Everyone loves a late-round steal, and as the data showed us from 2024, there were plenty of gems in the final rounds of Underdog drafts. What we also found was that more often than not, the guy we thought was THE guy was often not. It’s essential to keep an open mind when multiple players are vying for a specific receiver role, rather than focusing solely on one player. Let’s take a look at five teams that have receiver battles worth drafting super late!
Duce Robinson (177.7) and Squirrel White (239) – Florida State
With Guz Malzahn running the offense, we know what we’re getting out of his receivers. It’s likely a highly concentrated target share to his top two guys (Duce and Squirrel). It wouldn’t surprise me at all if both ended with a target share of 26-28% or higher. The problem is that this should be a heavy run offense. There is hope, though!
When the offense is clicking, it really clicks. In 2023, Javon Baker and Kobe Hudson each went for 900+ yards and 7+ touchdowns. They averaged over 20 YPC, and that’s how they were valuable in CFF, even with just 96 total receptions between them. Since we don’t really know which player Thomas Castellanos favors more or the specific roles that Gus wants each to play, it’d be smart to invest in both.
Justius Lowe (238.9) and Gary Bryant Jr. (N/A) – Oregon
There’s a ton of production to be had at receiver for the Ducks, with most just assuming the true freshman, Dakorien Moore, is the guy who will take over as the WR1. It’s very likely that it’s going to happen, but it’s not set in stone, and that’s why I like taking shots at Lowe and Bryant (no, not Malik Benson).
As discussed on Ballin with My Bestie, we want to take late-round shots at receivers who could be the WR1, not guys fighting to be the WR2. It’s helpful that this offense should produce a valuable WR2, so being wrong still means you could have a great final-round pick. Two seasons ago, Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson both caught 80+ passes, 10+ touchdowns, and went for over 1,100 receiving yards (14 games).
Anthony Evans III (226.6) and Brenen Thompson (239.5) – Mississippi State
Even though 2024 was a mess for the Bulldawgs, they still produced the WR26 in fantasy, Kevin Coleman. With Blake Shapen returning and the offense continuing to focus on the pass (and the game script favoring it as well), we should be taking shots at identifying the next top guy.
Evans was the guy everyone loved until SEC media days, when Thompson was chosen to attend. This battle is truly a situation where you should be drafting both fairly equally. We have no real news or data to support one over the other, but we know they’re the top two guys to consider. And the best part about it is that they’re nearly free.
Malachi Fields (212.6) and Jaden Greathouse (208) – Notre Dame
We don’t know exactly what Notre Dame is going to do on offense, but we know it’s not going to be as quarterback-run-focused in 2025. I suspect more passing because it’s impossible for CJ Carr to run it 10+ times a game like Riley Leonard was accustomed to last season.
This means that we have some potential value out wide in Fields and Greathouse. Fields has been productive in his college career as an outside receiver, while Greathouse has only flashed talent and production in the slot. Basic BWMB rules state to draft the outside receiver, so that’s how I’ve drafted. I’m open to both, though, and think it’s a wise move in the later rounds.
Rashid Williams (223.2) and Omari Evans (239.3) – Washington
If you think Demond Williams is the real deal, then you should be drafting one of these second receiver options at Washington. Yes, we like to focus on WR1 battles, but this offense should support a second receiver if the talent is there.
In 13 games in 2023 in this same system, Jacob Cowing caught 90 passes for 848 yards and 13 touchdowns as the team’s WR2. The year prior, Cowing caught 85 passes for 1,034 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games alongside Dorian Singer and his 66/1,105/6 stat line. Washington is one of eight or so offenses that could support a WR2, so if you believe in Demond, then this is a great spot to draft late.
