I've been in some deep dynasty leagues, but I suppose none deep enough to merit a 200 deep wide receiver list. Still, with rosters opening up to 90, lots of names are getting second (or third or fourth or fifth) chances, free agency could bring surprise opportunities on both sides of moves, and players will change their standing with teams over the next six months. Let's take this to 200 and see where we end up.
ELITE WR1
1. Odell Beckham Jr NYG - Already elite and best football likely ahead of him
2. Mike Evans, TB - Put everything together in 2016, although targets dropped off in 2nd half
3. Antonio Brown, PIT - “down” year in 2016 still elite, but some fear he’s past peak
4. Julio Jones, ATL - Leg/foot issues mounting, but still highly productive per target in 2016
5. AJ Green, CIN - On way to destroying career highs in yards and catches in 2016 before injury
NEXT GEN ELITE?
6. Amari Cooper, OAK - Has had his moments, only 22, but 2nd half fades holding him back
STRONG WR1
7. TY Hilton, IND - Gets dinged & lacks red zone game, but situated with top QB in prime
8. Dez Bryant, DAL - Low volume pass offense keeps him from elite
STRONG WR1 (+ RISK)
9. Keenan Allen, LAC - Elite producer in 2015, has played one game in last 24
10. Sammy Watkins, BUF - Elite talent there if he can ever stay healthy
11. Allen Robinson, JAX - Will QB situation get better soon? I don’t know
12. DeAndre Hopkins, HOU - Will QB situation get better soon? I don’t know
STRONG WR2 (+ UPSIDE)
13. Michael Thomas, NO - Only real question is what happens after Brees (2-3 years?)
STRONG WR2 (BOOM/BUST)
14. Brandin Cooks, NO - Similar outlook to Thomas, but was outproduced by him
SOLID WR1 (+ RISK)
15. Alshon Jeffery, CHI - QB/team uncertainty, injury/suspension risk, but proven talent at peak
SOLID WR2 (+ UPSIDE)
16. Jarvis Landry, MIA - Fantasy value survived run-first offense and big target loss
17. Randall Cobb, GB - Looked like he was bouncing back mid-season, but injury derailed
SOLID WR2
18. Doug Baldwin, SEA - Retained value despite touchdown regression with added targets
19. Demaryius Thomas, DEN - Weathering QB storm while prime years tick away
STRONG WR1 DECLINE COMING
20. Jordy Nelson, GB - A great offseason trade target for win now teams, turning 32
SOLID WR2 (+ UPSIDE + RISK)
21. Davante Adams, GB - Much improved, but 2015 causes hesitation before totally buying in
22. Donte Moncrief, IND - Vertical element disappeared, banged up but room to grow with Luck
23. Kelvin Benjamin, CAR - Choppy 2016, but still projects as Newton’s long-term #1
WR3/FLEX (+ UPSIDE)
24. Tyler Lockett, SEA - Feels like we only saw glimpse of his best before ugly leg break
25. Tyreek Hill, KC - Strong WR2 in second half, but track record of WR/RB tweeners spotty
26. Terrelle Pryor, CLE - Has the profile as a #1, needs a QB
27. Tyrell Williams, LAC - Has arrived and only 25, but Allen’s return could cut into numbers
28. Stefon Diggs, MIN - Red hot start, but nicked up and requiring volume for value
STANDING ON THE VERGE of getting it on
29. DeVante Parker, MIA - Big opportunity coming with Stills likely gone
30. Sterling Shepard, NYG - Building momentum as the Beckham sidekick
31. Corey Coleman, CLE - QB situation bleak for now, and Pryor likely sticking around
32. Josh Doctson, WAS - Long-term health and QB worries, but very high ceiling
WR3/FLEX
33. Marvin Jones, DET - Struggled with injuries after hot start, turning 27
34. Michael Crabtree, OAK - Will lose some value when Cooper truly arrives
35. Rishard Matthews, TEN - Came on last year, but TEN likely to reload at WR
36. Golden Tate, DET - Steady PPR force after weak opening month
STANDING ON THE VERGE (+ RISK)
37. Breshad Perriman, BAL - Durability/multi-dimensional game a question, role should grow
38. Kevin White, CHI - Durability a question and didn’t impress when on field
39. Jordan Matthews, PHI - Efficiency/production going in wrong direction, PHI will add WR
40. Laquon Treadwell, MIN - Going to take patience, first year very troubling
41. Martavis Bryant, PIT - Positive reports, reinstatement could be around the corner
WR3/FLEX (+ RISK)
42. Emmanuel Sanders, DEN - QB uncertainty and turning 30
43. John Brown, ARI - Great talent, but health questions loom after lost year
44. Julian Edelman, NE - Only came on after Gronkowski out and Bennett hurting
STANDING ON THE VERGE (- CEILING)
45. Willie Snead, NO - Destined to be third fiddle, albeit in great pass offense
46. Jamison Crowder, WAS - Role limits ceiling, but should grow with WAS WR turnover
47. Cameron Meredith, CHI - Chance to usurp White’s path to #1
48. Quincy Enunwa, NYJ - QB uncertainty and Anderson coming on
49. Malcolm Mitchell, NE - Bright start, but crowded pass offense for now
WR3/FLEX (++ RISK)
50. Eric Decker, NYJ - Two surgeries and who knows at QB
51. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI - His last go-round?
52. Jeremy Maclin, KC - #3 target going forward?
53. Adam Thielen, MIN - Massive finish, but possible 2016 was career year
DEEP THREATS (+ UPSIDE)
54. Will Fuller, HOU - QB uncertainty and fizzled after strong start
55. J.J. Nelson, ARI - Up and down 2016, could be #2 if Brown still ailing
56. Kenny Stills, MIA - Free agent and turning 25 in April
57. Taylor Gabriel, ATL - Quicks/speed demand more use
58. Sammie Coates Jr, PIT - Breakout game when he broke fingers, Big opp if Bryant falters
QUALITY TALENT WITH UNCERTAIN SITUATIONS
59. Kenny Britt, LAR - 1000 yards in that offense was a feat, who will pay him now?
60. Brandon Marshall, NYJ - Chance for resurgence if Jets release him
61. DeSean Jackson, WAS - Could rocket up list with right quarterback
62. Chris Hogan, NE - Crowded passing game, but chemistry with Brady there
63. Travis Benjamin, LAC - Probably #3 target with Allen back
RISKY HIGH CEILING TALENT WITH UNCERTAIN SITUATIONS
64. Dorial Green-Beckham, PHI - Hung on the roster, but didn’t impress in Eagles debut
65. Cordarrelle Patterson, MIN - Should get more opportunity in free agency
66. Paul Richardson Jr, SEA - Flashed in playoffs, turning 25 in April
67. Michael Floyd, NE - Hitting free agency, turnaround coming after jail sentence?
68. Josh Gordon, CLE - turning 26 in April, you never know…
SOLID TALENT WITH UNCERTAIN SITUATIONS
69. Robby Anderson, NYJ - Value beyond chemistry with Petty?
70. Allen Hurns, JAX - Lee pulled even before injuries slowed him
71. Robert Woods, BUF - Should land in a better pass offense in free agency
72. Kendall Wright, TEN - Durability issues, but next team should be happier with him
73. Torrey Smith, SF - Needs a change of scenery, still only 28
HOLD AND HOPE
74. Marqise Lee, JAX - Came alive in 2016, situation uncertain
75. Phillip Dorsett, IND - Mostly quiet 2016, role/production narrow
76. Chris Conley, KC - Physical freak, but crowded low volume passing game
77. Leonte Carroo, MIA - Disappointing rookie year, situation middling
78. Tyler Boyd, CIN - Productive rookie year, but low career ceiling
BENCH DEPTH
79. Pierre Garcon, WAS - High floor/low ceiling redraft commodity on new team
80. Tavon Austin, LAR - Maybe new regime can figure out how to get more
81. Cole Beasley, DAL - Steady PPR performer, but at peak
82. Mohamed Sanu, ATL - More there if he can stay healthy?
83. Terrance Williams, DAL - Solid chance of starting job in free agency
HOLD AND HOPE TIER 2
84. Nelson Agholor, PHI - Eagles seem to be souring on him, turning 24 in May
85. Devin Funchess, CAR - Dud after offseason buzz, turning 23 in May
86. Roger Lewis, NYG - UDFA on schedule to be NYG #3 WR
87. Tajae Sharpe, TEN - Summer star faded, destined to be role player?
88. Jaelen Strong, HOU - Might have to wait for second team, just turned 23
PRODUCTIVE 2016 BUT WHAT’S NEXT?
89. Mike Wallace, BAL - Role could be shrinking wherever he plays
90. Brandon LaFell, CIN - Borderline starter proved he could still produce
WORTH TRACKING
91. Eli Rogers, PIT - Role limits upside but here to stay
92. Geronimo Allison, GB - Riffed with Aaron Rodgers, never a bad thing
93. Bruce Ellington, SF - Was set for large role before injury
94. Braxton Miller, HOU - Texans love him, but not a fertile pass offense
95. Brice Butler, DAL - Some deep game, chance to get bigger role in free agency
96. Seth Roberts, OAK - UDFA ahead of schedule as Oakland #3 already
97. Jaron Brown, ARI - Was on his way to more before tearing ACL
98. Kamar Aiken, BAL - Productive in 2015, could find bigger role in free agency
99. Chester Rogers, IND - Became solid deep threat for Luck as UDFA
100. Jeff Janis, GB - Physical freak, but bad fit in Green Bay
101. Marquess Wilson, CHI - Something there if he can ever stay healthy
102. Chris Moore, BAL - Chance to do more if Perriman’s knee is an issue again
103. Keyarris Garrett, CAR - Chance to push for roster spot with good offseason
104. Albert Wilson, KC - Some speed + ability and young, but buried in Kansas City
105. T.J. Jones, DET - Can compete for #3 job this year
106. Demarcus Robinson, KC - High ceiling talent, but buried in Kansas City
107. Mike Thomas, LAR - Opportunity coming with Quick/Britt free agents?
WHAT WILL FREE AGENCY BRING?
108. Andre Holmes, OAK - Size/speed teams covet
109. Brian Quick, LAR - Didn’t become what Rams envisioned
110. Markus Wheaton, PIT - Didn’t become what Steelers envisioned
111. Ted Ginn Jr, CAR - New team could value more as returner than receiver
SOLID PLAYERS WITH SMALL ROLES
112. Dontrelle Inman, LAC - Too many good WRs on Chargers roster
113. Jermaine Kearse, SEA - Starter, but bit player in passing game
STILL ROOM TO GROW
114. Maurice Harris, WAS - Washington losing starting wide receivers to free agency
115. Justin Hardy, ATL - Jarvis Landry lite development slow
116. Cody Latimer, DEN - Never got confidence back post-Peyton
117. Brandon Coleman, NO - Size/speed prospect left in Thomas' dust
118. Ryan Grant, WAS - See Maurice Harris
119. Tanner McEvoy, SEA - Intriguing huge versatile athlete
120. Charone Peake, NYJ - Another Clemson wide receiver who could be better pro than college player
121. Demarcus Ayers, PIT - Could battle for #5 wide receiver spot after strong finish to season
122. Ricardo Louis, CLE - One of these three Browns third day picks has to hit, right?
123. Rashard Higgins, CLE
124. Jordan Payton, CLE
ONE MORE CHANCE?
125. Chris Matthews, BAL - One-time Super Bowl stud trying to stick with Baltimore
126. Charles Johnson, MIN - Fizzled in Minnesota, another team could want him in free agency
127. Danny Amendola, NE - Edelman backup one more year?
128. Anquan Boldin, DET - Serviceable slot, could return in free agency
129. Vincent Jackson, TB - End of the line? Faded then hurt last two years
MONITOR OPPORTUNITY
130. Deonte Thompson, CHI - Free agent with speed and some production in 2016
131. Corey Brown, CAR - Opportunity if Ginn leaves
132. Cody Core, CIN - Opportunity if LaFell not re-signed
133. Bryce Treggs, PHI - Eagles wide receiver corps wide open
134. Paul Turner, PHI - Eagles wide receiver corps wide open
135. DeAndre Smelter, SF - 49ers wide receiver corps wide open
136. Devin Smith, NYJ - Second-round pick, but 2017 lost year after 2016 ACL tear
137. Tavarres King, NYG - In running for Victor Cruz spot
138. Adam Humphries, TB - Slot receiver, but Tampa WR2 wide open
139. Marquise Goodwin, BUF - Free agent deep threat needs to stay healthy
140. Jace Billingsley, DET - Could battle for #3 job in Detroit
141. Moritz Boehringer, MIN - High athletic ceiling, but still new to football
142. Damiere Byrd, CAR - Panthers like him, could grow into role this year
143. Darius Powe, NYG - Athletic wonder, could push for Cruz spot
144. Kenny Bell, BAL - Waldman favorite
145. Mike Campanaro, BAL - Crafty slot, can't stay healthy
146. Daniel Braverman, CHI - Chance to make team, take over Royal role
147. Tre McBride, TEN - Rangy receiver, opportunity at WR for Titans
148. Andy Jones, DAL - Cowboys like UDFA, Williams/Butler could leave in FA
149. Jalin Marshall, NYJ - One of three Jets UDFA WRs to get playing time
150. Justin Hunter, BUF - One-time top size/speed prospect
151. Jeremy Kerley, SF - Productive as slot, free agent
152. Quinton Patton, SF - Good run after catch threat, free agent
153. Cobi Hamilton, PIT - Surprising amount of playing time in good pass offense
154. Eric Rogers, SF - Opportunity at 49ers wide receiver
155. Russell Shepard, TB - Tampa needs help at wide receiver, could bring him back in free agency
156. Pharoh Cooper, LAR - Will new regime find a spot for him?
FOR THE DEEPEST OF LEAGUES
157. Tevaun Smith, IND
158. Jake Kumerow, CIN
159. Trevor Davis, GB
160. Nelson Spruce, LAR
161. Rashad Greene Sr, JAX
162. Johnny Holton, OAK
163. Tommy Lee Lewis, NO
164. Josh Bellamy, CHI
165. Aaron Burbridge, SF
166. Keith Mumphrey, HOU
167. Kasen Williams, SEA
168. Jakeem Grant, PHI
169. Bennie Fowler, DEN
170. Dezmin Lewis, BUF
171. Shaq Evans, DAL
172. Rasheed Bailey, PHI
173. Jared Abbrederis, DET
174. Rueben Randle, CHI
175. Canaan Severin, PIT
176. Devin Lucien, NE
177. Arrelious Benn, JAX
178. Geremy Davis, LAC
179. Jordan Taylor, DEN
180. De'Anthony Thomas, KC
181. Rashawn Scott, MIA
182. Kenny Lawler, SEA
183. Chris Harper, SF
184. Marquez North, LAR
185. Aaron Dobson, ARI
186. Josh Huff, TB
187. Corey Fuller, NO
188. Jarius Wright, MIN
189. Donteea Dye, TB
190. Devin Fuller, ATL
191. Antwan Goodley, GB
192. Paul McRoberts, LAR
193. Freddie Martino, TB
194. Walter Powell, BUF
195. Matt Hazel, WAS
196. Dom Williams, PHI
197. Jaydon Mickens, OAK
198. Devin Street, IND
199. Jeremy Butler, LAC
200. KJ Brent, OAK
