Mid-Round WR Targets: Christian Watson, Diontae Johnson, Calvin Ridley, Tee Higgins

Dive into our latest Featured Pros article, where our top analysts break down their must-have mid-round wide receiver picks and insights on why these players should be on your draft list.

Fantasy Football Mid-Round WR Targets

Which WR with a half-PPR ADP between WR25-55 are you targeting the most in your drafts and why?

Christian Watson (WR – GB)

“I wouldn’t bet the farm that Christian Watson’s reported offseason work to reduce the asymmetry of his legs will actually reduce his frequency of hamstring injuries. But his ceiling is high enough to take the risk. Watson has Julio Jones measurables at 6-foot-4 and with a 4.36-second 40 time. And he scored seven touchdowns in 11 starts as a rookie in 2022 and tied for second with 12 red zone targets between Weeks 8 and 13 in 2023 before a hamstring injury ended his sophomore season prematurely.”
– Scott Spratt (FTN)

Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)

“The value of Diontae Johnson is out of control. An ADP of WR38 makes zero sense for a natural separator who will be featured in Carolina’s offensive attack. Younger than Adam Thielen – who saw 137 targets last season – Diontae hasn’t earned fewer than that number since his second year in the league when playing a full season. New head coach Dave Canales is also a noted QB whisperer, reviving the fantasy values of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield in back-to-back seasons. Bryce Young is next up to receive the Canales treatment, and his top target will be Johnson. Thielen was the half-ppr WR25 last season. That is Diontae’s floor in 2024.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

Calvin Ridley (WR – TEN)

“Calvin Ridley was the big signing of the Tennessee Titans this off-season! Derrick Henry has moved on to Baltimore, and the team is working to become a pass-centric team with Will Levis at the helm and Ridley as the WR1! In 2023, Ridley returned to the league after his suspension with 1,016 yards and 8 touchdowns, which was viewed as a down year! Look for him to play his way back into the conversation of top-flight wide receivers as the pass-catching centerpiece of the revamped Tennessee Titans’ passing attack!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)

“Tee Higgins as the WR29 in half is simply ludicrous. I know he had a down season a year ago, plagued by injuries and the like, but come on. Higgins has shown that he is a big play machine and is a near 1000-yard lock if he can be healthy. Where else are you getting that kind of guarantee at this price? Higgins also has a guy named Joe Burrow throwing him the ball; he is pretty good if you ask me. Higgins is also playing for his cash in 2024. Never underestimate the desire of players to smash their projected ceilings when they are in line for their first big contract. Higgins is a bargain right now. Go get him.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Fantasy Draft Advice Featured Pros NFL Christian Watson Julio Jones Diontae Johnson Adam Thielen Geno Smith Baker Mayfield Bryce Young Calvin Ridley Derrick Henry Will Levis Tee Higgins Joe Burrow