2023 Rookie Wide Receivers With Sneaky Fantasy Value
The 2023 NFL Draft was one of the better on paper in recent years, with a multitude of skilled players at every position.
It’s easy to predict the fantasy front runners, especially in dynasty formats, but finding late-round rookie value in redraft and supplemental is where it gets tricky. Listed below are five rookie wide receivers with massive sleeper appeal.
Jonathan Mingo
Carolina drafted Mingo 39th overall making him the fifth Wideout off the board in 2023. Although he was the fifth WR taken many aren’t considering him in the same tier as the previous four, even though his circumstances may be more favorable.
Mingo had an alright collegiate career, catching 51 balls for 861 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, not necessarily WR1 numbers but Carolina could be promising.
The Panthers are lacking a slot specialist which Mingo mainly played inside at Ole Miss, he also has the build to challenge for perimeter reps. Combined with the fact that the only WRs ahead of him are an aging Adam Theilen and injury-prone DJ Chark, Mingo could be in for a massive fantasy year with a huge sleeper upside.
His current average draft position is 146.4, a solid pick in the middle rounds of start-up drafts.
Jayden Reed
Reed was taken by the Packers 50th overall in this year's draft after a relatively impressive collegiate career. At Michigan State, he racked up 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns his junior year then fell off his senior year while battling injuries.
That being said, Reed could have a huge upside likely starting as the WR3 for Green Bay. His only competition ahead of him is second-year WRs Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, any injury or other circumstance could lead to Reed moving up the roster quickly.
Training camp reports say GB is using Reed in the slot which could lead to a handful of targets each game making him an intriguing PPR Rookie Sleeper, his current average draft position is 201.5, a solid pick in later rounds.
Puka Nacua
A fifth round pick by the Los Angeles Rams this year, Nacua is a huge sleeper that could impress for years to come. He impressed in college at Washington and BYU, with a large frame able to break tackles and contest catches, he amassed five receiving and five rushing TDs his senior year.
Now in the Rams his path to relevance could be easier, behind Cooper Kupp the receiving core is weak, and ahead of Nacua are Tutu Atwell and Van Jefferson, both of which aren’t incredibly impressive.
Reports from trading camp also indicate that Nacua is a favorite target of QB Mathew Stafford, all this could jump Nacua’s PPR value. His current ADP is 257.9, a great end-round pick in deep leagues.
Tank Dell
The Texans traded up to take Dell 69th overall in this year's draft and for good reason. Last year Dell led the nation in receiving yards (1,398) and touchdowns (17), with 32 TDs overall in his collegiate career.
Usually, mid-round WRs don’t gain much fantasy attention, but thanks to the right circumstances Dell could be a massive sleeper.
Rookie QB C.J. Stroud personally requested that the Texans draft Dell and the receivers ahead of him on the depth chart could be easily beat out, with his only real competition being an aging Brandin Cooks and unproven John Metchie. Dell’s current ADP is 220.2, a potential sneaky grab in the later rounds of start-ups.
A.T. Perry
Perry could easily become the steal of the 2023 draft, after being considered a day two wideout he fell all the way to 195th pick. It was a surprise Perry fell that far after back-to-back 1000-yard seasons with 26 total TDs.
There’s no doubt he has the talent and athleticism to be an NFL wideout, all that’s stopping him is the New Orleans depth chart. Besides the Saints' top three WRs, there’s not much and their current WR1, Micheal Thomas, is aging and injury prone.
It would be no surprise if sooner rather than later Perry found himself with the opportunity to impress. He’s currently going undrafted in redraft leagues but in deeper dynasty start-ups or supplemental drafts, he could be worth a late-round flier.
Do you play fantasy sports? Check out Trophy Smack for your next league prize!
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our Youtube channel & Newsletter for SR Original Shows & more!