In this article we’re focusing on the wide receiver position and aiming to uncover this year’s version of Puka Nacua—a late-round pick who can ascend to being a weekly starter, a consistent wide receiver one in fantasy football. Let’s break down the essential criteria and identify some late-round fantasy football wide receiver breakouts prime candidates.
Three Essential Criteria for Breakout Wide Receivers
To identify potential breakout wide receivers, we need to consider three key factors:
- Talent: This is the most subjective criterion, but it’s crucial. Even NFL teams struggle to predict which late-round picks will shine. However, we need to look for players with raw talent and potential.
- Quarterback Play: To finish as a top-12 wide receiver, good quarterback play is essential. While breakout wide receivers can emerge with average quarterbacks, it’s rare for them to excel with subpar quarterback play. This factor often involves taking a chance on quarterbacks who might exceed expectations.
- Coaching: Great coaching staffs elevate their players. Creative play calling and strategic game planning can maximize a wide receiver’s potential, especially when paired with improving quarterback play.
Identifying Teams with Strong Coaching and Potential Quarterback Play
Based on the above criteria, I compiled a list of teams with excellent coaching staffs and the potential for solid quarterback play:
- 49ers
- Dolphins
- Rams
- Lions
- Chiefs
- Vikings
- Packers
- Texans
- Ravens
- Bengals
- Colts
- Saints
- Panthers
- Bills
- Falcons
- Broncos
Narrowing Down the List
From this list, I eliminated teams where I don’t see a viable path for a late-round wide receiver to break out:
- Vikings, Ravens, Colts, Broncos: These teams either have run-heavy offenses or established wide receiver hierarchies, making it difficult for a late-round pick to emerge.
- Lions, Texans, Saints, Falcons: Similarly, these teams don’t have late-round wide receivers with the potential to reach WR1 status.
- Bills, Panthers: Both teams are likely to be very run-heavy. Additionally, the available late-round wide receivers, like Khalil Shakir or Xavier Legette, don’t inspire confidence as potential WR1s.
- Chiefs: Kansas City spreads the ball too much, and the primary receivers don’t fall into the late-round category.
This leaves us with five teams to focus on: 49ers, Dolphins, Rams, Packers, and Bengals.
Late-Round Wide Receiver Candidates
For these teams, I’ve identified late-round wide receivers who could break out:
- Ricky Pearsall (49ers)
- Malik Washington (Dolphins)
- Demarcus Robinson (Rams)
- Dontayvion Wicks (Packers)
- Bo Melton (Packers)
- Jermaine Burton (Bengals)
- Andre Iosivas (Bengals)
Let’s break down each of these players and their potential to become this year’s Puka Nacua.
- Ricky Pearsall (49ers)
Ricky Piel is my top candidate for a breakout season. Drafted in the first round by the 49ers, he’s a highly regarded prospect with the skills to succeed. With Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel both needing new contracts soon, Pearsall could quickly ascend to a significant role. Even if both Aiyuk and Samuel stay, Piel’s talent and potential role in the offense make him a prime candidate to emerge.
- Malik Washington (Dolphins)
Malik Washington has the talent and speed to fit perfectly in the Dolphins’ high-octane offense. Despite being a sixth-round pick, his skill set makes him an intriguing option. Odell Beckham Jr. is on the team, but Washington could surpass him. If an injury sidelines Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle, Washington could step up in a big way.
- Demarcus Robinson (Rams)
Robinson earned a starting role late last season and produced impressive numbers. If the Rams’ top wide receivers, Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua, face injuries, Robinson could see increased targets. Given his performance late last season, he has shown he can be a reliable option.
- Dontayvian Wicks (Packers)
Wicks had a strong rookie season and has progressed over the offseason. With a chance to win the starting X receiver role, he could be a significant contributor. The Packers’ offense is expected to be potent, and if Wicks can secure a starting spot, his upside is immense.
- Bo Melton (Packers)
Melton is more of a deep-league stash. As the current WR5 on the Packers, he would need multiple events (like trades and injuries) to see significant playing time. However, he has shown potential and could be a valuable late-round pick in deeper formats.
- Jermaine Burton (Bengals)
Burton is a third-round pick with the versatility to play all three receiver positions. His ability to adjust routes and his reliability in catching passes make him a strong candidate to step up if any of the Bengals’ top receivers miss time.
- Andre Iosivas (Bengals)
Iosivas is an athletic freak with incredible potential. While he’s likely behind Burton on the depth chart, his physical attributes and reported improvements could make him a sleeper pick, especially if he earns significant playing time through injuries or trades.
Ranking the Candidates
Here’s how I would rank these seven wide receivers in terms of their potential to break out and become consistent fantasy starters:
- Ricky Pearsall: Most talented and clear path to significant playing time.
- Jermaine Burton: Likely to win the WR3 role in a high-powered offense.
- Demarcus Robinson: Proven performer with a chance to step up if injuries occur.
- Dontayvian Wicks: Talented player in a promising offense, but needs a clear path to targets.
- Malik Washington: High upside in a potent offense but needs to surpass established veterans.
- Andre Iosivas: Physical attributes and improvements are promising, but depth chart position is a challenge.
- Bo Melton: Deep-league stash with potential but needs multiple events to align for significant playing time.
Conclusion
Finding the next Puka Nacua involves identifying talented players in good situations with strong quarterback play and coaching. The seven players highlighted above have varying degrees of potential, but all have a path to breaking out. As you prepare for your fantasy football draft, keep these names in mind, especially in the later rounds. They could provide the value and upside needed to push your team to the top.
For more tips and strategies, be sure to check out my YouTube channel, where I discuss everything from mock drafts to live drafts and more. With the right approach and the Commish Kit in hand, you’re on your way to fantasy football glory!
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