Jerry Jeudy

In his first season in Cleveland, Jerry Jeudy became the sole reliable target for the team once Amari Cooper was traded. He finished the season ranked 16th as a fantasy receiver. Somehow his ADP numbers fall back significantly this year. Yes, the quarterback situation is a concern, but it would be difficult to be worse than in 2024. Those pointing to the free agent signing of Diontae Johnson didn’t see him play last year. He was disappointing for three teams. it seems unlikely he changes the pattern of former Steeler wide receivers stinking once they leave Pittsburgh. Back to Jeudy and despite entering his sixth season he is still remarkably young at 26 years of age. He was elite over the last half of the season. He ranked sixth in the final nine games, averaging exactly seven receptions and 100 yards a game. But a receiver in the prime of his career, who will be the number one target is ranked at the bottom end of the WR3 market. That’s value too good to pass up. 

Longtime underachiever who briefly turned into Jerry Rice while playing with Jameis Winston. Don't chase it unless you think Flacco holds the job all season (spoiler: he won't).

My comparison for Jeudy has always been Reggie Wayne. Last year, Jeudy finally posted stats befitting Wayne. 

Jeudy earned 144 targets, 90 catches, 1229 yards, and 4 scores. Wayne averaged 138 targets, 86 catches, 1156 yards, and 7 scores. 

Both do their best work over the middle as possession receivers who can get behind defenders with the assistance of play-action. If the Browns can earn competent veteran play from Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett, Jeudy should deliver another Wayne-like year. If not, Jeudy's output could have much greater variance.

In his first season in Cleveland, he ranked ninth in targets (145), sixth in receiving yards (1,229), 18th in targets per game (8.3), and 14th in receiving yards per game (72.9). Jeudy thrived as Kevin Stefanski’s wide receiver one and projects to operate in the same important role again this season at just 26 years old. Do not overthink the Browns’ quarterback situation. The Browns led the NFL in pass attempts last season. Their record was 3-14. There should be no shortage of passing volume for the talented former first-round pick.