6 Players Worth Reaching for in Your Fantasy Football Drafts

Anquan Boldin, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Current ADP: 10.07

Earliest Willing to Draft: 8th Round

This call isn’t that controversial among the fantasy intelligentsia, but it’s worth repeating that Anquan Boldin is too good to be on fantasy boards in the 10th round.

Fantasy drafters are likely skittish about Boldin’s age, but his game has been largely the same for most of his career. He’s never been a huge deep threat, as his speed hasn’t (and certainly won’t now) allowed it.

Boldin gets his numbers via intermediate routes and contested catches, which he regularly reels in.

These characteristics are why quarterback Colin Kaepernick has so much trust in Boldin. And that doesn’t figure to change just because he’s a year older.

Moreover, offseason developments figure to work in our favor regarding Boldin’s fantasy production.

First, the 49ers lost Brandon Lloyd and Stevie Johnson, while bringing in Torrey Smith. Smith’s game should complement Boldin well, as he’s one of the best at stretching the field, leaving more breathing room for Boldin’s comparatively shorter routes.

Game script should require the 49ers to lean more on the pass as well. The 49ers defense was decimated in the offseason, which will severely hamper the team’s ability to stop opponents’ drives. Thus, it’s likely the 49ers will be playing a lot of catch up, which means more targets for Boldin.

Boldin’s recent work also should quell any age-related concerns, as he posted the league-leading and the 18th best Reception NEP per target in 2013 and 2014, respectively, among qualified receivers.

If you’re the type who likes to go mid-round quarterback or go after a stud tight end early, grabbing Boldin will aid in your inevitable game of catch up in targeting receivers.

Grab Boldin in the eighth or ninth round, and he’ll put up WR2 numbers like he always does.