Wide Receivers

Tier 1: Calvin Johnson

Tier 2: Brandon Marshall, AJ Green, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Julio Jones

Tier 3: Alshon Jeffrey, Jordy Nelson, Antonio Brown, Randall Cobb, Andre Johnson, Keenan Allen

Tier 4: Victor Cruz, Vincent Jackson, Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald, Pierre Garcon, Roddy White, Wes Welker, Michael Crabtree

Tier 5: Mike Wallace, DeSean Jackson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin, Torrey Smith, Kendall Wright, TY Hilton

Tier 6: Deandre Hopkins, Emmanuel Sanders, Julian Edelman, Jeremy Maclin, Golden Tate, Eric Decker, Cecil Shorts, Anquan Boldin, Terrance Williams, Marques Colston, Reggie Wayne, Justin Hunter

Tier 7: Hakeem Nicks, Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills, Mike Evans, Dwayne Bowe, Riley Cooper, Danny Amendola, Marvin Jones, Rueben Randle, Brian Hartline, Tavon Austin

Tier 8: James Jones, Doug Baldwin, Greg Jennings, Denarius Moore, Aaron Dobson, Jarrett Boykin, Steve Smith, Markus Wheaton, Kenny Britt, Robert Woods, Harry Douglas, Stevie Johnson, Andrew Hawkins

* Players in bold are those players that I expect to significantly outperform their average draft position based on current ADP.

Analysis

The past few seasons the WR pool has been very deep, and this season the trend continues. The tiers are self-explanatory, and you see familiar names all the way down through tier 8.  Even in 3 WR leagues, you should have no problem starting solid WRs – tiers 7 and 8 include some startable options in those leagues.

WR strategy should be straightforward. With this much depth, no need to reach for WRs, but draft them as good value presents itself. And as we saw with Keenan Allen, Kendall Wright, Harry Douglas, etc. last season, valuable WRs burst onto the scene every year, so keep your eyes peeled as guys emerge.

Finally, a quick rapid-fire note as to why I think each player in bold has a good chance to outperform his ADP:

Victor Cruz: Cruz unquestionably serves as the number 1 WR for the Giants with Hakeen Nicks gone, and with a new offensive coordinator and the installation of the west coast offense, Cruz has a chance to post monster totals. His past track record adds to his cred as a top level WR, and because of his down year last season, you have a chance to get him at a discounted rate.

Michael Floyd: Will this be the season that Michael Floyd emerges as the Cardinals’ number 1 WR? The bet here is yes. Floyd crossed the 1,000 yard threshold last season, and has earned Carson Palmer’s trust with jump balls and his overall big play ability. Look for continued growth for Floyd this season.

Mike Wallace: There are a few exceptions (i.e. Brandon Marshall when he moved to the Bears), but usually the first season for a star WR with a new team tends to disappoint. As such, I usually avoid those players (this year, be wary of DeSean Jackson). That being said, the flip side is the bounce-back season that usually follows in year 2, with the QB and WR having built chemistry. Wallace was overdrafted last season, and this season he is being underdrafted. Expect a rebound this year, although more along the lines of WR2 levels than WR1.

Justin Hunter: Hunter showed flashes of brilliance last season, and with his exceptional athleticism, has a chance to take a major leap in his sophomore season. The QB situation in Tennessee remains a concern, but Hunter remains a great sleeper target this year.

Brandin Cooks: Cooks couldn’t have landed in a better spot for his skillset than New Orleans. He’ll have top QB Drew Brees flinging passes his way, and will be dynamic on the Superdome turf. Cooks brings great speed and versatility to the Saints offense, and he’s a great fit there. Bump him up on your draft boards accordingly.

- Neema Hodjat is the fantasy sports expert for RealGM.  He can be reached via email at nhodjat@gmail.com and followed on twitter at @NeemaHodjat.