Ranking wide receivers who have spent three seasons in the NFL is particularly challenging because distinguishing pure talent from actual opportunity and production is not straightforward. It’s easier to maintain confidence in younger players such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze, but evaluating receivers like DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Chris Olave presents more uncertainty. Currently, these three fall between the WR23 and WR32 range, but there remains significant doubt about their true value.
DeVonta Smith’s Current Projection and Underlying Factors
Smith clearly possesses the ability to be a top-20 wide receiver or higher, a fact evidenced whenever the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown or Dallas Goedert misses playing time. However, Smith’s fantasy outlook takes a hit due to the Eagles’ noticeably run-focused offensive scheme. For 2025, Smith is projected as a solid mid-range WR3 primarily because he is expected to receive only 116 targets. Despite this conservative forecast, should either Brown or Goedert face injury setbacks, Smith’s fantasy value would almost certainly improve, making his current ranking appear too low.
Jaylen Waddle’s Inconsistent Production and Declining Role
Jaylen Waddle’s fantasy value is hard to pin down as well. He produced an elite 2022 season with 74 receptions, 1,356 yards, and eight touchdowns, benefitting from playing alongside Tyreek Hill. Unfortunately, the past two years have been disappointing, marked by reduced opportunities following the Dolphins’ addition of tight end Jonnu Smith. This shift caused Waddle’s targets to drop to 83 in 2024, his career low. As a result, Waddle fell outside the top 36 in 2025 projections, ranking as WR29 in dynasty leagues—his lowest spot since entering the NFL.
Declining Outlook for Chris Olave Amid Team Changes and Health Concerns
Chris Olave’s outlook is even more troubling. With the retirement of quarterback Derek Carr and uncertainty over his replacement, Olave faces a troubled future. Additionally, his concussion issues from the previous season add to the doubts. Despite early promise, Olave’s production has yet to live up to expectations: he has scored only 10 touchdowns and has never surpassed 1,200 receiving yards in a season. Unlike Smith, Olave lacks the chance for a sudden boost due to teammates’ injuries. His trajectory increasingly resembles that of Terry McLaurin, who has shown touchdown upside but has failed to become an elite target volume or yardage leader. Olave might never break through at the highest level.
Buying Opportunities and Market Realities
While all three receivers demonstrate enough talent to warrant a buy-low strategy, securing them at a discount is difficult. Each currently holds a higher average draft position (ADP) than the rankings suggest, meaning their market value does not reflect present skepticism. This misalignment creates tension for fantasy managers aiming to capitalize on potential undervaluation but facing costly acquisition prices.
Recent Discussions on Ranking Dilemmas and Additional Players
Recently on Fantasy Football Today Dynasty, Smitty and I discussed the broader challenges in ranking players, including wide receiver Travis Hunter as well as Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, reflecting ongoing frustration with projecting young talent amid evolving opportunities and team situations.
Updated Dynasty Wide Receiver Rankings and Final Thoughts
In summary, DeVonta Smith’s mid-WR3 fantasy football ranking for 2025 reflects both his talent ceiling and the constraints limiting his opportunity in Philadelphia’s run-heavy offense. The uncertainty surrounding his teammates’ health adds volatility that could swing his value higher if circumstances change. Meanwhile, Waddle and Olave face heightened doubts due to shifts in their teams and personal setbacks, leading to lower confidence in their forecasts. Fantasy football managers should be cautious but remain open to strategic moves as situations evolve during the offseason and approaching the draft.