When you take a look at the fantasy football landscape, there probably isn’t a deeper position than wide receiver.
Sure, getting a stud like Tyreek Hill (WR – KC) or Davante Adams (WR – GB) gives you an advantage over the rest of your league. But in an NFL where passing is increasing and three-wide receiver sets are becoming the norm, more receivers are posting respectable fantasy numbers. Take last year for example, when 36 wide receivers scored more than 150 fantasy points in half-PPR formats and 41 pass catchers averaged 10 fantasy points per game.
The position is deeper than ever, and that makes a zero wide receiver strategy more appetizing and feasible. And I think it makes a lot more sense than a zero running back tactic. It gives you an opportunity to score two elite running backs – the scarcest position in fantasy – land a top-tier tight end and maybe even a high-end quarterback.
So how can you go about executing a zero WR strategy? I’ll explain how long you should wait before drafting your first wide receiver, then get into some targets who could help this strategy pay off.
How long should I wait to take a wide receiver?
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Generally speaking, I would recommend as early as Round 5 and no later than Round 6 as the time to start targeting wide receivers. This should give you ample opportunity to snag a few top-end running backs and secure an elite QB and tight end.
Zero WR Targets Rounds 5-7
Cooper Kupp (WR – LAR)
Kupp could be in store for a big year with the Rams going from Jared Goff (QB – LAR) to Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR) under center. He also should enjoy some touchdown regression after only scoring three last year. He offers a safe floor as your WR1.
Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
If you’re looking to shoot the moon with your first receiver, Aiyuk is a great high-upside option. San Francisco’s quarterback situation is uncertain, but Aiyuk has the talent to win at all three levels and could break out in his second season.
Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
I understand why people are excited about Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN), but Higgins could be the real deal too. He blossomed as his rookie season progressed and he finished as the WR30 as a rookie. We’ve seen Higgins produce, while Chase is still an unknown. If I’m going zero WR, I feel more comfortable with Higgins’ floor as my team’s top pass catcher.
Chase Claypool (WR – PIT)
Of all these guys listed, Claypool seems like the riskiest. Claypool caught nine touchdowns on just 62 receptions, a 14.5% rate that seems bound to regress. He’s also the deep threat, and I’m unsure of how much Ben Roethlisberger (QB – PIT) has left in the tank. Claypool’s got a ton of talent, and I’m hoping a more diversified role will cover for his touchdown regression.
Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)
Sutton is coming off a torn ACL and is definitely a risk. But he’s a baller, can win at all three levels, and is exceptional at reeling in contested catches downfield. Denver’s quarterback situation is unsettled, but Sutton could deliver WR1 value.
Zero WR Targets Rounds 8-10
Laviska Shenault Jr. (WR – JAC)
Shenault is a Deebo Samuel (WR – SF) type of receiver. He’ll primarily work the field horizontally. But boy, don’t get in his way when he’s got the ball in his hands. With Trevor Lawrence (WR – JAC) now in Jacksonville, Shenault has WR2 upside.
Mike Williams (WR – LAC)
Williams could easily haul in double-digit touchdowns this season if Justin Herbert (QB – LAC) takes another step forward. He just has to stay healthy, but he’s a solid WR2 option.
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)
I’m really excited about Pittman. Coming out of USC, he profiled as a possession receiver at the next level and was one of my favorite prospects coming out. With better quarterback play, he has the talent to be a rising star.
Zero WR Late-Round Targets
Darnell Mooney (WR – CHI)
I really liked what Mooney showed in his rookie season. He’s got blazing speed and should be Chicago’s downfield stretcher alongside Allen Robinson (WR – CHI). He seems penciled in to be a starter and could be a solid WR3 or FLEX option, with greater weekly upside.
Elijah Moore (WR – NYJ)
Many analysts believed Moore shouldn’t have fallen out of the first round of the draft, and rightfully so. Moore is a highly productive receiver out of Ole Miss who could be a dynamic weapon out of the slot. Moore has also shown the ability to play on the outside during training camp, and his talent may be undeniable. This late in drafts, Moore is a great upside play.
Nelson Agholor (WR – NE)
Agholor quietly had a pretty solid 2020, catching eight touchdowns and finishing as the WR29. He now arrives in New England as the likely WR1. The opportunity is there for Agholor to post another top-30 position.
Bryan Edwards (WR – LV)
Edwards intrigues me as the outside possession receiver in Vegas. He doesn’t have the speed of teammate Henry Ruggs (WR – LV), but he might be a more well-rounded receiver. With little competition in Vegas, Edwards could deliver top-30 value at a really cheap cost.
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Matt Barbato is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him @RealMattBarbato.
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Zero Wide Receiver Draft Strategy Targets (2021 Fantasy Football) - FantasyPros
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