NFC East Dynasty Rankings: Wide Receiver Edition

Editor’s note: This article is by Member Corner writer Cody Wallinger. Please welcome Cody and provide constructive feedback in the comments section.

I have decided to break down the three big positions (quarterback, running back, and wide receiver) from each division across the NFL. In doing so, I’ve determined that my top four, regardless of team, will be discussed. In some positional breakdowns, that means every team will be represented. However, that’s not a universal certainty. The reality of the situation is that some teams are heavily stacked in particular areas and may find themselves represented multiple times.

Please keep in mind that these rankings are my own. I have no intention of being controversial. However, please also keep in mind that this is from a dynasty lens, tinted with a proven production finished coating.

I hope you enjoy!

1. CeeDee Lamb, DAL

Coming in as Dynasty League Football’s WR5, Lamb is currently finding himself drafted in superflex Leagues as the WR8 and maybe more surprisingly, the 43rd overall asset. While I get that there are a lot of factors that go into constructing rosters, in such a format, my initial gut reaction is simply: Yikes!

Now, just for the record, I love all the WRs currently being drafted ahead of Lamb. Calvin Ridley (26 years old), Davante Adams (28 years old), Stefon Diggs (27 years old), and even Tyreek Hill (27 years old) are unquestioned superstars. However, when I look to build my dynasty rosters, I can’t help but value age in a rather important fashion. With that in mind, let’s enter 22-year-old Lamb.

Coming off a rookie campaign in which he saw 111 targets that resulted in 74 catches for 935 yards and five scores, it’s easy to see just how special #88 can be. No doubt an effortless point of conversation is Dak Prescott‘s absence in the offense for two-thirds of the season. Yes, with Dallas’s leader back under center, this entire offense is going to ascend to new heights.

What I want to point out, though, is Lamb’s 63% offensive snap count share. This was tied for 80th among WRs throughout the 2020/21 NFL season. I just can’t even begin to imagine what kind of damage will be done as he becomes much more of a staple in that offense.

2. Terry McLaurin, WAS

Jumping into the fray as Dynasty League Football’s WR10, ‘Scary Terry’ is flying off superflex draft boards as your WR12 and 56th overall player. Just so I can place this into the universe; I LOVE McLaurin. He’s stellar. He’s the type of wide receiver I want on as many of my dynasty squads as possible. Nevertheless, with all that said, I can’t help but feel that he could be pushing his potential top sell value.

For both of the big reasons I highlighted Lamb, I find the opposite present with #17 in Washington. First, there is his age. While entering just his third go-around in the league, McLaurin finds himself doing so at the age of 26. He is not ancient, by any means, and still has plenty of football left.

Yet, it’s noteworthy simply from the perspective of permanence. At what age do you, as your team’s manager, begin to view him as being on the dreaded ‘back end’ of production? Yes, many times perception isn’t reality (and one’s perception of productivity with 26-30-plus-year-old wide receivers is usually far from reality) but it’s still something of a talking point. If one of your goals is aligned with one of my goals – namely to capitalize on both productivity and trade value – then McLaurin might be a player you’re conceivably looking to ship for a king’s ransom, if the opportunity presents itself.

Additionally, with McLaurin, we look at the double-edged sword of him being 2020/21’s snap count king. Yes, with a 93% share of Washington’s offensive plays under his belt, #17 almost never found himself uninvolved.

Can McLaurin rise about his WR20 finish, from last season? Absolutely. Do I believe he will, given the fact he already played on almost every offensive snap made available to him? I’m not so sure. Yes, Ryan Fitzpatrick should help. However, the additions of Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries, via free agency, coupled with the drafting of Dyami Brown (third round, 82nd overall) point to more competition for targets. Again, it’s just something to take note of.

3. DeVonta Smith, PHI

With my number three NFC East wide receiver ranking, we’ve found ourselves invested in our first rookie. As the third WR off the board in April’s draft, this former Heisman Trophy winner is poised for NFL stardom.

Aside from Smith’s obvious gift for running routes and his smooth speed, the Slim Reaper’s biggest benefit could very well be his current unmatched status on that Eagles’ roster. Sure, Jalen Reagor and Travis Fulgham have the potential to contribute, but Smith has the potential to be immortalized. The gap is such that Philly’s #6 will get every ounce of opportunity to succeed, and as we all know – opportunity and fantasy success often find themselves married.

With Smith’s natural abilities and the licensed opportunities appearing aligned, we now shift the lens to the new head coach in town. While Nick Sirianni is entering his first season in such a position, we do have his professional resume to fall back on – specifically, his last three seasons as the offensive coordinator in Indianapolis. Over the course of his tenure there, all Indy did was average the sixth-most plays per game (69).

As Dynasty League Football’s current WR23 and the 25th receiver off the board, there are only, give or take, nine players (Keenan Allen, Allen Robinson, Terry McLaurin, Michael Thomas, DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs, Davante Adams, and Tyreek Hill) in a similar position of a clear path to their team’s WR1 status/production. Though I’m not ready to ascend Smith to those tiers, I am ready to point out the rare prospect he has.

Rarely do injuries provide positive outcomes from a dynasty perspective. Nevertheless, the latest one to Smith (MCL sprain) has given dynasty managers everywhere a nice little window of buying opportunity. My advice – take advantage.

4. Amari Cooper, DAL

Coming in as the division’s WR4 dynasty asset is Cooper, one of dynasty’s most talked-about and – at times – unpredictable players. With an ADP as high as 3.25 (December 2016) and as low as 50.67 (February 2021), it’s been nothing short of a wild ride for the 27-year-old wide receiver.

Yes, Cooper is technically under contract for the next four seasons, but I can’t help to think that after this one, Dallas may end up moving on. Unless there is a significant injury and their forced to fully guarantee his signing bonus, the Cowboys will only eat about $6 million by either trading or cutting the former #4 overall draft pick.

So, what does that mean for Cooper’s dynasty stock? Well, again, at only 27 years of age, one would think his prospects would be many, entering 2022’s free agency pool. No doubt there could be a number of interested parties willing to give him a nice paycheck if he can continue his rather impressive two-year run of being a top-15 PPR WR. However, I also can’t help but feel that the second Cooper slips out of Dallas (presuming that’s his route), he removes himself from maybe his best possible circumstance – at least, from a fantasy football perspective.

With Kellen Moore calling the offensive shots now, Dallas only managed to run the second-most plays per contest (69.6), last season. Undeniably, we all must believe they would have surpassed the Los Angeles Chargers (70.4), in said category had they been privy to Prescott’s talents for more than four and a half games.

At the end of the day, while Cooper will never likely regain his top-ten ADP status, he’s more than effective as a WR2 and a terrific WR3/bye-week filler for any dynasty squad. Currently Dynasty League Football’s WR16 and the average 67th overall player off the board, I’ll be spending much of my time looking to flip him where possible.

With receivers like DeVonta Smith (WR17), Brandon Aiyuk (WR18), Chase Claypool (WR19), Tee Higgins (WR24), Diontae Johnson (WR25), and Jerry Jeudy (WR30) currently positioned behind Cooper, from a big board perspective, I think you’ll find our thought processes are in alignment.

You can follow me on Twitter at @CodyWallinger.