Training camp is just getting underway, which means fantasy football drafts are just around the corner. Maybe there isn’t any preseason to help you prepare for what might be the most challenging fantasy season in recent memory. Maybe you’re preparing for the possibility that the novel coronavirus pandemic will influence the NFL season — and, in turn, the fantasy football season.
But if you need a momentary distraction from the real world and if you need a little fantasy (football), then let’s take a look at seven receivers that seem like strong sleeper candidates for the upcoming year. We’ve taken a look at FantasyPros.com to identify players whose rankings are too low for PPR.
1. Justin Jefferson, Vikings (ADP: 132nd overall)
Adam Theilen is Kirk Cousins’ only option after the departure of Stefon Diggs. Dalvin Cook will continue to serve as the lead back in the offense, and perhaps his role will increase in 2020 without Diggs. Even so, Diggs left behind 63 catches, 1,130 yards and six touchdowns. There’s plenty of work for Jefferson in this offense.
It’s too early to say if he’ll immediately be able to handle the NFL’s speed. But Jefferson was one of Joe Burrow’s favorite targets at LSU, where the young receiver was facing some NFL-caliber cornerbacks. What’s more, his route-running abilities from the slot translate naturally to Minnesota’s offense. On paper, Jefferson should immediately jump in and put up numbers.
2. Preston Williams, Dolphins (ADP: 119th overall)
Strangely, Williams has more value with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback than with Tua Tagovailoa. Fitzpatrick just puts up big passing numbers, even if he’s not usually winning games. That would suit Williams, who had a breakout rookie season while playing with Fitzpatrick. If Tagovailoa wins the starting job — a likelihood — projecting Williams’ production gets murkier.
Considering the Dolphins will be without receivers Allen Hurns and Albert Wilson due to opt-outs, Miami could look to give Williams an even bigger role for 2020. He’s worth the relatively small risk.
3. Diontae Johnson, Steelers (ADP: 88th overall)
With a bizarre hodgepodge of quarterbacks, including Duck Hodges (a player who will soon be a perfect candidate for Let’s Remember Some Guys), Johnson managed 59 catches, 680 yards and five touchdowns. While the quarterback tumult disrupted JuJu Smith-Schuster’s rise to prominence, Johnson had himself a nice rookie season.
When Ben Roethlisberger returns, it’s easy to imagine Johnson’s value becoming huge. He’s currently sitting there in the ninth round. That’s the perfect place to take him. Heck, it might not be a bad idea to take him earlier.
4. Mecole Hardman, Chiefs (ADP: 139th overall)
He was already beginning to overtake Sammy Watkins in terms of production as the season wore on. And to further signal the Chiefs are devaluing Watkins, they had him take a pay cut this offseason. That means they’ll get even more comfortable with the idea of giving Hardman snaps and targets.
If Mahomes stays healthy for 16 games this year, Hardman should put together a really respectable season, with a few huge games that come with the big plays (that come with his awesome speed).
5. T.Y. Hilton, Colts (ADP: 55th overall)
It’s weird to think that a player is a sleeper at 55th overall, but Hilton certainly counts. Jacoby Brissett had a few nice stretches, but Philip Rivers is a monster when it comes to passing yards. He’s had over 4,000 passing yards in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
The Colts have plenty of young talent (Parris Campbell and Michael Pittman), but Hilton – even at 30 – should rebound from a rough string of seasons without Andrew Luck. Brissett is a fine quarterback, but Rivers should help Hilton make a comeback season.
6. Henry Ruggs, Raiders (ADP: 129th overall)
As much as Ruggs screams “BUST!” with his blazing speed, the Raiders really don’t have much in the way of standout receivers. Tyrell Williams is fine — and after last year, he seems to be nothing more than a No. 2 option. In all likelihood, Oakland is going to feed the ball to Ruggs.
In that respect, Hunter Renfrow is probably a good player to put on this list, too. He’s more likely to earn targets in his second season. But Jon Gruden is going to spoon-feed the ball to Ruggs. That’ll help his fantasy value exceed where he’s currently ranked.
7. Mohamed Sanu, Patriots (ADP: 212nd overall)
It’s anyone’s guess as to how the Patriots’ receiver position will shake out after Julian Edelman. Sanu will be in competition with N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Damiere Byrd, Gunner Olszewski and undrafted wideout Jeff Thomas. But there’s a clear pecking order to start, with Sanu sitting at No. 2. The Patriots will want him to succeed after giving up a second-round pick and while they’re paying him $6.5 million in salary.
New England will probably give him every opportunity to succeed, and it seems Cam Newton and Sanu got off to a good start, with the two players working out together in L.A. after the Patriots signed the former Carolina Panthers quarterback.
