This year's NFL Draft was considered very deep at the wide receiver position. Several players coming out of college were considered NFL ready and were predicted to be big-time playmakers this upcoming. With NFL fantasy football drafts in full swing, who will emerge as a top scorer and who will not live up to the hype?
Sammy Watkins was the first wide receiver off the board after a solid career at Clemson. He was expected to ease the burden on EJ Manuel who must step up in his second year with the Buffalo Bills. Through three preseason games, Watkins has been relatively quiet and finished the weekend with a rib injury. Head coach Doug Marrone stresses the injury is nothing to be concerned about as it will not linger into the season, but the quiet stats might be something to take a look at.
Watkins' success is at the mercy of Manuel's arm. Early reports have been a mixed bag for the quarterback. He is coming back after dealing with multiple knee injuries. He struggled in the team's first game against the New York Giants, but looked strong against the Pittsburgh Steelers, putting up 148 yards and one interception. Watkins has yet to be an impact player as Robert Woods and Mike Williams appear to be safe picks at the moment.
One wide receiver that appears to be a lock to make an impact is Kelvin Benjamin. The Carolina Panthers got rid a good portion of their wide receivers this offseason and drafted Benjamin in hopes that he could help replace them. According to quarterback Cam Newton, the two have been inseparable working on chemistry and timing. In the first preseason game, Benjamin had one catch that went for a 29-yard touchdown. In the second game he caught two or four passes for 41 yards. With limited big-play option, Benjamin is going to put up some points this season.
Mike Evans is another wide receiver who was highly touted to do big things once drafted to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Through two preseason games he has shown his share of rookie mistakes, but also the ability to be a big-play guy. Jordan Matthews is in the same boat. He is currently competing with Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper and while Matthews has come up big in practice, he has struggled with inconsistencies come game time.
One player to not bank on is Odell Beckham Jr. Injuries have hurt Beckham's progress with the New York Giants as he continues to sit out due to a hamstring injury and possibly something else that is not being discussed. Head coach Tom Coughlin admits he is not thrilled with the lack of playing time Beckham has put up so do not be surprised if the rookie is not a starter come Week 1 despite the need for him on the field.