Rashid Shaheed was off to a hot start as a breakout wide receiver 2 last year before an unfortunate season ending torn meniscus in week 6. While mostly thriving off of deep balls, he also had an 11 target game in week 4 and managed to score 3 TD’s in 5 weeks, averaging over 16 fantasy points in all but one week (ok to be fair week 3 was a goose egg as Shaheed and Carr could not connect on his 5 targets). The injury could not have come at a worse time for the undrafted 26 year old receiver that really only shined on special teams in a small school – the early season production was desperately needed for him to cement a second contract and vault him up in fantasy football rankings. 

Positive reports of his recovery and especially his early chemistry with rookie QB Tyler Shough are encouraging. Scouting reports on Shough often cite his ability to throw deep balls relatively effectively, his lead receiver last season, Ja’Corey Brooks, feasted on a 16.6 yards per reception, leaving us to hope Shough earns the starting role week 1 and continues to connect with Shaheed early and often. Shaheed has fallen precipitously across all fantasy formats, he’s a perfect late round best ball candidate and a great buy low target in Dynasty. As a player who’s already proven he can hand in the NFL, Shaheed should have the leg up over most rookie receivers getting drafted in the 3rd round or later. 

Author: Lukasz Stec (@Lukasz_FF01)