Everyone looks for upside in Taxi stash candidates- here we look at some 2023 rookie WRs. We’re all looking for that hidden gem that comes out of nowhere and gives you an electrifying boost at the business end of your season. The one nobody expected to pop up with a 20-point game. Think Mack Hollins Week 3 2022 against the Titans or Van Jefferson in 2021!
Note: These players have the potential to do something- but they are stashes for a reason! They need a decent amount to fall their way
Tre Tucker (LV)
Tucker was a 3rd round pick for the Raiders and finds himself in a great position to actually see some NFL snaps in his rookie season. Sitting behind Hunter Renfrow a couple of seasons ago may not have been seen as a pathway to starting. However, following a down season in availability and production and question marks over durability still lingering there’s every chance Tucker sees some meaningful snaps. With most eyeing the Josh Jacobs situation, Tucker could easily slip under the radar and find his way deep into your roster. Certainly, a guy to watch when the season gets underway. His speed and elusiveness of the Cincinnati Bearcats product look to be a real asset. Although his size and frame could cause many to overlook him. His ability to separate in the end zone is where can really rack up points.
Nikko Remigio (KC)
Remigio has already shown flashes of his ability in training camp and pre-season. Unfortunately, he’s also sustained an injury leading to him being potentially unavailable for a short period of time. The upshot is that currently with the injury uncertainty people may overlook him for now. However, Remigio has the potential to thrive in an offense that has a habit of churning out production from its receivers. No prizes for guessing why. Having moved on from Tyreek Hill, and still seen solid enough production to win a Superbowl, the Chiefs should be happy to continue to take chances on receivers with a low cap impact. This will keep the door open for a guy like Remigio. He will prove his worth on the field with his YAC ability. Not a lot of his other stats or abilities jump out at you, but his ability to make yards and extend plays is his true strength. If somehow he’s currently on waivers, or you’re drafting and he’s there late on he is absolutely a dart throw worthy of a taxi spot or a bench slot in a deep league.
Dontayvion Wicks (GB)
There’s a lot of uncertainty in Green Bay right now.
- New starting quarterback for the first time in 15 years
- Young cast of receivers with plenty of promise
- Division of rivals seemingly closing the gap on the dominant force which is the Packers.
However, with change comes opportunity and there is sure to be opportunity within this group of wide receivers. Jordan Love will be looking for his best supporting cast and that won’t be decided in training camp. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and rookie Jayden Reed are most likely the 3 main men initially.
However, Wicks, the 5th-round pick out of Virginia will consider himself to have every chance of making a claim at a starting roster spot. If he can eradicate some drops that resulted in a drop in production, he has the ability to be an absolute monster in fantasy and NFL terms. Elusive runner, unpredictable tempo and direction changes and the ability to track the ball in flight are strengths a new starting quarterback can make use of. There are concerns over Wicks’ ability to catch under challenge. But the value he can represent right now is fantastic in an offense that could change on a dime during the season.
Jason Brownlee (NYJ)
Brownlee may have gone undrafted but he was on the radar for the Jets during the draft process. They were keen to add him to the ranks after the draft. Giving him a shot at making the roster. Currently he’s showing some exciting flashes in both training and preseason. But the cast has not been set just yet on if he makes the final 53 but his chances to make the roster are only increasing with the retirement of Corey Davis. However, this is one potential sleeper pick to sit in your taxi and forget about for this year. Brownlee has continually been earmarked as a name to watch at Jets camp. If he doesn’t make the 53-man roster there’s every chance another team will swoop for him. This could be the pick of these with the hardest route to fantasy production. But that would make it all the sweeter if the throw of the dice pays off.
Andrei Iosivas (CIN)
This one is far from a secret and most of us are aware of what Iosivas represents. A tall and speedy receiver from Princeton has landed in one of the strongest offenses in the league. It’s anticipated that his opportunities this coming season will be somewhat limited. But with a view to potentially being next seasons WR2 replacing Tee Higgins, who is currently chasing a payday, alongside Ja’Marr Chase. The potential for Iosivas to be a high-producing fantasy WR2 in 2024 is undeniable and for those who can spare a slot and stomach the wait he is potentially going to pay off big time. Many who follow fantasy closely were hoping for him to land somewhere with potential for immediate production but having seen how Tee higgins has performed I think hopes are high for those tucking him away on rosters right now.
This stage of pre season is full of excitement and action catches and so many clips of the good that comes from these players but dissecting the situation surrounding the teams and anticipating where opportunities can come is a challenge in itself as ever though fate resides in the hands of the footballing gods.
Remember you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
