Every year in fantasy football, there are a few rookies than can make an impact. Last year, we saw Eddie Lacy, Giovani Bernard, Keenan Allen, Cordarrelle Patterson, Geno Smith, LeVeon Bell, and more contribute in their first years. Will we see it again?
This year's wide receiver class has been described by many as one of the best we have seen come out of college in years as a whole. While there may not be a Calvin Johnson in the class, there are a lot of very good receivers who can contribute right away. The problem is, which ones should you pick? Everyone wants the next great rookie in dynasty, that's for sure. But what about redraft?
Are you buying or selling rookie wide receivers this year in fantasy football?
It depends on the player. If you can get Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans, then of course that's a buy, but if you look at Josh Huff or other late round receivers, it's a different story. The real way to buy or sell a rookie wideout is based on their average draft positions (ADP) and if that is a good value or not.
Here is a look at the ADPs of current rookie wide receivers from Fantasy Football Calculator:
Sammy Watkins: 80.9 as the 33rd wide receiver drafted
Mike Evans: 109.5 as the 43rd wide receiver drafted
Kelvin Benjamin: 120.9 as the 49th wide receiver drafted
Jordan Matthews: 132.9 as the 52nd wide receiver drafted
Odell Beckham: 153.6 as the 59th receiver drafted
Of this list, who is a buy, and who is a sell?
Buys
Mike Evans
Evans is a buy at that ADP, simply because he will be an instant target in the red zone at the very least. Playing opposite Vincent Jackson helps too, as it will maximize his ability to get open one-on-one.
Kelvin Benjamin
While the football community differs greatly on Benjamin, there is no denying that he will receive targets. At his ADP he is well worth an add. He is being picked in the 10th to the 12th round, and he will be the Panthers number one target, at least in the red zone.
Odell Beckham
Beckham's hype has not gotten started yet, but the Giants took him very early in the draft, so they obviously have a plan to use him right away. With Victor Cruz stretching the defense, look for Beckham to make his presence known on third downs and across the middle of the field on passing downs.
Sells
Sammy Watkins
Watkins was the best receiver prospect coming out according to eDraft's rankings, but he ended up in a tough situation. Despite making this incredible catch in practice the other day, he is still behind Evans in terms of fantasy value because of E.J. Manuel throwing him the ball. Watkins' ADP is too high to be considered a good value at this time.
As for Matthews, his value is likely similar to his ADP right now, but it is tough to tell, as Chip Kelly has said he will start in the slot. Here is a deeper look at Matthews.