Later-Round Fantasy Football Wide Receivers With WR2 Upside

In the late rounds of fantasy football drafts, finding a wide receiver with WR2 upside can be a game-changer for your roster, especially in PPR leagues where volume is key. While the early rounds are filled with established stars, the later rounds offer hidden gems -- players who may be flying under the radar but have the potential to outperform their draft position. Whether it's due to an increased role, a favorable offensive scheme, or an injury to a teammate, these wide receivers possess the upside to deliver consistent, high-value performances throughout the season.

This article will spotlight those late-round wide receivers poised to exceed expectations and provide WR2 production in PPR formats. We'll dive into the factors that could lead to their breakout seasons, including opportunities within their respective offenses, past performance trends, and the potential for high target volume. If you're looking to bulk up your receiving corps with affordable, high-upside options, these are the players to target in the later rounds of your draft.

So, which wide receivers have WR2 upside for fantasy football this year? Let's dive in and look at four wide receivers who will finish above their given ADP. 

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Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers

Jayden Reed is shaping up to be a promising fantasy football option for the Green Bay Packers, especially with Jordan Love showing promise to be a young star in the league. As the Packers transition into a new era, Reed has the opportunity to carve out a significant role in a receiving corps that lacks a clear-cut No. 1 option.

Reed surprised everyone last season as the rookie ended his 2023 with 64 receptions for 793 yards and eight touchdowns. Reed was the WR10 through Weeks 10-18. Reed’s versatility and capability of playing both outside and in the slot makes him an ideal target for Love, who will be looking to establish a reliable connection with his receivers.

Reed's quickness and ability to create separation can make him a valuable asset in both short and intermediate routes, where Love may need to rely on high-percentage throws as he continues to develop. Reed also was used as a runner on designed plays on a few occasions, as he ended the season with two rushing touchdowns on 11 touches.

Jayden Reed

WR10 once in full time-role Weeks 10-18.

GB utilizes Reed in a unique role- similar to Deebo Samuel in SF.

They designed plays just for him in the red zone as a rookie.

Lowest routes/game of all WRs with 90+ targets in 2023, but 6th amongst WRs in total TDs. https://t.co/njGLM49MTl pic.twitter.com/FdLig4IrvR

— Joe Orrico (@NoExpertFF) August 7, 2024

The Packers are likely focusing on developing their young talent, so Reed could see an increased target share as the season progresses. Love, who is still trying to find his true WR1, will benefit from Reed’s ability to make plays after the catch and his knack for finding open space in the defense.

This could lead to Reed becoming one of Love's go-to options, especially in situations where the team needs to move the chains. For fantasy managers looking for a late-round sleeper with WR2 upside, Reed’s potential to emerge as a key piece in the Packers offense makes him a player to watch this season. His ADP is currently WR37 but he has the ceiling of being a weekly WR2 start.

Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs

Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys

Brandin Cooks is set to be a valuable fantasy football option for the Dallas Cowboys, as he is the clear WR2 option for such a high-powered offense. Cooks, known for his consistent production and ability to stretch the field, steps into a prime situation where he can immediately contribute as the clear No. 2 receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb.

Cooks’ speed and route-running precision make him an ideal complement to Lamb, giving Dak Prescott a reliable deep threat and opening up the offense for big plays.

In an offense that is expected to remain one of the more potent units in the league, Cooks' role could lead to a resurgence in his fantasy value, especially in PPR formats where his ability to rack up receptions will be key.

Cooks isn't getting any younger, now entering Year 11 in the NFL, but his ADP sits at WR56, which is just about free in any formatted league.

Moreover, with Michael Gallup's departure, Cooks is likely to see an increased target share, making him a strong candidate to deliver consistent WR2 numbers. The Cowboys' offensive scheme, which emphasizes downfield passing and the use of play-action, plays perfectly into Cooks' strengths.

For fantasy managers, Cooks presents a high-upside option who can provide both steady production and the potential for explosive weeks, making him a valuable addition to any roster looking for a dependable veteran presence with big-play ability.

Dak to Brandin Cooks pic.twitter.com/6ZXgzwPeYa

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 3, 2024

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