Fantasy Football 2018: 7 rookie wide receivers you must target
By Jon Dove
3. James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a veteran team with established playmakers. However, there’s an opening within the wide receiver group for rookie James Washington to seize. Pittsburgh decision to move on from Martavis Bryant this offseason has created a void.
Bryant was shipped off to the Oakland Raiders after being plagued by off-field issues while in Pittsburgh. His playmaking ability will be missed, but it’s hard to operate with someone so unreliable.
Washington is fighting for the No. 3 receiver role behind Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. His main competition is Darius Heyward-Bey, Eli Rogers and Justin Hunter.
Those three have all spent time in the Steelers system which gives them a slight leg up. However, Washington brings a lot more upside and big-play potential. The Steelers have also shown with Smith-Schuster that they won’t hesitate to elevate a rookie.
Washington had a prolific career at Oklahoma State where he proved his ability to be a deep threat. However, don’t be surprised if he quickly develops into a more rounded weapon. Washington has a think frame and shows the ability to run crisp routes.
The one adjustment he’ll need to make is running routes in a pro-style offense. Oklahoma State was a spread attack that provided simpler concepts.