Fantasy Football Draft Targets: Christian Kirk, Chris Godwin, Terry McLaurin

The RB Dead Zone has notoriously been a place in fantasy football drafts to consider avoiding running backs for one reason or another. If you’re avoiding running backs, that means that there should be other positions to target, perhaps none more pivotal than wide receiver. We’ll help you fill out your wide receiver room with our top WRs to draft in the RB Dead Zone.

Wide Receivers to Draft in RB Dead Zone

Christian Kirk (JAC)

Kirk will be the Jaguars’ WR1 in 2024. He was on his way to a monstrous season before getting derailed by injury. In Weeks 2-12, Krik was the WR19 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 22.6% target share and 30.5% air-yard share, producing 2.31 YPRR and 0.101 FD/RR (per Fantasy Points Data). If he had kept up that pace for the full season, he would have ranked 22nd, 17th, and 22nd in those categories. His full season counting stat pace was 138 targets, 94 receptions, and 1,278 receiving yards. With Calvin Ridley gone, Kirk’s biggest competition for targets is Evan Engram. Engram didn’t break out last year until Kirk was out, so I doubt Engram is the clear option over Kirk entering 2024. Gabriel Davis is a proven role player, and Brian Thomas Jr. is a rookie who will face growing pains in the NFL. Look for Trevor Lawrence to feed Kirk this year as one of the best values in fantasy drafts.
– Derek Brown

Terry McLaurin (WAS)

Terry McLaurin demonstrated his reliability as a deep threat for the Commanders in 2023, tallying 79 receptions for 1,002 yards and 4 touchdowns. His 23 catches of 20+ yards underscored his big-play ability. While ranking 32nd among wide receivers in total fantasy points and 41st in points per game, McLaurin’s 35% air yards share showcased his role as a deep threat. With over 1,500 total air yards, he ranked 13th league-wide. With Jayden Daniels now at QB, known for his great deep ball, McLaurin could see increased production, potentially breaking out of the fantasy WR2 category without commanding a WR2 draft price.
– Andrew Erickson

Chris Godwin (TB)

Chris Godwin‘s 2023 season was marked by high volume but low touchdown production, catching only 3 touchdowns despite leading the Buccaneers in receptions and receiving yards. His target share was comparable to Mike Evans‘, but he struggled to convert opportunities into fantasy points, finishing outside the top-36 wide receivers in fantasy scoring. However, with potential changes in offensive scheme and Evans potentially regressing, Godwin could see a bounce-back year, especially if he returns to a full-time slot role as suggested by new OC Liam Coen.
– Andrew Erickson