The running back dead zone has generally been between the third and sixth rounds. Running backs in this range have struggled historically compared to wide receivers and even tight ends in the same span.
A couple of factors go into the running back dead zone. The top one is fantasy players pushing running backs up in the ADP after seeing an early run at the position in the first two rounds. However, that has changed over the past few years. The general public has become more willing to draft wide receivers early in their fantasy drafts.
With more wide receivers getting drafted in the first two rounds, running backs have been more appropriately ranked and drafted. While the dead zone isn’t as significant as in the past, there are several wide receivers that fantasy players should target running backs in this range.
Let’s look at my favorite wide receivers to draft inside the running back dead zone this year.
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Wide Receivers to Targets Inside the Running Back Dead Zone
Jaylen Waddle (MIA): ADP 29.6 | WR16
Waddle is coming off a disappointing 2023 season. He was the WR34, averaging 11.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the former Alabama star missed three games because of injuries and left others early. Yet, Waddle averaged 7.4 targets per game, up from 6.9 in his first year playing alongside Tyreek Hill. More importantly, the explosive receiver is an outstanding route runner. Waddle posted the fifth-highest yards per route run (2.93) average among wide receivers with at least 25 targets last season (per Fantasy Points Data).
Malik Nabers (NYG): ADP 43.3 | WR24
The Giants will have one of the worst passing offenses this year because of their quarterback situation. However, Nabers will succeed because of his expected high target share. The team lacks a proven pass-catcher following Darren Waller’s retirement. Meanwhile, Nabers ranked first in the NFL Draft class in yards per route run (3.64) among wide receivers with at least 20 targets last season (per PFF). The former LSU star has made several highlight-reel receptions during practice. Don’t be surprised if Nabers is a top-15 wide receiver as a rookie.
Amari Cooper (CLE): ADP 46.7 | WR25
Cleveland started five quarterbacks last year. Yet, Cooper was the WR18, averaging more half-point PPR fantasy points per game (12.7) than Davante Adams, Michael Pittman Jr. and Chris Olave. Furthermore, the veteran was outstanding playing with any quarterback besides Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Cooper averaged 15.1 fantasy points per game in the 12 contests he played that Thompson-Robinson didn’t start, which would have made him the WR6 on a points-per-game basis. If Deshaun Watson stays healthy for all 17 games, Cooper could be a top-12 receiver despite the addition of Jerry Jeudy.
George Pickens (PIT): ADP 50.3 | WR27
Many believe Pickens will have a breakout season after the Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson. The former Georgia star was outstanding in the four games without Johnson last year. He was the WR13, averaging 14.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game during those four weeks, posting the eighth-highest fantasy points per route ran rate (0.49) among wide receivers with at least 110 routes (per Fantasy Points Data). Expect Pickens to be significantly better on downfield throws after the Steelers upgraded at quarterback with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason.
Tank Dell (HOU): ADP 54.7 | WR29
The Texans have arguably the most talented wide receiver core in the NFL. While Houston traded for Stefon Diggs and gave Nico Collins a massive extension, don’t forget about Dell. The explosive receiver missed the final five games of his rookie year with a broken fibula. However, he was the WR16 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 12.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per contest, posting a higher average than DK Metcalf, DeVonta Smith and Rashee Rice. While Collins should get drafted ahead of him, Dell is underrated at his WR29 ADP.
Christian Kirk (JAX): ADP 56.3 | WR30
Kirk is the perfect combination of safe floor and upside at the wide receiver position. He was the WR11 in 2022, averaging 11.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as Trevor Lawrence’s No. 1 guy. Furthermore, Kirk was the WR16, averaging 11.7 fantasy points per game from Week 2 through Week 12 last season, despite Calvin Ridley seeing a 20% target per route run rate during those contests (per Fantasy Points Data). He should dominate the middle of the field with Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. challenging defenses downfield.
Chris Godwin (TB): ADP 64.3 | WR33
Fantasy players struggled with starting Godwin, as he scored 9.6 or fewer half-point PPR fantasy points in 64.7% of the games last season. Furthermore, the veteran averaged under 10 fantasy points per game for the first time since 2018. However, Godwin is prime for a bounce-back year, with the Buccaneers moving him back into the slot. The veteran averaged 0.41 fantasy points per route run in the slot compared to 0.26 lined up outside last season (per Fantasy Points Data). There is a chance Godwin outscores Mike Evans this year.
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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.
