2023 Training Camp Battles: Wide Receivers

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA Today Sports

Links to other camp battles articles: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Tight Ends

Wide receivers are currently all the rage in fantasy football. Surprisingly, there are a handful of WR2 jobs - and even a couple of WR1 roles - on the line in training camps. Landing one of these receivers later in your draft could be a windfall.

Allen Lazard vs. Corey Davis vs. Jason Brownlee

Garrett Wilson (ADP WR7), Lazard (ADP WR51), and Davis (ADP WR98) are all primarily outside receivers, though they possess the versatility to trade off working inside. Wilson will be a significant contributor and a fantasy force. That is the known variable.

The big question is if the Jets will support a reliable second receiver. The team has been vocal that Mecole Hardman (ADP WR86) will find a way to get the ball into his hands. Randall Cobb (ADP WR148) will find his way on the field and work in the slot.

Davis and Lazard are plus-run blockers who should be much closer in ADP. Both will see ample playing time as the Jets rotate receivers. But because of that, the likelihood of one emerging as a reliable fantasy starter minimizes. Lazard served as Rodger's primary receiver in 2022 and still finished WR35.

The kicker is Brownlee. The rookie has quickly emerged as a playmaker in camp. He can stretch the field and play the ball in the air, which the team lacks outside Wilson. If he can work his way into the rotation, that muddies the water even more. He is a future name to watch as the team needs more young talent at wide receiver.

Nico Collins vs. Tank Dell vs. Robert Woods vs. Noah Brown vs. John Metchie III

Collins has a spot locked down and should lead the team in targets. The big question may be how much Dell and Metchie can distance themselves from Woods and Brown. Woods is a savvy receiver who would bring experience in the huddle with a young offense. That could prove invaluable.

The most likely alignment sees Collins as the X, Woods as the starting Z, Brown as their primary backup, and Dell and Metchie battling for the slot role. Xavier Hutchinson could factor in as well.

Skyy Moore vs. Kadarius Toney vs. Richie James vs. Marquez Valdes-Scantling vs. Justyn Ross vs. Rashee Rice vs. Justin Watson

Valdes-Scantling and Justin Watson lead the Chiefs in returning snap counts. That said, much of what they bring is window dressing. Valdes-Scantling stretches the field, while Watson is one of the best blocking wide receivers and is a core special teamer.

Moore, Toney, and Rice are interesting pieces for fantasy, especially for Dynasty. Moore struggled as a rookie, but the team worked him at every position, and he has been drawing raves in his second camp. Toney is a creator with the ball, but availability has become a constant question. Rice may have the most upside to develop into a prototype #1 WR.

That's five. And it leaves two camp standouts, James and Ross.

Ross would look to provide depth behind Valdes-Scantling and could push him for a role if things work well. James can serve as a returner and fills a similar role as Toney. Fantasy managers must hope one or two of these players emerge as focal points. The downside, no one emerges, and the team treats the receivers as a highly situational group.