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The much-ballyhooed wide receiver class of 2014 ended up delivering on draft day. Three were taken in the first 12 picks and 12 were taken in the first two rounds. There may not be another Calvin Johnson/AJ Green type in this group, but there are a ton of passcatchers who have a good chance to be relevant in fantasy leagues for a long time.
1. Sammy Watkins, Buffalo
Strengths: The #4 overall pick was worth two first-round selections to Buffalo because of his ability to create after the catch on short, quick passes, combined with his speed and route-running making him a threat in just about every aspect of a wideout’s game. He has the tools, polish, toughness, and work ethic to be a true #1.
Weaknesses: Poor QB play from Tajh Boyd limited the route tree Watkins ran at Clemson. He doesn’t have the dominant size that often lands a wide receiver in the top five of the draft.
2014 Outlook: The Bills didn’t trade up for Watkins to have him simply be a role player. Look for WR screens and other quick hitters to Watkins to become a staple of the offense. He could be a boom/bust WR3/Flex with upside to be more if EJ Manuel takes a step forward and the uptempo Buffalo offense starts to gel.
Dynasty Outlook: Watkins QB situation, run-first offense, and only average NFL size at wide receiver will probably keep him from being a top five fantasy wide receiver, but he should be a strong WR2 or low-end WR1 once he hits his stride.
NFL Comparison: Hyper-polished Torrey Smith
2. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay
Strengths: Evans is massive with a huge wingspan that makes him almost unstoppable on jumpballs. He has surprising speed and swerve for a big man and can turn short catches into long gains. The all-important deep passing game and red zone should be where Evans rules.
Weaknesses: Evans can be pushed off of routes and outphysicaled at times even though he has a size advantage on every defensive back he faces. He doesn’t have the hip snap or body type to sharply break off the short and intermediate part of the route tree
2014 Outlook: Evans will be an instant starter, and likely with Josh McCown at quarterback, who played pitch and catch with two big wide receivers in Chicago last year to create great fantasy results. It’s not outlandish to rate him as the top rookie wide receiver in redraft leagues with a WR3 level ADP.
Dynasty Outlook: His ceiling might be a little higher than Watkins because of Evans’ ability to be the first option on end zone throws and the likelihood that he plays with Vincent Jackson for a while, leaving Evans in excellent one-on-one matchups with #2 corners. His dynasty value is only a shade behind Watkins, if it is lower at all.
NFL Comparison: Vincent Jackson three years into his NFL career
3. Brandin Cooks, New Orleans
Strengths: Cooks has legit deep speed and he plays with a hard-nosed edge that belies his undersized frame. He can create after the catch and he was the clear focus of defenses, who mostly could not contain him despite the extra attention.
Weaknesses: That small frame and trouble competing at the catch point with more aggressive corners could short-circuit Cooks against a higher level of competition.
2014 Outlook: Cooks could hit the ground running as a WR3/Flex with upside due to his surrounding passing and especially quarterback play, but he will have to share with Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, and Kenny Stills, so if his inexperience slows his transition, you might have to wait for consistent fantasy production.
Dynasty Outlook: Drew Brees has supercharged the fantasy value of any competent receiver he has thrown in during his time in New Orleans. Cooks could be a strong WR2 if he emerges as the primary deep threat and a mainstay for Brees in the autumn/winter of his career.
NFL Comparison: Turbo-charged Emmanuel Sanders with healthy feet
4. Odell Beckham Jr New York Giants
Strengths: Beckham has huge hands and huge catch radius to go with them. He plays bigger than his size and is also one of the most advanced route runners in this class. Beckham is also very creative in the open field and he can contribute as a dangerous return man.
Weaknesses: The elite tools that would normally come with a top 12 pick at wide receiver are not quite there with Beckham. He was outproduced by Jarvis Landry last year at LSU despite superior speed and quickness.
2014 Outlook: Beckham looks to be one of the centerpieces of the offense constructed by new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo for the Giants. He could lead rookie in receptions and certainly will have the chance to be a core contributor from day one. He should be a top target once teams are stocking their benches with upside receivers.
Dynasty Outlook: Beckham won’t ever be a dominant receiver, but he could approach strong WR2 production in PPR leagues if Eli Manning can find his game during his mid 30s years.
NFL Comparison: Antonio Brown
5. Cody Latimer, Denver
Strengths: Latimer is big and physical when the ball is the air, with straight-line speed to threaten to take the top off of defenses. He has great all-around athleticism for his size and can be very tough to bring down after the catch. He is also probably the best blocking wide receiver in this class.
Weaknesses: His speed is good enough for a 6’2” 215 receiver, but not elite. Sometimes his hands and route-running lack precision and consistency.
2014 Outlook: Latimer is recovering from a broken foot and will not be rushed onto the field. Still, he could be a massive impact player by midseason because Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker are not the most durable. Any receiver who could get on the field regularly with Peyton Manning has to get our attention in redraft leagues.
Dynasty Outlook: There is a bit of worry of what Denver’s passing game will look like post-Manning, but until that time, Latimer has a chance to match or even exceed Eric Decker’s numbers as a Bronco in the next 2-3 years.
NFL Comparison: Current Riley Cooper
6. Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina
Strengths: Benjamin simply can not be stopped when he executes well. He will instantly be one of the biggest receivers in the league, and he is fast/quick enough to create deep separation. Benjamin is undefendable on fades when he is on, and he’ll be the #1 red zone target.
Weaknesses: Benjamin is prone to concentration drops and half-speed execution on routes and plays for the ball in the air. He often lined up off the line of scrimmage and might have trouble beating the man. He is also old for a top prospect and a possible one-year wonder who had conditioning and weight issues in the past.
2014 Outlook: Someone has to catch the ball for the Panthers this year, right? Benjamin has as much of a chance to make a redraft splash this year as any of the receivers above him on this list. He should be a priority in the mid-late rounds if his ADP doesn’t start to rise.
Dynasty Outlook: Benjamin could be a WR1 for fantasy if he and Cam Newton get on the same page, or he could be out of the league in 2-3 years if he falls prey to inconsistency on the field and complacency off the field.
NFL Comparison: Braylon Edwards
7. Davante Adams, Green Bay
Strengths: Adams has terrific leap timing, body control and ball skills to get to passes above the rim and make catches against good coverage. He changes speed well in routes to create separation despite the lack of outstanding speed.
Weaknesses: Adams lacks long speed and he can struggle against the jam. What speed he has is build-up speed, so he isn’t sudden off the line or able to burst past defenders after the catch.
2014 Outlook: The Packers top three receivers are set and Adams will have to work into a role as the fourth receiver, which should give him a chance to prove himself in an offense that sometimes puts as many as five wideouts on the field. He may have mid-season impact if the Packers suffer injuries at wide receiver.
Dynasty Outlook: With Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson both becoming free agents next year, Adams could easily move into the top three receivers in 2015 and become an everyweek starting fantasy receiver with Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball to him.
NFL Comparison: Healthier Hakeem Nicks
8. Marqise Lee, Jacksonville
Strengths: Lee is aggressive in every aspect of his game. He will set up defenders with great routes, outfight them for the ball when he doesn’t separate, and break down would-be tacklers in the open field. He has the attributes of a #1 receiver.
Weaknesses: Lee was prone to drops in his final year at USC, and his level of play dropped off dramatically, at least partially due to injuries. He will retreat and give up too much in attempts to make big plays after the catch.
2014 Outlook: Lee is already set to start at “Z” receiver opposite Cecil Shorts (assuming no Justin Blackmon reinstatement this year), so he’ll have a chance to make his mark right away. Less than stellar QB play will likely keep him from having a strong fantasy profile, but we’ll be monitoring his development.
Dynasty Outlook: Lee can become the #1 receiver and develop with #3 overall pick Blake Bortles, giving him a very high ceiling, but his disturbing dropoff at USC gives him a high bust factor, too.
NFL Comparison: Middle-class Dez Bryant
9. Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis
Strengths: Moncrief has a size/speed/athleticism combination that would not look out of place in the first round. He can make spectacular plays and be a threat on the deep ball and the 50/50 ball.
Weaknesses: Bodycatching and poor hands plagued Moncrief, especially in his final year at Ole Miss. His game lacks precision and edge in most aspects, and he’ll need some work to come close to achieving his potential.
2014 Outlook: With Hakeem Nicks in town and Da’Rick Rogers entering his second year, Moncrief will likely have to work just to be active on game days.
Dynasty Outlook: If he can tighten up his game, Moncrief projects to be a contributor or even starter in his second year (assuming Nicks is not re-signed). Andrew Luck gives him an excellent quarterback to grow with. His ceiling is close to the names above, but his floor is way below most of theirs.
NFL Comparison: Pre-injury Tyrone Calico
10. Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia
Strengths: Matthews is big with surprising build-up speed and usually dependable hands. He is a very hard worker off the field and beat zone coverage with ease at Vanderbilt. He had excellent production in the SEC despite a lack of quality quarterbacks and complementary receivers.
Weaknesses: Matthews is not a creative runner after the catch, and he has trouble separating against man coverage. He can make terrific catches outside of his frame, but only when there is no competition for the ball in the air. When he has to do that, Matthews struggles to make the catch.
2014 Outlook: Matthews could start in the slot in the Eagles offense, but it is a run-first attack, and both Zach Ertz and Darren Sproles will eat into his snaps and targets in that role. He’ll probably flirt with fantasy relevance, but have trouble putting up good numbers on a week-to-week basis.
Dynasty Outlook: Jeremy Maclin is only on a one-year deal, so Matthews could become a primary receiver in Philadelphia and approach mid-low WR2 level value in 2015.
NFL Comparison: Faster Eric Decker without his route-running ability
11. Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh
Strengths: Bryant has a rare combination of length and speed, and he has shown the ability to use it as a trump card in the red zone and on deep routes.
Weaknesses: Bryant was barely productive until his final year at Clemson and there are lots of questions about his ability to unlock his potential.
2014 Outlook: Bryant will compete with 2013 third-round pick Markus Wheaton to start, but he is more likely to be a red zone specialist and occasional deep target in three and four wide sets.
Dynasty Outlook: He has the ability to be one of the best wide receivers in this class, and Ben Roethlisberger is a good quarterback to create fantasy value in his wide receivers. Bryant also has a high bust factor and could never come close to contributing consistently in a short NFL career.
NFL Comparison: Embryonic Justin Hunter
12. Allen Robinson, Jacksonville
Strengths: Robinson is very young with a size/athleticism combination that could be very hard to handle in the NFL. He’s very creative after the catch and just beginning to harness his considerable abilities.
Weaknesses: Even though he’s a big receiver, Robinson plays like a small receiver who wants to make people miss after short catches instead of dominating at the catch point. His game lacks the physical edge you’d expect from a receiver his size.
2014 Outlook: For now, Robinson is behind Shorts, and he is probably not as ready to start as Marqise Lee, so it will be more a delayed impact for the Jaguars second second-round receiver this year.
Dynasty Outlook: No one should be surprised if Robinson is one of the top three receivers from this class when the dust settles, but no one should be surprised if he never comes close to the lofty expectations created by his constellation of gifts.
NFL Comparison: Brandon LaFell with a “good hands” Koren Robinson ceiling
13. Paul Richardson Jr, Seattle
Strengths: Richardson possesses lethal deep speed and he is sudden enough to create great separation on shorter routes and double moves. He can make the circus catch and he carried his offense at Colorado
Weaknesses: He’ll be one of the thinnest wideouts in the NFL, so Richardson will have trouble with more physical corners who can knock him off of his routes and disrupt him at the line of scrimmage.
2014 Outlook: Richardson will probably be a role player to begin, but if Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice can’t stay healthy (again), the Seahawks might rely on the second-round pick to play a large role in the passing game. Seattle’s run-first nature will cap his upside in any scenario.
Dynasty Outlook: As Russell Wilson develops as a passer, the Seahawks could become a more balanced offense, which would dovetail nicely with Richardson’s development as an eventual starter in this offense. He could approach boom/bust WR2 or quality WR3/Flex value.
NFL Comparison: Faster, skinnier Mario Manningham
14. Jarvis Landry, Miami
Strengths: Landry has terrific hands and can snag anything thrown in his vicinity. He has good feet to create separation in his routes, and he is the kind of receiver who just “finds a way” to make a play.
Weaknesses: He doesn’t possess great size, speed, or explosion, so Landry will have to rely on skills and savvy at the next level. Landry is limited to a WR2/slot role in the pros.
2014 Outlook: Brandon Gibson is coming back from a serious knee injury, and Rishard Matthews was inconsistent in his stead in 2013, so Landry might win a starting role in the slot with a great summer. He’ll still be a very limited fantasy receiver without an injury to a starter in Miami.
Dynasty Outlook: Brian Hartline was a signing of the Jeff Ireland regime, so it’s possible that the new brass sees him as prohibitively expensive and drafted Landry as a replacement sooner than later. With news of an uptempo offense, Landry could have some PPR pop to the tune of 80-90 catches in a season down the line.
NFL Comparison: Middle-class TJ Houshmandzadeh
15. John Brown, Arizona
Strengths: Brown has jets and he is a very good route runner for a small school receiver. He can contribute as a touchdown threat in the return game, and he is very athletic going for the ball in the air.
Weaknesses: Brown is small at 5’10” 180 and he will have to adjust to much more aggressive, rugged CB play than what he faced at Pittsburg St. He is old for a rookie and he won’t make much of an impact as a blocker.
2014 Outlook: Our first rookie buzz generator, Brown has been the talk of Cardinals OTAs and he could be a consistent presence in three-wide sets. He likely won’t approach redraft relevance unless one of the starters get hurt, but Brown is a candidate to make an early impact on the field.
Dynasty Outlook: T.Y. Hilton made a big impact as a third receiver in Bruce Arians’ offense, and Brown could too. Larry Fitzgerald is getting very expensive, and Brown could be an heir to a very big role in the pass offense if Fitzgerald becomes too costly in the next 2-3 years
NFL Comparison: T.Y. Hilton