The 2022 draft class has an endless list of receivers set to make significant leaps in 2023. Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson has overall WR1 potential with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Chris Olave and Christian Watson stepped into lead receiver roles and will build on strong 2022 performances. Drake London, Treylon Burks, Jahan Dotson and George Pickens have top-24 potential, and Jameson Williams will play a significant role in Detroit’s offense when he returns from suspension.
The upside for those receivers is clear and their ADPs reflect their potential. But, what second-year receivers could make a leap in 2023 and join that group of superstars?
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2023 Second-Year WRs
Let’s discuss lesser-known receivers who could see an increase in production in year-two and be strong value picks in your fantasy drafts.
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG)
Between the Giants acquiring Darren Waller, signing approximately 50 different free agent receivers, and drafting Jaylin Hyatt, fantasy managers have completely forgotten Robinson was the 43rd overall pick last year.
There isn’t a ton of analyze on Robinson because his rookie year was plagued by injuries, resulting in only six active games. But he had a few solid performances, including a 9-reception game for 100 yards in Week 11.
Robinson has the profile to be a target hog within this offense and, healthy permitting, can serve as a late-round dart throw with an ADP currently in the 15th round.
John Metchie (WR – HOU)
Metchie’s rookie year was ended before the season even started when Metchie was diagnosed with cancer. This year will essentially serve as Metchie’s rookie season. Between the time away from football and the flashier names of the 2022 draft class, it’s easy to forget that Metchie was the 44th overall pick with strong production at Alabama – over 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2021, playing in tandem with Williams.
Metchie doesn’t have the explosive upside or true WR1 ceiling of the receivers drafted ahead of him, but he could serve as a reliable WR2 in an offense that will increase pass volume with C.J. Stroud at the helm.
Skyy Moore (WR – KC)
While all eyes are focused on whether Kadarius Toney can make the leap to Chiefs’ WR1 in 2023, are we overlooking the potential upside for Moore? Feedback from the Chiefs’ minicamp is that Moore is making significant strides and could be in line to fill the hole left by JuJu Smith-Schuster.
While Smith-Schuster’s production was inconsistent at the end of the season, his typically production was a low-end WR2 and that type of value for Moore would be an absolute late round steal. Moore’s snap count never exceeded 46% in 2022 and he saw just 33 targets with 16 total games. But, the production isn’t surprising considering Moore’s draft profile showed some developmental needs to become truly NFL-ready.
Perhaps a year adjusting to the NFL is all Moore needed. He’s a sneaky candidate for a year-two breakout.
#Chiefs Patrick Mahomes said Skyy Moore will be similar to JuJu Smith-Schuster's role last season.
He said this receiving core understood what it takes now since everyone is more acclimated to the offense and now they're teaching each other.
"We just have a deep group."
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) June 15, 2023
#Chiefs Andy Reid said Skyy Moore was on high targets in camp so far.
"I think he's taken a good jump. Most of all, the quarterback trusts him."
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) June 15, 2023
Romeo Doubs (WR – GB)
Fantasy managers are weary of Packers’ pass catchers with Jordan Love taking over as QB1 but there’s strong value within the Packers receiving corps and Doubs has true breakout potential. It’s unlikely Love immediately fills Aaron Rodgers shoes, but the Packers’ quarterback situation is far less concerning than other teams transitioning to new quarterbacks – such as Tampa Bay, Washington, Indianapolis, Houston and Carolina.
Love has spent three years within the Packers’ system. There’s no adjustment period in terms of learning a new offense and, as the clear QB1, Love is spending the entire offseason developing chemistry with his lead receivers and there’s a clear connection between Love and Doubs.
Doubs struggled with injuries last year and was third in the pecking order behind Christian Watson and Allen Lazard. But Doubs had multiple high-upside games, including an 8 for 8 game with 73 yards and 1 touchdown. If the Packers maintain an average passing attack, Doubs has low-end WR2 upside.
Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO)
Shaheed is the only undrafted free agent on this list but has one of the more promising opportunities in year-two. He earned a consistent role within the Saints offense and had an impressive yards per route rate on par with some of the best receivers in the league.
Shaheed became a focal point within the offense mid-season. In Weeks 11-18, he averaged 9.8 fantasy points per game in PPR. He is WR3 is the Saints depth chart, but that’s assuming Michael Thomas remains healthy.
If Thomas continues to struggle, Shaheed could repeat and build on his end-of-season performance. Opportunities for the Saints will increase with Derek Carr providing a higher-volume pass attack in 2023 and Shaheed is a prime beneficiary.
Honorable mentions: Khalil Shakir (WR – BUF), Alec Pierce (WR – IND)
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