In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter:
With another week of offseason workouts coming to a close, here are a few storylines that dynasty managers should be paying attention to.
Let's start off with rookie wideout Pat Bryant.
Selected with the 74th pick by the Denver Broncos, he immediately drew comparisons to Michael Thomas from head coach Sean Payton. As the early portions of the offseason have unfolded, there's been nothing but positive news about Bryant coming from the Broncos camp.
On paper, it was one of the better landing spots for a wideout. Bo Nix leads an ascending offense that lacks a true No. 2 outside of Courtland Sutton. That opens up the perfect opportunity for Bryant to step into a meaningful role right away.
Last season, Sutton led the team with 135 targets. The second-most targets (70) went to RB Javonte Williams, and it was WR Devaughn Vele who was No. 2 in targets with 55.
He may have checked in at WR11 in our Rookie WR Model, and he may have watched 10 other wideouts get drafted ahead of him, but so far it's looking like the Broncos got a steal with Bryant in Round 3 this past spring.
I’ve got two more young wideouts to pay attention to, but first …
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Year 3 Breakout On Tap For DeMario Douglas
You might think the biggest offseason names to follow on the New England Patriots are players like Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, or TreVeyon Henderson.
While those guys certainly warrant your attention, the most valuable dynasty nugget might be third-year wideout DeMario Douglas.
A former sixth-round draft pick out of Liberty, Douglas quietly had 66 receptions for 621 yards and three scores last season. However, based on the early returns of the offseason program, there's a real chance for a third-year breakout.
The hiring of Mike Vrabel as the new head coach also brought back household name Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator. McDaniels had been part of the Patriots coaching staff from 2001 to 2008 and then again from 2012 to 2021.
The combination of Vrabel, McDaniels, and Maye serves as the perfect storm for a guy like Douglas … a coaching staff (and QB) who can make the most of a gifted slot player.
Vrabel is innately in tune with how the Patriots have utilized the slot over the years, and McDaniels has firsthand experience with a slot master from coaching Jakobi Meyers with the Raiders.
The offseason reports coming out of New England highlight the fact that Douglas is firmly solidifying his starting slot position. Even with some expected growing pains for Vrabel & Maye, Douglas could quietly become a consistent, weekly starter for your dynasty squad.
BUT COULD THE OFFENSE HOLD DOUGLAS BACK?
Jalin Hyatt’s Time Is Now
A former Day 2 selection, Jaylin Hyatt is quickly running out of time to make his case as an NFL player. Through two seasons, he has just 31 receptions and no TDs.
However, if you have some space at the end of your bench, you might consider stashing him. Here's why:
Early reports from the New York Giants are that Hyatt has formed a nice connection with presumptive starter Russell Wilson. Malik Nabers is the undisputed WR1, but there's a mess at WR2 behind him.
Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Hyatt will all compete for meaningful snaps behind Nabers. When there's that much ambiguity, I tend to lean in and get a cheap piece here or there when I can.
Back at the 2023 NFL Combine, Hyatt measured at 6'0"/176 lbs and ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash. It sounds like Hyatt has bulked up a bit this season without losing his deep threat capability. Let's hope he can be more physical at the point of the catch and make more progress as both an NFL and fantasy contributor for dynasty managers everywhere.
It's easy to forget that, according to our Rookie WR Model, Hyatt finished in the same tier as players like Jayden Reed, Rashee Rice, Tank Dell, and Josh Downs. There are always exceptions, of course, but it's a nice reminder that sometimes players take longer to develop than others.
This might be a case where patience pays off.
HOW DOES THE NYG OFFENSE PROJECT FOR HYATT?
Around the Watercooler
The latest NFL news and fantasy football analysis from our merry band of football nerds
📝 QBs under pressure? We can build a case for their value with this metric.
🐆 Is Bryce Young the late-round gem this year? His offense could be.
😬 Will Justin Fields finish QB5 or QB20? The range of outcomes is wide.
✍️ Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins have signed. Now what?
🤔 Start, bench, or cut. Make your picks.
😡 This was not the deal, Pete. Don’t even think about it.
👀 We aren’t saying adjust your rankings, but this is a pretty badass pic.
