We are one month closer to the start of the regular season. The much anticipated day still seems like years away. Is there any better way to get our minds off kickoff than to make some dynasty trades? I think not.
Whether you’re in a position to compete or still in the rebuild stage, this article highlights some must-have wide receivers for dynasty rosters. Let’s dive in.
Since joining the league in 2014, Brandin Cooks has been nothing but consistent. During his eight seasons in the NFL, he ended up playing less than 15 games only twice. In these six seasons of playing at least 15 games, Cooks has recorded a minimum of 1,000 yards. Furthermore, he earned at least 110 targets in those seasons. A solidified WR2, Cooks is somehow always undervalued.
Entering his ninth season in the NFL and approaching 29 years old, some may be avoiding or trying to sell Cooks. When they zig, we zag. If your dynasty team is in a spot to compete, you should be doing everything to acquire him. Cooks has proved to us over the years that he can ball. An early second should get the job done, and you should be all over that.
With the combination of Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills throwing the ball, Cooks sported a 27.1% target market share. That ranked him 10th in the league ahead of players like Stefon Diggs, Terry McLaurin, and Tyreek Hill. It was clear the Houston Texans planned to get Cooks the ball and I don’t see that changing much with the lack of talent surrounding him. Furthermore, Cooks owned 39.4% air yard market share. Ranking sixth in this metric, this was better than star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase, DK Metcalf, and Davante Adams.
With Mills presumed to be starting for the 2022 season with a year of experience under his belt, Cooks could be in for another big season. Get him for cheap before the season starts and his value spikes.
Making his name known among the NFL and fantasy community, Michael Pittman enjoyed somewhat of a breakout in his sophomore year. In year three, he’ll be looking to build off 88 receptions for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns on 129 targets. Standing at a monstrous 6’4″, the former 34th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft is someone I want on my dynasty team for the present and the future.
Finishing as a mid WR2, I expect Pittman to be able to put up similar numbers year in and year out consistently. Ranking 15th in the league with a 25.9% target market share last season, there is a real chance he duplicates this or exceeds this with Matt Ryan now throwing to him. An obvious upgrade from Carson Wentz, Ryan has produced a top-12 wide receiver in 12 of his 14 seasons. This is not me saying Pittman is an automatic WR1 now. However, Ryan has proved that he can produce fantasy stars. With the lack of talent around him in the WR room, Pittman should be the go-to target for Ryan.
Last season, Pittman had 2.12 yards per route run (YPRR). This ranked him at a respectable 19th in the league. This was better than players like D.J. Moore, Mike Evans, and Jaylen Waddle. The bottom line is that he is talented. At just 24 years old, he should see success in the NFL for years to come. I would happily trade a late first or swap a player in the range of Terry McLaurin for him.
Honorable Mentions: D.J. Moore, Diontae Johnson, Keenan Allen
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