Fantasy: Which Day 2 receivers will make the biggest impact?
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Fantasy analysis
With such a deep crop of receiver prospects available in this year's NFL draft, it was no surprise to see a flurry of quality pass-catching prospects come off the board on Day 2.
While each has a chance to eventually emerge as a fantasy star, they'll all face varying levels of competition, playing time, and targets during their rookie seasons.
Let's take a closer look at what their fantasy futures might hold.
Elijah Moore, WR, Jets (34th)Star potential:
Several receivers in this class are shorter in stature, which can make it more challenging to project their success at the next level. Moore makes up for his size (5'9, 178 lbs) with a competitive nature, plus a willingness to battle at the catch point and for yards after the grab. The wideout has the speed to threaten deep, but he's not a true downfield burner and instead offers a more varied skillset from the slot.
Unfortunately, he's joining a Jets depth chart that's been reinforced in recent years with free-agent Corey Davis, 2020 second-rounder Denzel Mims, and veteran slot man Jamison Crowder. Moore's arrival is particularly bad news for Crowder, whose time in New York may be coming to an end when he hits free agency after the season.
Carving out a consistent target share among that crowded group could be challenging in Year 1, especially with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson also settling into a pro offense.
Moore has WR3 fantasy upside, but it may take time for him to earn enough of an opportunity to produce.
Stock Up: Zach Wilson
Stock Down: Jamison Crowder
Star potential:
When it comes to prospects being selected outside of the first round, landing spots can have an even more significant influence on their fantasy stock.
That's good news for Moore, as he joins an ascending Cardinals' offense led by one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the game - Kyler Murray.
Moore, fresh off a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, is two years removed from breaking onto the college scene with a 114-catch, 1,258-yard, 12-touchdown freshman campaign. Since then, his appearances have been limited, and you can't evaluate his fantasy potential without wondering whether durability will be an issue. However, Arizona's front office certainly wasn't scared off, choosing to use a second-round pick on him.
With A.J. Green turning to dust and Andy Isabella/Christian Kirk failing to live up to expectations, Moore will have an excellent chance to secure the No. 2 role alongside DeAndre Hopkins. That opportunity gives Moore a ceiling that could allow him to crack the top-30 fantasy wideouts.
Stock Up: Rondale Moore, Kyler Murray
Stock Down: A.J. Green, Andy Isabella, Christian Kirk
Star potential:
We've seen a handful of No. 3 wideouts step up and have big performances for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in recent years. But whether it's been David Moore, Jaron Brown, Freddie Swain, or even Josh Gordon, none of them have been consistent fantasy assets in this offense.
After letting Russ cook early last season, Seattle's coaching staff reverted to its conservative approach and began leaning more and more on the run. The Seahawks have also discussed a desire to do that even more moving forward.
With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett safely atop the depth chart, Eskridge could be limited to a part-time role as a field-stretcher.
The rookie's big-play ability is undeniable after he averaged 23.3 yards per reception and notched touchdowns on eight of his 33 catches in his final season at Western Michigan. But the 24-year-old's initial path to playing time might be on special teams.
He's the kind of dynamic talent dynasty managers should be targeting for the end of their bench. Just don't hold out hope for a breakout unless injuries strike.
Stock Up: Russell Wilson
Stock Down: None
Star potential:
This was a puzzling pick by the Rams, who boast one of the league's more complete receiving units with Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, DeSean Jackson, and Van Jefferson.
Head coach Sean McVay referred to Atwell as DeSean Jackson Jr., according to NFL Network's Peter Schrager; perhaps this is a move for the future, with the rookie speedster giving L.A. an eventual replacement and potential injury insurance for Jackson.
The question will be whether Atwell's 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame can hold up in the NFL. Historically, that's not a winning bet. For reference, Jackson is 20 pounds heavier than his new teammate.
Even if Atwell proves himself worthy, he's unlikely to see enough volume to be anything more than a dart throw in best ball formats. Fantasy managers should steer clear.
Stock Up: Matthew Stafford
Stock Down: None
Star potential:
Marshall was a top-five receiver prospect in my pre-draft rankings. He only went late in the second round because his medical combine revealed a torn ACL in high school and foot surgery in 2019.
If Marshall can keep those issues behind him, he'll be an outstanding addition to a Panthers offense that found its stride in 2020. Most of the credit for Carolina's newfound creativity goes to offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who knows Marshall well from their time together during LSU's historic 2019 campaign.
Though not yet a refined prospect, Marshall has an enticing package of attributes as a smooth-moving long-strider who can challenge defenses vertically or make big gains after the catch. His ability to line up anywhere in the formation should intrigue fantasy managers. After all, many questioned Justin Jefferson's ability to play on the outside after most of his snaps at LSU came out of the slot. Look how that turned out.
Marshall may not have the same ceiling as his former teammate, but he's still oozing with fantasy potential. He'll start out as the Curtis Samuel replacement in three-receiver sets and could ultimately take over as the Panthers' No. 2 option if Robby Anderson leaves in free agency next offseason.
Stock Up: Sam Darnold
Stock Down: Robby Anderson, Dan Arnold, David Moore
Star potential:
On paper, Palmer has many of the traits and measurables scouts fall in love with. The main thing he's missing is collegiate production.
The 6'1, 210-pound wideout never eclipsed 500 yards in any of his four seasons with the Volunteers and has a long way to go to refine his skills. Adding third-round draft capital to his profile definitely helps his fantasy outlook since it'll encourage the Chargers to invest the time in developing him.
Fantasy managers will need to play the long game if they plan to draft Palmer in dynasty. But if he does become a starter, he'll be an intriguing asset tied to Justin Herbert.
Stock Up: Josh Palmer, Justin Herbert
Stock Down: Tyron Johnson, Jalen Guyton
Star potential:
The Washington Football Team has remade itself into one of the most exciting franchises in the league in a short period of time.
Brown doesn't have the chops to become a true top target, but he could turn into a solid No. 3 receiver - or possibly even a No. 2 - given his strong nose for the end zone.
Though Brown's a bit of a project, Washington has strong weapons in wideouts Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, tight end Logan Thomas, and running back Antonio Gibson. So there won't be any pressure on the 21-year-old to be featured right away.
Due to the need for development, fantasy managers might not see big numbers from him for a year or two.
Stock Up: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Stock Down: Dyami Brown
Star potential:
If the Packers are going to work their way back into Aaron Rodgers' good graces, drafting a receiver is a good place to start.
Amari Rodgers profiles as more of an interior threat, with the body of a running back and the ability to pile up yards with the ball in his hands. The concern is figuring out how much of his production came from Clemson's scheme. Rodgers' fit in the NFL isn't even clear after he took some snaps as a running back at his pro day.
The versatility is desirable, but it makes you question whether he'll ever earn the kind of volume needed to be a fantasy starter out of the slot.
Either way, this is Green Bay's step towards rebuilding the relationship with its franchise cornerstone. The lack of weapons outside of Davante Adams and Aaron Jones means Amari will have a chance to carve out a role in a high-scoring offense - assuming Aaron decides to stick around.
Stock Up: Aaron Rodgers, Amari Rodgers
Stock Down: Allen Lazard
Star potential:
With so much uncertainty around Deshaun Watson, the Texans' offense is one to avoid in fantasy in 2021.
The ambiguity shouldn't impact Collins much since he's another development prospect. The fact that he snuck into the third round can likely be attributed to his impressive pro day workout, where he turned in a 4.43-second 40-yard dash while coming in at 6'4 and 215 lbs.
Collins' best long-term path to production will be as an Alshon Jeffery-style outside receiver who's unlikely to post big yardage totals but makes his presence felt in the red zone. As it stands, Houston has a wide-open depth chart behind Brandin Cooks, so Collins will have a path to production if he wins over the coaching staff.
Stock Up: Nico Collins
Stock Down: None
Star potential:
Schwartz is another lightning-quick wideout who posted a sub-4.3 second time in his pro day 40.
The 20-year-old is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands, and if he can improve some of the more technical aspects of his game - like route running - Schwartz could evolve into a full-time option for the Browns after Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry have left Cleveland.
Schwartz is a sneaky player to place a chip on in dynasty.
Stock Up: None
Stock Down: Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones
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