• Draft the overlooked wide receivers in the first round: The first-round wide beneficiaries who wind up breaking out as freshmen aren’t generally the ones we expect, and Quentin Johnston is getting disregarded.
• Take a chance with injured wide receivers returning: Rashod Bateman is one of several wide receivers who suffered injuries early in 2022 and should be ready to play by 2023.
• Two sophomore wide receivers may make significant progress: Romeo Doubs and Kyle Philips were both among our main 100 players in the 2022 NFL Draft and are second on their separate profundity diagrams.
Time Allotted for Reading: 8 minutes These sleepers are five players who I have ranked significantly higher and whose average draft position is outside the top 120 on ESPN.
Although a variety of players were selected so that at least some of them could be considered a sleeper at any site, some of these players will have an ADP within the top 120 at other sources where a higher percentage of users are experts.
Wide receivers selected in the first round who also do well on PFF’s big board typically have successful rookie seasons.
While Ja’Marr Chase (WR5), Jaylen Waddle (WR13), and DeVonta Smith (WR30) all performed well the year before, Garrett Wilson (WR21), Chris Olave (WR25), and Drake London (WR31) all outplayed their ADPs.
Jameson Williams was the only wide receiver picked in the top 32 and ranked in the top 32 of our big board last season who didn’t become an instant hit. This was expected because of his injury.
The one exemption the prior year was Rashod Bateman, who likewise began the season harmed.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jordan Addison and Johnston are the three wide recipients who fit this rules this season, with Johnston having the most reduced ADP of the gathering.
After the catch, Johnston is the class’s best receiver and the freakiest athlete.
Johnston joins a Chargers team where he should be a starter right away in outside three-receiver sets.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Los Angeles’ top two receivers, both suffered injuries last season.
Johnston could move up to second on the depth chart even if he doesn’t get hurt, as both veterans had their best seasons a few years ago.
Kellen Moore’s appointment as offensive coordinator will help boost the fantasy value of the receivers. Last season, the Chargers had the lowest average depth of target, 6.9, while Moore’s former team, the Dallas Cowboys, had a depth of target that was above average, 8.7.
In 2023, the Chargers have a roster of top-10 players.
Like any rookie wide receiver, Johnston will be a risky pick, but it’s a risk worth taking.
