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Friday, March 15, 2024 |
Quarterbacks and running backs were on the move early and often this free agency cycle but four very talented wide receivers found new homes this week. It was announced on Tuesday that Diontae Johnson would be traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick. |
The Tennessee Titans got in on the action and provided Will Levis with another weapon by signing Calvin Ridley to a four-year $92 million deal. Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick, while Marquise Brown signed a one-year $11 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. |
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While wide receivers were all the rage this week, we can't forget that the NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. This is the time we should be learning as much as we can about NFL prospects who have an opportunity to make a Fantasy impact in their respective rookie campaigns. This week Dave Richard provided an in-depth Fantasy and Dynasty scouting report on North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye and OSU wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. |
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Diontae Johnson traded to Panthers |
Given the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback woes last season, it's not too difficult to understand why Diontae Johnson's numbers have declined. Last season, Johnson posted 717 yards on 51 receptions. Both numbers are four-year career lows for Johnson; he'll look to bounce back in 2024 with the Carolina Panthers, who desperately need wide receiver help for second-year quarterback Bryce Young. |
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In this article, Dave Richard highlights a potential uptick in production for George Pickens in Johnson's absence. However, I firmly believe Calvin Austin III is in line for a breakout season. Look for Austin to be heavily involved in shots off play-action, which could signal explosive plays and improved touchdown numbers for the third-year wide receiver. |
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Calvin Ridley joins Titans |
Calvin Ridley will partner with DeAndre Hopkins in Tennessee to form a rather dynamic duo at wide receiver. Ridley hauled in 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns, while Hopkins had 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions last season. This production is something I'm sure second-year quarterback Will Levis will be thrilled to have next season. |
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With the addition of Calvin Ridley, Heath Cummings points to Treylon Burks as a player who will likely be dropped as Dynasty managers clear space for a deep rookie wide receiver class. That's not to say Burks isn't talented and can't eventually become a valuable piece in Dynasty, but with the addition of a receiver like Ridley, who separates from defensive backs with ease, he likely won't be seeing many targets this upcoming season. |
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Keenan Allen complicates D.J. Moore's Fantasy value |
No matter who eventually becomes the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears in 2024, they'll have no shortage of weapons at their disposal. By trading for Keenan Allen , the Bears now have two contrasting styles at the wide receiver position. You have a player like Moore who can make plays on all three levels of the field, and Keenan Allen, who can play above the rim as well as any player in the NFL. |
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This pair is going to make life miserable for defensive backs week in and week out, but will Fantasy managers see a dip in Moore's production with the addition of Allen? When compared to Allen, Jamey Eisenberg rules in favor of Moore's production as a result of his big-play potential but concludes that Moore will indeed lose value as Allen will take away a few opportunities from Moore this season. Don't look for him to duplicate his career-best 16.4 PPR points per game in 2024. |
Marquise Brown signs with Chiefs |
Marquise Brown signed with the world champion Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday and instantly became the team's best wide receiver. Jamey believes the Chiefs could recreate a version of what they had with Tyreek Hill after signing Brown, and I certainly understand why this would be the prevailing thought. While I do agree that he will be the Chiefs' vertical threat, he's not nearly as dynamic as Tyreek Hill. |
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Hill lined up in the backfield and took crack tosses for touchdowns. Brown certainly isn't going to give the Chiefs that type of versatility, but he could be set up well for his best Fantasy season since his days in Baltimore. With Travis Kelce commanding a great deal of attention underneath, Brown will be tasked with lifting the top off defenses. He'll have his fair share of opportunities to make splash plays, which could eat into opportunities for Rashee Rice. For more information on where Jamey has Rice ranked following the Marquise Brown signing, check out his Fantasy reaction piece in its entirety, here. |
Drake Maye: Fantasy & Dynasty outlook |
Drake Maye is perceived by many as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Dave Richard took the time to break down his play. In Dave's scouting profile, you'll find the best NFL fit for Maye, his strengths and areas of opportunity, and a player comparison that struck me as surprisingly accurate the more I thought about it. To see how Maye could potentially impact your Fantasy or Dynasty team, be sure to give Dave's scouting report a read. |
Marvin Harrison Jr.: Fantasy & Dynasty outlook |
Marvin Harrison Jr. is considered a generational talent by many, but he has his fair share of flaws, and Dave does an excellent job of pinpointing where Harrison could improve in the NFL. While Dave believes he'll be an impact Dynasty player, he highlights concerns about initial burst and ability after the catch. Additionally, as was the case with Drake Maye, you'll get an excellent player comparison that's plain to see. To get a sense for just how quickly Harrison may go in your next draft, you'll definitely want to read Dave's full scouting report, as soon as humanly possible. |
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