Fantasy football managers are smarter than ever, so finding a player who’s actually being slept on can be difficult. With that in mind, we’re shifting our focus to late-round targets who could drastically outproduce their ADP in 2025.
Over the next week, I’ll shine the spotlight on my favorite sleeper candidates at every key fantasy position. Today, we’re taking a look at wide receivers.
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The Bills had a clear vision in mind when they drafted Coleman at the top of the second round last year … get Josh Allen a No. 1 receiver.
When rookies first step on the field with their NFL clubs, you get a feel fairly quickly whether they have that immediate star quality, will need some time to develop or don’t belong in the league. Coleman made headlines for his fun personality and quirky interviews, but it was evident last summer that he was a work in progress who would have to learn how to win in the pros.
Prior to his debut, I projected a Rashee Rice-like rookie campaign for Coleman, where his production would start slow but ramp up towards a breakout in the second half of the season.
Coleman’s size and ball skills were enough to help him contribute right away, though, and he posted at least 50 yards or a touchdown in four of his first five outings.
He appeared to be getting more comfortable in the process and in Weeks 7 and 8, put up back-to-back big performances with stat lines of 4-125-0 and 5-70-1 while earning seven targets in both games.
Unfortunately, a wrist injury forced him out of Buffalo’s Week 9 contest and he missed the next five weeks, before returning with mediocre results in the final month.
Now healthy, the 22-year-old has been generating a lot of buzz from beat writers at Bills practices. He still has work to do in order to become a star wideout, but the connection with Allen has been stronger and more frequent.
Last year’s target leader Khalil Shakir is dealing with a high ankle sprain. It also makes you wonder if Shakir will be 100% early in the season.
The door is wide open for Coleman to assert himself as the Alpha receiver on this depth chart and to take a big step forward in fantasy.
There aren’t many receivers with double-digit touchdown upside who are on the board in the late rounds — don’t let Coleman slip past you. He’s a borderline breakout candidate that people continue to overlook.
Questions about the Saints’ quarterback situation are likely responsible for keeping Shaheed’s ADP in check. People might also be forgetting what he’s accomplished over the last couple years.
Before suffering a season-ending injury, Shaheed was the WR21 in fppg through five weeks in 2024, eclipsing 70 yards in four of his five appearances and finding the end zone three times.
He flashed similar potential in 2023, when he posted six top-20 WR fantasy finishes despite being outside the top-50 at his position most other weeks.
Consistency is not Shaheed’s game. He’s a boom-or-bust WR3/flex with matchup-winning upside as long as you can stomach the down weeks.
Higgins and Kirk can be drafted in the 10th round or later (in Kirk’s case, much later). However, Houston’s passing attack is due for a bounce back after C.J. Stroud’s disappointing sophomore season that saw them fall from fifth in passing yards to 15th.
Offensive line struggles played a part, but it’s difficult to overcome injuries to your entire receiving corps. Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs missed a combined 17 games. When healthy, Diggs was on pace for a 1,000-yard campaign and Dell for over 800 yards. Collins still finished over 1,000 yards despite sitting out five weeks.
Not wanting to repeat that fiasco, the Texans went out of their way to add Kirk in free agency and Higgins in the draft. The rookie is a quality route runner, can win in contested situations and is poised to start across from Collins in Week 1. Kirk is three years removed from being the WR19 in fppg and was a top-30 option over the first 12 weeks of 2023 before injuries derailed each of his past two seasons.
With question marks around Joe Mixon’s health, the Texans may have to rely on the pass even more than usual in the opening month. Based on their actions this offseason, they seem prepared for that — making this a passing game worth investing in.
Collins is the superstar in this WR room, but Higgins and Kirk should easily outproduce their ADPs and come with little to no risk.
Jalen Royals, Chiefs — The Chiefs are another team that battled through receiver injuries a year ago. They’re hoping to avoid that outcome this year with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown and now Royals filling out the depth chart. The fourth-rounder has impressed in training camp and could become a favorite target for Patrick Mahomes. Royals will be the obvious replacement while Rice is suspended. If that stint goes well, Royals could push Brown for work in three-receiver sets moving forward.
Adonai Mitchell, Colts — I’ll admit, my belief in Mitchell’s talent is one of the few areas where my analytical approach gets thrown out the window. As a prospect, it appeared to me that his skills would translate into a starring role in the NFL. Unfortunately, inconsistency buried him on the depth chart and led to an underwhelming rookie season. The good news is that Mitchell is lighting up Colts camp, as well as joint practices with the Ravens. The 22-year-old has the ability to rise to the top of this depth chart if he continues to improve. I’ll remain on this hill until his career is over.
Pat Bryant, Broncos — We’re getting into the deep cuts now. Bryant is a third-round pick who is making a strong case to at least be part of the receiver rotation in Denver this year. Courtland Sutton reaffirmed his No. 1 spot with a new contract recently, but behind him, it’s a full competition for playing time. Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin are far from established and Bryant has been earning consistent praise from beat writers. Even head coach Sean Payton compared Bryant to former Saints star WR Michael Thomas.
Tory Horton, Seahawks — Behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks’ receiving corps is not as locked in as it has been in previous years. Cooper Kupp is 32 years old and starting fresh with a new team, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling was sent to the Saints. The fifth-round rookie had his draft stock plummet due to a knee injury that cost him a significant chunk of his final college season. Prior to that, he delivered consecutive seasons with over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. Now it appears he’s regaining his form as a member of the Seahawks. Keep Horton on your late-round target list because he’s going to be a factor into this offense as the apparent WR3.
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