Looking to find a wide receiver flier in the final few rounds of your draft? Here are a few names to consider (all ADP data courtesy of Mock Draft Central):
Davone Bess – Miami Dolphins
ADP – 206.13
I know there isn’t much optimism surrounding the Dolphins offense at this point, outside of maybe Reggie Bush. However, Bess is going to be the top receiver for Ryan Tannehill with Brandon Marshall traded and Chad Johnson released (though, did anyone really expect Johnson to be a major factor). With Joe Philbin, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, now running the show you would think that would translate into ample opportunities for Bess.
Let us not forget that in 2010 Bess had 79 receptions for 820 yards and 5 TD. He is not going to make the big play often (career average of 10.3 yards per reception), but he should be a steady option that his rookie quarterback can lean on. In the third preseason game he showed that ability, with 4 catches for 59 yards.
At 5’10″ he probably isn’t going to be a consistent red zone target, so he is going to be better suited for those in PPR formats. That said, he has not missed a game in the past four seasons and could easily set career highs across the board in 2012. Think 85 catches for 950 yards and 6 TD with the potential to exceed those numbers. As a bench option in PPR formats you really can’t go wrong.
Alshon Jeffery – Chicago Bears
ADP – 206.16
It is hard to depend on a rookie wide receiver, but Jeffrey could quickly be entrenching himself as a starter in Chicago across from Brandon Marshall. The 6’3″ receiver has looked good this preseason, with 8 catches for 106 yards and all reports have him making quite an impact in camp.
The fact is we all know Devin Hester is better served as a matchup play and not a starter, meaning Jeffery very well could be their best option. The Bears are not going to be a huge throwing team, but with Jay Cutler at the helm they aren’t simply going to hand it off all day either.
I would expect a somewhat slow start for Jeffery, but he has the chance to make some very big plays. Draft him for your bench and watch him develop.
Brandon LaFell – Carolina Panthers
ADP – 202.75
LaFell has actually cracked our Top 50 wide receivers as his stock has risen significantly this preseason. While he hasn’t necessarily shown it in games (just three receptions for 53 yards), he is expected to line up as a starter across from Steve Smith.
Entering his third year, this could easily be his breakout campaign. While the Panthers are going to be a run first team, you have to expect opposing defenses to try and force Cam Newton to stay in the pocket and beat them with his arm.
With teams focusing on stopping Smith, that should open things up for LaFell and tight end Greg Olsen to take major steps forward. He is not going to be a WR1, but you don’t need him to be. He has the talent and potential to be at least a WR3, making him an intriguing late round selection.
Make sure to check out our 2012 fantasy football rankings:
