Fantasy Football: Post NFL Draft dynasty rookie wide receiver rankings
Rookie Wide Receiver Rankings – Tier 3
14. KJ Hamler, Penn State – Broncos (2.14)
5’11 178lbs
Hamler is a speedster who was also looking to break John Ross’s 4.22 40yd NFL Combine record. Legend has it that he tweaked his hamstring running a 4.2, leaving him unable to workout at the combine. Social distancing prevented his pro day. He commanded over 20% of the air targets in the Penn State offense in each of his 2 seasons at Penn State. He was a dynamic producer on offense and special teams, and will carve out a similar role in the NFL. John Ross is a plausible comp. The Broncos spend significant draft capital on the wide receiver position this year. Hamler will slide into the Z role, and should benefit from all eyes being geared to Sutton and Jeudy. I don’t trust his QB, or else he would be ranked higher.
15. Devin Duvernay, Texas – Ravens (3.28)
5’11” 200lbs, 4.39 40yd
Duvernay had a very good combine, showing elite speed with above average explosiveness. It makes sense, as he was the Texas high school state champion in the 100 meter dash. At Texas, he saved his best production for his senior season, commanding 26% of the teams air targets and contributing as a kick returner. He is strong at the catch point, showcasing elite hands to go along with his elite speed. One theory for his lack of production in his first three seasons at Texas is poor technique and tight hips. John Brown and Tyler Lockett provide comparable measurables for Duvernay. The situation in Baltimore is odd. Lamar Jackson is such a good runner that the passing game suffers. The There is an opening for the rookie wide receiver
16. Lynn Bowden, Kentucky – Raiders (3.16)
5’11” 204lbs
Bowden is an explosive athlete that would have lit the combine on fire had he not been sidelined due to a hamstring strain. Hopefully, he will be able to showcase his prowess in the form of a pro day, as he planned to do until social distancing prevented this. Bowden was among the best kick and punt returners in college football during his 3 seasons at Kentucky. He commanded a 27% target share playing slot WR in his sophomore campaign. His junior season at WR was cut short, as he was called upon to play quarterback the final 8 games. Bowden led the team to a bowl berth while leading the team in rushing and receptions (playing only 5 games at receiver). He finished the season top-5 in the country in all-purpose yards. He will join Ruggs and Edwards catching passes from Carr. He will also contribute in the running game and on special teams.
17. Van Jefferson, Florida – Rams (2.25)
6’2” 200lbs
Jefferson was not able to participate in the combine as he is recovering from Jones fracture surgery. He will complement Cooper Kupp in the Sean McVay offense. They are similar players. Both are incredible route runners and create separation. Van Jefferson was the son of a coach, and prides himself on technique. We do not have combine data on VJ, but we do know that he reached the highest speed at the Senior Bowl. My skepticism with Jefferson is that he is a late breakout and that we don’t have athleticism data.