The 2014 NFL draft class was heavy at the wide receiver position. Several players went in the first two rounds at the position as many teams were in need of deep threats for the upcoming season. With the preseason wrapped up, all of the top picks got their first real taste at NFL action and while some took advantage of it, others did not. So which rookie is the best fantasy pick moving forward?
Sammy Watkins might not be a homerun draft pick as originally assumed. The Buffalo Bills wide receiver has suffered two injuries early that could linger during the year. During the Bills' preseason finale, Watkins re-injured a rib injury that he suffered the first week of game action. The wide receiver left in the first quarter after taking a hit and did not return. Head coach Doug Marrone wanted to play Watkins in order to help his chemistry with EJ Manuel and now the wide receiver's status for Week 1 is unknown.
"Once the trainers cleared him to play, I was excited about it," Marrone said, via ESPN.com. "You never know. X-rays, tests, things like that. Shows up one day, doesn't show up the next day. Could be out, could be in. Depends on the player. Could be a week, could be four to six weeks, could be longer. I'm not getting into all of that."
Odell Beckham Jr is in the same position. The wide receiver was drafted with the intention that he would take over the production of Hakeem Nicks. The New York Giants drafted the LSU standout with the hopes that he could become an immediate starter, but hamstring injuries continue to overshadow his preseason and not much has been seen from Beckham since the year starter.
One player working to make a name for himself is Kelvin Benjamin. The Carolina Panthers wide receiver is working to become Cam Newton's favorite target as the team needs to replace the likes of Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. According to Panthers beat writers, Benjamin is standing out as the top receiving threat alongside Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant.
Jordan Matthews and Bruce Ellington are also working to make quick names for themselves on the Eagles and 49ers respectively. Matthews is competing for attention with Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper on the offense, but injuries to both players have helped his chemistry with Nick Foles. San Francisco has been impressed enough with Ellington to consider him a redzone threat and release Stevie Johnson instead. The wide receiver position can be hard to predict for rookies, but several are making their case to be drafted.
