Press Coverage - MUST DRAFT Wide Receivers in 2026!

Applepay identifies Brian Thomas Jr. as a favorite target at cost, preferring his high-ceiling potential as a true WR1 over Parker Washington. Despite Washington's rising ADP, Applepay remains committed to Thomas due to his impressive rookie season and believes he is the key to unlocking Trevor Lawrence's offensive ceiling.

Bryce Young is showing development in his third year. His elite processing skills are beginning to click with more reps, and with Dave Canales' influence, there is potential for the Carolina offense to exceed current low expectations.

Applepay highlights Chris Godwin as a high-exposure target, noting he was the WR3 for most of the 2024 season before his injury. Early training camp reports show strong chemistry with Baker Mayfield, and Applepay expects Godwin to remain a focal point of the offense.

Christian Watson is a fade for Jeff Bell in the third/fourth round. Despite Jordan Love's efficiency, the Packers have not utilized Watson as a primary alpha receiver, and his injury history combined with a capped ceiling makes him a risky selection.

Applepay targets Cortland Sutton in middle-round drafts, noting his consistent production as a WR12 last year with 1,000 yards and 7-8 touchdowns. Despite the addition of other receivers, Applepay believes Sutton will maintain his role as the primary target in a high-volume passing offense.

Dalton Schultz continues to command targets and perform his role, which complicates the path for other receivers to gain fantasy relevance.

Applepay advises avoiding Davante Adams in drafts, citing declining volume in 2025 and the Rams' apparent apprehension about his 2026 outlook, evidenced by their pursuit of other wide receivers. Adams is viewed as touchdown-dependent and potentially facing a sharp, non-gradual decline typical of aging wide receivers, with retirement thoughts already surfacing.

Davante Adams is viewed as touchdown-dependent, and his target volume declined last year. Jeff Bell suggests that the days of Adams being a high-level target earner may be fading, making him a questionable pick in the third or fourth round.

Applepay considers Harold Fannin a high-end tight end option, viewing him as a potential elite target before the position depth drops off. He expects Fannin to command a large target share in a Browns offense that will likely be trailing often.

Ja'Marr Chase is considered a top-tier elite wide receiver in the first round. While Jeff Bell ranks him behind Puka Nacua, he acknowledges that Chase is a primary target if Nacua's availability is compromised by off-field issues.

Applepay likes Jalen Naylor as a late-round target, noting he is locked into a top-two receiver role for the Raiders. Naylor has shown strong chemistry in camp and benefits from familiarity with Kirk Cousins' scheme.

Jameson Williams is a favorite pick in the fifth round. After finishing the second half of last season as a top-12 wide receiver, he is being drafted at the same ADP (WR25 range) as last year, offering significant value as a high-upside third receiver or flex option.

Jaden Higgins is the clear wide receiver two for his team, having solidified his role during the second half of last season and confirmed by recent camp reports.

Jaylen Waddle is an exciting target in the Sean Payton offense. Pairing him with Bo Nix in a high-volume passing attack makes him a dynamic player to target as he continues to climb in ADP.

Applepay frequently drafts Jordan Addison, citing his efficiency and big-play potential. With Kyler Murray established as the starting quarterback, Applepay expects a significant boost to the Vikings' passing offense.

Applepay is high on Josh Downs, citing consistent reports from the Colts that he will be integrated into two-wide receiver sets. While the potential signing of Keenan Allen presents a minor concern for target competition, Applepay believes Downs' role is secure enough to make him a strong target.

Applepay identifies Malachi Fields as a late-round target for the Giants, projecting him as the starting X receiver. His physicality complements the team's run-blocking scheme, and he provides a big target for Jackson Dart in garbage time scenarios.

Malachi Fields is a late-round target who may serve as the starting X receiver, allowing Malik Neighbors to move across the formation to avoid press coverage.

Malik Nabers is a high-upside target who should be drafted in the middle of the second round now that he is expected to play Week 1. If he remains healthy, he could potentially enter the conversation with elite WRs like Ja'Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb, though re-injury risk remains a concern for Jeff Bell.

Malik Washington is the preferred late-round target in the Dolphins' wide receiver room because he has shown some NFL capability and is a shifty receiver who can create separation for a quarterback who needs it.

Despite being the clear top receiver in camp, there is skepticism about Malik Washington's fantasy viability because he failed to produce startable scores even when playing every down last year.

Malik Willis has improved as a passer but still needs to develop anticipation and requires receivers who can create separation to be effective.

Nico Collins is identified as a preferred target at the top of the depth chart.

Applepay acknowledges Parker Washington will likely lead the Jaguars in volume and is a strong play in full PPR formats. While Washington is highly efficient at getting open, Applepay notes he operates primarily in one area of the field, limiting his overall ceiling compared to Brian Thomas Jr.

Jeff Bell ranks Puka Nacua ahead of Ja'Marr Chase, noting that while potential legal issues and a possible suspension could lower his projection, he remains a locked-in first-round pick. Even with a hypothetical two-game suspension, he should not be drafted lower than fourth overall due to a significant tier break after the top four players.

Applepay considers Rashad Bateman the lowest-value WR2 available in drafts, making him an attractive late-round target for roster depth.

Rashad Bateman is considered one of the lowest value wide receiver twos available in drafts.

Despite being a fan of his talent, there is significant concern regarding Tank Dell's ability to return to form following his major injury, making it difficult to find a path for him to be fantasy relevant.

Tetairoa McMillan is undervalued due to concerns about the Carolina offense and Bryce Young. His rookie season production (over 1,000 yards) is often discounted, and potential increased slot usage provides a path for him to outperform his current draft price.

Applepay targets Wan'Dale Robinson, noting his deep familiarity with Brian Daboll's offense. With Carnell Tate expected to open up the field, Applepay projects Robinson to see significant volume in the short-to-intermediate areas.

Zay Flowers is a primary target for Jeff Bell in the third round. Despite a minor day-to-day injury, there is little concern regarding his status, and his ADP has been steadily climbing throughout the offseason as his 2025 performance is re-evaluated.