Mysterious Units (part 1)

By: Josh Frey-Sam

Tis’ the season when we begin to get the answers to the questions that have burned bright all off-season.

There are several positional groups around the NFL that have a murky outlook entering the regular season, and training camp will help decide who from these mysterious units will help us the most during the fantasy season.

Who emerges as the alpha? What will their usage be? Who is the guy to own if there is an injury?

We will soon find out.

Here are the positional groups that I have dubbed the “mysterious units” that we must monitor during training camp.

Green Bay Packers receivers (Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden)

For the first time in several years, there is a clear top three in Green Bay after the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.

Christian Watson is undoubtedly the No. 1 in this group, but there will be a second WR to own from this group.

Per my Summer Series conversation with Andy Herman, Golden should see a breakout of some sort this year, but it might not necessarily be in the form of a 1,000-yard season.

Reed, meanwhile, is healthy and is perhaps the favourite to receive the most overall touches out of this group due to his versatility and the way he is used.

Cleveland Browns receivers (Jerry Jeudy, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, Cedric Tillman)

Despite some reporting that Jeudy will open the season as the top WR in Cleveland, it feels like we’ll see a changing of the guard this season with a pair of exciting second-round rookies entering the fold.

Boston impressed in mini-camp, while Concepcion was the more touted prospect.

Jeudy and Tillman are likely phased out in some capacity this year. And while it won’t feel particularly good owning any of these players, at least one of them is going to have a serviceable role on your roster.

Jacksonville Jaguars receivers (Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers)

We know who the top weapons are in Duval, but it remains to be seen which one emerges as the alpha of the passing attack.

BTJ was tremendous in mini-camp, but there is talk that he could be a sacrificial X and run wind sprints all season. Liam Coen’s track record with slot receivers is outstanding, and that’s where Washington figures to slot in.

Meyers likely has the lowest ceiling of this group, but he will factor in big this season, too.

This one is a true mystery. But we will want to have a piece of it.

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs (Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr.)

Tuten was thought to be the clear next man up when the Jags drafted him last season, but many have become concerned that CRod could vulture some critical scoring opportunities.

CRod is a capable short-yardage back with the advantage of experience. Tuten is clearly the more dynamic back out of the two, however.

This could be a 1a/1b, or maybe we’re overthinking it, and this was Tuten’s backfield all along.

Las Vegas Raiders receivers (Jack Bech, Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker)

None of it is pretty, especially when you think about how much opportunity Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty will eat up, but at least one of these WRs will prove valuable for fantasy.

Many, including myself, believe it to be Nailor, who the Raiders scooped off the free agent market this off-season and is the only player from this group who was handpicked by new head coach Klint Kubiak.

But there is something to be said for Bech, a physical WR who is entering his second season, and Tucker, who is the most dynamic option from this bunch.

This really feels like an open competition to see who will earn those valuable tertiary opportunities.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh