by new head coach Doug Pederson. With Jacksonville’s RBs both considerable question marks heading into the season, expect a pass-heavy approach to start the season – at least. And despite the less-than-exciting moves being made by the team, they will force defenses to stay honest; allowing Kirk to operate, and hopefully excel.
With a sizeable contract and expectations, expect Kirk to be fed the ball in this system. He has at worst a top-24 floor, but he’s being drafted later than that anyway. A team’s WR1 nearly always has a high floor – outside of Baltimore – and Doug Pederson should be able to turn this offense around, with Kirk playing a big factor going forward.
Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers
With Davante Adams and MVS out of town, Lazard becomes the established veteran in Green Bay; and yes, I’m ignoring a very old Randall Cobb here.
Aaron Rodgers is a quarterback that loves familiarity. Despite the team drafting Christian Watson, I fully expect Lazard to lead the team in targets this year. Watson projects more as a MVS prototype rather than a player who can work intermediate routes. Lazard has developed into a player than can really do it all for Green Bay, and you can guarantee he’ll be asked to do that this season.
At 6’5, Lazard is a great red zone target and big body that will have plenty of opportunity. He was given a 2nd round tender, with Green Bay knowing he would be retained at that price tag. That was for a reason. Now, whether or not his fantasy football dynasty value is real or not isn’t the question. Lazard should do well in 2022, and that’s all that matters in this article.
Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos
This offseason, Patrick signed a three-year contract with the Denver Broncos. With Russell Wilson coming to town, that decision looks better for Patrick with each passing day. Whether or not Jerry Jeudy misses games this season due to his DV case or not, Patrick would have found himself on this list.
Of course, if Jeudy were to miss games, this only boosts Patrick’s fantasy football value this season. Besides that, I think Patrick is a great receiver in his own right. And personally, I’m not sure if he’s not the best receiver the Broncos have on the roster right now.
In the past two seasons working as a backup option, Patrick has been more than efficient, posting nearly identical numbers on a struggling Broncos team. With his route-running ability, ability to find the soft spot in zones and his success in 50-50 balls, I expect Russell Wilson to look his way more often than not. Patrick is an incredible dart throw pick at the end of fantasy football drafts.
Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite my disdain for Gage in fantasy football, he’s been better than I’d like to admit. Last season he stepped up and delivered with Calvin Ridley out of the picture, and now he has the chance to operate as the Buccaneers’ WR2 with Chris Godwin likely to have a slow return to the lineup.
Reports have indicated that Godwin’s recovery is taking longer than expected. The numbers also suggest that more likely than not, players with ACL injuries don’t return to form post-rehab. While I wish nothing but the best for Godwin, this opens the window for Gage to excel.
With Tom Brady at quarterback, Gage has a real chance to put up top-24 numbers for the first time in his career. And, if it weren’t for the low TD totals in his past two seasons, he may have done that already. Brady and the Bucs have shown they can support three WRs in this offense, and I won’t be shocked to see it happen again. Gage is a great depth piece to have on your fantasy football team this season.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
I’m not going to lie, I really wanted to put James Washington here. But sometimes, you have to go with your head over your heart; and, with reports coming out of Washington currently in a walking boot, choosing Tolbert makes me feel better. On top of that, the team wouldn’t have drafted Tolbert in the top-half of the third round if they were happy with their WR room. With Michael Gallup potentially returning late from his torn ACL, Tolbert will find himself in 11 personnel sets early and often to start 2022.
Tolbert had a great career at Southern Alabama, showing prowess as a route runner and refusing to go down at first contact. This is the type of receiver the Cowboys need and should compliment CeeDee Lamb and company well.
While I’m also a huge fan of Michael Gallup, I’m consistent in my approach regarding injuries and wide receivers. Even if Gallup does return to form like Godwin mentioned above, that will take time. I expect Tolbert to at least have Flex appeal in fantasy football leagues during that stretch and potentially; the entire season.
The Dallas offense was a little inconsistent at times last season, and I expect that to change this year. I’m expecting more out of Dak Prescott, and in turn, the wide receiver group. Even if Tolbert doesn’t pan out, his ADP is to the point where it won’t have a significant impact on your draft or team.
