At this time of year, we should be stocking our dynasty benches with long-term upside plays if we are out of the playoff hunt, and even if we are in the playoffs, it’s time to cut your depth to a lean and mean level and still maximize your bench spots for future growth. For the next four weeks, we’ll look at each position and sort out end of season dynasty stashes and players to monitor next offseason into Snorkel, Scuba, and Submarine levels of league depth. This week, wide receiver, where is there is always a deep pool of players with intriguing tools and skills to stash away.
Snorkel
Robert Foster, BUF - Foster fell into anonymity in the Bills offense this year, but it’s rare for rookies to have a second half like his, especially undrafted rookies. Josh Allen’s best football is ahead of him and Foster should get a chance to seize a bigger part of this offense sooner or later.
Auden Tate, CIN - He’s probably carried in most every dynasty league but don’t underestimate him. AJ Green is likely gone and John Ross might be entering his last year in Cincinnati. Tate’s ball skills and catch radius were impressive for a player of any amount of experience, let alone a 22-year-old.
Rashard Higgins, CLE - Higgins was from a previous regime and would never fit with this Browns team. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. He’ll be a free agent next year and he’s shown me enough skill to be interested in where he lands.
Keke Coutee, HOU - I’m resigned to Coutee being in Bill O’Brien’s doghouse and that might mean waiting for a second team, but I’m still holding my Coutee shares.
Demarcus Robinson, KC - Robinson has done enough in Kansas City to either be a cheaper alternative to keeping Sammy Watkins in Kansas City or getting a lot as a core receiver elsewhere. He just turned 25 and his peak is yet to come.
Byron Pringle, KC - Pringle flashed this year and should be around as the fourth or even third receiver next year for Patrick Mahomes II. He’s being underestimated in deep dynasty leagues and is on many waiver wires.
Deon Cain, PIT - Chris Ballard made a rare mistake by exposing Cain on the practice squad. He still projects as a potential future starter with tremendous athleticism and skills at the catch point.
Allen Lazard, GB - He should be rostered everywhere, but if he isn’t make sure this ascending talent is on your roster. He has soared past other young receivers given large opportunities to open the season.
Josh Reynolds, LAR - Reynolds is getting more playing time and will become a free agent in 2021. Even though he has a huge contract, it appears Brandin Cooks role in the offense is getting smaller
Hakeem Butler, Andy Isabella, Keesean Johnson, ARI - Just make sure they are rostered. Both were in over their heads this year but possess rare abilities and they’re in an offense that is still embryonic but with a very promising quarterback and approach.
Scuba
Tim Patrick, DEN - Patrick has game and Drew Lock is increasing the value of being a developing Broncos receiver. If he stays healthy, he should be the #2 receiver going forward.
Jakobi Meyers, NE - The Patriots offense has been stifling this year, but Meyers still looks precocious in a system that is usually very tough for rookies to decipher and remain confident in.
Vyncint Smith. NYJ - The Jets poached the size/speed threat from the Texans and he’s in position to take Demaryius Thomas or Robby Anderson’s spot next year.
Greg Ward, PHI - Ward has finally endeared himself to the team and will get every opportunity to get a piece of the role Nelson Agholor will likely vacate next year.
Scott Miller, TB - Miller has stuck on the roster and could still get some extra opportunity while Mike Evans is sidelined. Breshad Perriman will be a free agent next year and Miller could take over his role.
Kelvin Harmon, WAS - Harmon’s fall in the draft was surprising to some and he has proven that he belongs in the NFL. Washington isn’t exactly fertile soil for a second wide receiver’s fantasy value to grow in, but Harmon could have that role soon. Paul Richardson Jr might not be worth the 3.5 million that becomes guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year in 2020.
Submarine
Keelan Cole, JAX - Cole once flashed developing greatness as an undrafted rookie and seemed to carry that over through his second camp, but his development has stalled out in Jacksonville. He could benefit from a new coaching regime, or a new team in 2021.
Juwann Winfree, DEN - I’m interested in any receiver that a top corner like Chris Harris gushes about in his first game and Drew Lock might just be able to foster some wide receiver value here beyond Courtland Sutton.
Jaleel Scott, BAL - The Ravens have kept this towering target with good enough speed around and his arc would converge with Lamar Jackson’s if he develops.
Isaiah Ford, MIA - The Matt Waldman favorite can easily play his way up this list over the next few weeks. He’s playing for a new regime that is open to promoting players quickly.
Richie James, SF - The 49ers did a great job drafting Deebo Samuel and trading for Emmanuel Sanders, but I haven’t moved on from James yet. He can look electric at his best and I expect a larger opportunity at some point down the line, if not with San Francisco next year.
J'Mon Moore, CLE - The 2018 fourth-round pick currently on the practice squad with rare length/quickness combination is looking at a thin Browns depth chart at wide receiver to crack in 2020.
Robert Davis, PHI - Davis has gaudy measureables and he's going to get a chance to make a mark over the next few weeks in the wreckage of the Eagles wide receiver corps.
Emmanuel Butler, NO - Butler was a training camp star as a UDFA and should have a legitimate shot to make the Saints roster next year after landing on the practice squad this year.
