Fantasy football managers tend to love the annual depth at wide receiver, but sometimes they also take it a bit for granted in drafts. Few debate the fact that running back is a bit of a problematic mess, with few stable choices year after year, and then at receiver we know whom we trust and lean heavily on them. Some believe a tiered system exists mainly for running backs. Not so! If one believes the next five wide receivers in the rankings are similar, then it is precisely why one ignores the position for a bit longer.
As noted in my running back tiers column, proper preparation is always key. Making things easier in the heat of a running clock is a welcome advantage and a tiered system helps, and not just at running back. There are perceived drop-offs in value at wide receiver as well, and one can make the mistake of waiting too long to build up roster depth. This is what a tiered system is about: seeing the bigger picture and making better, more informed decisions.
There are myriad ways to construct a fantasy roster, and one can make the case for most of them, in theory, but be careful not to overrate or underrate the position with the greatest depth. That is wide receiver. We love 'em. We need 'em. We can also use a tiered system to figure out their standing, so get ready well before your drafts and figure out how you regard the wide receivers, because they are obviously not all the same.
Tier 1: Round 1
Davante Adams, Packers
Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals
Stefon Diggs, Bills
Notes: Tough to argue against any of these fellows, with Diggs absolutely earning his place after a fantastic campaign. I will never advise one must choose running back in the first round, or any round. Wide receivers are surely safer and more consistent, but build your roster your way. The issue in comparing the top flex-eligible spots is five tiers later the options at wide receiver still look good. Not so much at running back.
Tier 2: Rounds 1/2
DK Metcalf, Seahawks
A.J. Brown, Titans
Calvin Ridley, Falcons
Notes: Perhaps it should be Round 2 only, but the numbers tell the story. The top seven receivers might actually be one giant and awesome tier, and perhaps safer than even the top running backs. Metcalf is improving. Brown has company in Ridley's former teammate Julio Jones, but it did not hurt Ridley a season ago, and should not hurt Brown today.
Tier 3: Round 3
Terry McLaurin, Washington
Justin Jefferson, Vikings
Keenan Allen, Chargers
Allen Robinson II, Bears
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys
Notes: All are solid performers, and likely upgrades at quarterback should aid McLaurin (yes, Ryan Fitzpatrick is an old upgrade), Robinson and Lamb, the newcomer to potential WR1 status.
Tier 4: Round 4
Mike Evans, Buccaneers
Chris Godwin, Buccaneers
Robert Woods, Rams
Cooper Kupp, Rams
Notes: Reasonable minds can debate the order for these sets of teammates, but we all agree there is ample talent here and the veteran quarterbacks throwing in their directions still have mad game. The question is whether a fantasy manager can feel confident doubling up on receivers from the same offense. For these teams, there seems to be little risk.
Tier 5: Round 5
Adam Thielen, Vikings
DJ Moore, Panthers
Diontae Johnson, Steelers
Amari Cooper, Cowboys
Julio Jones, Titans
Tyler Lockett, Seahawks
Courtland Sutton, Broncos
Notes: Solid veterans here, and while several of them have likely delivered their finest statistical seasons already, this remains a tier with solid production. This might be the point at which a fantasy manager notices how rough running back looks in 2021, but remember, there are only so many wide receivers one can play in a given fantasy week. Seek balance and avoid relying on rookies, if possible.
Tier 6: Rounds 6/7
Tee Higgins, Bengals
Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals
Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers
Deebo Samuel, 49ers
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers
Chase Claypool, Steelers
Notes: Wow. Look at these tandems, two of them relying on exciting, young quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and Trey Lance, and then there is Ben Roethlisberger, still more than competent. As with the Buccaneers and Rams, these systems can support multiple fantasy options at wide receiver, if the passers play well.
Tier 7: Rounds 8/9
Kenny Golladay, Giants
Odell Beckham Jr., Browns
DJ Chark Jr., Jaguars
Robby Anderson, Panthers
Tyler Boyd, Bengals
Curtis Samuel, Washington
Brandin Cooks, Texans
Michael Gallup, Cowboys
Jarvis Landry, Browns
Notes: Some big names fall to lower tiers for various reasons, but fantasy is not a game about the names. You need production and durability. Golladay missed much of last season, and he is hurt again. Beckham missed considerable time, and his offense is run-heavy. Chark is hurt. Then we get to some others who will play important roles -- but perhaps not as the No. 1 option -- for their teams.
Tier 8: Round 10
William Fuller V, Dolphins
Michael Thomas, Saints
Notes: Thomas was going to stand alone in this tier, but Fuller's career warrants similar inspection and inclusion. When and how much these very talented receivers play and whether we can assume full health from that point onward is the big risk, and one I am unlikely to take, even this late.
Tier 9: Rounds 10/11
DeVonta Smith, Eagles
Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins
Jerry Jeudy, Broncos
Elijah Moore, Jets
Laviska Shenault Jr., Jaguars
Marquez Callaway, Saints
Henry Ruggs III, Raiders
Terrace Marshall Jr., Panthers
Mecole Hardman, Chiefs
Notes: Now I am willing to look at the other rookies and young players getting a legitimate opportunity. Perhaps one or two of the choices in this tier truly break out. After all, other than Hardman with Patrick Mahomes, there are some quarterbacks needing to prove themselves here.
Tier 10: Round 11 and later
Antonio Brown, Buccaneers
Mike Williams, Chargers
Marvin Jones Jr., Jaguars
Marquise Brown, Ravens
Corey Davis, Jets
DeVante Parker, Dolphins
Michael Pittman Jr., Colts
Russell Gage, Falcons
Darnell Mooney, Bears
Jalen Reagor, Eagles
Notes: Brown's placement in this late of a tier might seem odd, but he still made my top 50 wide receivers. This is such a deep position! Chances are I will have drafted more running backs than wide receivers through seven or eight rounds of most drafts, looking for wide receiver value later. There is plenty of it. Good luck!