JJ Arcega-Whiteside (WR, PHI) - 2020 Fantasy Football Sleeper

4 years ago by Andrew Ericksen

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~165 Overall / Waiver Wire

CURRENT ADP: 180+ (Undrafted in 12-team leagues)

ANALYSIS: If anything defined the Eagles 2019 season that was lack of depth at the receiver position. QB Carson Went struggled to find reliable options on offense all year long, and even on a slim receiving corps Arcega-Whiteside still struggled to put on solid performances getting only 22 targets through the season and catching 10 of them for 169 yards and a score. Truth be told, and although he played in all 16 games, he was hampered by a foot injury all year that even limited his walking. Put all of this together (rookie, injured, low-volume target), and everything was in place for a disaster and a drop on his stock entering 2020, which is exactly what is happening these days.

The Eagles tried to bolster their offense this offseason and to do that they traded for Marquise Goodwin... which a few days ago just opted out of the season. They also drafted WR Jalen Reagor, which given the status of the offense can be considered Philadelphia no. 1 receiver for 2020. Other than that, it is slim picks. TE Zach Ertz is there, sure, but at the receiving position, Philly will be banking on the returns of DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery. Ugh. Arcega-Whiteside doesn't look that bad when put next to all of those players, and his possession-abilities (16.9 yards per reception in 2019) should help him establish himself once for all.

As there is not a clear path for him to break as a starter soon, Arcega-Whiteside is virtually not getting drafted at all in any league. The second-year receiver is flying under the radar due to his middling rookie season, yet he boasts some upside that can be picked up for free once your league's draft is completed. JJ projects to 75 PPR points on PFF's latest simulations, which aligns with the 223th-best player in all fantasy football. Not great, but remember you can get that for free. If that is in fact all Arcega-Whiteside costs you, then go ahead and stash him on your bench. It wouldn't be the first time DeSean Jackson or Alshon Jeffery miss games opening the door for others to get playing time.