Which of the second-year receivers will be the most productive in 2015?
- !
- Michael Fabiano NFL Media Senior Fantasy Analyst
Getting more with Mike
It's way too easy to go with Odell Beckham, Jr. here, right? As a result, I'm going with Mike Evans. He has all the tools to become an elite fantasy wideout for years to come, so clearly I'm not of the belief that his rookie campaign was a fluke. Evans, who has worked out with Randy Moss this offseason, will also see an upgrade at quarterback with Jameis Winston. A big red-zone target who should improve on his rookie reception and yardage totals, Evans could push for mid-WR1 value in 2015. I can see him recording 80 catches, 1,400 yards and 10-plus scores.
Can I say all of them? No? That's cheating? Fine. Well, rather than throw out the obvious names who had massive seasons in 2014 (OBJ, Mike Evans, Kelving Benjamin, etc.), I'll highlight two under-the-radar players from the heralded Class of '14 who I think could have top-25 seasons in 2015: Jarvis Landry and Allen Robinson.
While there seems to be a pass-catcher overload in Miami with the arrivals of DeVante Parker, Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron, Landry's role should remain the same from a season ago at the very least, but it will probably expand. He's Tannehill's move-the-chains safety blanket, and could post a Julian Edelman-esque stat line of 90/1,000/6. He's a great value pick later in drafts. As for Robinson, I'm sure Matt Harmon will wax philosophic about him in this space, but suffice to say the guy will emerge as Blake Bortles' No. 1 target and should be in the market for 120-plus passing targets in 2015. He could easily post WR2 numbers and can be had late in most drafts.
- !
- Marcas Grant NFL Media Fantasy Editor
Fly Eagle, Fly
Sure, it's easy to look at what Odell Beckham, Jr. did last season and presume that he's going to be the runaway winner in this discussion. While I do believe OBJ will be pretty great this year, I have a sneaking suspicion that he's going to leave more than a few fantasy managers disappointed by not posting video game numbers again.
But you know who's not going to disappoint? Jordan Matthews. There's something pretty rewarding about being the lead wideout in a Chip Kelly offense. Just ask Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. The upside is that Matthews has better measurables than both of those former Eagle wideouts. On top of that, the Vanderbilt product finished fourth among rookie wideouts in fantasy production and would seem to have a higher ceiling based on skill and scheme. The idea that Matthews could approach 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns isn't a ridiculous notion and considering what you'd have to give up to acquire him in drafts -- a fifth round pick versus a second for OBJ -- there's a value that would make his production all the more impressive.
- !
- Matt Franciscovich NFL Media Associate Fantasy Editor
Better the second time around
"Love is lovelier, the second time around" - Frank Sinatra
Yep, I just quoted Sinatra. So now that I've got you hooked...
For me (and everyone else), Odell Beckham Jr. leads the pack, which is evident following a casual gander at our player rankings for the season. Beyond the obvious, my personal rankings have Mike Evans, Kelvin Benjamin and Jordan Matthews in a league of their own. Both Evans and Benjamin are the No. 1 weapons on their respective teams and are listed as 6-foot-5, a huge advantage in the red zone and something that separates them from the rest of the group. While Matthews excelled last year as the No. 2 option in Philadelphia, Jeremy Maclin's departure leaves the door wide open for the Vanderbilt product to emerge with over 1,000 yards and double-digit scores for the Eagles in his second year. Now if you're going to twist my arm and make me name a sleeper, I'm going with John Brown (not Jaron Brown) of the Cardinals. The hype train is already full steam ahead on this Arizona deep threat and he's not being selected until Round 14 in NFL.com drafts. You really can't go wrong with any of these guys, it's just a matter of whom you fall in love with (thanks, Frank) on draft day.
- !
- Matt Harmon NFL Media Associate Fantasy Editor
Looking beyond Beckham
If we are talking the most productive, it's nearly impossible to say anyone but Odell Beckham Jr. I'm not sure we've seen any one player come in and completely dominate the way Beckham did as a rookie. At least, I cannot think of another similar example from my (short) lifetime. The idea that he built his entire reputation off "the catch" is a fallacy. Beckham displayed flawless route running and physicality in traffic with more than a dash of breath-taking athleticism on his way to a historic finish. He's already in the conversation for the best wide receiver in the NFL, so naturally this debate must start, and likely end, with him.
However, I'm not the type to just take the obvious answer and attempt a mic drop. There are several other sophomore names who could produce at a surprisingly high rate. As anyone who follows me or my work with Reception Perception knows, I'm expecting big things from Allen Robinson. The former Penn State star was on a 130-target pace, despite barely playing in the first two weeks, before an injury knocked him out after ten games. On volume alone, Robinson can easily post WR2 numbers in fantasy, and it sure does not hurt that he is an excellent player. Another receiver who played well last year, and is going to see plenty of targets, is Jordan Matthews of the Eagles. The second-year pass catcher from Vanderbilt plays the highly efficient big slot receiver role in Chip Kelly's fast paced offense. I'm excited about Nelson Agholor's future in Philly as a down-the-line upgrade on Jeremy Maclin, but Matthews is the established player locked into his role. Don't rule out the idea that he could catch 100 passes this season.
