This is the second of three features that I will be doing this pre-season regarding an analysis of fantasy Wide Receivers.

In the first segment we looked at devising a formula for ranking 2025 wide receivers based on various metrics from last season. This time we will analyze Sophomore Wide Receivers (from the Class of 2024). Next time I will look closely at what I call the QB-to-WR Index.

Tier One

Brian Thomas Jr.

I wish I could tell you that I pegged BTJ to be an immediate superstar in the NFL -- but I had him ranked as a WR4/WR5 in fantasy heading into his rookie season last year. Overall, last year, Brian Thomas Jr. was a stud as a top 5 fantasy WR in fantasy points, ranking fifth in deep targets and 15th in red zone targets. He finished his rookie season with 87 receptions (on 133 targets) for 182 yards and 10 TDs. He tacked on an additional 48 rushing yards as well. The 1282 receiving yards ranked 3rd in the league.

As good as those numbers are, they still underrate his upside in 2025 if he can continue what he did down the stretch last year. In Weeks 13-18 last season, he was the WR2 in fantasy points per game. During that span, among 72 qualifying receivers, he was fourth in target share (31.6%), seventh in yards per route run (2.78), fifth in receiving yards per game (98.8), and 17th in first downs per route run (0.108, per Fantasy Points Data). Thomas Jr. posted those numbers with Mac Jones tossing him passes. What do we think he'll do in 2025 with Liam Coen at the controls and Trevor Lawrence back? It could be a magical season for Thomas Jr.

Malik Nabers

Fellow LSU alumni, Malik Nabers may not have been quite the surprise that BTJ was, but he far exceeded expectations as a rookie receiver playing for a lousy team with questionable QB play. Nabers had a historic rookie season, finishing as a top 10 fantasy WR overall and 7th in points per game through 17 weeks (14.6). Nabers broke Puka Nacua's rookie WR record for receptions (set the season before) with 109 catches for over 1,200 yards and 7 TDs in just 15 games played. The usage was unmatched. First in target share (32%), targets per game (11.1) and expected fantasy points per game (20.3). At least the trio of Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and rookie Jaxson Dart should improve the QB production in 2025.

Tier Two

Ladd McConkey, Xavier Worthy, Marvin Harrison Jr.

Given that we had two rookie WRs finish as top 10 fantasy WRs and multipe thes finsh in the WR2/WR3 range in fantasy, it is clear that the draftniks were right about last year's class being one of the deepest at WR in recent memory. As such, I do see 2-3 guys that I believe will be plugged into line-ups every week.

Let's start with Ladd McConkey. Last year in Weeks 8-18, he was the WR11 in fantasy points per game, ranking sixth in receiving yards per game (89), fifth in yards per route run (2.97), and ninth in first downs per route run (0.127). He did all of that while only ranking 26th in target share (22.9%) and 21st in first read share (29.9%, per Fantasy Points Data). He finished the season with 1149 receiving yards and 7 TDs. If those numbers bump up a tad and the Bolts remain a pass-happier team than people realize in 2025, McConkey could be a top 3-5 fantasy wide receiver. Last year in Weeks 7-18, the Bolts ranked eighth in neutral passing rate and sixth-best in pass rate over expectation. McConkey is primed for a monster sophomore season.

Xavier Worthy broke out down the stretch in 2024, posting at least four catches and 40+ yards in 10 straight games while scoring 12 total touchdowns (9 receiving, 3 rushing) on the year. From Week 11 on, he averaged over 2.0 yards per route run and 14.6 fantasy points per game - WR8 production over that span. He also ranked 10th in red-zone targets and finished the regular season as the WR21 from Weeks 11-17. With Rashee Rice facing an injury recovery and potential suspension, Worthy is in line to step into a featured role in Kansas City's offense. Locked in as WR17 in projections, Worthy's arrow is pointing way up heading into 2025.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted receiver in Ohio State history. With so much invested in him -- and with the spectacular pedigree spawned by his Hall of Fame father, Harrison's rookie year didn't quite match the sky-high expectations, but there's plenty to build on heading into 2025. Despite inconsistencies - including struggles with separation and contested catches - Harrison still finished top-5 in end-zone targets and air yards. He scored 8 touchdowns (7 in the end zone) and ranked WR27 in expected points per game, ending the year as the WR29 overall. While he wasn't a fantasy league-winner in Year 1, the volume and opportunity were elite, and the coaching staff remains fully behind him. The young man is a hard worker -- and with a full season now under his belt -- we expect positive returns in 2025. We're toning down the hype this season, expecting him to finish as more of a WR2 in fantasy rather than a WR1. Perhaps he will exceed these more reasonable expectations.

Tier Three

Jalen McMillan, Rome Odunze, Keon Coleman, Ricky Pearsall, Jalen Coker

Jalen McMillan caught fire late in his rookie year, posting five straight games with 51+ receiving yards, racking up 24 catches for 316 yards and 7 touchdowns over that stretch. He earned a 19% target share during that span and looked like a rising star in Tampa Bay's offense heading into 2025. However, the road ahead is far less clear. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both returning - and first-round pick from Ohio State Emeka Egbuka now added to the mix - McMillan faces even steeper competition for targets than he did a season ago.

Rome Odunze is primed for a Year 2 breakout after a rookie campaign marred by poor offensive structure and an overlooked early-season MCL injury. The former top-10 pick was the WR66 in points per game as the WR49 overall. Despite operating in a dysfunctional offense, Odunze ranked 10th in end-zone targets (14) and led the Bears in high-value targets (air yards/red-zone targets) over the second half of the season - but caught just 3 of those end-zone looks, a number likely to regress positively. With veteran Keenan Allen/offensive coordinator Shane Waldron gone, and the Bears improving their offensive environment under Ben Johnson, Odunze has a path to becoming Caleb Williams' go-to weapon. If he sees more slot usage in 2025, watch out - the Bears' future WR1 could skyrocket in both fantasy value and production.

A big-time college basketball player, Keon Coleman possesses elite size at the WR position. Although, his less than stellar speed (4.6 40-time) had some scouts worried about his ability to separate at the next level. Regardless, the Bills were impressed by his physicality, strong hands and the ability to battle for contested catches, which is why they invested the first pick in the 2nd round of teh 2024 draft on Coleman. He flashed big-time potential as a rookie, most notably with his 125-yard breakout in Week 7. Prior to a midseason wrist injury in Week 9, Coleman was emerging for Buffalo, averaging over 2.0 yards per route run and posting +136 receiving yards over expected (recYOE) - the third-best mark by a rookie WR through eight weeks since 2018, behind only Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Now healthy and a projected starter in Buffalo's 3-WR sets, Coleman is slated for a strong Year 2 breakout in an offense looking for playmakers behind Khalil Shakir.

If we were to tell you that there's a wide receiver entering his second season in one of the best offenses in the NFL, that's a former first-round NFL draft pick who flashed in the final weeks of his rookie season, that's dirt cheap in fantasy football drafts...you'd tell us we were insane. Well, we present to you Ricky Pearsall. Pearsall's rookie season was derailed early by camp injuries and then off-the-field circumstances that were out of his control. All of these factors delayed Pearsall flashing his immense talent, but eventually, the cream rose to the top. In the final two weeks of the regular season, Pearsall finished as the WR7 and WR14 in weekly scoring while seeing a 21.7% target share and 30.4% first-read share and producing 2.84 yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a torn ACL in 2025, and Deebo Samuel is gone. If Pearsall can establish himself as the 1B in this passing attack behind George Kittle, he'll crush his ADP and help plenty of Fantasy GMs to titles in 2025.

Jalen Coker was one of 2024's biggest surprises, rising from undrafted Holy Cross standout to key contributor in Carolina's offense. After leapfrogging both Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo by Week 5 (leading to their midseason trades), Coker proved the coaching staff's faith was well-founded. He ranked second among rookie WRs in yards per route run vs. man coverage (Yahoo's Matt Harmon) and posted a respectable 1.72 YPRR overall. While a quad injury slowed him late in the season, Coker still averaged 7.7 points per game (WR56) from Week 5 on and showed legit separation skills. With Bryce Young's late-season improvement aligning with Coker's emergence, there's a strong case for continued growth in Year 2.

Tier Four

Xavier Legette, Ja'Lynn Polk, Adonai Mitchell, Troy Franklin, Luke McCaffrey, Roman Wilson

These guys are all late-draft fliers that should be viewed as bench candidates.

Xavier Legette's rookie season was a mixed bag - he led the Panthers in several receiving categories but his opportunities rarely translated into reliable fantasy value. Despite a solid 21% target rate per route run, he never topped six catches or 66 yards in a game, and his efficiency was hampered by a string of injuries and inconsistent QB play. Legette flashed briefly - notably two red-zone TDs in Weeks 8-9 and a few solid outings post-bye - but most of his volume came when Jalen Coker was out of the lineup. The Panthers' decision to draft Tetairoa McMillan in Round 1 suggests Legette's projected role as a starter is far from secure. Legette is best viewed as a final-round dart throw in fantasy.

Ja'Lynn Polk missed time with a shoulder injury late last season and wound up having off-season surgery. It was a lost rookie season for the receiver out of Washington as he looks to take a step forward with his role under a new coaching staff heading into next season. When he was healthy last season he showed some glimpses of upside, starting 7 games. Polk had a reputation coming out of college as a solid route runner with strong hands and the ability to win contested catches. He demonstrated some of this potential during his rookie year before the injury. Due to his limited rookie season production, Polk is best suited for deep leagues. However, if he gets off to a strong start, he's a player to consider adding from the waiver wire.

Adonai Mitchell is a dark-horse Year 2 breakout candidate after flashing elite efficiency in limited action as a rookie. He posted a 28% target rate per route run - a mark that would've ranked top-20 among WRs if he had qualified - and consistently created separation in his routes. The challenge in 2025 will be earning more consistent playing time in a crowded Colts receiver room featuring Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and deep threat Alec Pierce. But with his ability to command targets and get open, Mitchell is a strong upside stash who could explode with an expanded role.

Troy Franklin had a relatively quiet rookie season, playing a limited role as the Denver Broncos' No. 4 wide receiver. He finished with 28 receptions for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns and did not see more than two receptions in a single game after Week 7. Franklin is competing for playing time in Denver and will need to take a big step forward to be on the fantasy radar. While he offers good speed, he's currently behind Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vele, and Marvin Mims Jr. in the pecking order. For fantasy he is a late-round deep-league flier at best.

As a rookie in 2024, Luke McCaffrey had limited fantasy production, catching 18 passes for 168 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games. He saw a low number of targets per game (1.4) and didn't establish himself as a consistent fantasy option. His role diminished throughout the season, especially after the Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel. McCaffrey is not worth drafting in standard redraft leagues but could be a late-round lottery ticket or a waiver wire pickup to monitor.

With the potential to be a starting WR for the Steelers, Roman Wilson could be something of a Deep Sleeper in fantasy. Wilson dealt with numerous injuries as a rookie last season which limited him. With a more reliable passer in Aaron Rodgers, the opportunity is there for Wilson to see ample targets behind DK Metcalf with George Pickens having been traded. Still, the Steelers operate a run-first offense under Arthur Smith, which might limit target upside for all wide receivers (Calvin Austin III and Robert Woods in addition to Wilson and Metcalf). Likely a high-risk/high-reward pick, we see him as a dynasty league stash or a late-round flyer in redraft leagues.

Hail Mary

Jermaine Burton, Malachi Corley, Jacob Cowing, Ainias Smith, Xavier Smith, Devontez Walker, Malik Washington, Jordan Whittington

None of these guys are draftable -- but all are worthy of keeping an eye on post-draft.

In 2024, his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jermaine Burton caught 4 passes for 107 yards over 14 games. He also added 378 kick return yards on 13 returns, averaging 29.1 yards per return. His role in the passing attack was limited, and he saw limited snaps as the team's number 4 wideout for most of the season. Burton's professionalism has been questioned, and he faced disciplinary issues in 2024. Burton faces competition for targets from established players like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as younger receivers like Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones. Jermaine Burton is a talented wide receiver with the potential for fantasy relevance, particularly in dynasty leagues. However, his off-field issues and competition for playing time present significant risks to his fantasy outlook -- and we advise by-passing him in most re-draft leagues.

Malachi Corley's rookie season in 2024 saw limited production with just three receptions for 16 yards on six targets across nine games played. He added two carries for 26 yards. He struggled to make a fantasy impact in his first year, and the Jets offense as a whole struggled without Aaron Rodgers for most of the season. Corley is a risky pick in redraft leagues due to his unproven NFL production. However, he could be a waiver-wire add if he proves he can handle a significant role in the offense.

While his rookie season offered limited production, Jacob Cowing saw first-team reps with the offense for the 49ers in OTAs. Cowing got the opportunity with Brandon Aiyuk still rehabbing and Ricky Pearsall now battling a hamstring injury himself. The second-year receiver out of Arizona played a very limited role on the offense last season. He could see more snaps on offense this year to go along with a role as a returner on special teams. He remains a stash in dynasty leagues.

Ainias Smith was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, known for his versatility as both a receiver and return specialist. He missed the first seven weeks of the season due to an ankle injury. When healthy, he mainly served as a depth receiver behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson. His statistics for the 2024 season include 7 receptions for 41 yards and 1 touchdown. More or less useless in re-draft formats, Smith could hold more value in dynasty leagues, where you're looking at long-term potential. There's an opportunity for him to develop into a larger role, particularly in the slot, as the Eagles continue to shape their offense. However, he should be considered a waiver wire pick in non-dynasty formats.

As a rookie the Rams used Xavier Smith -- yes, the 3rd Xavier on this list! -- primarily as a return specialist in the 2024 season. He caught 2 passes for 6 yards and rushed 4 times for 36 yards over 15 games. He also accumulated a total of 333 return yards. There is a chance he could see increased opportunities in the offense in 2025, but based on his limited offensive production and current rankings, Xavier Smith is not a significant fantasy asset in standard leagues at this time.

As a rookie in the 2024 season with the Baltimore Ravens, Devontez Walker had a limited offensive role, seeing most of his action on special teams. He was a healthy scratch for the first few weeks, making his NFL debut in Week 7. He recorded one reception for a 21-yard touchdown in nine regular-season games. His fourth-round draft capital with the Ravens positions him in a "useable range" for fantasy purposes. Consider him a waiver wire look in redraft leagues and a worthwhile flyer at the end of dynasty startup drafts.

As a rookie Malik Washington showed some late-season improvement, managing a 16-169-0 line on 20 targets in his last four games. This could be a positive sign for his future prospects. His fantasy relevance is tied to the health of the Dolphins' top receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. If either of them miss time, Washington could see an expanded role. He is worth monitoring as an injury insurance option and for his potential role in dynasty leagues.

While he did little as a rookie last season, Jordan Whittington's performance in Week 5, where he had seven catches for 89 yards, suggests he could be a reliable target when given the chance. An injury limited Whittington's momentum in the 2024 season. For 2025 we view him as a potential waiver wire target and a possible dynasty sleeper.