Outlook Carnell Tate
High-Upside Rookie Primed for Immediate Volume After Draft Price Dip
Drafted fourth overall, Carnell Tate steps right into starting outside duties for Tennessee alongside Calvin Ridley. While his connection with rookie quarterback Cam Ward drew immense praise in training camp, Tate experienced a quiet exhibition slate without a preseason reception. Head coach Robert Saleh dismissed concerns, ensuring Tennessee's offensive scheme will prioritize manufacturing touches for the physical rookie.
That preseason lull sparked a notable slide in draft rooms. After holding steady as a mid-sixth-round selection near pick 64 in early August, Tate's cost tumbled toward pick 103 in PPR drafts. Despite roster ownership sitting at 99%, fantasy managers cooled on him, turning the gifted first-rounder into an enticing mid-round value steal.
Our projections anticipate an immediate workload, slotting Tate for 75 receptions, 905 receiving yards, and six touchdowns on 109 targets (182.0 fantasy points). While a 42% start rate illustrates early-season fantasy hesitation, his starting perimeter role and collegiate pedigree offer every-week WR3 utility with room to grow.
Updated 10 hrs ago
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Outlook Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Plummeting Draft Cost Opens Up High-Yield Value in Washington's Backfield
Jacory Croskey-Merritt enters his second NFL season poised to lead Washington's backfield rotation after handling 175 carries at a solid 4.6 yards per carry in 2025. While listed atop the depth chart ahead of Rachaad White, his role remains predominantly on early downs after tallying only nine catches last year.
Our projections anticipate steady volume on the ground, pegging him for 180 rushing attempts, 795 yards, and eight touchdowns, with a modest 12 receptions. Sharing touches keeps him in committee territory, but his projected scoring punch inside the red zone offers dependable touchdown-dependent utility.
The market has grown skeptical as draft day approaches. His ADP tumbled from near pick 110 in mid-August down into the 150s following a late-August lower-body injury. With roster ownership near 89% yet draft capital cheapening, our projections view this price dip as an attractive late-round value steal.
Updated 10 hrs ago
