College Football Draft Kit: 2018 Wide Receiver Preview

With the season around the corner, we'll be posting a series of position-by-position writeups in the coming weeks to get you familiar with some of the top players in the college fantasy football landscape. This installment focuses on wide receivers, which happens to be an extremely deep pool this season. David Sills heads into the year as the defending touchdown champion and he could be due for even more production this season in his second year playing alongside Will Grier. Players like Ole Miss' A.J. Brown, Buffalo's Anthony Johnson, and others will all be trying to stake their claim as the top fantasy receiver in 2018.

To see our quarterbacks preview, go here. And to check out our running back preview, go here.

David Sills WEST VIRGINIA

Fun fact: David Sills committed to play quarterback at USC when he was 13. Another fun fact: He caught 18 touchdowns last year. Most fun fact: He's back for more. The Sills-Will Grier duo is the best WR-QB tandem in the nation, and they could be even better this year. Sills (6-4, 203) alone is a matchup nightmare for porous Big 12 defenses, but having a surgical quarterback running a ruthlessly efficient offense makes him all the more dangerous. He's a very real threat to lead the nation in touchdown receptions once again and become the top overall WR in 2018.

A.J. Brown MISSISSIPPI

Brown isn't just an elite fantasy option, he's also the best receiving prospect in this year's class. And while pro potential doesn't always line up with fantasy output, it does in this case with Brown serving as the focal point of a high-powered Ole Miss offense. Brown (6-1, 225) hauled in 75 of 97 targets for 1,252 yards and 11 scores, both of which led the SEC. His film shows a physically dominant player with great hands and strong after-the-catch ability. He'll be a high-volume, high-efficiency fantasy asset and a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Anthony Johnson BUFFALO

Although Johnson went into last year as a relatively obscure JUCO recruit, by the end of the year he was on a lot of league-winning fantasy teams. The beginning of the year went well enough for Johnson, scoring thrice in the first five games, but he went bonkers after that point. In the final seven games Johnson totaled 50 receptions for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns, which makes it tempting to project an even better 2018 season for Johnson. Even by conservative estimates, he is clearly a foundational piece for any college fantasy football squad.

Dillon Stoner OKLAHOMA STATE

Stoner is primarily regarded as a slot receiver at 6-feet, 198 pounds, but unlike many slot wideouts, Stoner doesn't lack for athleticism or big-play ability. That he caught 74.6 percent of his targets last year while still averaging 9.8 yards per target is a reliable indication that a relatively low depth of target won't stop him from posting explosive numbers. After catching 44 passes for 576 yards and six touchdowns as a second-year player, Stoner will see a much bigger workload with James Washington and Marcell Ateman off to the NFL.

Ty Lee MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Lee might not quite be Richie James, but a huge opportunity is ahead with the latter off to the NFL, and Lee has been promising in his own right in his first two seasons with the Blue Raiders. Small like James at 5-foot-9, 163 pounds, Lee is a perfect replacement fit after finishing last year with 79 receptions for 955 yards and five touchdowns, adding 39 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown. If quarterback Brent Stockstill can stay healthy, the Middle Tennessee offense as a whole should improve significantly, and Lee would be a top beneficiary.

Devin C. Butler SYRACUSE

Few things in college fantasy are as reliable as the top receiver in a Dino Babers offense. With Steve Ishmael and Erv Phillips gone, Butler gets that honorable distinction this year. To give an idea of how valuable getting a piece of the 'Cuse offense was last year, Ishmael had an FBS-high 174 targets and Phillips was behind him with 145. Butler isn't as established now as either of those two were heading into last season, but he's still a safe bet to push well into triple-digit targets. And at 6-3 with good speed, Butler will make those targets pay off.

T.J. Vasher TEXAS TECH

Vasher is a top breakout candidate for 2018. The 6-foot-6, 190-pound wideout finished his redshirt freshman season with 29 receptions for 545 yards and six touchdowns in a Texas Tech offense that lost its other five leading receivers from last year. The Red Raiders also lost starting quarterback Nic Shimonek, but the Texas Tech system waves off most or all concern on that front. After doing last year's damage on just 55 targets, Vasher figures to be a coveted fantasy asset now that his target count could realistically double with Keke Coutee and Dylan Cantrell gone.

N'Keal Harry ARIZONA STATE

On a talent basis there are few who can challenge Harry (6-4, 216), who has a great frame and elite body control to match. He brought in 82 of 122 targets for 1,142 yards and eight scores in a run-heavy offense last season. It's important to note that considering the concerns surrounding Arizona State's offense heading into this year. How Herm Edwards and Co. adapt to the college game schematically is anyone's guess, but most pundits aren't optimistic. Even in a clunky scheme, Harry can still produce thanks to talent and his rapport with Manny Wilkins.

Jaylen Smith LOUISVILLE

The Louisville supporting cast didn't make the best showing during Lamar Jackson's career, but Smith was one exception as he averaged 10.6 yards per target over the last two years, nearly two more yards per attempt than Jackson's YPA. The loss of Jackson is a bummer, but new quarterback Jawon Pass appears substantial in his own right, so there's a real chance that the Louisville passing game takes only a slight step back. Whether Smith can hit 1,000 yards this year depends on how well he can hold off the surging tandem of Dez Fitzpatrick and Seth Dawkins.

James Proche SMU

Proche may not be a household name yet, but with Courtland Sutton and Trey Quinn gone, it's his time to shine. SMU is installing a new air raid offense under Sonny Dykes and with Ben Hicks at the helm, the Mustangs will have a prolific passing attack with Proche in line to be its top option. Proche averaged 20.4 yards per reception and reeled in six TDs while being SMU's No.3 option in 2017. Dykes' offense at Cal in 2016 ran the fourth-most plays per game in the nation, so expect another warp speed attack at SMU that'll position Proche for huge production.

Denzel Mims BAYLOR

Mims was one of the lone bright spots for Baylor in 2017 with 61 grabs for 1,087 yards and eight touchdowns on 118 targets. At 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, Mims is a physically dominant wideout who moves extremely well for his size. He's got great ball tracking ability, which is a critical skill in a Baylor offense that likes pushing the ball down the field. Mims' target volume will be near the top, and his per-target efficiency (9.2 YPT) is excellent. Mims' standing as the No.1 option in one of the country's most pass-heavy offenses make him a top fantasy asset.

Emanuel Hall MISSOURI

The absurdity of Hall's production last year can't be understated. He played in just 10 games and saw 54 targets, but managed 33 receptions for 817 yards – a ridiculous 15.1 yards PER TARGET -- and eight touchdowns. The volume will go up in 2018 with J'Mon Moore heading to the NFL, so Hall will have even more opportunities to sting opposing defenses. Hall (6-3, 201) is a physical beast and may be the best deep threat in the SEC if not the nation. He has a very real chance to prove he's the best SEC receiver not named A.J. Brown.

Penny Hart GEORGIA STATE

Hart has to deal with questionable quarterback play and won't be a household name as long as he's at Georgia State, but he's one of the most skilled receivers in the country. He posted 71 receptions for 1,099 yards and eight scores as a true freshman in 2015, and last year he bounced back from a broken foot that ended his 2016 season to post 1,121 yards and eight touchdowns. Georgia State has to replace the already limited Conner Manning at quarterback, but Hart has already shown he doesn't need a great passer to produce. He's a bit safer in PPR formats.

Marquise Brown OKLAHOMA

The man they call "Hollywood" came out of nowhere to lead the Sooners in receiving in 2017, reeling in 57 of 84 targets for 1,095 yards and seven scores. Brown (5-11, 162) might have a slight frame, but he more than makes up for it with his speed. It'll be difficult to repeat his per-target efficiency with Baker Mayfield gone, but Oklahoma has excellent replacement options and one of the best-designed offenses in the game. Look for Brown and CeeDee Lamb to lead the way in an explosive offense that will be one of the nation's best in 2018.

Stanley Morgan Jr. NEBRASKA

Morgan had little trouble connecting with Tanner Lee in 2017, racking up 61 catches for 986 yards and 61 receptions as a junior. Despite a regime change this offseason, new coach Scott Frost indicated that the senior will be featured in the Cornhuskers' offense in 2018 much like Tre'Quan Smith – who totaled 1,082 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns -- was last season at UCF. Although Morgan will need to develop a rapport with his third quarterback in as many years following Tanner Lee's departure, he's positioned well to challenge last year's numbers.

Greg Dortch WAKE FOREST

Dortch was one of the great out-of-nowhere stories last season with 53 grabs for 722 yards and nine touchdowns in just eight games before suffering an abdominal injury from which he's fully recovered. He's undersized but is an absolute terror with the ball in his hands that can turn a screen into a huge gain. Dortch's skill set could be on greater display this year as he mostly runs high-percentage routes for easy completions, which will be key with Kendall Hinton replacing John Wolford at quarterback.

Teddy Veal LOUISIANA TECH

Veal hasn't quite lived up to the expectations that have followed him since early in his Tulane days, but he's still established himself as a fine receiver at this point, and he's a candidate to hit the 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown threshold in his senior season. That's particularly true if quarterback J'Mar Smith progresses after throwing for just 16 touchdowns in 13 games. If Veal can post 950 yards and seven touchdowns in those conditions, a step forward is realistic for 2018. His health is worth verifying after missing the spring with an ankle surgery, though.

Cody Thompson TOLEDO

What should have been Thompson's third dominant season in a row was wrecked by a broken leg he in Toledo's fifth game, but he's back with the Rockets to give it another try in 2018. While Thompson's skill is not in question – his average of 12.8 yards per target in the last three years is remarkable – there could be cause for leeriness between his return from the injury and the loss of star quarterback Logan Woodside. Toledo has done a superb job of replacing its departing stars year to year, but the replacement quarterback options are an almost completely blank slate.

Andy Isabella MASSACHUSETTS

Isabella might be a small wideout at a listed 5-foot-9, 186 pounds, but that hasn't stopped him from finding the end zone 18 times for Massachusetts in the last two years, and he's poised to rank among the top receivers in the country as he heads into 2018. With the graduation of target hog tight end Adam Breneman (64 catches in 11 games last year) but senior quarterback Andrew Ford returning, Isabella should build on last year's 1,020 yards and 10 touchdowns. Only one other returning UMass pass catcher exceeded 500 yards in 2017.

Damonte Coxie MEMPHIS

The Tiger offense is one to target even if there's some uncertainty at the quarterback position. There's no way Coxie, a former LSU commit, immediately steps in and becomes Anthony Miller 2.0 with what Miller did in 2017. However, Coxie (6-3, 201) is the best true receiver on the roster while players like Tony Pollard are more hybrid offensive weapons. Coxie did well when given a shot last year, reeling in 21 of 28 targets for 323 yards and three scores. As long as Brady White or David Moore don't crater the offense, Coxie will be a legit fantasy receiver.

Dredrick Snelson CENTRAL FLORIDA

Getting the top receiver in an explosive offense that routinely plays against shaky defenses is always a good idea. That's what drafters will be getting in Snelson, who caught 46 of 64 targets for 695 yards and eight scores as a true sophomore. Tre'Quan Smith is gone, so the door is open for Snelson to be McKenzie Milton's new No.1. As mentioned before, Central Florida's offense is now in the capable hands of Josh Heupel, who will keep the Knights' collective foot on the gas. Buy the talent. Buy the system. Buy Snelson and watch the production pile up.

Gary Jennings WEST VIRGINIA

If David Sills is the lead guitarist in West Virginia's potent offense, Jennings is like a great bassist. He helps establish the rhythm and without him, none of the other pieces would have the same effect. Jennings kept the chains moving in 2017, catching 97 of 139 targets for 1,096 yards and one score. That stat line shows that Jennings' value is especially high in PPR formats with that consistent target volume, but the touchdown production (or lack thereof) shouldn't dissuade owners on draft day as he could see more red zone targets with Ka'Raun White gone.

Deebo Samuel SOUTH CAROLINA

Before a broken leg ended his season after three games, Samuel was on his way to a monster season. Samuel had 15 catches for 250 yards and three scores in that span and added a rushing touchdown. He had two kick returns and both went for touchdowns as well. Those stats underline how electric Samuel is in all facets of the game. Assuming he's back to full strength for Week 1, Samuel will be the focal point of the offense, but defenses can't only key on him with Bryan Edwards in the mix, too. Samuel is a threat to go to the house everytime he touches the ball.

Kelvin Harmon NC STATE

N.C. State as a whole will regress in 2018, but Harmon might benefit from the Wolfpack losing so much talent to the NFL. The defense should be worse this year, encouraging more pass attempts by the N.C. State offense and thus targets for Harmon, and the offense should direct more of its usage toward the passing game generally given that quarterback Ryan Finley returns but the prolific backfield tandem of Nyheim Hines and Jaylen Samuels does not. It's not like Harmon needed the help -- he already had 69 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns last year.

Jalen Reagor TCU

TCU's receiving corps has lacked star power since Josh Doctson left, but Reagor is poised to change that. A top recruit and former Texas long jump champ, Reagor showed blistering speed and burst to go with a surprisingly polished skill set as a true freshman last season. He brought in 33 of 58 targets for 576 yards and eight scores, and his five-catch, 169-yard outing against a stingy Stanford secondary shows he can get it done against tough competition. Reagor will be in line for more targets this year as well with John Diarse and Desmon White gone.

Tyre Brady MARSHALL

Brady was originally a Miami (FL) recruit, so that he proved too much for the Conference-USA level of competition last year was mostly to be expected. With a workhorse receiver skill set and build at 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, Brady has star potential against this level of competition, as illustrated by his 942 yards and eight touchdowns last year in 11 games. He missed nearly three games with an undisclosed injury or would have done more damage. The loss of quarterback Chase Litton is a concern, but JUCO transfer Alex Thomson appears a promising replacement option.

James Gardner MIAMI (OH)

A big-bodied receiver with tremendous contested catch ability, Gardner isn't just one of the MAC's best receivers, he's one of the best receivers in the nation. Gardner (6-4, 216) hauled in 47 catches for 927 yards (19.27 YPR) and 11 touchdowns last season and he had 25 percent of Miami's targets (96). He has even less competition for targets this year with Ryan Smith, Jared Murphy, and Sam Martin gone. Gardner may not be the highest reception volume projection, but he makes the most of his catches and will provide consistent production.

John Ursua HAWAII

It's easy to forget how good Ursua was before a torn ACL in October derailed what could've been an All-MWC season. Reeling in 47 of 63 targets for 667 yards and five scores in six games, Ursua was carving up teams every single week. Hawaii will be breaking in a new quarterback with Dru Brown's departure and ACL recoveries can be tricky, but all signs point to Ursua being back in the lead role for the Warriors. Even with a drop-off in quarterback play, Ursua is talented and experienced enough to draw a ton of targets and turn them into reliable production.

CeeDee Lamb Oklahoma

Lamb stepped in as a true freshman and made an instant impact with 46 grabs on 67 targets for 807 yards and seven scores. That averages out to an absurd 12.0 yards per target. That number will come down a bit with Baker Mayfield gone to the NFL, but there's still a great system in place with a blue chip quarterback at the helm. Oklahoma's loaded receiving corps that also features Marqise Brown puts a slight cap on Lamb's ceiling, but this is still an offense that'll be throwing often and Lamb is talented enough to turn his targets into elite production.

Tee Higgins CLEMSON

On a team loaded with blue chip talent, Higgins stands above the rest -- at least in the receiving corps. Higgins (6-4, 200) showed immense promise last year with 17 grabs for 345 yards (20.3 YPR) and two TDs, and while much of that production came against Citadel, it must be noted he was behind vets Deon Cain and Ray-Ray McCloud. Now that those two are gone, Higgins will step into a starting role in an offense run by a talented quarterback whether it's Kelly Bryant, Hunter Johnson, or Trevor Lawrence. Hunter Renfrow is still in the fold, but Higgins is WR1.

Collin Johnson TEXAS

Either Tom Herman fooled everyone or the Texas passing game has to get going eventually, and if it does it would set up Johnson for a breakout season in his junior year. That Johnson finished last year with 765 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games isn't impressive at a glance, but there's potential for growth when presuming the typical wide receiver development curve, especially if the Texas quarterbacks can do better than 6.7 yards per attempt and 18 touchdowns on 499 attempts. It's worth recalling Johnson's blue chip pedigree when considering his 2018 projection, too.

Juwan Johnson PENN STATE

Despite possessing the ideal measurables (6-foot-4, 226 pounds) of a red zone threat, Johnson was lost in the shuffle when the Nittany Lions reached the area last season, notching only one touchdown. Though Trace McSorley spread his targets around pretty evenly in 2017, the departures of DaeSean Hamilton, Saquon Barkley and Mike Gesicki will likely push Johnson to the forefront of the Nittany Lions' offense. Considering he already garnered 80 targets last season, it's reasonable to anticipate him reaching 100 and adding trips to the end zone during 2018.

Felton Davis MICHIGAN STATE

Davis wasn't afraid to utilize his 6-foot-4 frame in the red zone last season, racking up nine touchdown receptions as part of his 51 grabs for 658 yards. He also ranked seventh in the Big Ten in terms of targets, receiving 96 in 2017. With Brian Lewerke entering his second season under center for the Spartans as part of a surprisingly effective passing attack last season, the Spartans' offense should be productive again in 2018. Davis should serve as a centerpiece again in East Lansing and could see marked improvement following another offseason to jell with Lewerke.

Ahmmon Richards, MIAMI

Injuries played such a huge part of Richards' 2017 that it's hard to glean anything from his sophomore campaign. A hamstring injury hampered him in the early goings and a meniscus injury kept him out for the ACC Championship and the Orange Bowl. In the end, he caught 24 of 55 targets for 439 yards and three scores after a 934-yard 2016. A fully healthy Richards is a problem for opposing defenses, and the supporting cast around him means that teams can't cheat and focus only on Richards. As long as Richards bounces back, a 1,000-yard season is in the cards.

Tyler Johnson MINNESOTA

The Gopher air game was painful to watch last year, but that didn't stop Johnson from posting remarkable production. While 677 yards and seven touchdowns might not move the needle at a glance, the fact that he did that on a team that threw for just 1,513 yards and nine touchdowns adds important perspective. He posted those numbers despite a wrist injury limiting him to 10 games, too. Johnson was one of the nation's most productive receivers when adjusting for opportunity, and his numbers could improve significantly if Minnesota fields some decent quarterback play.