5 Fantasy Football Receivers Slated to Improve in 2015

By Matt Johnson on Wednesday, May 27th 2015
5 Fantasy Football Receivers Slated to Improve in 2015

Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers

 Fantasy football owners were foaming at the mouth during free agency when it appeared Randall Cobb wasn't returning to Green Bay, opening the door for Adams to step in as Aaron Rodgers No.2 receiver. Adams was a heavy "sleep" favorite in the fantasy community but Cobb's return torpedoed Adams' pre-season fantasy value.

While many are jumping ship, trying to cling to life vests like Eric Decker, Steve Smith or the shiny, but punctured life raft known as Percy Harvin. But if you examine the situation, you will see there is no reason to abandon Adams. In fact, now that the crowd is gone, you can get Adams at the right time and sail your ship to the fantasy playoffs.

Let's look closer at the reported "holes" in the figurative ship. Adams is now Green Bay's third wide receiver and still has to fight for targets with tight ends, while Cobb and Jordy Nelson combine for over 250 targets. Except, even the most optimistic projection by coaches is that starting tight end Richard Rodgers will one day become a 50-catch player. Tight end is not a strength for the Packers and on a team that attempts over 100 passes per season, it's very reasonable to see Adams seeing at least 90 targets next season.

If Adams can haul in just 60 of those targets, it's reasonable to see a line of 60 receptions, 800-plus receiving yards and seven touchdowns next season. Putting him along the lines of what Michael Floyd did last season, with the potential to put up even better numbers.

Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints

One of my favorite prospect in last year's draft, Cooks flashed last year, displaying excellent traits to make him a jack of all trades weapon. Things were going well through 10 games with 53 receptions for 550 yards and four total touchdowns. A thumb injury ended his season, but it was a productive, first taste of the NFL.

Cooks stock is soaring up, especially after New Orleans traded away Kenny Stills and Jimmy Graham. While Marques Colston is still a Saint, his days as a go-to receiver are over. New Orleans is giving Cooks an opportunity to be out there on nearly every offensive snap as Drew Brees top weapon and the possibilities are endless.

While Cooks may not have the physicality of some No.1 receivers in the NFL, he is the perfect fit for Sean Payton's offense. He will receive a boatload of targets and some touches in this offense, setting him up for a potential 75/1,000/8 season. While everyone focuses on the elite receivers, you can't go wrong with Cooks a little later and reap the rewards.

Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars

You may have noticed a theme involving second-year receivers on this list, if you didn't notice the theme, the focus on sophomore receivers was intended. There were many stars of last year's rookie class, but you can't exactly say they are going to have breakout years the following year. The attention should turn towards some of the quieter rookie performers who will see an expanded role in 2015.

Robinson played in just 10 games last season, discovering a stress fracture in his foot after he faced the Dallas Cowboys, resulting in season-ending surgery. It likely slowed him down in the final weeks of the season, but he showed outstanding potential when healthy. Robinson's size (6'3"), athleticism, great concept of route running and ability to separate from coverage stand out. He has all of the tools to be a great receiver on the outside and the job will be made a little easier with Julius Thomas drawing some attention from safeties and away from Robinson.

The only thing keeping A-Rob from a monster breakout is Blake Bortles. Can Bortles make accurate throws and allow Robinson to not only make the catch, but also be in a position to make the corner miss and create big plays. We should see some improvement from Bortles this season and with Robinson healthy, a big year is coming.

Cody Latimer, Denver Broncos

When looking across depth charts in search of players who will take a big leap forward, it's impossible to ignore Latimer. How could you not improve on two receptions for 23 yards last season, going from a rarely used reserve to slotting in as Denver's No.3 receiver. If you are hoping for an explosion you will be disappointed, but he is an excellent target in keeper leagues and can be a nice depth receiver this season.

As Latimer told the Denver Post, he didn't see the field much last season because he struggled to pick up the offense. When you are behind on the playbook and Peyton Manning is your quarterback, you won't see the football even if you get on the field. But with another offseason of studying, Latimer has had time to grasp new HC Gary Kubiak's offense and has spent time working with Manning.

This is an opportunity for Latimer to show just how much deeper the 2014 receiver class really was. He was a late riser with plenty of tools but just fell behind the playbook in Denver. Now in his second year, Latimer should jump up into the 40-50 reception range and rack up some touchdowns.

Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts

You'll have to excuse Johnson if he gets out to a slow start. He will still likely be in shock from seeing a starting-caliber NFL quarterback throw him passes. The jump from the likes of Matt Schaub, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Mallett to Andrew Luck is a grand canyon-sized leap. Even if he is 34 and the All-Pro abilities he once had are gone, but he now as an outstanding quarterback.

Just look at Johnson's numbers last season, 85 receptions, 936 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers gave when he had justifiable reason to be less than thrilled about playing in Houston. After being cut by the Texans, he now gets to play for a potential Super Bowl contender, who will make him a focal point of the passing game. Considering Luck attempted 616 passes last season, it's a reasonable bet to have Johnson at 90 catches.

Give Johnson 90 catches and we could see 1,100 yards and six-plus touchdowns to pair with it. That has all the makings of a top-20 fantasy receiver and someone who will be in your lineups on a weekly basis.

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