Who Are The Top Wide Receiver Risers In July?
With NFL training camps underway, dynasty owners are keeping an eye on all of the daily news and notes. They’re trying to see whose stock is rising and whose is falling as we approach pre-season. With more dynasty owners starting to evaluate their teams and decide if they are a contender or not this season, I’m going to tell you who the top wide receivers are that have risen from June to July. (This information is based on IDP Guys ADP.)
WR Risers In July
-Russell Gage July WR Rank 82
-Mecole Hardman July WR Rank 73
-Antonio Brown July WR Rank 57
-Cole Beasley July WR Rank 67
1. Russel Gage, Atlanta
Let’s kick this off by talking about Russell Gage of the Atlanta Falcons. Gone is superstar wide receiver Julio Jones, who was traded to the Tennessee Titans this off-season. Last season, the Falcons’ number two wide receiver, Calvin Ridley, finished as wide receiver number five overall. This production was due in large part to Julio Jones missing seven games in 2020. I don’t see Gage having that strong of a season, but with how much Atlanta throws the ball, he makes a solid add for those in need of wider receiver help in dynasty.
2. Mecole Hardman, Kansas City
Mecole Hardman has been getting lots of positive buzz. He’s replacing the departed Sammy Watkins (Baltimore) as the Chiefs’ number two wider receiver behind Tyreek Hill. Much like the Atlanta Falcons, the Chiefs are a pass-first offense. This is great news for every offensive player, but especially for Hardman. Mecole enters training camp with a leg up on the WR2 role, can he hang onto it come week 1? Here is just some of the buzz he’s been getting so far and why his ADP has skyrocketed:
3. Antonio Brown, Tampa
The next wide receiver who has seen his ADP increase from June to July is Antonio Brown. I am a little shocked to see his ADP jump so much from last month. I see Brown as a wide receiver 4/5 at best, given the other receivers on his team. Even though the Bucs are projected to be a top 15 passing offense, it will be hard for Brown to sustain weekly fantasy production. Given the injury history of Evans and Godwin, Brown is definitely someone you should roster.
4. Cole Beasley, Buffalo
Last but not least is the Bills’ wide receiver, Cole Beasley. Beasley’s best season overall in the NFL was 2020. He set career highs in receptions (82), receiving yards (967), and targets (107). Assuming he continues playing, currently, at odds with the league’s COVID-19 protocols, 2021 should be even better. If you’re looking for an under-the-radar wide receiver who’s a solid WR3, then now is the time to acquire Beasley. It’s nice to see his ADP trending up in the dynasty community.
