The 2015 WR class isn’t projected to be as historic as the 2014 class, but it still has several special prospects worth drafting in fantasy. Wide receiver-needy teams with high-powered offenses and/or franchise QBs, like the Saints, Eagles and Seahawks, are ideal spots to track during NFL Draft day because rookies on those teams have the best-case scenario for 2015 fantasy success.
Note: Wide receiver is the deepest position in fantasy. I wouldn’t take any rookie wide receiver this season until round 6 or later in 12-team leagues.
Here’s your preview of the top 5 wide receivers in the 2015 draft.
Kevin White
6’3″ 215 lbs, 4.35 40-yard dash
Plays like: DeAndre Hopkins
West Virginia’s Kevin White posted a magical senior season, 109 receptions, 1,447 receiving yards, good enough for 3rd in all of college football in catches and 6th in yards. White kicked off his season with seven consecutive 100-yard receiving games, a school record. He has the ideal frame to succeed in the pros. He had some issues with drops in 2013, but developed remarkably in 2014. He has some problems beating press coverage, but is very dangerous out in space with the ball. His size and electric performances in space put him at the top of the class.
Amari Cooper
6’1″ 211 lbs. 4.42 40-yard dash
Plays like: Marvin Harrison without Peyton Manning
Alabama’s Amari Cooper won the Biletnikoff Award as a junior in 2014, which goes to the nation’s best receiver. A unanimous first-team All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year, he led the nation in receptions and finished second in yards and touchdown catches. Despite suffering foot and toe injuries in his sophomore season, Cooper finished his 2nd year with a bang. He caught 15 passes for 299 yards in the final two games. He competes hard and makes big plays. He’s a decent size, not huge, but he compensates well with work ethic and passion. Cooper is the most polished pro-ready NFL receiver in the class. He’s second only to Kevin White based on size and upside, though most experts have them projected even.
DeVante Parker
6’3″ 209 lbs, 4.45 40-yard dash
Plays like: Hakeem Nicks before he hit the wall
Louisville’s DeVante Parker performs best in jump-ball situations, using his size and wingspan to snatch balls out of the air from the highest point. He’s got outstanding body control, but has issues beating corners with power and moves on routes. He’s less of a freelance pass catcher, generating his own openings, and more of a West Coast system receiver who does his best work by being where he’s supposed to, catching timing passes and end zone jump balls. He missed seven games his senior year with a foot injury, so he’s not as durable as some of the other prospects.
Jaelen Strong
6’2″ 217 lbs, 4.44 40-yard dash
Plays like: Dwayne Bowe before all hope was lost
Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong is a former high school basketball player. He was used a lot on shallow crossing routes, bubble screens, and hitch routes. He’s still a raw talent, and lacks the element of surprise when beating coverage. He’s got a bright future as a possession receiver as opposed to a dynamic burner who takes the top off the defense.
Dorial Green-Beckham
6’5″ 237 lbs, 4.49 40-yard dash
Plays like: Calvin Johnson with massive character issues
Dorial Green-Beckham’s physical traits are amazing. Despite struggling with press coverage and lacking route precision, he has a ridiculous amount of speed and separation ability for his size. His hands soft and special, and he has the ability to leave defenders confused and alone. Most of what he does on the field is based on natural ability as opposed to willingness to work hard and develop. Character is holding him back, and will likely see him tumble out of round 1.
He enrolled at Oklahoma in 2014 but was ineligible to play last season after being kicked out of Missouri. He allegedly pushed a female down a set of stairs during an incident where he was never officially charged. He’s also been arrested twice for marijuana. If he lands in a patient situation with a great coach and changes his ways, he could be legendary.
He could also be another Josh Gordon or Justin Blackmon. Time will tell.
Isaac Leicht is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Isaac, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @Fantasy_Dude.