While there were just seven running backs to cross the 1,000-yard mark in 2015, the wide receivers had no such problem. Last season 26 wideouts surpassed 1,000 yards and six more were right on the cusp with 922 or more, racking up the fantasy points.
While running backs always go high in fantasy drafts, there’s a real argument to go wideout first, especially with the numbers guys have put up recently. We all know who’s going early, but who’s the guy that’s going to come out of nowhere to put up huge fantasy numbers this year? Who’s the Jarvis Landry or John Brown of this year’s group? I have some ideas.
Kamar Aiken, Baltimore Ravens
2015: 75 catches, 944 yards, five touchdowns
Aiken came out of nowhere last year to post those numbers for the Ravens and the multiple quarterbacks they had to put on the field. This year the former undrafted free agent out of Central Florida will have some help with Breshad Perriman likely stepping on the field, the return of Steve Smith Sr. and, of course, quarterback Joe Flacco. While that might look like it’ll lead to fewer catches for Aiken, it’s more likely to give him better match ups on the outside and a much better quarterback tossing him the ball.
Golden Tate, Detroit Lions
2015: 90 catches, 813 yards, six touchdowns
With Calvin Johnson gone, Tate automatically moves up in the fantasy production category. The Lions didn’t sit pat and leave him out there hanging by himself either, signing Marvin Jones away from the Cincinnati Bengals on the other side. Jones will get his catches, but Tate will be the first wideout quarterback Matthew Stafford will be looking for when he drops back.
Mohammed Sanu, Atlanta Falcons
2015: 33 catches, 394 yards, no touchdowns, 10 carries, 71 yards, two touchdowns
While Marvin Jones will have a decent season in Detroit, his former teammate in Cincy, Mohammed Sanu, should have the opportunity for some big numbers in Atlanta. Sanu will be playing opposite Julio Jones, who will be getting all the defensive attention, so Sanu, a freak athlete himself, should face a lot of one-on-one opportunities. With Matt Ryan flinging the ball, the catches and yards will be there. Plus, with Sanu you get the chance he could throw a touchdown pass or run one in.
Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
2015: 51 catches, 664 yards, six touchdowns
With Ricardo Lockett retiring, the baton as the Seahawks No. 3 wide receiver has literally been passed to Tyler. He’s an electrifying player who did damage on special teams immediately as a rookie. As the season wore on, Lockett’s production in the passing game improved and he ended up with a solid rookie season. With quarterback Russell Wilson increasingly the focus of the offense, Lockett’s fantasy stock should jump.
Tavon Austin, Los Angeles Rams
2015: 52 catches, 473 yards, five touchdowns
While the Rams will field a rookie quarterback, they’ll also be implementing a new passing offensive thanks to new passing game coordinator Mike Groh. Austin will be the primary beneficiary of that attack and rookie Jared Goff’s development. Head coach Jeff Fisher has already predicted Austin would double his output in 2016, I don’t think that would happen. But he could have his first double-digit touchdown and 1,000 yard season.
Jeff Janis, Green Bay Packers
2015: two catches, 79 yards, no touchdowns
Janis did absolutely nothing in the regular season, even with the injury troubles the Packers had at wide receiver. What he did do is show up huge in the playoffs, catching seven passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals including the Hail Mary that should have won the game. Janis was clutch and should be rewarded with a lot more opportunities on the field, especially as the Packers No. 3 receiver.
Dorial Green-Beckham, Tennessee Titans
2015: 32 catches, 549 yards, four touchdowns
It took Green-Beckham a while to get involved in the Titans’ offense, but when he did he was an explosive weapon. Tennessee was smart to draft a weapon like Green-Beckham the same year they picked their franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota. Green-Beckham averaged 17.2 yards per catch and he should get even better as Mariota continues to grow.
