EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets runs the ball against strong safety Jordan Richards #37 of the New England Patriots during the second half of their game at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New England Patriots won 24-17.

Fantasy: Which WRs will exceed expectations in 2018?

8 years ago

Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.

Accurately identifying which players will improve from year to year remains one of the most important skills in fantasy football.

We've looked at the quarterbacks and running backs who are being undervalued. Now, let's turn our attention outside the hash marks to determine which receivers will outperform their ADPs.

Who will exceed expectations?

Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends

Randall Cobb

Despite being such a recognizable player, Cobb hasn't made the fantasy impact to warrant his status as a household name. Playing in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense for the majority of his career, he has just three usable campaigns on his fantasy resume, and drastically underwhelmed over the last two seasons.

So, why are we turning the spotlight toward the eight-year vet? The departure of Jordy Nelson leaves a hole in the Packers' offense, including 88 vacated targets. It also makes Cobb the favorite to see more valuable reps in the slot, an area often inhabited by weaker corners. He won't take on all of Nelson's volume, but he'll step into the No. 2 role behind Davante Adams, ahead of Geronimo Allison and the trio of rookies Green Bay selected in April.

The Packers took a risk on a rare big-ticket free agent in Jimmy Graham, but the Pro Bowl tight end is no longer an elite athlete. The bulk of his contributions will come in the red zone, leaving Cobb to soak up receptions and yards elsewhere. The lone worry surrounding Cobb was the surprising revelation that he was in a walking boot in June, yet there doesn't seem to be any concerns over his availability for the regular season.

We're not expecting a career year for Cobb - his 91-catch, 1,287-yard, 12-TD effort in 2014 will be hard to top. However, he does project as a consistent WR3 with a chance to flirt with WR2 production, giving him the potential to reach 1,000 yards and six-to-eight touchdowns. That's outstanding value at his current price tag in the eighth round.

Robby Anderson

Most receivers coming off a breakout season like Anderson had in 2018 would be relentlessly hyped by the fantasy community. Not only did he amass 941 yards and seven touchdowns, finishing the year as the WR14, he did it in an offense quarterbacked by Josh McCown. Anderson also looked the part of a fantasy star, with long touchdowns and inventive celebrations - like putting his feet up in the front row in Miami.

Unfortunately, his off-field issues are clouding his fantasy upside. His felony resisting arrest with violence charge stemming from an incident in January was dropped, but he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving, landing him six months of probation. Though he says he's "grown a lot" since then, a short suspension from the league is a legitimate possibility.

The Jets have one of Vegas' lowest projected win totals at six games, after walking away victorious just five times a year ago. The result will once again be favorable game scripts for Anderson, as New York's passing attack racks up yardage in garbage time. He'll also have to contend with a quarterback situation that could change as the season goes on, assuming McCown gets the call early before eventually turning the offense over to first-rounder Sam Darnold.

Rookie passers are an unpredictable bunch, but Darnold is a high-end prospect with a strong arm, capable of providing an instant spark. Think Matthew Stafford in his debut campaign, which featured highlight-reel moments mixed with ball-security issues. It's an environment Anderson can continue to excel in, and with an ADP outside the top 100, he's a player worth targeting in all formats.

Marqise Lee

With Allen Robinson departing in free agency, Lee signed a new four-year deal to stay in Jacksonville, where he's emerged as a quality receiver over the last two seasons. He ended 2017 as the WR37 in PPR leagues, despite being sidelined for two games. If he had played a full schedule, Lee's on-pace stats would've put him in the WR26 range.

It's a surprising accomplishment in an offense that had the second-lowest percentage of passing plays while leading the league in rushing attempts. Leonard Fournette and the ground game, which now features Pro Bowl guard Andrew Norwell, will power the offense, but coordinator Nathaniel Hackett believes that will allow the Jags to get more aggressive through the air.

With Jacksonville lacking a prototypical No. 1 receiver, there will be plenty of competition in the receiving corps. Lee led the team in targets (96) and receptions (56) in 2017, but it was speedster Keelan Cole who finished with the most receiving yards (748). Red-zone specialist Donte Moncrief was signed in free agency and should round out three-wide sets, with Dede Westbrook and rookie DJ Chark battling for snaps behind them. Lee is the most well-rounded pass-catcher in the group, and his new contract shows the team's committed to him.

Investing in the Jags' passing game isn't for the timid. No fantasy owner wants to watch Blake Bortles bounce passes off the turf and sail the ball over his wideouts. But Bortles' inconsistency is what's creating a value opportunity to acquire Lee in the 12th round, behind 50 other receivers. With Lee's ceiling being in the top 30, it's worth putting up with Bortles on Sundays.

Deep Shots

Michael Gallup - With everyone focused on Allen Hurns becoming Dez Bryant's replacement in Dallas, third-rounder Michael Gallup has been overlooked. The 22-year-old has the speed to make plays downfield and rack up yards after the catch, and he was reportedly showing good chemistry with Dak Prescott during OTAs. There's very little downside to taking a late-round swing on Gallup becoming a fantasy factor in Year 1.

Albert Wilson - Though the signing of Danny Amendola seemed to get more attention, Wilson is the free agent who could actually show up and make a difference in Miami. Target hog Jarvis Landry left a void in the Dolphins' passing attack, which Wilson will help fill. He's already been tabbed as a standout in OTAs, according to the Miami Herald. If Kenny Stills or DeVante Parker get hurt, Wilson is set up to break out as a waiver-wire star.

John Ross - A disastrous rookie campaign has destroyed Ross' fantasy stock, leaving him undrafted in most leagues. The Bengals are still desperate for someone to step up across from A.J. Green, and last year's ninth overall pick remains the best candidate on their depth chart. First-round receivers have struggled in recent years, but if Ross can stay healthy, his immense upside is there to be tapped.

Who will exceed expectations?