Fantasy football drafts are all about maximizing value at each spot, whether that means reaching for your guy or picking that stud who looks to be falling for no obvious reason. In this new series, I’ve taken a look at groups of 3 players with similar current ADPs and have selected the one I’d be picking if it was me on the clock.
Which wide receiver would you take in the late third/early fourth round: Tyler Lockett (3.10), Calvin Ridley (3.11) or D.J. Chark (4.01)
I’m drafting: Calvin Ridley
I loved Calvin Ridley coming out of Alabama and loved the fit with Atlanta. His first two seasons have promised much but have maybe underdelivered a little, though his 2019 stat sheet (63/866/7) was very similar to his rookie year (64/821/10), but in three fewer games. Translate last season to a full 16 games and we’re looking at 78 catches for 1066 yards and 9 touchdowns, good enough to be the WR12 with Julio still getting all of his looks. I’m backing health and prosperity for Ridley in year 3 and that true breakout season. He’s a top three WR2 in fantasy in 2020.
Close behind I’m still all over Tyler Lockett, especially if I can stack him with Russell Wilson in drafts. They seem to have one of those telepathic connections and 18 touchdowns over the last two years shows how well they play together. The big issue for me was how well DK Metcalf came on I the second half of the season and that he finished with just 10 fewer targets and 150 fewer yards. As the bigger, stronger receiver, I can see Metcalf taking over as the WR1 in Seattle and eating into Lockett’s production.
It’s a pass for me on Chark, who, despite a breakout second season in Jacksonville last year where he finished as the WR17 in fantasy, is simply not on a very good team and I don’t trust his potential production. He was flying through his first eight weeks and was on course for over 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns, but had just 348 yards and 2 touchdowns from Week 9 onwards. With an unproven commodity at quarterback in Gardner Minshew, I’d want Chark at a lower ADP than he currently has.
Poll
Which wide receiver are you taking backend of the 3rd round?
This poll is closed
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25%
Tyler Lockett
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60%
Calvin Ridley
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14%
D.J. Chark