Rookie wide receivers are tough to trust. In recent years, the top wide receivers drafted in the NFL draft have been atrocious in their rookie campaigns.
That backs me off putting too much stock in drafting rookie wide receivers, especially in the early- to mid-round fantasy football draft order.
There can be some sleeper potential, though, especially if you find the right wide receiver later in the draft. Expect inconsistency, but here’s three rookie wide receivers who should be on the fantasy football radar.
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals
Kirk was my favorite wide receiver target in the pre-draft, and his landing spot made me even more excited.
The Cardinals have weapons, but Kirk should fit in well as a slot option. Talent-wise, there wasn’t a better wide receiver available in the NFL draft.
His issue, though, was production in his later years at Texas A&M. The potential is there for Kirk to have a solid season as a third receiver in Arizona’s lineup. Don’t expect WR1 numbers, but he could factor in the WR2/3 discussion on occasion, thanks to his fit in the Cardinals passing game.
Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys
Have you seen the wide receivers currently atop the Cowboys depth chart? I’m not sure there’s a WR2 among them.
That provides Gallup opportunity, which is the No. 1 item to consider when backing a rookie wide receiver in fantasy football. Cole Beasley has his place as a high-volume possession receiver, but Terrance Williams, Deonte Thompson and Allen Hurns are not viable fantasy football options.
If Gallup can impress coaches during camp, he can easily be vaulted into the starting lineup, which would make him an attractive option for the Cowboys.
Dallas is known to be a running team, but I’m expecting a bit of a bounce-back year for Dak Prescott, so there should be some value for an emerging wide receiver. Keep an eye on Gallup in the preseason to see where he fits in the Dallas lineup.
Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears
Be patient, but this could pan out in the long run.
Most likely, Miller won’t be drafted, with good reason. He’s firmly behind Allen Robinson, Kevin White and Taylor Gabriel.
However, White is injury-prone and Gabriel isn’t necessarily a sure-thing at the wide receiver position.
I love Miller’s story, going from not receiving a scholarship in college to leading the nation in touchdowns scored by a wide receiver last year. He has a work ethic you can’t teach, and I think he’ll grind his way into this lineup.
It also doesn’t hurt that he’s a known touchdown threat, which automatically makes him a possible fantasy football weapon.
Miller may be forgotten when the fantasy football draft hits, but don’t lose sight of his potential as the season progresses.
