DO NOT forget about this guy!
My counterpart Greg Brosh recently said in his RB portion of our Dynasty Fantasy Football Top 5, that “fantasy value is fantasy value”.
This is probably one of the most enduring philosophies one can exercise, especially when drafting and competing in a long-term fantasy league such as a Dynasty league.
Fantasy owners now have the daunting task of deciding which rookie receiver will have the best future value out of a class that afforded owners almost too many receivers to choose from.
So how to decide?
Well we can’t just list the Top 5 receivers because they were the Top 5 off the board—anyone who does that how zero idea of what they’re doing. Instead we have to carefully take into consideration the individual’s current and future situation, the team around him and we must do our best to try and factor in the unforeseen.
Anyone who has some “seeing stones” please drop me an email!
So with everything said, let’s take an early look at the wide receiver portion of the Dynasty Fantasy Football.
Editor’s Note: Please be aware that these rankings are “initial” and that many upcoming events, situations and scenarios have yet to play out. These are factors that could potentially alter each of these player’s value. Ergo, we recommend to check back regularly—here—to keep abreast of the modifications and changes to these rankings should any occur.
Tavon Austin – St. Louis Rams: I don’t think anyone is in a better situation than Tavon Austin. He’s clearly seen as a potential “go to” guy already, but what I really like is the long-term potential here.
Tavon Austin is looking at a stellar future with the Rams. He's primarily a slot-type receiver, but CAN be moved into different positions.
With this said, so long as he produces, this is a guy who will dominate for many years to come. Just pay attention to how things are going this summer for him, and remember to NEVER “pay” too high.
DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans: If you miss out on Tavon Austin don’t be too upset, because DeAndre Hopkins is right around the corner.
The Texans have very big plans for this kid, and he’s already “that other receiver” Houston has always pined over, but could never find.
DeAndre Hopkins is already expected to be the starting “Z” receiver for Houston, and we already know the Texans want to pass more—a fantasy match made in heaven!
At 6’1”, 214, this kid should make an immediate impact, but his FANTASY impact could be determined in the early goings by the veterans and how much Kubiak relies on them.
Cordarrelle Patterson – Minnesota Vikings: We know he has the talent and we know he has all the tools to come right in and be a huge impact player.
The question now, is, whether or not he gets the nod as a starter.
As I mentioned above, this is the type of situation we all have to monitor.
As it stands right now, Minnesota is NOT committing to Cordarrelle Patterson being the open day starter opposite of Greg Jennings, but I really believe that could change sooner rather than later.
I am predicting now, we will FINALLY see Christian Ponder’s true fantasy potential with Patterson and Jennings on the outside, Wright in the slot and of course, AP delivering the mail.
Let’s just say he’s ranked third for NOW.
Markus Wheaton – Pittsburgh Steelers: OC Todd Haley has regarded Markus Wheaton as a “good, polished player…” and has suggested that the staff would like to utilize his expansive skill sets.
But the big question will be when.
The running idea is that Wheaton will “battle" Emmanuel Sanders for the starting outside position, but the deeper sentiment is that he will sit longer than he will start in 2013.
That’s fine for Dynasty Fantasy Football owners.
You may not get the production you want out of him this season, but in regard to being a long-term investment he’s certainly worth the pick.
Aaron Dobson – New England Patriots: There are a lot of other names that you were probably expecting here, but it isn’t gonna happen.
I have never been known to follow the herd because the herd in a whole often gets led astray by whom THEY are following, and when you consider Aaron Dobson, it's real easy to overlook him.
This is a 6’3” prodigy that pretty much already has a job AND is the perfect fit in New England’s prolific passing offense.
In 2012, the guy NEVER dropped a single pass—not one single pass!
In addition to that, coach Bill Belichick has already expressed interested in Aaron Dobson’s background as a Basketball player saying:
So we’re clear, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Read the rest of the piece to see additional accolades.
It’s very clear that New England has big plans for this kid. He is “slated” as the “X” receiver in New England’s scheme, the same position Brandon Lloyd played in 2012 when he saw a whopping 130 targets.
This kid is a big deal. He has “rookie sleeper” written all over him, but of course, we have to take a wait and see approach.
Don’t be surprised to see him rise in the ranks this summer.
Honorable Mentions:
Keenan Allen – San Diego Chargers: He’s still not 100% healed from his torn PCL and he also was victim of an ankle injury suffered from a basketball game that required surgery.
I am a little torn on the kid right now, and I do not feel—at this point—he offers Dynasty Fantasy Football owners security.
Keenan Allen has incredible talent, and if he heals and stays healthy he could wind up being a trusted investment, but as it stands right now, I see more risk than reward for the price to be paid.
Let’s just see what unravels between now and draft day.
Justin Hunter – Tennessee Titans: I am not sold on Jake Locker and I am not comfortable with the situation Justin Hunter is entering.
I am, however, comfortable with his skill-sets.
We don’t exactly know what is going to happen with Nate Washington and we have an even slimmer insight to the future output of Kenny Britt.
The situation is just too volatile to suggest there’s a commodity in Justin Hunter that Dynasty Fantasy Football owners can eventually take advantage of.
Until we know much more, keep shopping.
It's so important with these Dynasty Fantasy Football "Rankings" that you keep in mind how early we are in the season. With that being said, however, I would love to hear everyone's input, so fire away guys and get the discussion going!
