5 Receivers Who Could Break Out in 2017
Over the last few seasons we have seen the popularity in stock piling wide receivers in the late rounds of fantasy drafts. The reason is because wide receiver is arguably the deepest position on any owners team. Looking back over the last few years, my most successful seasons came when I landed a break out wide receiver in the late rounds. This got me thinking. What late round receiver could have the most upside? I have come up with my top 5 list of young receivers primed to have a big 2017 season.
Quincy Enunwa – New York Jets
Quincy had a respectable season in 2016 finishing as the 42nd best wide receiver based on standard scoring. The Jets did a little wide receiver cleaning this off-season releasing Brandon Marshall which should open up more targets for Quincy. Eric Decker is still up in the air for when he returns in 2017, but I think his return only helps. Quincy finished 2016 with 58 catches for 857 yards and 4 touchdowns. I expect him to improve on that number. You may be able to get draft him in the 14th or 15th round.
Cameron Meredith – Chicago Bears
Much like Quincy, Cameron was a benefactor of off-season wide receiver releases. Chicago finally gave up on Alshon Jeffery, leaving the door open for Meredith to become their lead receiver. In 2016, Cameron became a hot waiver mid season due to a few big games. He showed a lot of upside by finishing the season with 66 catches, 888 yards and 4 touchdowns in only 14 games. Much like Quincy, Cameron’s success will be dependent on quality quarterback play. At the time of this article, Meredith’s ADP(average draft position) is expected to be the 11th round. I expect that to move into the single digit rounds by August, but should still end up a value pick.
Willie Snead – New Orleans Saints
Willie actually improved on a lot of his rookie season stats in his sophomore season. Unfortunately with the emergence of Michael Thomas it went a bit unnoticed. Add that to Brandin Cooks chipping in another 1000 yard season it was hard to get noticed. 2017 will be a bit different. Cooks is no longer there and Thomas is now the top receiver. Everyone is high on Thomas, but life may be different for him with defenses having their best DB on him. Enter Willie Snead. Snead had 72 catches, 895 yards and 4 touchdowns in 15 games. I expect Willie to crack the 1200 yard mark and double digit touchdowns in 2017. His ADP is currently expected to be the back half of the 9th round. If you can get him anytime after the 8th you won the lottery.
Jamison Crowder – Washington Redskins
Crowder could potentially have the most upside of all the receivers on my list. Washington appears to be having a bit of an identity crisis right now, but a running team is surely not one of their identities. With the loss of Jackson and Garcon, Crowder has a better chance to prove his athleticism. Doctson will need to stay healthy and Pryor will emerge as the teams number one receiver taking a lot of focus off of Crowder. Last season, Crowder finished with 67 catches, 847 yards and 7 touchdowns. Currently he is expected to be an early 8th round pick. Don’t be surprised if he makes it longer than that as people will reach for Pryor and Doctson.
Adam Thielen – Minnesota Vikings
In 2016, Adam Thielen broke out as the primary target for Sam Bradford. When everyone was distracted by Stefon Diggs not living up to expectations, Thielen went about his business. With early indications that Bradford will be the man again in Minnesota, Thielen emerges as a front runner for the most targets. Last season during weeks 10-16 Thielen was the 7th best wide receiver in fantasy. He finished the season with 69 catches, 967 yards and 5 touchdowns. Not bad for a guy who went undrafted in 84% of fantasy leagues last year. Look for him to increase in all three categories with a full season as the primary target. Adam is currently expected to be drafted in the 13th round.
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