Fantasy football experts share their favorite deep sleepers at the wide receiver position for you to target in fantasy football drafts.
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Rondale Moore (ARI): Consensus Rank – WR57
“I’m still in on Rondale Moore. We saw a little bit of what Moore could do last season, when he hauled in 11 of 13 targets for 182 yards and a touchdown in Arizona’s first two games before being overshadowed by Christian Kirk. Among slot receivers in 2021, Kirk ranked 10th in targets (75), fourth in receptions (60) and second with 662 yards. Kirk now plays for the Jaguars, which leaves all those opportunities for Moore this season. Missing DeAndre Hopkins for the first six weeks should also guarantee a significant role for Moore, who I like to contend for WR3 numbers in 2022. ”
– Jody Smith (FullTime Fantasy)
KJ Osborn (MIN): Consensus Rank – WR65
“KJ Osborn: New head coach Kevin O’Connell is coming over from a Rams offense that passed the ball nearly 60% of the time, and about 86% of their total plays consisted of three wide receiver sets (11 personnel). That offense bodes well for Osborn, who finished just outside WR3 territory last season and was the WR13 in Weeks 13-17. In this new Vikings offense, Osborn will have his share of opportunities, and there will be plenty of that behind Justin Jefferson. ”
– Rich Piazza (Fantasy Shed)
Jahan Dotson (WAS): Consensus Rank – WR60
“One player I have been targeting late in drafts is Jahan Dotson. Washington and Dotson face the sixth-easiest strength of schedule for wide receivers, and Dotson has no competition outside of Terry McLaurin. Dotson is essentially what Diontae Johnson would be if Johnson could catch the ball. We know Dotson is a lock to play in two-receiver sets, and since 2014, receivers who have been selected in the first round have seen a 17% target share out of the gate on average. Watching the preseason, it’s evident that Wentz already has developed chemistry with the rookie, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he outperformed McLaurin in 2022. After all, Dotson did receive more draft capital than the Commanders’ $71 million man.”
– Matt Donnelly (Dynasty Vipers)
Tyler Lockett (SEA): Consensus Rank – WR41
“Tyler Lockett. Why the disparity between teammate DK Metcalf (ADP 52) and Lockett (98) is so great is beyond me. Since 2018, Lockett has totaled 312 receptions for 4,251 yards and 36 touchdowns. He is dependable, consistent and a better fit for the conservative way QB Geno Smith plays the game. Lockett is a steal this late in drafts. ”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)
Nico Collins (HOU): Consensus Rank – WR63
“I don’t know if it is because he plays for Houston or if it is because he is going into his second year instead of being an “exciting rookie,” but for some reason, Nico Collins continues to fly under the radar. Collins is locked in as the No. 2 receiver role for a Texans team that is expected to be playing from behind often. The Houston targets should be highly consolidated between Brandin Cooks, Collins and Brevin Jordan (another great late-round target), with an underwhelming group of receivers beyond the top two. The 6-4 Collins makes for a fine WR5/WR6 in best ball and is squarely in the deep-league flex conversation in traditional leagues. ”
– Matthew Hill (Fantasy Life)
Beyond our fantasy football content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – which optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football draft season.
Thanks to the experts for sharing their advice! For more of their insight, be sure to follow each pundit on Twitter (click their names above) and visit their respective sites.
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If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.