Will Marquess Wilson offer good value late in 2015?

At this point in the offseason, MFL10s and mock drafts are starting to reveal good players that may fly under the radar on your fantasy draft day. I’ve previously mentioned a few mid-to-late round receivers to target, and below are some deeper late round receivers I’m looking at.

Marquess Wilson, Bears – Current ADP: 12.11

In mid February, Wilson’s ADP was 14.05. The departure of Brandon Marshall and perhaps the Chicago Bears confirmed commitement to Jay Cutler has caused a rise in Wilson’s stock. In two seasons, injuries have limited Wilson to just 16 career games. This also limits his sample size, but he has shown flashes of talent and is currently the WR2 behind Alshon Jeffery. At 6’4 Wilson is Cutler’s tallest target, and has a massive opportunity in front of him to step in and be the second piece of Chicago’s twin towers. He will be fighting for targets with Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, and recently acquired Eddie Royal. In just seven games in 2014, Jay Cutler targeted Wilson 27 times, which would have put him on pace for 62 targets had he played all 16 games. If Marquess Wilson can put together a full season and develop a rapport with Cutler, his upside would make him worth the 12th round flier.

Josh Huff, Eagles – Current ADP: 13.10

For someone who only caught eight receptions for under 100 yards on the season, there sure is a lot of hype surrounding Eagles WR Josh Huff. His coach adores him (yes, he went to Oregon) which is adding to his fantasy buzz. With Jeremy Maclin moving on to reunite with Andy Reid and Riley Cooper not being worth a fraction of his contract, Huff should enjoy life lining up on the outside opposite Jordan Matthews. However, the Eagles have made a lot of interesting free agency moves, and that raises many fantasy questions. No one knows who the starting quarterback is, how the backfield rotation will look, or anything else Chip Kelly may have up his sleeve. It’s hard to determine what Huff’s role will be, but at this time it’s fairly safe to assume he is the WR2 in a high octane offense, which makes him easy to gamble on late in the 13th round.

Cole Beasley, Cowboys – Current ADP: 14.07

Surprisingly, players like Josh Gordon (despite his suspension he is still being drafted in MFL10’s), Andrew Hawkins, and Steve Johnson are being drafted ahead of Cole Beasley. He carved a nice role for himself as a shifty slot receiver, and the Cowboys proved he is a part of their long term plan by signing him to a four year deal. Over the final five weeks of the 2014 season, including the playoffs, no receiver was targeted more by quarterback Tony Romo than Cole Beasley. He’s not a fantasy stud or deep threat, but the underneath short passes from the slot add up. With league leading rusher DeMarco Murray joining the Eagles, it’s safe to assume the Cowboys will be less run heavy. This should create more opportunities for Beasley, and he could be a late round steal – especially in PPR leagues.

Robert Woods, Bills – Current ADP: N/A

Sleeper alert – it seems as though Woods has fallen off fantasy radars, and he currently does not have an ADP. Star receiver Sammy Watkins and recently acquired Percy Harvin are taking up fantasy ownerships, leaving Woods available for savvy owners who look for upside in late rounds. Woods quietly had a nice season in 2014, compiling 65 receptions on 99 targets for 699 yards, scoring five touchdowns. Woods was 2nd on his team in targets to Watkins, who saw just 22 more looks than him. If he can even match his 2014 production he would be a viable match up based flex player or bye week filler. In any of the later rounds, especially the last, why not take a shot on a guy who finished with 157 fantasy points? That’s just one less point than Michael Floyd, who’s currently being drafted in the 7th round. If no one else is showing Robert Woods fantasy love, you should consider doing so.

While everyone else in your league is using rounds 12-15 on kickers, handcuffs, additional quarterbacks, or extra tight ends, be that person who takes receivers. Targets combined with upside in late rounds are where fantasy gold can be found. WR2s and WR3s can have those weeks when they put up WR1 numbers, especially when their stud receiver teammate goes up against a shut down corner. In these late rounds, don’t hesitate to take a receiver you can use to your advantage when playing the matchups.

Feel free to hit me up anytime to talk all things fantasy @JerseyJen22. Click here for more early 2015 draft prep.