Last week I wrote about some running backs on the rise in the fantasy football universe based on the latest reports out of OTAs.
Today, let's delve about some wide receivers that are making noise.
1. Dolphins WR DeVante Parker
14th overall pick.
90 targets last season.
Second-half breakout in final seven games of 2015.
DeVante Parker has done nothing but bewilder the Dolphins, not to mention the fantasy audience, since he was drafted two years ago. He's had breakout games showing off his potential as a No. 1 wide receiver while injuries and inconsistency (just two 100+ yard games last season) limit his overall value and role in Miami's offense.
This year. 2017. This could be the year he sheds that potential 'bust' label and breaks out.
At the very least, his offensive coordinator wants you to buy the hype.
“The great thing is we’re kind of seeing what we expected, and that is a healthy DeVante Parker,” Christensen said. “He is running probably better than I’ve seen him run since I’ve been here, and kind of a hungry DeVante Parker. I think he’s been around a lot more than last year. He is practicing hard. He’s zeroed in.”
Most of these are buzz words that are great for OTAs but don't always translate when the season beings: Hungry. Healthy. Running better than ever. Practicing hard. Zeroed in.
Quite the lot to choose from.
However, what stood out to me was the last thing he said:
"Now, he’s applying himself.”
With a current ADP of 103, this is the post-hype breakout candidate you want. You don't typically find this level of talent in the ninth round, being drafted around the likes of Team Defenses and old-man running backs Jonathan Stewart and Matt Forte. Pierre Garcon and Corey Coleman are nice pieces, but they don't come close to Parker's ceiling.
Wide receivers are known for year three breakouts. If Parker doesn't, you're able to fold knowing you didn't invest too much.
If he does, I'd love an invitation to your end of season championship party.
2. Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp
"He could lead this team in receptions and I wouldn’t be surprised."
Heading into the Senior Bowl, I had no idea who Cooper Kupp was. Thanks to some of my own research and some fantastic reporting by Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, that changed quickly.
Kupp is the best receiver the FCS has ever seen, numbers wise.
That includes some fella named Jerry Rice.
Kupp holds the all-time records for total receptions (428), receiving yards (6,464), and receiving touchdowns (73). He has NFL blood, as both his father and grandfather played in the league. He has ideal height (6'2") and what he lacks in top-end speed, he makes up for with great hands and strength after the catch, not to mention great vision in the open-field.
In Miller's deep-dive, he talked to scouts around the league and Rams sources at OTAs. They couldn't lavish enough praise on the third-round pick.
“You could tell from talking to him for five minutes that he gets it. He’s one of the smartest receivers I’ve ever talked to”
[...]
A Rams source, who asked to not be named in this piece, said Kupp has been “the team’s best receiver” so far in camp. Better than Robert Woods, who was handed a five-year, $34 million contract this offseason. Said the source, “Kupp gives us the ability to play him in the slot or outside. Which gives Tavon [Austin] flexibility. It’s a good problem to have.” And with Austin sidelined at OTAs, Kupp has impressed.
With Jared Goff under center, most people will scoff (sorry, bad jokes and rhymes are what I do best) at the idea of drafting a Rams wide receiver. With an ADP of 186, there's absolutely no reason for you to be one of those people.
3. Cowboys WR Ryan Switzer
With a non-existent ADP, Ryan Switzer is way off the radar.
Everyone's radar.
You know, except the actual football team that drafted him.
Initially, the belief was that Ryan Switzer was drafted as Cole Beasley insurance, just incase the slot receiver got hurt. However, the Dallas Morning News is reporting otherwise, with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan telling them he's going to have a 'significant' role.
The plan isn't for Switzer to only get reps when Beasley is out. The Cowboys are working on packages for both to be on the field at the same time to take advantage of mismatches.
Listen to what Dak Prescott had to say about him last week:
"He's another weapon," Prescott said earlier this month. "He reminds me of Beasley and the things that he can do. Playing in the slot, he had a lot of production there at North Carolina. I watched him while he was in college. So to have him on the team, looking forward to getting comfortable with him as a weapon.
"I know he's going to add another dynamic to this offense."
Listed at 5'8", Switzer utilizes elite route-running ability and quick feet to get his release at the line of scrimmage. An All-American punt returner at UNC, he has great vision in the open field and his 4.51-40 is more than enough to create space at the NFL level.
You want upside at the end of your drafts. Ideally, it's a high-end RB that can become a RB1/RB2 if he takes over the starting job. In Switzer's case, especially in PPR leagues, he can create value by potentially being what Cole Beasley was, or better. With 75 catches on 98 targets for 833 yards and five touchdowns last year, Beasley was a startable WR3 for a good portion of the season.
He won't win you a league like Parker could. He doesn't have the high-upside of being a team's number one target like Kupp does. But, Switzer is in the best offense, with the best quarterback, in the best system that he can flourish in. And, you can get him for the price of...free.
What's not to love.
