Week 1 of the preseason usually is slow going. However, it is also the rookie showcase as many new talents make their career debut. We cannot jump to too many conclusions from a few quarters of play in what is essentially a scrimmage game. However, some rookies are already on the fantasy radar and owners should know if they are living up to the hype.
Fantasy Football Preseason Week 1 Review: Rookie wide receivers
A look at the most notable rookie wideout performances of preseason Week 1.
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So to that end, here is how some of the more notable rookie wide receivers fared in preseason Week 1. Fantasy owners take note.
Rookie wideouts are having a rough start to NFL life, Jones is no exception. Barely noticed by QB Tyrod Taylor, Jones did not have any catches. He was at least on the field and with the unexpected trade of Sammy Watkins to the Rams, Jones has an open window as the Bills’ deep threat.
Preseason Week 1 did not offer owners much to gauge Jones with, however his situation is good overall. The Bills will work their top receivers — Anquan Boldin and Jordan Matthews — in the slot mostly. That gives Jones the outside routes. If he can adjust well in that position he will be a big asset for fantasy owners.
Davis has had limited time on the field since the spring, battling ankle and hamstring issues. When he did take the field in camp, he was running with the starters. That is the only silver lining to the start of Davis’ NFL career. The Titans hope to have their fifth overall pick back in Week 1 of the regular season. As the strongest deep threat in Tennessee, there is potential for Davis and he should return as a starter. However, owners should know that taking a rookie that missed significant time in the preseason is a big gamble.
Ross is on the same injury train as several other rookie wideouts. He missed all the spring activities recovering from a shoulder surgery and a complicated NFL rule concerning late graduation. Ross’ return to practice is slow going and the Bengals have pretty much counted their ninth overall pick out for at least the beginning of the regular season. Owners should be excited about his 4.22 40-yard-dash speed. They should also note that the Bengals are deepest at the receiver position. Keep an eye on Ross as a potential late-season sleeper should he get healthy and in sync with Andy Dalton.
Taywan Taylor - Tennessee Titans
Taylor was one of the few rookie receivers to have any action in preseason Week 1. The third-round pick caught four passes for 56 yards against the Jets. Most of those yards came on a 42-yard bomb in the third quarter.
Taylor has been eclipsed by the hype around Corey Davis, but he showed promise in his NFL debut. If he can shake off some of the rookie jitters, Taylor has playmaking ability. He could see some time on the field, especially in Davis’ absence. The right match up makes Taylor eye catching pick in DFS leagues.
