As we get to the weeks that are usually past the trade deadline in dynasty leagues (I am in one without a trade deadline, which is fun but crazy during the playoffs when teams get into arms races), it’s time to look ahead to next year and target speculative players to fill end-of-the-bench spots when we are eliminated from the playoffs. We’ll go position-by-position over the next four weeks and separate players out into Snorkel, Scuba, and Submarine levels to serve dynasty players of all levels.
This week, wide receivers and tight ends as last week’s edition was delayed by the holiday time crunch. Thanks for understanding!
Wide Receiver
Snorkel
Khalil Shakir, BUF - He looked dynamic and capable in limited action this year. The Bills are slow to trust young players, so don’t look at his minimal involvement this year as any sort of indictment of his abilities.
Denzel Mims, NYJ - It’s very possible that we may look back at Mims' tenure with the Jets as an example of a team drafting a player without thinking through what their system asks for out of their position. Mims has gotten on the field this year over Elijah Moore - another talented wide receiver who has been in the doghouse - and only has one more year before free agency.
Parris Campbell, Alec Pierce, IND - Pierce had the look of a breakout rookie receiver with a great game on downfield passes, and Campbell is a player who was finally starting to realize his potential before the Colts' quarterback situation and season imploded. Campbell will be a free agent next year in a thin market at a coveted position, making Pierce a starter in Indianapolis and Campbell a possible starter elsewhere in a better offense.
Darius Slayton, NYG - Slayton has picked up where he left off in a promising rookie year, just before hitting free agency in a depleted wide receiver market. He could stay with Daniel Jones in New York and will probably be signed to play a significant role somewhere after injuries forced him back on the field this year.
Terrace Marshall, CAR - Marshall has shown why he was a second-round pick in 2021 at times this year, and the Panthers are sure to improve (well, try to improve) their quarterback situation yet again this offseason. Double-check to make sure he’s not on waivers.
Scuba
David Bell, CLE - There was a lot of excitement in deep dynasty circles when Bell landed with the Browns. It hasn’t resulted in much for fantasy this year, but next year, with a full offseason to get on the same page as Deshaun Watson, who can lean on his slot receiver when the spot is filled by a competent player like Hunter Renfrow.
Isaiah Hodgins, NYG - The Bills couldn’t find room to keep Hodgins, so Brian Daboll was happy to be reacquainted with him in New York. Now he’s one of the steadiest players in their offense. Hodgins is still under contract next year and could play an important role in the Giants offense, and he just turned 24.
Laviska Shenault, CAR - Shenault was once an “it” player in dynasty leagues, but he fizzled out quickly as part of the Urban Meyer debacle in Jacksonville. The Panthers claimed him and appeared to actually have a plan for using his versatile skillset. His dynasty value still has a pulse.
Rashid Shaheed, NO - It’s rare that a rookie as productive as Shaheed isn’t coveted in dynasty leagues, but with the Saints offense very low-key this year and most attention on Chris Olave, Shaheed instantly hit as a deep threat hasn’t gotten much attention. He could be another Marquez Callaway, destined to fade when the team gets better options, but Shaheed played ahead of Callaway this year…
Greg Dortch, ARI - What does Dortch have to do to get respect around dynasty circles? He is only 24 years old and a restricted free agent next year. Dortch has been productive any time he has gotten a chance to play, and if Dortch returns to the Cardinals, Rondale Moore hasn’t been the best at staying healthy.
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