Cam Newton signs with the New England Patriots: Fantasy impact

Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman should remain the highly targeted slot maven he has been for years, but may take a step back from the 100 reception, 1,117 receiving yard, six touchdown WR10 line he put up in 2019. He should still see over 100 targets, but may have a tough time approaching 153 again. He should be able to provide volume based WR2 value, which makes him a bargain at his current ADP as the 34th wide receiver off the board in redraft leagues. He may be nearing the end of the line, but Edelman remains highly productive. He is a tremendous value at his current ADP, and is all but certain to outperform his draft position.

N’Keal Harry

N’Keal Harry is the big winner here. Jarrett Stidham was going to run the same dink and dunk offense Tom Brady ran, but as a more risk average quarterback he may have shied away from his 50/50 ball receiver for quarters at a time. Cam Newton will make a point to heave up deep shots to Harry, and will also love targeting him at, or behind the line of scrimmage. Harry has WR2 upside with Newton under center, but should be treated as more of a WR4 with WR3 upside. Currently the 64th wide receiver off the board based on consensus ADP, N’Keal Harry is going to be an absolute steal for those who can land him anytime after 48 receivers have already been drafted. Move N’Keal Harry up your cheat sheets. Now.

Mohamed Sanu/Jakobi Meyers/Jeff Thomas

Whichever one of these three receivers win the number three role sees a small fantasy boost with this news. It is not expected to be a high volume role, but could still provide a flex worthy starter during the bye weeks. If Jeff Thomas wins the job he could approach WR3 value due to his home run ability. He is the best suited to take on the Phillip Dorsett deep threat role, and has the talent to become a long term answer at the position. Jakobi Meyers flashed last preseason, but is more suited for the slot than an outside role that asks him to run intermediate or deep routes. Mohamed Sanu is also best suited for the slot at this point of his career. He looked washed after joining the Patriots last season, but will be given every opportunity to stake claim to the number three role. The most likely scenario is that all three of these receivers rotate snaps and in turn cannibalize each other’s fantasy values.

Devin Asiasi/Dalton Keene

Whichever one of these tight ends wins the starting job could be in for an impressive rookie season by tight end standards. Devin Asiasi or Dalton Keene will need to see at least 70-75 percent of the snaps for it to happen, but there is TE1 upside here if one of them can claim that sort of role. Asiasi has more talent, and is the preferred target in dynasty leagues, but Keene has the talent to emerge as the snap leader as a rookie. At the very least both tight ends are worth late round fliers.