Pass-catching potential

By: Josh Frey-Sam

Some people look for singles and doubles, others hunt for home runs.

Pardon the baseball analogy, I made my first trip to the diamond earlier this week for work, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

What I mean to say is everyone has a different draft strategy when it comes to their fantasy draft. If you’re like me, you take the more traditional approach of searching for the safest picks early on before hunting for potential superstars in the later rounds.

Some people are always looking for upside, however, which is why today’s Brief could be for you.

Let’s break down the handful of wide receivers who could actually finish as the WR1 overall in fantasy this season. Most won’t surprise you, but some could.

Let’s get into it.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals

Don’t be jaded by MHJ.

Was his rookie season underwhelming? Yes. Was it also our fault for expecting a rookie WR would put up historical numbers? Also yes.

Marv feels like a much safer pick to finish top 12 at his position this season, and the muscle he put on should only help him achieve that feat.

I think the Cards’ offence is going to be better this season, and I think Marv will improve on his 22.2% target share from last season.

Is it possible for him to finish as WR1 with Trey McBride in the mix? I believe it is, but it’ll certainly be difficult.

Being drafted as WR19 right now.

Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Last year’s triple-crown winner.

Paid.

With Tee Higgins back in the mix.

The case for Chase is pretty simple, seeing as how he did it last season. His chemistry with Joe Burrow is off the charts, he’s consistently targeted, and the Bengals’ defence still stinks, which should keep him in plenty of favourable game scripts.

Being drafted as WR1 currently.

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

I’m high on Lamb this season, and I’ve been even higher on him since George Pickens was added to the mix.

Lamb remains the WR1 in Dallas, don’t get that twisted. And when he’s been on the field, he’s a target hog.

I get the feeling he and Dak want to prove something this season, and Pickens is going to command enough attention to allow them to do that.

Nico Collins, Houston Texans

I loved the Texans’ draft. They added my favourite receiver in the class, Jayden Higgins, and then drafted his teammate, Jaylin Noel, too.

I expect them both to be on the field for Houston this season, but Collins is going to be leaned upon heavily.

He’s the guy in this offence for CJ Stroud, and until one of Christian Kirk, Higgins or Noel does something to take targets away, he should be force-fed targets.

Being drafted as WR6 currently.

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

This feels like the year for Pookie.

The WR4 overall two seasons ago, Puka missed five games due to injury last season and wound up with an underwhelming overall finish. However, he was dynamite when he was on the field and really took over as the Rams’ No. 1 receiver.

There’s going to be some concern with Davante Adams now in the mix. He’s still borderline elite and will absolutely take away some looks from Puka, especially in the red zone. But I also think Puka will benefit from some more quality looks.

As I said, he’s the No. 1 receiver in this offence. That’s not going to change.

This Rams offence should be dynamite next season, and I want a piece of its main weapon.

Being drafted as WR4 right now.

Possible snubs: Justin Jefferson, Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh