Zero to Fantasy Hero: NFC players who will become weekly contributors in 2017

The 2017 NFL Draft and Free Agency have maligned many a veteran player, but all is not doom and gloom for guys who have been in the league for awhile without major roles. The moves made this offseason have opened up windows of opportunity for more than a few guys that you need to think long and hard about in your fantasy drafts this year. These are some of my favorites in the NFC:

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Kendall Wright WR, Chicago Bears: Wright gets a new lease on life in Chicago after being underutilized in Tennessee for the past few years. Offering breakaway ability out of the slot, Wright will share the field with Cameron Meredith and Kevin White – both big WRs who are either susceptible to injury and/or concentration issues. Don’t be surprised if Wright becomes a boon in PPR formats as Mike Glennon’s go-to in a pinch.

Theo Riddick RB, Detroit Lions: Riddick missed six games in 2016, most in the last quarter of the season, making him an afterthought in many minds going into the 2017 season. Don’t make that mistake. If there is any constant in the Lions’ backfield this year, it will be Riddick who will be heavily implemented as an extension of OC Cooter’s short passing game. He had 80 receptions in 2015, and there’s no reason to think he won’t match or even best that number with another underwhelming WR corps in Detroit.

Adam Thielen WR, Vikings: Just 33 yards short of a 1,000 yard season, Thielen quietly led the Vikings WRs in yards and TDs (5) in 2016. With a new extension in place, he’s locked in as the Vikes’ “no.2”, and Minnesota has done little to upgrade their receiving corps other than offer a life preserver to flailing Michael Floyd. With a revitalized running game in place, the passing game should open up more this season under the helm of a more settled in Sam Bradford.  

John Brown WR, Cardinals: Brown had a rough go of it last season, as he was adversely affected by a concussion, his sickle-cell trait, and a cyst on his spine throughout the year. Now healthy and back to rare form, Brown is primed to revisit his 2015 season, when he posted over 1,000 yards and 7 TDs – that is, if he can stay healthy. The Michael Floyd trade to Minnesota only boosts his red-zone potential.

Tyler Higbee TE, Rams:  Opportunity knocks for 2nd year TE Higbee under new coach Sean McVay. The former Redskins OC took his TEs to new heights in Washington, and is poised to do the same thing in Los Angeles with the Travis Kelce look-a-like. The pass happy offense and a couple of rookie WRs who are new to the pace of the NFL should allow Higbee to thrive as a safety blanket for the young Jared Goff.

Brian Hoyer QB 49ers: The 49ers didn’t do themselves any great favor by drafting C.J. Beathard in the draft this year, but Hoyer will gladly thank them for the underwhelming move. Hoyer sits comfortably atop the depth chart in San Fran, and he’ll likely stay there for the  entirety of 2017, barring injury. He doesn’t have a slew of sexy targets to work with, but the dependable Pierre Garcon and lightning fast Marquise Goodwin should give him some help in a season where the 49ers are going to be playing from behind for much of it.

Ted Ginn WR, Saints: Those familiar with the Trashman’s grimy styles should be very familiar with Ginn and his boom or bust fantasy profile. He spent many a week in the “Garbage Grab”, and he paid off for many of them as a Panther. Now under the guileful watch of Sean Payton, Ginn should get even more run as the predominant field stretcher in New Orleans as a major player in an offense predicated on the pass.