Fantasy Football 2018: 7 rookie wide receivers you must target
By Jon Dove
7. D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers again used the first round of the NFL Draft to give Cam Newton a playmaker. Last year it was Christian McCaffrey and now it’s D.J. Moore. Like McCaffrey, look for Moore to have an immediate role.
Moore is a smooth athlete with a solid frame. He’s someone who really excels in the open field by creating yards after the catch.
The Panthers are likely to create some packages where Moore gets the ball on wide receiver screens, handoffs and reverses. Basically, they will look to get the ball into his hands anyway possible.
Moore isn’t a finished product and will need to do a better job with his route running. He also will need to learn how to work in pro-style concepts. However, his ability to create in multiple ways will help him adjust.
Carolina will also look to use its versatile weapons as distractions in order to feature different attacks.
Moore’s biggest challenger for touches is Curtis Samuel who is working his way back from injury. Both players are similar in that they can work the underneath routes and screen game. The biggest difference is that Moore has a bigger frame and spent his college career playing receiver.
Veterans Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright figure to see some action, but neither are high volume targets. The Fantasy Pros are projecting a strong year for Moore with 42 receptions, 553 yards and three touchdowns.