The more picks there are in a fantasy draft, the greater the opportunity to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. This can go in one of two directions, a positive outcome or a negative one. We want to focus on a positive outcome. You can do this by drafting players who will make an impact that you can potentially insert into your weekly lineup. Finding the right players to draft makes all the difference. Let's take a look at late-round wide receivers to target.
Breshad Perriman, NY Jets
The Jets and fantasy offense don't exactly go hand in hand, but Breshad Perriman, the former first-round pick had a strong second half to the 2019 season. Only Michael Thomas and DeVante Parker had more fantasy points in a PPR setting than Perriman from Week 13 on last year. Some of that could be due to the Buccaneers' high-volume passing offense, but at some point, we must credit Perriman for executing. Can he do it again in 2020 with the Jets? Did his confidence soar to the point where he knows he can compete with the league's best? If the answer is yes or maybe, he's worth the gamble as a receiver that you can draft as your WR5.
Over the past 2 seasons, among WRs with at least 75 targets, first-year #Jets WR Breshad Perriman:
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) August 20, 2020
* Ranks No. 2 in yards per catch (18.9)
* Ranks No. 5 in yards per target (10.6)
* Scored 8 TDs on 52 catches (15.4%)
* Dropped 1 pass on 94 targets
Parris Campbell, Indianapolis
There was a buzz last year with Parris Campbell, a second-round pick from Ohio State. He started off with a few decent plays and there was promise in the air for him to blossom into a dynamic weapon for the Colts. Then he injured his hand and later his foot. The injuries put a halt on his rookie season and he was out of sight, out of mind. Now, entering the 2020 season, Campbell is healthy and the Colts have an upgrade at quarterback who is known for throwing for 4,000+ yards. The offensive potential for the Colts has increased as a result and Campbell is among those who should benefit that you can get at a discount in drafts.
Good (healthy) start to camp for young wideout Parris Campbell:
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 20, 2020
”He looks strong, fast, smart, explosive, good hands, understands the offense, consistent.”https://t.co/YXmV8zvEGz
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco
Sometimes talent and opportunity meet at the perfect time. In the case with rookie first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk, that's right now. The 49ers have lost one potential starting wide receiver in Jalen Hurd due to an ACL tear and they may begin the season without their top wide receiver Debbo Samuel who is healing from a Jones fracture in his foot. Even before these two incidents, Aiyuk was expected to be a key contributor for the 49ers offense, the only question was when. In a recent press conference, head coach Kyle Shanahan had this to say about his rookie receiver...
"I've been really impressed with him, just being around him," Shanahan said. "He was very impressive on the Zoom meetings, just his attention to detail. Since we've gotten here, just going into these walkthroughs and stuff, you can tell he knows how to practice like a pro. You can tell he comes prepared every day. He's not a guy you have to teach how to act or teach how important it is to learn this stuff. You can tell he understood that before he got here. Since we've been around him, you can tell he's been working and that's why he's further ahead I think that a lot of rookies would be at this time."
Sometimes coaches can embellish their players to make them look more appealing to the media, but it's difficult to ignore what was said. When you combine that with the opportunity in front of Aiyuk, it's becoming more of a possibility that he may have a first-year breakout.
Steven Sims Jr, Washington
Washington used Sims mostly in the slot last year and he excelled, especially in the last three games, all against NFC East foes New York, Philadelphia, and Dallas. He caught four touchdowns in those three games, all inside the 10-yard line. None of those games did he exceed 39 snaps. He excelled when he was on the field and found ways to get open. He was targeted on 24.4% of his routes in 2019, 7th most among all wide receivers. The 2020 season will likely bring more opportunity for Sims especially if Washington elects to move him out wide opposite Terry McLaurin. The loss of Kelvin Harmon (ACL) makes that option more of a possibility. Teammate Terry McLaurin has publicly mentioned that Sims has taken a big jump this offseason, citing his footwork as one of the reasons why. Sims' impressive output once he finally saw increased snaps at the tail end of the season was not a fluke, it's just the beginning and his teammates and coaches know it.
"I'm really excited to see him flourish in an offense that can showcase his versatility inside or out."https://t.co/FyAidnO3wg
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 18, 2020
Randall Cobb, Houston
Randall Cobb's experience and craftiness as a receiver will come in handy for Deshaun Watson who will be looking for his teammates to step up in DeAndre Hopkins' absence. Whispers from insiders in the Texans organization have indicated that Cobb could become the team's possession receiver while Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks will occupy more of a big-play receiver type of role. If this is the case, Cobb could contribute decent numbers on a weekly basis and become a fantasy-relevant option in deeper leagues. Beat writers have indicated that he has provided a veteran presence to the team in training camp. His veteran leadership is exactly what Deshaun Watson will be looking for this season, especially with the departure of Hopkins. Cobb can be drafted as a WR6 and he may provide decent flex appeal. If he doesn't meet the expectations of your starting lineup he can be dropped for a promising waiver pick. The important thing is, he has very little risk with the possibility of a flex option as a reward.
Camp thought: Randall Cobb knows how to get open. And when to get open. Master Class in session @rcobb18 #Texans
— Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) August 15, 2020
Curtis Samuel, Carolina
Whispers from the Panthers new coaching staff have stated that they want to get Curtis Samuel more involved in the offense. New offensive coordinator, Joe Brady said "Curtis is a playmaker. He fits the mold of what we’re looking for." This is coming from the man who helped set offensive records for the LSU offense last season. At age 24, Samuel is now a veteran in the league entering his fourth year. He understands the game much better than he did when he first started, and he knows what he is capable of accomplishing. Samuel has 14 total touchdowns with 108 career receptions. He has scored on average once every 7 catches and has shown that he can be a threat from anywhere on the field as a receiver, a rusher, and a run after the catch specialist.
New Panthers OC Joe Brady praises WR Curtis Samuel, says he 'is going to be critical to our success'https://t.co/BYbVUHhdon pic.twitter.com/8yOwEltmfa
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 19, 2020
Curious about Curtis Samuel's Role in the Joe Brady Offense?
— The Riot Report (@RRiotReport) August 13, 2020
He's not telling. pic.twitter.com/vRW3dBCk6S
It sounds like Samuel is going to be utilized more like he was at Ohio State, as a weapon. He can be drafted as a WR5 and yet he has the opportunity and ability to be a flex option this season.