The 2022 draft class has an endless list of receivers set to make significant leaps in 2023. Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson has overall WR1 potential with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Chris Olave and Christian Watson stepped into lead receiver roles and will build on strong 2022 performances. Drake London, Treylon Burks, Jahan Dotson and George Pickens have top-24 potential, and Jameson Williams will play a significant role in Detroit’s offense when he returns from suspension.
The upside for those receivers is clear and their ADPs reflect their potential. But, what second-year receivers could make a leap in 2023 and join that group of superstars?
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2023 Second-Year WRs
Let’s discuss lesser-known receivers who could see an increase in production in year-two and be strong value picks in your fantasy drafts.
Romeo Doubs (WR – GB)
Fantasy managers are weary of Packers’ pass catchers with Jordan Love taking over as QB1 but there’s strong value within the Packers receiving corps and Doubs has true breakout potential. It’s unlikely Love immediately fills Aaron Rodgers shoes, but the Packers’ quarterback situation is far less concerning than other teams transitioning to new quarterbacks – such as Tampa Bay, Washington, Indianapolis, Houston and Carolina.
Love has spent three years within the Packers’ system. There’s no adjustment period in terms of learning a new offense and, as the clear QB1, Love is spending the entire offseason developing chemistry with his lead receivers and there’s a clear connection between Love and Doubs.
Doubs struggled with injuries last year and was third in the pecking order behind Christian Watson and Allen Lazard. But Doubs had multiple high-upside games, including an 8 for 8 game with 73 yards and 1 touchdown. If the Packers maintain an average passing attack, Doubs has low-end WR2 upside.
Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO)
Shaheed is the only undrafted free agent on this list but has one of the more promising opportunities in year-two. He earned a consistent role within the Saints offense and had an impressive yards per route rate on par with some of the best receivers in the league.
Shaheed became a focal point within the offense mid-season. In Weeks 11-18, he averaged 9.8 fantasy points per game in PPR. He is WR3 is the Saints depth chart, but that’s assuming Michael Thomas remains healthy.
If Thomas continues to struggle, Shaheed could repeat and build on his end-of-season performance. Opportunities for the Saints will increase with Derek Carr providing a higher-volume pass attack in 2023 and Shaheed is a prime beneficiary.
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