1. Keevan Lucas, Jr., Tulsa
Lucas, 5-foot-10, 198, was one of the nation's elite wideouts as a true sophomore last year, finishing with 101 catches, 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns despite playing in an offense that was only occasionally functional. Not only should Lucas improve as he heads into his third season, but the situation around him should be better, as well. Quarterback Dane Evans returns after throwing 23 touchdowns a year ago, and the playcalling will be led by new head coach Philip Montgomery, Baylor's offensive coordinator the last three years. In an uptempo, downfield passing game, Lucas' fantasy value should reach new heights.
2. Corey Davis, Jr., Western Michigan
Although he won't turn 21 until 2016, Davis, 6-3, 205, has already logged two dominant seasons. He had 67 receptions, 941 yards and six scores as a true freshman in 2013 before going off for 78 receptions, 1,408 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Zach Terrell returns after throwing 26 touchdown passes last year, and a strong running game should keep Davis consistently within striking range of the end zone. The only reason Davis isn't the top-ranked wideout is his run-heavy offense, but Davis' success at a young age portends more growth.
3. Tajae Sharpe, Sr., Massachusetts
At 6-4, 200, Sharpe is a big wideout and the clear workhorse of Massachusetts' high-powered passing game. Former Marshall transfer quarterback Blake Frohnapfel returns after averaging more than 330 passing yards per game, leaving Sharpe in position to
1. Keevan Lucas, Jr., Tulsa
Lucas, 5-foot-10, 198, was one of the nation's elite wideouts as a true sophomore last year, finishing with 101 catches, 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns despite playing in an offense that was only occasionally functional. Not only should Lucas improve as he heads into his third season, but the situation around him should be better, as well. Quarterback Dane Evans returns after throwing 23 touchdowns a year ago, and the playcalling will be led by new head coach Philip Montgomery, Baylor's offensive coordinator the last three years. In an uptempo, downfield passing game, Lucas' fantasy value should reach new heights.
2. Corey Davis, Jr., Western Michigan
Although he won't turn 21 until 2016, Davis, 6-3, 205, has already logged two dominant seasons. He had 67 receptions, 941 yards and six scores as a true freshman in 2013 before going off for 78 receptions, 1,408 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Zach Terrell returns after throwing 26 touchdown passes last year, and a strong running game should keep Davis consistently within striking range of the end zone. The only reason Davis isn't the top-ranked wideout is his run-heavy offense, but Davis' success at a young age portends more growth.
3. Tajae Sharpe, Sr., Massachusetts
At 6-4, 200, Sharpe is a big wideout and the clear workhorse of Massachusetts' high-powered passing game. Former Marshall transfer quarterback Blake Frohnapfel returns after averaging more than 330 passing yards per game, leaving Sharpe in position to improve on his already dominant 2014 numbers of 85 catches, 1,281 yards and seven scores. Not only should Sharpe and Frohnapfel work better in their second year together, but Sharpe should see more targets after red-zone hog Jean Sifrin headed for the pros. Sharpe's toughest matchup is at Notre Dame, which allowed 29.2 points per game last season.
4. Sterling Shepard, Sr., Oklahoma
Shepard might be the nation's top receiver if not for injury and quarterback considerations. He suffered a groin injury Nov. 1 that lingered the rest of last season, all but ending it, and, at press time, Oklahoma was entertaining a three-man QB competition among a cast of discouraging candidates. Shepard scorched defenses before the injury, catching 49 passes for 911 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games. And the Sooners offense should be much more pass-happy this year as new coordinator Lincoln Riley attempts to install an East Carolina-style offense. While poor quarterback play might limit Shepard's ceiling, increased pass attempts should prevent a decline in his numbers.
5. Corey Coleman, Jr., Baylor
Coleman, 5-11, 190, is arguably the nation's most intimidating deep threat. He missed the first three games last year with an injury before promptly pushing aside more experienced wideouts like Jay Lee, Antwan Goodley and Levi Norwood to become the team's leading receiver with 64 receptions, 1,119 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games. Goodley and Norwood graduated, so Coleman's targets should increase this season as the clear No. 1 receiver in a Baylor passing game that should remain as high-powered as ever. A clean bill of health puts him in position to take his numbers to new heights in his junior year.
6. Pharoh Cooper, Jr., South Carolina
Few players can match the multi-skill threat posed by Cooper, who can score as a runner, receiver and passer. Last season, he totaled 69 receptions, 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns while running for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two touchdowns. Cooper, 5-11, 208, loses graduating quarterback Dylan Thompson this season, but Thompson isn't irreplaceable in an offense coached by Steve Spurrier, and any regression at quarterback should be offset by the increased opportunities Cooper will see this year. South Carolina lost five of its top seven pass catchers from last season, guaranteeing Cooper increased targets.
7. Rashard Higgins, Jr., Colorado State
Higgins, 6-2, 188, is the nation's most accomplished returning wideout. He outproduced 2014 Biletnikoff Award winner Amari Cooper despite playing two fewer games last year, catching 96 passes for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 outings. Higgins' numbers likely will decline this year, though. Last season's production was at an historic level that would be difficult to repeat in any circumstance, let alone one with a change at quarterback and offensive coordinator. The loss of quarterback Garrett Grayson is a major concern, and new coach Mike Bobo's history signals that Colorado State could throw less this season, as well.
8. River Cracraft, Jr., Washington State
Washington State must replace most of last year's receivers, but Cracraft is one known commodity returning to a lead role in the nation's most pass-happy offense. Cracraft, 6-0, 199, finished 2014 with 66 catches, 771 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games, and he should see even more targets this year. Vince Mayle, Isiah Myers and Rickey Galvin graduated, leaving the Cougars with a shortage of 221 receptions. Expect Cracraft to take at least 100 of those.
9. Tyler Boyd, Jr., Pittsburgh
Despite a low-volume passing game, Boyd posted elite numbers the last two years, finishing his true freshman season with 85 catches, 1,174 yards and seven touchdowns before improving to 78 receptions for 1,261 yards and eight touchdowns last year. At 6-2, 190, Boyd has the size to pose a red-zone threat -- he turned five of seven red-zone targets into scores last year -- but he is also a dangerous open-field runner. Boyd has a high floor, and his upside will reach new heights if Pittsburgh throws a bit more often under new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.
10. JuJu Smith, So., USC
Leading receiver Nelson Agholor is off to the NFL, and now star quarterback Cody Kessler needs a new No. 1 wideout. At 6-2, 215, Smith has the build to serve as Kessler's go-to threat in the red zone and has the athleticism to make plays downfield. Smith finished his true freshman season with 54 catches, 724 yards and five touchdowns last year, and his role should significantly increase as USC replaces Agholor, Javorius Allen, George Farmer, Bryce Dixon and Randall Telfer, a group that combined for 205 receptions last season.
11. William Fuller, Jr., Notre Dame
Fuller came out of nowhere last year for a breakout performance after a mere six-catch true freshman season in 2013. He finished last season with 76 catches, 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns, scoring in all but two games. He's not a classic red-zone threat at 6-0, 180, but his 15 touchdowns are tied for most among returning receivers. He should continue to serve as Notre Dame's go-to scoring threat this season, and a quarterback change from Everett Golson to Malik Zaire shouldn't impact Fuller's efficiency much, if at all -- Zaire might be a better passer than Golson.
12. Gabe Marks, Jr., Washington State
If River Cracraft isn't Washington State's top receiver this season, then the distinction should go to Marks, who returns after a healthy redshirt in 2014. Despite the year off, Marks left spring practice atop the depth chart. Prior to last season, Marks looked like WSU's best receiver, outperforming eventual 2014 leading wideouts Vince Mayle and Isiah Myers with 74 receptions, 807 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013. Mayle and Myers are gone, and Marks should take one of their places.
13. Roger Lewis, So., Bowling Green
Lewis was close to dominant as a true freshman last year, finishing with 73 receptions, 1,093 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games despite dealing with awful quarterback play. At 6-0, 196, Lewis is the No. 1 wideout for a Bowling Green offense that should make huge strides this year with the return of quarterback Matt Johnson, who missed all but one game last season with a hip injury. Lewis has top-10 upside, but his weekly reliability might leave something to be desired in an extremely deep group of Bowling Green receivers.
14. D.J. Foster, Sr., Arizona State
A fantasy star at running back a year ago, Foster moved to receiver this offseason, but his fantasy value should remain high despite the position change. He steps in as the No. 1 target in a passing game that should thrive with quarterback Mike Bercovici. Jaelen Strong caught 82 passes for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns last season as the No. 1 receiver. A similar outcome should be expected from Foster, who caught 163 passes the last three years as a running back.
15. Nelson Spruce, Sr., Colorado
Spruce took over as the No. 1 receiver when Paul Richardson left for the NFL in 2014, and he arguably proved even better than his mentor, catching 106 passes for 1,198 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games last season. At 6-1, 195, Spruce remains unchallenged as Colorado's lead target entering the season, as the Buffaloes lost two of their top-four receivers to graduation, and the second-leading returning wideout, Shay Fields, had just 50 catches for 486 yards and four touchdowns last year. Third-year starting quarterback Sefo Liufau is adequate if not promising, so the pieces are in place for Spruce to continue producing at an elite level.
16. D'haquille Williams, Sr., Auburn
Williams was one of the nation's most anticipated junior college recruits last year, and though injury and suspension disrupted his progress, Williams was still everything Auburn could have asked for. He proved immediately better than previous No. 1 wideout Sammie Coates, a third-round NFL draft pick this year. Williams caught 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games -- one shortened by injury -- and is set to see his role increase. New quarterback Jeremy Johnson should be a big upgrade over previous starter Nick Marshall, which also will helps Williams' odds of improving.
17. Teldrick Morgan, Jr., New Mexico State
Morgan couldn't quite break through into the elite tier of fantasy wideouts last year, but he should take the next step this season. He returns after 75 receptions, 903 yards and seven touchdowns, showing high upside with six games with at least eight catches and four with at least 100 yards, including 202 yards against UTEP. Morgan should feature even more prominently in the passing game this season as the Aggies replace 106 receptions from graduated players. Also, junior quarterback Tyler Rogers should improve in his second year as starter, which will help Morgan produce more efficiently with his high target volume.
18. Josh Doctson, Sr., TCU
Doctson is the most visible member of an explosive and feared TCU wideout group and likely will rank in the top 10 on some draft boards. It's understandable why the 6-3, 195-pound Doctson would be in high demand -- he's a legitimate No. 1 receiver in a high-scoring offense and the primary target of a quarterback (Trevone Boykin) who will throw a lot of touchdowns. However, Doctson might struggle to improve last year's numbers (65 receptions, 1,018 yards, 11 touchdowns) in an offense with plenty of receiving options, most notably Deante Gray and Kolby Listenbee, who combined for 1,335 yards and 12 touchdowns last year.
19. Mike Williams, Jr., Clemson
Williams is one half of Clemson's dominant wideout duo, the other being Artavis Scott. Both are top talents, with Williams the bigger receiver at 6-4, 210, while Scott is a slashing after-the-catch threat. Williams' skills make him a better fit for downfield and red-zone targets -- he averaged 18.1 yards per catch last season compared to Scott's 12.7. If he emerges as the leading touchdown target for star quarterback Deshaun Watson, he will have the upper hand in fantasy leagues, even if Scott has more receptions.
20. Artavis Scott, So., Clemson
Impressive as Mike Williams is, Scott could easily emerge as Clemson's top fantasy wideout this year. Although not nearly as big as Williams at 5-10, 190, Scott has blazing speed and the ability to do damage on underneath routes. He finished his true freshman season last year with 76 catches, 965 yards and eight touchdowns, including 58 catches for 660 yards and five touchdowns in the final eight games. Scott might not post the yards and touchdowns to outpace Williams in most fantasy leagues, but he'll almost certainly catch more passes, making him preferable in PPR formats.
21. KD Cannon, So., Baylor
Cannon likely will rank far ahead of teammate Jay Lee on most draft boards, which is understandable considering he is more talented. However, Lee and Corey Coleman are expected to start at the outside receiver spots with Cannon on the inside, which likely will lower the average depth of his targets. Cannon's superior talent makes him the preferred target over Lee, but the difference might not be as big as most expect. And while Cannon was exceptional as a true freshman last year, his stats were inflated by a two-game stretch against Northwestern State and Buffalo in which Coleman and Antwan Goodley did not play. Cannon totaled 412 yards and four touchdowns in those games, in a season that he finished with 1,030 yards and eight scores.
22. Isaiah Jones, Jr., East Carolina
Justin Hardy and Cam Worthy are gone, but the East Carolina offense marches on with Jones as its new No. 1 receiver. Jones was quite productive in his first two years, totaling 143 catches, 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns despite being the third wideout. With his big promotion should come big fantasy stats. The team is breaking in a new quarterback, but it still likely will rank in the top 10 in pass attempts this year. Although Jones' unimpressive 10.0 yards per catch implies he lacks playmaking skills, he's still a good candidate for 100 receptions. Rank him higher in PPR.
23. Ron Willoughby, Sr., Buffalo
Willoughby, 6-4, 199, had a breakout redshirt junior season in 2014, totaling 50 catches, 771 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games after just three receptions the year before. Those numbers might set off fears of a one-year wonder, but Willoughby should build on last season, as he's by far the most proven returning Buffalo receiver after the team lost wideout Devon Hughes this offseason. Willoughby's floor is further stabilized by the return of four-year starting quarterback Joe Licata, who threw for 29 touchdowns last year. And new coach Lance Leipold's offense could pass more often this year after only 33.9 attempts per game in 2014.
24. Dom Williams , Sr., Washington State
Williams, 6-2, 190, flashed major upside the last three years but never put it all together on a reliable basis. With Vince Mayle and Isiah Myers graduated, though, Williams should get thrown into his most visible role yet. Williams is clearly the most explosive WSU receiver, as he led the team in yards per catch each of the last three years. That includes last season in which he caught 43 passes for 656 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games.
25. Jay Lee, Sr., Baylor
Lee is locked in as an outside receiver opposite Corey Coleman. At 6-3, 215, he is quite a bit bigger than Coleman (5-11, 190) and could become the team's primary red-zone target. Lee started fast last year, catching 19 passes for 294 yards and four scores in the first three weeks while Coleman and Antwan Goodley dealt with injuries. When Coleman and Goodley returned, Lee's numbers predictably fell, but Goodley's graduation allows Lee to get his foot back in the door. Lee, Cannon and Coleman could each hit 1,000 yards this year.
26. Jakeem Grant, Sr., Texas Tech
27. Demarcus Robinson, Jr., Florida
28. Hunter Sharp, Sr., Utah State
29. Jordan Williams, Jr., Ball State
30. Laquon Treadwell, Jr., Mississippi
31. Kenny Lawler, Jr., California
32. Josh Reynolds, Jr., Texas A&M
33. Tyler Winston, Jr., San Jose State
34. De'Mornay Pierson-El, So., Nebraska
35. Keyarris Garrett, Sr., Tulsa
36. Devonte Boyd, So., UNLV
37. Michael Thomas, Jr., Ohio State
38. Donovan Harden, Sr., Georgia State
39. Deontay McManus, So., Marshall
40. Angelo Jean-Louis, So., Marshall
41. Devin Lauderdale, So., Texas Tech
42. Jamal Robinson, Sr., Louisiana-Lafayette
43. Geronimo Allison, Sr., Illinois
44. Thomas Sperbeck, Jr., Boise State
45. Jared Dangerfield, Sr., Western Kentucky
46. Cayleb Jones, Jr., Arizona
47. Devon Cajuste, Sr., Stanford
48. Jordan Westerkamp, Jr., Nebraska
49. Taywan Taylor, Jr., Western Kentucky
50. Jalin Marshall, Jr., Ohio State
51. Deante Gray, Sr., TCU
52. Kolby Listenbee, Sr., TCU
53. Samajie Grant, Jr., Arizona
54. De'Runnya Wilson, Jr., Mississippi State
55. Victor Bolden, Jr., Oregon State
56. Jalen Williams, Sr., Massachusetts
57. Daniel Braverman, Jr., Western Michigan
58. Marcus Kemp, Jr., Hawaii
59. Quinton Pedroza, Sr., Hawaii
60. Davonte Allen, Sr., Marshall
61. Juwan Brescacin, Sr., Northern Illinois
62. Robert Foster, So., Alabama
63. Bra'Lon Cherry, Jr., North Carolina State
64. Speedy Noil, So., Texas A&M
65. Isaiah Ford, So., Virginia Tech
