RosterWatch Nation, boy did I miss you guys and gals. I spent my summer vacation toiling on my thesis, working for Uncle Sam, and drinking IPAs like a true 30-something hipster with a dad bod. All the while I couldn’t help but think about fantasy football and RosterWatch Nation. It’s Week 1. It’s real football. Let’s do work!

It’s been 9 long months since my last DECLASSIFIED column. For those unfamiliar with it, DECLASSIFIED is all about looking at lesser known players and/or value picks in redraft, dynasty, and especially daily fantasy (DFS) contests.

There are some obviously good wide receiver picks in Week 1 of the regular season. I don’t care if Antonio Brown is going against Josh Norman. He went against Chris Harris, who is one of the best cover corners in the league, and AB ate his lunch. I think Amari Cooper could rip into an ugly New Orleans Saints secondary. Even Marvin Jones and Golden Tate are likely to come up big against the dumpster fire that is the Indianapolis Colts defense. But what if you need a cheap flex option? What if you blew all your DFS dollars on Zeke and Todd Gurley and you need an unheralded guy with WR2 or 3 upside? As your fantasy doctor for this week, I’m here to prescribe you some Tajae Sharpe…

Who? Come on, most everyone is on to Tajae Sharpe by now. Actually, the fifth-round rookie wideout for the Tennessee Titans is gaining some traction as a sleeper candidate for the 2016 season in season-long leagues. I think he could be a fantasy money maker, sooner rather than later.

Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives for Tajae Sharpe while considering his fantasy value in Week 1 versus the Minnesota Vikings defense.

Positives

– Height and Quickness: He’s got good not amazing size. At 6’2” he’s got some length I just wish he would use it more to box smaller corners out. I wouldn’t call him explosive but he’s quick in and out of his breaks. Acceleration is good to get him some clean releases. He’s a damn good route runner despite grading out as a below-average performer by RosterWatch on-field at the 2016 NFL Combine.

– Quarterback Play and Chemistry: Marcus Mariota looked much better as a rookie than I expected. I think he takes a big leap forward this year. He has shown a lot of trust already in Tajae Sharpe and seems to favor him much as he did Delanie Walker last year.

– Volume and Opportunity: Mike Mularkey talked about the Titans “Exotic Smashmouth” offense back in February — and you’re certainly going to see more emphasis on the run game in Tennessee — but there will still be opportunities for Sharpe. He’s already a starter in Tennessee. Rishard Matthews has shown flashes of brilliance but I think he has hit his ceiling. Andre Johnson has shown he might have something left in the tank but let’s be clear, he’s 35 years old, on his third team in as many years, and has never gotten double digit touchdowns. Sharpe is going to get some major opportunities to make a name for himself.

– Experience and Consistency: Yes I know he’s a rookie. But if you look at his career at UMass you see a guy who put up big time numbers, was extremely reliable, and was the centerpiece of that offense. He’s not new to being the #1 receiver. As the Trashman noted in his scouting report of Sharpe, “he made a catch every game day for UMass during his career there.”

Negatives

– Limited Athleticism: He’s a good route runner and that makes up for a lot but he’s not incredibly fast. He doesn’t have great long speed. He’s quick off the line but he’s not explosive. That’s why he lasted until the fifth round. However he’s the anti-DGB and Justin Hunter (who I confess I loved). He doesn’t have the freakish athletic measurables but he is a baller who shines through fundamentals and crisp route running much in the mold of a Tyler Boyd.

– Lack of Physicality: I wish his game was more physical. If he used his body the way a Michael Crabtree or Anquan Boldin does I would be even more excited. Some of this can be coached up but some of that is innate as well.

– Emphasis on Run Game: Exotic smashmouth. DeMarco Murray. Derrick Henry. Pretty much all that needs to be said.

DECLASSIFIED: Tajae Sharpe’s Week 1 Fantasy Outlook

Tajae Sharpe is probably not going to be a rookie phenom based on the offense and his own physical abilities. But he’s smart, hardworking, and according to Andre Johnson, Mariota, and others has a veteran’s approach that includes knowledge of nuances of the game.
He’s available in over 45% of redraft leagues. If you have a spot on your roster you need to get him ASAP because if he goes gangbusters in week 1 he’ll be off the market quick.
He’s only $3000 in DraftKings this week. He’s going for the minimum. On FanDuel he’s $4800 and cheaper than even third receivers like Cecil Shorts.

All factors considered, I would expect Tajae Sharpe to pull down 5 receptions for 75 yards and a receiving touchdown in Week 1 versus the Minnesota Vikings!