We’re approaching the 2024 season. Every year a few players seize on the right opportunity and surprise for fantasy players. The value comes from trying to predict who it will end up being this time of year and stashing them. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at some 2024 sleeper candidates at each of the key fantasy positions; quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Hopefully, these are players you can acquire at a value that will propel you to fantasy glory.
Continuing on with receivers, I turn my attention to a player who, in his third year, could be poised for his biggest role yet. Of course, based on the first two years, it wouldn’t take much. He’s in a good offense and was a First-Round selection, but so far, we haven’t seen much of a return. The player is Jameson Williams, and his maturation for the Detroit Lions could be key to seeing how far the team can go this season. Can Williams take the big step? Let’s weight the evidence.
The Case for Jameson Williams
The biggest case for Williams is the opportunity before him. The Lions took Williams No. 12 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. And yet, through two seasons, he has just 25 receptions. That’s a far cry from the top-end receiver the team thought they were getting. Coming off an injury, Williams was limited to just six games and just one reception as a rookie. In year two, he began the season with a suspension. In 12 games, he saw 42 targets and caught 24 passes. So, why is he on this list?
There are a couple reasons for optimism. First, he is entering his third year, healthy, and facing no suspensions. That’s good news. Second, the Lions don’t have much beyond him. While the team has a top-end receiver, a top-end tight end, and two good running backs, there isn’t much depth.
In fact, the Lions let go their second-best wide receiver from 2023 feet when Josh Reynolds signed with the Broncos. Reynolds saw 64 targets, fourth on the team, and caught 40 passes in 2023. He’s gone, leaving those targets for others. The Lions still have Kalif Raymond, who saw 44 targets in 2023, along with veterans Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tre’Quan Smith. But Raymond is a role player and none of the other receivers have the talent or potential upside of Williams.
The Case Against Jameson Williams
So, it would seem from above like everything is breaking Williams’ way. While that feels true, he’s not without some risk. First off is the fact he hasn’t done much. Though healthy in 2023, Williams managed just 42 targets in 12 games. That’s just 3.5 targets a game, which is discouraging. It’s possible Williams isn’t a good fit for the Lions and won’t be able to capitalize on the opportunity and draft capital.
Then there’s the matter of competition. Williams, at best, is the fourth option in the passing game. The team’s WR1 is Amon-Ra St. Brown, while second-year tight end Sam LaPorta proved himself a valuable receiver in 2023. The third option in the passing game is running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who saw 71 targets as a rookie. He figures to continue to build on his contributions. That makes the Lions’ depth chart crowded at the top.
Beyond them, Reynolds had 64 targets, Raymond had 44 targets, and Williams had 42 targets in 2023. For Williams to take a leap forward, he needs to get at least double the targets he had in 2023. That’s possible, but it’s hardly a lock.
The Bottom Line
I liked Williams coming out of college, and I liked him on the Lions. So far, we haven’t gotten much return considering he went in the First Round of dynasty rookie drafts. But we’ve often seen players, including receivers, take a few years to develop. Williams isn’t cheap, clocking in with an ADP of WR48. But the potential is there. We’ve seen Goff support multiple top pass catchers before. If Williams becomes a true WR2, landing in the 85-90 target range, he’ll be a weekly flex option in this offense.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
