The wide receiver position is the most coveted in fantasy football, especially in PPR(points per reception) leagues. Many fantasy players will draft big name receivers early in the draft, players like Antonio Brown and Julio Jones. Many will also avoid receivers not because of their ability to catch, but because of the team name associated with them. However, that is not always the smartest move. Here are three fantasy wide receivers who will be absolute steals in draft because they play on poor offenses.
Diamonds in the Rough: Three Good Fantasy Receivers on Poor Offenses
Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns
Casual football fans may not know his name, but fantasy owners will recognize Coleman. Out of Baylor, Coleman was selected 15th overall in the 2016 draft by the Browns. In week two of 2016, Coleman exploded against the Baltimore Ravens for 140 yards and two scores. He looked to be something that Cleveland fans could finally be excited about. Coleman then suffered a broken hand during practice the following week. The injury took him out for nearly two months.
He did not do very much when he returned, but fantasy owners cannot pass up Coleman’s upside. This is especially true considering the rest of the Browns’ receiving core. It is headlined by aging Kenny Britt. Coleman is currently being drafted behind the likes of C.J. Prosise and Martellus Bennett, being taken as the number 43 receiver. A part of this could be because of Cleveland’s quarterback situation. The starter will most likely be one of the following; Brock Osweiler, Cody Kessler or Deshone Kizer. None of those are great options, but Kessler showed last season that he can get the ball to his receivers and Kizer has potential. At the value that Coleman’s stock is at right now in June, there is nothing wrong with taking him in the middle to later rounds.
Pierre Garcon, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Pierre Garcon posted a one thousand yard season last year in Washington. He was competing for targets with DeSean Jackson, Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder at the time. Now in San Francisco, he is competing for targets with pass catchers Bruce Ellington and Marquise Goodwin. Many fantasy owners are staying away from everyone in San Francisco because of their past season as one of the worst offenses in the NFL. However, they brought in former Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as their head coach. Brian Hoyer will be their quarterback.
Garcon played with Shanahan and posted his top season as a fantasy scorer, going for over 1300 yards and catching 113 balls. His quarterback in 2013? Robert Griffin III. While Brian Hoyer is no Tom Brady, he is serviceable under center and will be able to get the ball to Garcon. He is currently being drafted behind receivers such as Saints Willie Snead and the new Titans weapon Eric Decker. It is easy to predict that Garcon will be better than both of them. Do not be surprised if he finishes as a top 20-25 wide receiver at year’s end.
Cameron Meredith, WR Chicago Bears
The breakout star in the Windy City last season was obviously Jordan Howard. However, Cameron Meredith flew under the radar as a quality fantasy receiver. This was despite never having a consistent quarterback throwing him the ball. Meredith, just 24-years-old, went for nearly 900 yards last season. He also caught four touchdowns. He averaged double digit fantasy points on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
With the departure of Alshon Jeffery in free agency; as well as the uncertain health of former first round pick Kevin White, Meredith is in line for a huge workload. Despite this, he is being drafted late and is barely ranked in the top 100 (97) on Fantasypros.com. His quarterback situation should be a little more stable this year with the addition of Mike Glennon. The Bears plan to red-shirt their first round pick Mitch Trubisky, so Glennon should have the starting job locked up. Glennon is a decent passer, a lot better than what Meredith dealt with last season.
At his current draft spot, Meredith is an absolute bargain. His stock may rise before draft season gets into full swing, but he will still be undervalued. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking Meredith in the middle rounds in all league formats.
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