WR Breakdown: NFC West Edition
The depth chart for a NFL team can only tell you so much. Sometimes a WR3 on one team may be more fantasy relevant than the WR1 on another. In this series we will be breaking down each team’s WR group and letting you know who is worth drafting:
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San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers will finally have a full year of Garoppolo and Shanahan running the offense. Most reports from camp so far have suggested that Goodwin is “clearly Jimmy G’s favorite target.” I would not put too much stock into that report since Garcon has been known commodity and he seems to always show up on game day. Both Garcon and Goodwin should be valued as WR3s right now. With Garcon’s ADP four rounds later than Goodwin, he is a much better investment. Behind Garcon and Goodwin there is some competition for the number 3 WR role. Trent Taylor looks to have an advantage so far and he could provide value in PPR leagues.
1. Marquise Goodwin (ADP Round 6.09) – WR 3
2. Pierre Garcon (ADP Round 10.03) – WR 3
3. Trent Taylor (Undrafted) – Late round flyer in PPR
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals WR group has changed significantly since 2017. Larry Fitzgerald and is the only returning starter and he will remain the security blanket stud he has been for years. He may not have as high potential as some of the other WRs being drafted around him, but he makes up for it with consistency and having a high floor. After him, Christian Kirk, J.J. Nelson, and Brice Butler are all fighting for the number two WR role. Kirk has the talent to be great and Arizona made a significant investment taking him in the 2nd round. Look for him to get more and more playing time throughout the season and he could contribute by the end of the season. Unless Nelson or Butler win the job outright they should both not be drafted.
1. Larry Fitzgerald (ADP Round 4.10) – High floor WR 2
2. Christian Kirk (Undrafted) – Late round flyer
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams had one of the best offenses in the NFL and that was before they swapped out oft-injured Sammy Watkins for Brandin Cooks. Given the fact that they gave a first round to get Cooks and then they gave him a significant extension, they must have big plans to get him the ball. He will presumably take over as the top receiver spot. With Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp will return from last season. Both Woods and Kupp stand to see significant playing time since the Rams used three or more WRs on 84% of their snaps last season (highest in the NFL). Woods will line up at the outside WR position opposite Cooks while Kupp has a lock on the slot position. Expect all three players to be fantasy relevant this season. Due to the limited targets for three good WRs, they may limit the potential for any to be a WR1.
1. Brandin Cooks (ADP Round 4.08) – WR2
2. Robert Woods (ADP Round 8.10) – Low end WR 3
3. Cooper Kupp (ADP Round 9.05) – WR 4
Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson has been a great fantasy QB for years despite only having one consistent receiving option. Even with Baldwin’s injury, he is Russ’ go-to guy and he should be the first receiver taken from the Seahawks. He is continually being undervalued since he seems to be less “flashy” than some of the other guys in his range. After Baldwin, Tyler Lockett should be the next man up. He has shown potential throughout his career, but injuries and a lack of targets has always limited him. He should be on the bench to start the season. Brandon Marshall looks to be in line for the 3rd WR position. After his disappoint stint with the Giants, he should not be drafted this season.
1. Doug Baldwin (ADP Round 3.11) – High end WR 2
2. Tyler Lockett (ADP Round 12.10) – Bench WR unless Baldwin misses time
3. Brandon Marshall (Undrafted) – Not worth a roster spot