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Football season is almost here, and fantasy managers will need to make the sharpest decisions in the early rounds of their 2024 fantasy drafts. Identifying high-upside middle and late-round options is key for winning a championship, but those late picks might not matter if you end up with a couple of early-round busts.
Wide receivers are going as early as ever before in drafts, with studs like CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, and Ja'Marr Chase in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. However, there are still several wideouts that go just a few rounds later with exceptional upside. That's the focus of this article.
Our editors have hand-picked these specific NFL players for your draft prep enjoyment. Usually only available to Premium subscribers, the outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2024 Draft Kit. Be sure to subscribe today and start reading all 300+ of our 2024 player outlooks, along with many other premium articles and tools available exclusively in our 2024 Draft Kit.
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Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins - Fantasy Football Outlook
Miami Dolphins fourth-year wide receiver Jaylen Waddle continued to excel in the Dolphins' high-powered offense in 2023. Partnering with Tyreek Hill, Waddle formed one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league. He finished the season with 72 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in just 14 games, showcasing his speed and ability to make big plays.
Waddle's biggest concern last year was the lack of endzone touches the young receiver got, but a lack of games played could have altered this fluke as Waddle caught eight touchdowns the year before.
TUA TO WADDLE. 60-YARD TD.
📺: #NYJvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/QuugxeDp6I— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023
Under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins' offensive scheme emphasizes speed and big plays. Waddle's role as a primary deep threat and possession receiver positions him as one of the offense's focal points.
Waddle is worth targeting in the early rounds of fantasy drafts, typically in the late second to early third round. Given his role in the Dolphins' dynamic offense and his proven talent, he offers a high floor with significant upside.
Managers looking for a reliable and explosive wide receiver should confidently draft Waddle. The wide receiver is a high-end WR2 with the potential to finish as a WR1 in PPR formats.
His ability to generate big plays and accumulate receptions makes him a valuable asset, particularly in leagues that reward points per reception. Waddle could easily outperform his draft position if he can increase his touchdown production.
- Justin Pottinger, RotoBaller
DeVonta Smith, Eagles - Fantasy Football Outlook
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith might not have the ceiling of some of the other wideouts going around him in drafts, but Smith might be the safest option. He plays in a top offense and should see plenty of opportunities alongside A.J. Brown in the passing game.
While the 25-year-old had somewhat of a disappointing fantasy year in 2023 -- finishing as the WR19 in PPR formats and seeing his target share drop to 22.8% -- he still has plenty of fantasy potential in this Eagles' offense.
Smith just totaled 81 catches for 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns last year, and Philadelphia didn't add any notable pass catchers this offseason. The young wideout likely won't put up big fantasy numbers every week, but he'll still contribute solid numbers for your fantasy team and has spike-week upside.
He had 11 double-digit PPR fantasy games last season, including in eight of the final nine games of the season. If fantasy managers are looking for a safer pick in drafts, Smith is the player to target as your WR2.
- Joey Pollizze, RotoBaller
Amari Cooper, Browns - Fantasy Football Outlook
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper will get his starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson (shoulder), back from injury in 2024. That should surely boost his fantasy value. Cooper spent most of last season with backup quarterbacks throwing him the ball, which led to some mixed results.
Still, he finished as the WR20 in PPR formats while averaging 15.1 fantasy points per game. The Browns wideout also caught 72 passes for a career-high 1,250 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Joe Flacco. AMARI COOPER. 75 YARD TD.
This duo is BALLING.
📺: #CLEvsHOU on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAjsX3 pic.twitter.com/r8HXAunSkr— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023
With Watson back under center, though, the 29-year-old should find more fantasy success. In five full games with Watson under center in 2023, the nine-year wideout averaged 17.6 PPR fantasy points.
The arrival of Jerry Jeudy -- who the team acquired this offseason -- could lead to fewer targets. But there's no doubt that Cooper is the team's WR1. He should provide solid fantasy value this season, and fantasy managers could confidently take him as their WR2.
- Joey Pollizze, RotoBaller
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