Everyone has heard of the Zero-RB draft strategy. However, the Zero-WR strategy rarely gets mentioned. Yet, it’s one of my favorite draft strategies because of the depth at the wide receiver position.
How does the Zero-WR draft strategy work? Like a Zero-RB strategy, you don’t avoid that position the entire draft. Instead, you focus on other positions early in the draft before targeting wide receivers starting in the fifth or sixth round.
Ideally, you load up at the running back position in the early rounds, grabbing two star-caliber guys. Fantasy players also want to draft an elite quarterback and tight end before picking their first wide receiver with this draft strategy. The point of this strategy is to sacrifice at the wide receiver position to have a star-studded lineup everywhere else.
Below are wide receivers I am targeting this year when using a Zero-WR draft strategy. Let’s dive into some middle-round fantasy football draft picks to target at the wide receiver position.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Fantasy Football Draft Targets
Malik Nabers (NYG): ADP 49.3 | WR24
While the Giants have one of the least appealing passing attacks, Nabers is my favorite WR1 target when using a Zero-WR draft build. Following Darren Waller’s retirement, the former LSU star will be the focal point of the team’s passing attack. Meanwhile, he 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). Nabers has made several highlight-reel receptions during camp. He should challenge Marvin Harrison Jr. for the league leaders in targets among rookies.
Amari Cooper (CLE): ADP 54.7 | 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.
Tank Dell (HOU): ADP 64.7 | 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, a higher average than Davante Adams, DK Metcalf, and Chris Olave. While Collins should get drafted first, Dell has similar upside at a far cheaper price.
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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.
