Isaac Newton once said, “What goes up must come down.” Unfortunately, that applies to the football football world.
Last year, there were several talented rookie wide receivers, including Puka Nacua. While no one expects him to regress in his second NFL season, there are some young wide receivers whom fantasy players will want to avoid drafting in 2024.
Let’s look at four second-year wide receivers whose draft stock has taken a hit this offseason.
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Tank Dell, Houston Texans
Dell missed six games because of injuries as a rookie. Yet, he was the WR16 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 12.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Unfortunately, Dell’s fantasy value took a hit after the Houston Texans traded for Stefon Diggs this offseason. While fantasy players should draft him over the veteran receiver, Dell doesn’t have the same upside he had a few months ago.
Blockbuster: Bills are finalizing a trade to send four-time Pro-Bowl WR Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans for draft-pick compensation, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/5tIJGkve6t
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2024
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
While the Minnesota Vikings didn’t make any meaningful additions at wide receiver this offseason, fantasy players should avoid drafting Addison in 2024. He had a productive rookie season because of his high touchdown rate (9.3%). Seven of Addison’s 10 receiving scores came in the eight games with Kirk Cousins under center. By comparison, he was the WR37, averaging 8.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game without the veteran quarterback.
Jordan Addison's first TD goes 39 yards!
📺: #TBvsMIN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/psoxEWmGX8— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
I was a big fan of Wilson’s after the Arizona Cardinals used a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on him. Unfortunately, he failed to stand out as a rookie despite limited target competition. Wilson was the WR60 as a rookie, averaging 7.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. While the team hasn’t given up on him, Wilson has significant competition for targets. Kyler Murray recently praised Marvin Harrison Jr., expecting big things from the superstar rookie.
“He’s been good at football his whole life…I have no doubt he’ll go do his thing this year.”
Kyler Murray on the impact of adding rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. pic.twitter.com/Bqp8utp1Xi
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) June 5, 2024
Jonathan Mingo, Carolina Panthers
Some called Mingo a sleeper heading into last season, as the Carolina Panthers lacked options at the wide receiver position. While Adam Thielen had some outstanding fantasy performances in 2023, the former Ole Miss star was a massive bust. He was the WR84 for the year, averaging only 4.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The Panthers added multiple wide receivers this offseason, including Diontae Johnson. Any hope Mingo had of turning into a fantasy star is likely over.
Trade: the Steelers are sending WR Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, per sources. A new weapon for Bryce Young.
Johnson has a $3 million roster bonus due Friday that the Panthers now will pay. pic.twitter.com/dt2nF83mIL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024
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