In the lead‑up to the 2026 fantasy football season, a growing number of analysts are turning their attention to late‑round wide receivers who can deliver outsized returns relative to their average draft position.
Among the most intriguing of these candidates is Quentin Johnston of the Los Angeles Chargers, currently slotted at an ADP of 112 in half‑PPR formats. After a breakout 2025 campaign in which he amassed 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns across just ten starts, Johnston’s blend of size and route precision positions him to exceed that valuation.
Not far behind is Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts, drafted around pick 120. The 2024 season saw him secure 72 catches for 803 yards and five scores, underscoring a reliable target share that could expand with the team’s evolving offensive scheme.
Rashid Shaheed, a speed‑driven playmaker for the Seattle Seahawks, carries an ADP of 141. Known for his elite acceleration and capacity to turn modest routes into big‑play opportunities, Shaheed’s deep‑ball skill set makes him a prime candidate for a surge in production.
Jayden Higgins, listed at an ADP of 153, emerged in his rookie year with 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns. With a growing role in the Houston Texans’ passing attack, his trajectory suggests a potential uplift beyond his current draft spot.
Finally, Jalen Coker of the Carolina Panthers sits at 156. In 2025 he recorded 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns over eleven games, and a larger share of targets could see him eclipse those numbers as the Panthers rebuild.
The Upside Behind the Numbers
What unites these five players is a combination of untapped talent, favorable situational contexts, and a draft environment that still undervalues their upside. As teams increasingly deploy multiple‑receiver sets, the window for late‑round breakout candidates widens.
For fantasy managers, targeting these receivers in the later stages of drafts can provide a high‑ceiling flex option without sacrificing early‑round capital. The key lies in monitoring training camp developments and preseason performance to confirm the projected role expansions.