From a fantasy football aspect, the name Kenny Golladay might not mean much as you wade through which wide receivers will help catapult your team into the playoffs. However, taking a closer look at the situation, he might prove to be worthy of a late round draft pick with not much to lose.
After some impressive catches in the first preseason game, Golladay has raised eyebrows and suddenly appeared on the ADP list for fantasy drafts as a speculative WR3 for the Lions.
Will he turn out to be that successful in the NFL and fantasy football leagues? While he's long been an intriguing name for dynasty owners, could he prove to be more, even as early as 2017?
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Kenny Golladay - Fantasy Sleeper
Golladay is a rookie wideout from Northern Illinois who was a third round draft choice for the Detroit Lions. He has that Brandon Marshall-like physique at 6'4'' and 220 pounds. He ran a modest 4.5 second forty yard dash at the NFL combine, but what he lacks very slightly in speed he will make up for in his jumping ability which is just shy of a 3 foot vertical (35 inches). Some wide receiver comparisons for Golladay are the aforementioned Brandon Marshall, Mike Evans, and A.J. Green.
The Detroit Lions and coaching staff have been on record saying how impressed they have been so far during training camp and the beginning of the preseason. In his first national football league preseason game, he was able to haul-in two touchdown receptions. Yes, it is only a preseason game, but impressive nonetheless. Additionally, it is important to note that ever since Calvin Johnson retired, the Lions have been missing that tall deep-threat wide receiver down the field.
Golladay could very well be that replacement for Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the passing attack and would perfectly round out his receiving core which includes Golden Tate and Marvin Jones Jr. Last season, Stafford struggled in the red zone and overall only had 24 passing touchdowns for the entire year. That is only averaging one and a half touchdowns per game. K.G. has that big-bodied frame and the jumping ability to bring that number way up and to start putting up points for your fantasy football starting line-up.
Since Golladay is very much under the radar at this point, he might not even be drafted in 10 or 12 team leagues. However, do not assume that will be the case. Drafting him as your last receiver in the 14th or 15th round is a very realistic possibility and you may get the best value with this pick in your entire draft. The worst case scenario would be that he underperforms and you will cut him, but at very little cost. Minimal risk, high reward. If you do end up drafting him, give him a few weeks to acclimate to the league before giving him the boot off of your squad.
More Sleepers & Draft Values
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!