With the 2023 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, dynasty rookie drafts are in full swing. This year’s wide receiver class lacked the superstar name like Ja’Marr Chase or Marvin Harrison Jr. Yet, four wide receivers got drafted in the first round.
There are plenty of talented wide receivers in the draft class this year. However, which wide receivers should fantasy players target outside the top 10? Here are my five favorite sleeper rookie wide receivers.
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Dynasty Rookie Sleeper Wide Receivers (2023 Fantasy Football)
Here are a handful of values to target in your dynasty rookie and startup drafts.
Michael Wilson (ARI)
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Wilson at Stanford. However, the rookie receiver was productive when on the field. Yet, Wilson led the team in receiving touchdowns despite missing half the season. The Cardinals have a crowded wide receiver unit, but things can change quickly.
DeAndre Hopkins has been the subject of trade reports this offseason. Marquise Brown is entering the final year of his contract. Rondale Moore has struggled to stay healthy and is limited to the slot. Wilson could find himself in a starting role as a rookie if Arizona trades away Hopkins. If he didn’t struggle with injuries, the former Stanford receiver would have been a top-50 pick. Hopefully, Wilson can stay healthy and flourish in the NFL.
Charlie Jones (CIN)
Many fantasy players are excited about Andrei Iosivas. However, I’ll take a chance on Jones. The former Purdue star was the earlier pick and the more productive college player. Jones had a breakout 2022 season, totaling 110 receptions for 1,361 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished top five in receiving yards and touchdowns while leading the country first in receptions.
Meanwhile, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are entering the final year of their contracts. While Higgins will almost certainly return next year, Boyd likely won’t be. Jones only played 11.6% of his snaps last year in the slot. Yet, he could be the long-term replacement for Boyd.
Tyler Scott (CHI)
The former Bearcat had 54 receptions for 899 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season, all career and team highs. More importantly, Scott showed the ability to make plays downfield. Last year he scored five touchdowns on deep passes (20-plus yards downfield). Furthermore, four of his five touchdowns in 2021 came on deep passes.
Meanwhile, Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney are entering the final year of their contracts. After the team traded for DJ Moore, one or both veterans won’t return in 2024. However, if Mooney finds a better offer on the open market, Scott will have the first crack at replacing him and his downfield targets.
Puka Nacua (LAR)
Last year Cooper Kupp was once again outstanding before a high ankle sprain ended his season. But, unfortunately, the rest of the Rams’ receiving core was subpar at best. Meanwhile, the team waited until the fifth round to select their only wide receiver. Nacua was a star at BYU, totaling 91 receptions for 1,430 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two years.
Furthermore, the rookie was also a force on the ground at BYU. Despite being a fifth-round pick, he should earn significant snaps this year, as only Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, and Ben Skowronek are in his way. McVay’s is too creative not to find a way to make Nacua a consistent part of the offense.
A.T. Perry (NO)
While the Saints keep Michael Thomas around, they can’t count on him after he’s missed 80% of the games over the past three years. Yet, New Orleans waited until the sixth round to add a wide receiver. While Perry was a late Day 3 selection, the former Wake Forest star has potential. He had 152 receptions for 2,389 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns over the past two years, finishing top seven in the country in receiving touchdowns in both seasons.
Meanwhile, Perry was a downfield threat, scoring nearly 60% of his touchdowns over the past two years on deep ball passes. All the rookie has to do is beat out the 2022 undrafted free agent Rashid Shaheed for a starting role.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
