Which WR3s have the best shot at performing like WR2s?

Quite often in drafts, we'll look at underappreciated No. 1 receivers for no other reason than they are atop their team's respective depth chart. Every year, certain WR3s or lower - at least to start the season - rise above expectations.

We're going to look at several wide receivers who could find themselves returning much greater value than their depth chart placement suggests. Looking further down depth charts can unearth hidden value in fantasy, and some of these players could become mainstays down the road. Many are rookies, which adds to the general uncertainty.

None of these players are guarantees, however, as Miami Dolphins WR DeVante Parker would have likely made this list a year ago and he hardly made any kind of fantasy or real world impact in 2015. That was largely by design to ease him in and to let him heal. Various scenarios could come to the fore to allow any or all of these players to excel.

Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals

Following the departures of WRs Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, it was obvious big changes were afoot in the Bengals' passing game. Boyd is a borderline choice due to the fact that if he performs admirably in camp, he could leapfrog WR2 Brandon LaFell. Even if he doesn't, Boyd will get opportunities to cement himself as one of QB Andy Dalton's top targets.

It will also take the pressure off WR1 A.J. Green. Still, if you missed out on Green in the early going, Boyd represents better overall upside than his competition, LaFell. That's mostly due to age, as LaFell was a useful piece in the New England Patriots' arsenal. If he goes undrafted, as he likely will, keep an eye peeled on the waiver wire.

A big reason why he's touted is his ability to catch and hold onto the ball. He dropped only 10 passes out of 182 over his last two college seasons.

Rueben Randle, Philadelphia Eagles

The former New York Giants WR joins the rival Eagles and is being seriously undervalued in terms of current ADP -- see undrafted. After Eagles WR1 Jordan Matthews, there is an open door for Randle to take the second slot with sophomore WR Nelson Agholor facing a potential suspension following sexual assault charges.

Even if Agholor is exonerated and starts the season as the team's WR2, he struggled with drops throughout his rookie season and the fifth-year receiver could be a surprise. Remember, Randle caught eight touchdowns a year ago and averaged 14 yards per reception. He's a sneaky final round selection.

Phillip Dorsett, Indianapolis Colts

With T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief essentially cemented as the 1-2 punch atop the Colts' receiving chart, Dorsett enters his second season with a ton of upside. He's fast and could be a top option with a high ceiling and occasionally low floor.

This is a team that is poised to throw the ball and Dorsett likely won't face much competition from behind him. Andrew Luck, even after a down season, is seen as one of the best fantasy QBs and depth makes him even better. Considering the Colts did not commit to their TEs with much verve, the passing game will be going to the young wide receiver corps. Take Dorsett late.

Jarius Wright, Minnesota Vikings

Wright's contract suggests he should get his chances even if his results haven't been wonderful to date. Sophomore Stefon Diggs and rookie Laquon Treadwell aren't guaranteed to excel, though, either. This is a bit of a dice-roll because the whole situation is pretty unclear before preseason games begin.

Wright will go undrafted. There's no sense in reaching for him, but he is worth monitoring as the season opens in case the rest of the Vikings' cast struggles out of the gate.

DeAndre Smelter, San Francisco 49ers

The Niners might be clouded in even more uncertainty than the Vikings. Smelter isn't even a lock for the WR3 role as he and Bruce Ellington both have their eyes on that slot. The 49ers lacked much of an identity in 2015 and only current WR1 was of any consistent fantasy value. He's still the class of the team but there are plenty of options.

Ellington is a tad younger, and Quinton Patton is in the mix, but Smelter could thrive in Chip Kelly's system. The 49ers will be a team to watch in regards to their passing game, especially since they were such a non-entiry in 2015.

Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Another rookie who could immediately excel in Thomas. He's a few inches taller than either Brandin Cooks or Willie Snead, giving him a little extra reach, and might be in a great position to deep run straight lines for big plays.

Playing with QB Drew Brees can't hurt. If Thomas can create separation from coverage, he'll become a key asset sooner than later and will be a savvy, early-season waiver wire pickup.

Leonte Carroo, Miami Dolphins

Here's the name who may be the biggest longshot of the bunch. He doesn't even qualify as the WR3 in Miami with Jarvis Landry the unquestioned number one and DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills ahead of him. That doesn't mean Carroo can't contribute, it just means his path to fantasy relevance is rocky.

It's more dependent on QB Ryan Tannehill and how coach Adam Gase deploys the offense. He projects as a younger version of teammate Landry, which could be to his benefit if he gets the opportunity to showcase his solid hands.