Check out a full video breakdown of Luke's top-5 dynasty wide outs entering the 2016 fantasy season here.
5. Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns, Baylor
You can’t argue Coleman was one of the most impressive collegiate players last season, and carried that momentum with him into the NFL combine, where he posted outstanding numbers all the way around.
It’s not Coleman’s talent I’m worried about, but more so his landing spot. Cleveland has been a painstaking landing spot for emerging and high potential players for not just years, but decades. The Cleveland's sports landscape has been so bad for so long that it now has its own ESPN 30 for 30 documentary about its long time loserville status.
In 2016 the Browns organization welcome a combination of new head coach along with two new quarterbacks to add into the mix. This ever flowing fluid situation will undoubtedly offer much inconsistency into the offense and passing game throughout Coleman’s first season.
If the Browns can show any sign of progress throughout 2016 than I would value Coleman higher after the season. But for the time being, he lands in a brutal situation where he is sure to be double teamed while catching passes from a flux of different signal callers.
4. Sterling Shepard, New York Giants, Oklahoma
You could argue that Shepard was the most consistent and precise route runner of the entire wide receiver class. Even with a smaller frame, Shepherd gives his quarterback a big throwing window and a reliable target to shoot for in the short and intermediate passing route concepts.
Love him or hate him, Eli Manning is in the top half of quarterbacks and has never been afraid to throw the ball up giving his receivers a chance to go make a play. On top of catching passes from a solid signal caller, Shapard has a huge luxury of playing opposite of Odell Beckham Jr., who will demand constant defensive attention.
Lastly, let's not forget the division Shepard lands in with the NFC East. While the Giants defense added a few big names, they are sure to find themselves in plenty of shootouts against high octane offenses like the Cowboys and Redskins forced to chuck the rock late into games.
3. Laquon Treadwell, Minnesota Vikings, Ole Miss
I watched just about every Treadwell route imaginable and certainly see the huge upside as a physical wideout, who will only get bigger at just 20 years old. Treadwell offers a big-play weapon into the Vikings offensive repertoire, something that has been missing since the days of Sidney Rice.
However, while Treadwell may be the best long term dynasty option of the bunch, it would be wise to lower your immediate expectations on him out of the gate. Treadwell is still extremely raw coming out college being plagued by numerous concentration drops, as well as still recovering from a devastating leg injury a few seasons ago.
The Vikings offense will once again be revolved around Adrian Peterson and a power-running game until he proves to Norv Turner he can no longer handle the load. Until then, don't expect to see many high scoring affairs in Viking country as head coach Mike Zimmer has formed a team built to win around great defense, a punishing running game, and protecting the football.
2. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints, Ohio State
If you were to ask me where Thomas’ polish and potential ranks among the group I might say near the bottom in both categories. But, when it comes to fantasy projections and numbers sometimes a player's landing spot and supporting cast can trump everything else.
In New Orleans, Thomas will team up with one of the most prolific and deadly passers of our generation in Drew Brees. Even with his age starting to slow him down Brees is still one of the most accurate throwers specifically deep down field. Brees will love having Thomas’ big body to throw to down in the red zone, something he's missed since he had tight end Jimmy Graham, and will offer a good complement to shifty underneath receiver Brandin Cooks.
The Saints defense was among the worst in numerous passing categories last season and hasn't showed many signs of improving any time soon. Expect plenty of shootouts throughout the 2016 season for the Saints offense and Thomas getting his hands dirty, early and often because of it.
1. Josh Doctson, Washington Redskins, TCU
The number one wide receiver on my board throughout the entire pre draft process. Doctson has a unique blend of long arms, ball tracking, and leaping ability, making him nearly uncoverable at times when the ball is lofted in the air.
He won’t break many tackles or blow past many defenders with his lack of speed and agility, but what he lacks in those areas he makes up for in spades with his outstanding hands and concentration with the ball in the air.
Safe to say Doctson was a bit of a surprise pick for the Redskins given their current depth chart of pass catchers with Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Jordan Reed. However, it’s almost certain one of those wideouts won't be back in 2017, and shows us just how valuable Jay Gruden expects Doctson to be inside his high-octane offense for the long, long time.