Fantasy Football: Searching for 2020’s top rookie wide receiver

Michael Pittman Jr.

Talent

Michael Pittman Jr. was technically a second round pick (34th overall), but he’s a first round talent in any other draft class. He’s very quick for his 6’4, 223 lbs frame, recording a 4.52 40-yard dash at the combine (92nd percentile for his size). He also impressed with his vertical, broad jump, 3 cone drill and shuttle, all above the 70th percentile for his size.

At USC, he had some issues creating separation from defenders, but his hands were elite, with the lowest drop percentage (2.7%) of any receiver in the draft class. While he didn’t exactly face top competition, his electric 2019 stat line is hard to hate, as he racked up 101 receptions and 11 TDs. He excels on jump balls and contested catches.

Opportunity

PFF ranked Pittman Jr. as the rookie receiver with the best landing spot, citing Philip Rivers‘ success with similarly-bodied receivers to Pittman, such as Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, and Vincent Jackson. He can quickly slide into the #2 role behind T.Y. Hilton, as Parris Campbell doesn’t offer Rivers the same skill set that Pittman does.

The Colts only had 513 pass attempts last year, but that was with Jacoby Brissett at QB. Andrew Luck threw the ball 639 times in 2018 and Philip Rivers passed 591 times last year. Their run game should be great this year, but unlike last year, it should be complemented with a decent passing game. Pittman has a path to 100 targets in this offense, and low-end WR2 upside.