The first round of the NFL Draft gets all the attention. It gets its own day and every single pick is analyzed for far too long. Four wide receivers were taken on the first day, but they might not be the most productive ones in this class.
The ones selected a round later could easily surpass production by the first-rounders, at least this season. Can we trust Corey Coleman to be the best fantasy rookie wide out even with Robert Griffin III and Cody Kessler throwing to him? What about Laquon Treadwell in a run-first offense or Josh Doctson on an already loaded receiving corps?
As with any rookie, the simple answer is no. However, all three wide receivers drafted in the second round are entering much better fantasy situations, and it’s not like they are an entire skill level lower.
Sterling Shepard, Giants
Shepard didn’t fall into the second round because of a lack of skill, more so that he is 5’10″ and some view him as only a slot receiver. He was said to be the best route runner in this year’s class and because of that, the Giants expect him to see time right away.
Victor Cruz claims he’s 100 percent, but let’s wait and see on that after he’s missed the majority of the last two seasons. Either way, the Giants need someone to step up outside of Odell Beckham Jr. and Shepard can be that guy. Whether he gets thrown into the slot or plays outside, there will be opportunities for Shepard.
Dwayne Harris was used mostly in the slot last season and he had 57 targets. Rueben Randle (90 targets) is also gone so there will be passes to go around for Cruz and Shepard. Even if Cruz is healthy, Shepard can still be a factor and should be rated as a WR5 for the time being. That could easily change into a WR4 or more if things don’t work out for Cruz.
Michael Thomas, Saints
Some believe Thomas to be a first-round prospect, yet here he is as the 47th pick, falling to Drew Brees and the Saints. It’s more or less a perfect situation for Thomas.
Marques Colston is gone and Brees needs someone to fill that role at a consistent rate. The Saints tried Brandon Coleman out last year, but Thomas should overtake him on the depth chart and possibly Willie Snead. One thing Thomas can do is catch the ball, touted as having the best hands in the draft.
That should help him become a favorite of Brees’ before long. Thomas’ value may be a bit limited early on until he carves out a role in the offense, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him close the season as the second or third option.
Brandin Cooks is the only guy in the receiving game with a spot locked in. Coby Fleener is still an unknown in this offense and he has drop issues as it is. Meanwhile, Snead and Coleman don’t have anything special. Thomas is a bit smaller than Colston, but probably has better hands and could turn into that target eventually for Brees.
Tyler Boyd, Bengals
While a role for the aforementioned receivers isn’t a certainty, it’s a different case for Boyd, who is ultimately only competing with Brandon LaFell for targets as the No. 2 wide receiver. Considering LaFell had limited success playing with Tom Brady and had drop issues, there’s a good possibility Boyd wins the job opposite of A.J. Green.
Boyd doesn’t have the speed to be a burner, but none of Cincy’s receivers really do, including LaFell. Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu combined for 153 targets last year, so those have to go somewhere. Green and Tyler Eifert will get plenty, as will the running backs, but Boyd could easily see 70-80 targets in this offense.
If Boyd outplays LaFell in the preseason (which is very possible), expect him to be one of the better fantasy WR rookies. Of course, not many give respect to the Bengals passing game, but Andy Dalton and AJ McCarron combined for 31 passing TDs last year.
Boyd is getting marked as about a WR7 for now at FantasyPros, but it won’t be long before he jumps that list. I can see him being a WR4 or WR3 by season’s end.
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