Mike Williams – It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for Williams to get a chance to start, but in reality he only had to wait two seasons. Now in his third season and ready to explode, Williams should finally see starter snaps. He should move from being on the field for 62 percent of snaps to being on the field for over 80 percent of snaps now that Tyrell Williams is out of the picture, and those extra 150-200 snaps alone will make his value leap way up.
Williams’ improvement as a route runner and his greater understanding of the offense should truly lead him to become an elite option this year. I will do what I need to do to land him on my teams this season.
Dante Pettis – Pettis is much more under the radar than the names above him, and far fewer analysts would predict he will make a huge leap this year. I am basing that prediction on my analysis of his talent and situation. His talent popped to me more than any other rookie last year not name Saquon. His route-running is already elite, able to leave experienced defensive backs totally turned around.
Pettis also showed great hands, enough speed to turn a short catch into a touchdown, and a general knack for the big play. On top of that, he had his starting quarterback for virtually none of his success. I think one reason the 49ers have not signed more receiver help is because they know what they have in Pettis.
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Hunter Henry – Predicting two receiving options on the same team will make huge leaps is very risky, but I am predicting for Henry only that he will jump into the top 7 fantasy tight ends, which is not too high of a bar. With the sparsity of talent at the position when it comes to fantasy, even 60 catches for 800 yards and seven touchdowns is elite.
I see Henry landing in that general area. I think he will finally stay healthy for a full season, filling the valuable receiving tight end spot in the Chargers offense.
Kevin Scott recently joined Twitter (@champofantasy) and can be followed there. He plays in over 30 fantasy football leagues each season and has made a profit 10 years running.
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