12 High-Upside Wide Receivers to Target BEFORE Their ADPs Explode (Ep. 2109)

Alec Pierce is ranked below Parker Washington and other options because the source is worried about him coming off his injury. He's not preferred over BTJ, Marv, or DK Metcalf in the Cardinals WR hierarchy.

Williams is positioned as the likely number two target in the Commanders offense if they don't sign a veteran like Stefan Diggs or Keenan Allen. His competition includes Luke McCaffrey, Traylon Burks, Jalen Lane, and Van Jefferson, but there is not a lot blocking him from being the number two target. Zach Selby from the Commanders website said it won't be long until Williams is a focus of the offense if he continues to play well in camp. Commanders blogs are praising him as the number two right now.

Williams is a dart throw at the end of drafts as a potential number two receiver for the Commanders. He was a massive prospect for Clemson, missed three games but still led the Tigers in receptions last year. He increased his yards per route run to a career-high 2.27 last season, had the highest yards after catch per reception since his freshman season, and cut his drop rate from 9.6% to 1.8% as a senior. He has been the buzz of camp and is currently the leader in the clubhouse as the number two in the Commanders' pass game pecking order.

The source views Antonio Williams as a potential number-two receiver in the Commanders' pass game, with slot receiver profile from Clemson. While Stefan Diggs signing would push him to fourth or fifth in the pecking order, the source argues the longer Diggs remains unsigned, the more bullish the case for Williams becomes; he's positioned as a grab-and-stash target in deeper-bench leagues at near-free cost, with upside to jump ahead of Chig and Rashad White if injuries occur to receivers ahead of him.

Baker Mayfield, when he's an underdog, counted out, or playing for a contract, produces at a high level. The Buccaneers are rolling the dice with him but guaranteeing production from the QB position. The source notes he plays 'like his hair's on fire' and is fun to watch, though his reckless playing style raises durability concerns. He hasn't signed a long-term deal yet because the organization wants to see him stay healthy before committing multi-year money. His underdog mentality and contract motivation should drive strong 2025 production.

Cam Ward is the Titans' rookie QB for whom the team signed Wanda Robinson and drafted Cardinal Tate to provide weapons. Robinson's volume should remain elite in this new offense.

Tate is a high-ceiling WR3 with WR2 upside as Tennessee's clear number-one target. The fit with QB Cam Ward is ideal: Ward holds the ball to create big plays, and Tate is the downfield threat designed to break plays open. Tate posted a 68.8% contested catch rate over his career (22 of 32) and 85.7% in his final year at Ohio State (12 of 14), indicating elite ball-winning ability. New offensive additions like Wando Robinson will help in PPR leagues with short-area receptions. Tate projects as a high first-read percentage target who will command most of Tennessee's red-zone touchdowns. The source notes improved coaching (Brian Callahan's departure) as a significant upgrade for the offense.

Scott Bogman projects Carson Beck to start the final 5-6 games of the season for Arizona after Jacoby Brissett, with positive reports on his development. Beck reduced his turnover rate significantly at Miami compared to his Georgia tenure and led Miami to the national championship game. Bogman notes a 'Purdy niche' comparison—suggesting Beck should not be asked to do too much, but rather hand off to Jeremiah Love and throw short to skill position players. The source expects Beck's arrival to unlock the Cardinals' passing game and skill position players.

Okonkwo is mentioned as a potential number two target for the Commanders, competing with Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Traylon Burks, Jalen Lane, and Van Jefferson. The source has general interest in Okonkwo and notes he is starting to fall in drafts because of the allure of Stefan Diggs signing with Washington. However, the source does not provide specific projections or strong conviction on Okonkwo's role.

The source projects Chig as the third receiver in the Commanders' pecking order regardless of whether Stefan Diggs is signed, with Jaden Daniels at quarterback. This stable third-receiver role is presented as a floor for his usage, though it limits upside compared to potential number-two scenarios for other receivers.

Chris Godwin is another year removed from his brutal broken fibula injury and should be much closer to prime Godwin than the player who came back too soon last year. Before the injury, he had three straight seasons with at least 83 catches and 1,023 yards, finishing as WR17, WR20, and WR31 (never below WR3). At age 30, he's not ancient. With Mike Evans gone, his reception and touchdown volume should improve exponentially. Liam Cohen loves Godwin and walked away from Evans partly because of Godwin's health. The source expects him to see significantly more volume this season and handle it well, though ranks Buka slightly higher.

Chris Olave broke into WR1 territory for the first time in his career with Tyler Shuck as QB, and he only played half of last season. Before Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seahawks, Olave and Shaheed were combining for 17 targets per game, showing the volume available in the Saints offense. This context supports the upside for Jordan Tyson as the WR2 in the same system.

Scott Bogman notes that Cortland Sutton is being pushed down the depth chart with Jalen Waddle's arrival in Denver. Bogman expressed prior support for Sutton coming out of SMU (where he converted from safety to wide receiver), but acknowledges Waddle's pedigree as a high-level Alabama recruit and his potential ceiling with improved QB play.

The source wants no part of DK Metcalf in the current market, placing him below Parker Washington and other Cardinals WR options.

Jacoby Brissett is expected to start the first portion of the Arizona Cardinals' season before being replaced by Carson Beck in the final 5-6 games. Scott Bogman notes that while Brissett had success with Michael Wilson in 2025, the team is planning a QB transition.

Jalen McMillan is the Buccaneers' rookie receiver who is part of the team's move away from Mike Evans. He's positioned to receive volume in the Liam Cohen offense with Baker Mayfield.

If CJ Stroud returns to rookie-year form, Higgins has significant upside. He is positioned as Nico Collins Jr., and if Collins suffers an injury, Higgins could be ranked as a top 20 or even top 15 guy on a week-to-week basis. His standalone role should provide return on his WR50 draft position, with contingent upside if Collins gets injured. The source notes that Higgins would be a great benefactor if Stroud returns to form.

Higgins is showing a second-year jump in the Texans offense and has been highlighted as a standout early through camp. D'Amico Ryan noted he can make plays at every level and move around the formation. The source expects Higgins to take a big step this year as the offense improves, particularly with a better offensive line. Higgins is a big frame guy who can score a lot of touchdowns, which is exactly what the Texans want from him.

Higgins' ADP is 150 but the source ranks him at 121 overall. He finished as WR29 after week eight with only three games of over 70% snap share, posting 10 games with WR3 finishes twice, WR2 four times, and WR1 once. The Texans added three new starting offensive linemen and improved depth on the line, addressing last season's problem. An improved run game with David Montgomery should make CJ Stroud look better. Higgins has been highlighted as the Texans standout early through camp by D'Amico Ryan.

Waddle is being moved up in rankings for Denver despite playing in a run-heavy Miami offense under Tua Tagovailoa. In 2025, he ranked 9th in PFF receiving grade, 13th in yards per route run, and top-12 in target rate per route run (26%); he was WR7 in PPR and 13th in points per game. In games where Tyreek Hill missed or was limited (15-game sample), Waddle averaged 7+ targets, 68 receiving yards, and topped 82 yards in 5 of 11 games. Denver's offense ranked highest in pass rate over expectation last year and led the NFL in pass attempts despite a 14-3 record (due to second-half comebacks); with Bo Nix healthy and a tough early schedule forcing more passing, Waddle should see elite volume. Denver ranked dead last in receptions of 20+ yards, making Waddle's explosive ability a perfect fit. The source projects WR1 ceiling if he stays healthy.

Waddle is ranked at 21 overall, just one spot behind Ladd McConkey at 20. The source notes that Mike McDaniel tailors his offense to the players and has made Waddle work very well. Waddle has been efficient in McDaniel's system, similar to Tyreek Hill and A-Chan. The source was struggling between ranking Waddle versus McConkey but ultimately placed Waddle one spot ahead in some rankings.

Jeremiah Love is Arizona's new running back addition expected to receive significant volume in the Cardinals' offense. Scott Bogman notes that the offense will lean on Love's carries to reduce pressure on the QB and allow for short-area passing plays to skill position players.

Jordan Tyson, eighth overall pick to the Saints, is a screening value at his current ADP despite unknown rookie potential. Top-10 drafted receivers average 78 catches, 1,000 yards, and 6.4 TDs as rookies; Tyson meets that expectation baseline. In nine healthy games in 2025, he was second in the nation in targets with a dominant 35% target share. The source is confident when healthy and notes his hamstring appears fine at training camp. Tyler Shuck helped Chris Olave break into WR1 territory in half a season; before Rashid Shaheed was traded, Olave and Shaheed combined for 17 targets per game. Tyson as the WR2 should still see elite volume. The Saints' schedule features a favorable matchup at Detroit in week one (leaky secondary), making him a potential breakout candidate early.

McConkey is positioned as the third-down guy in the Chargers offense who will move the chains and be an inside and outside guy for Justin Herbert. The source notes that Mike McDaniel has put guys like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle in position to succeed, and McConkey has been efficient at the college level and during his rookie year. The source ranks McConkey at 20 and is high on him, though he was struggling between ranking McConkey versus Jalen Waddle.

McConkey's second-year decline was primarily due to Keenan Allen's presence and his relationship with Justin Herbert, not McConkey's talent. With Keenan Allen gone, there are 122 targets available for Chargers pass catchers. McConkey led the team in targets last year and was operating over the short to intermediate field, especially on third downs. The source ranks McConkey at 20 overall and is very high on him, noting he will be the third-down guy this year.

Malik Nabors was a rookie QB for the Titans. Wanda Robinson still caught 92+ passes and finished as WR41 when Nabors was a rookie with 130+ targets in the offense, demonstrating Robinson's floor and volume consistency even with a rookie QB.

Scott Bogman projects a year-three breakout for Marvin Harrison Jr. in Arizona's new offense, framing this as his final opportunity before the source moves on from him entirely. Harrison has fallen in ADP for three straight seasons, but Bogman expects him to break out because: (1) new offensive system with fresh coordinator; (2) Michael Wilson's role reduced despite prior success with Jacoby Brissett; (3) Carson Beck likely to start final 5-6 games after Brissett, with positive reports on his development; (4) Harrison already named the 13-personnel wide receiver ahead of Wilson despite recent cramps; (5) offense must score points due to weak defense, forcing volume. Bogman acknowledges the risk (two disappointing seasons, falling ADP trend) but expects Harrison to step up with improved QB play and scheme fit.

Historical ADP data shows wide receivers falling in ADP for three straight seasons do not bounce back; this is a negative signal, not a buy-the-dip opportunity. Harrison Jr. feels like a player the market is 'just trying to hold out for hope for,' not an ascending year-three player. While he could improve, the source questions whether he has a top-five fantasy ceiling in the context of the Arizona Cardinals offense. At WR31 in ECR, he's now at a 'proper ADP' where he might be a value as a WR3, but the source expresses low confidence in drafting him due to the declining ADP trend and offensive limitations.

Michael Wilson's role is expected to diminish in Arizona's new offense despite his strong 2025 season with Jacoby Brissett. Scott Bogman notes that while Wilson performed well with Brissett, the Cardinals are likely to give Carson Beck significant playing time (final 5-6 games), and Marvin Harrison Jr. has already been designated as the 13-personnel wide receiver ahead of Wilson. This depth chart shift suggests reduced target share for Wilson.

Evans is currently ADP 61 overall and WR25 in projections, but Scott Bogman projects him as a strong WR3 option with upside. With Ricky Pearsall's injury status uncertain, George Kittle's Achilles recovery timeline questionable, and Kirk Cousins sidelined with a calf strain, Evans should see significant volume in San Francisco's offense. In 2024 (pre-injury), Evans ranked WR9 in points per game; with Brock Purdy showing willingness to attempt deep passes (Brandon Iuke ranked 2nd in deep passing per PFF in 2023 at 57.9% completion rate on deep balls), Evans can recapture that element. The source notes inexperience at receiver alongside Evans and uncertainty around Debo Samuel's role, positioning Evans as a high-volume target in a pass-heavy scheme.

The Buccaneers moved on from Mike Evans in favor of rookie Jalen McMillan and Chris Godwin. Evans was frustrated last year, visibly throwing his hands up in week 15, appearing done with his Buccaneers adventure. His departure opens volume for Godwin.

Parker Washington is the source's 'big takeaway player' for first-time WR1 breakout potential. He ranked top 30 in both yards after catch and average depth of target last year, and fifth in RACER (air yards conversion). As a year-four player in the Liam Cohen offense (similar to Chris Godwin's success in Tampa), Washington thrived in the slot weeks 9–18 with 14.2 PPG, led the team in air yards (32% share), averaged 73 receiving yards per game, 2.8 yards per route, and posted a 25% target rate. The source notes he's been a 'first man in the building' 5am grinder per coach speak, has strong chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, and should be the Jaguars' WR1 this year. His sixth-round draft capital is the only hesitation; a day-two pick would generate no doubt.

Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seahawks before last season. Before the trade, he and Chris Olave were combining for 17 targets per game for the Saints, ranking 15th in the NFL in WR targets. His departure opens volume for remaining Saints receivers like Jordan Tyson.

Harris is the source's favorite sleeper going deep in drafts at WR74 ADP. The source notes that on average, one new WR1 finisher comes from outside the top 50 receivers in ADP each of the last three seasons, and Harris fits that profile. He was elite in yards per route run at Ole Miss as a second-round pick and can be a deep threat. The Chargers offense under Mike McDaniel is high-powered, and Harris has an avenue of snaps through his run blocking. He represents a free bet and cheap access point to the Chargers offense with potential for an expanded role.

Harris could take the biggest step among Chargers receivers. The source believes Harris could pass QJ in the offense, noting that the system is new to everybody now. Harris has the skill set to thrive in Mike McDaniel's offense, and once he gets on the field, the high-powered Chargers offense creates scoring opportunities. He is one injury away from becoming the team's isolate X receiver in heavy tight end personnel, which could give him significant opportunities.

Trey McBride remains the clear-cut number-one target in Arizona's offense, with all other receivers (including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson) playing secondary roles behind him. Scott Bogman notes that McBride is the established alpha in the Cardinals' passing game.

Flowers posted 1,200+ receiving yards and 86 catches in 2025 as WR7 overall despite ranking just 6th in touchdowns (6 total); with new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle replacing Todd Monken and embracing more high-leverage opportunities, the source projects ceiling upside tied to increased red-zone volume. Every other 1,200-yard receiver last year had 8+ TDs; Flowers' efficiency metrics (28% target share, 35% air yard share, 4th in yards per route run behind only Puka Nakua, Jack Smith, and Jigba Luther Burden) and consistency (WR3 over final 5 games, 4+ catches in 13 of 17 games) establish a high floor. Attached to Lamar Jackson (6.5% career TD pass rate), Flowers averaged 15+ PPR points per game when healthy with Jackson in 2025.

Flowers is ranked ahead of both Ladd McConkey (20) and Jalen Waddle (21) in the source's rankings. The source notes that Flowers is positioned higher than both of these Chargers receivers, indicating strong confidence in his 2025 outlook.

The source expresses fantasy interest in Zay Flowers despite being a Steelers fan, predicting he will have at least two nuclear games against Pittsburgh. The source also references Max Crosby's NFL Top 100 quote that 2026 is when Zay gets his flowers, suggesting strong future upside.