Atlanta Falcons rookie sixth-round wide receiver Casey Washington is already looking like a real value pick for the Falcons, as he's made some of the team's best catches in training camp and is in contention for Atlanta's fourth wide receiver role after the loss of Rondale Moore to a season-ending injury. Washington is competing with the likes of Chris Blair and KhaDarel Hodge for the No. 4 role behind Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III. The Falcons' offense is much more attractive to fantasy managers now that head coach Arthur Smith is gone and quarterback Kirk Cousins is leading the show. The 23-year-old had 49 catches for 670 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at Illinois last year. For now with just a depth role in Atlanta, Washington is one to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Casey Washington Leads Falcons In Receiving Yards Friday
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington finished Friday's final preseason game with two catches for 32 yards on six targets in a 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. There was no production or efficiency on the offensive side from Taylor Heinicke and the rest of the Falcons. Still, it was another good sign that Washington led the team in targets for both of the preseason games in which he played. KhaDarel Hodge and Ray-Ray McCloud III are firmly ahead of Washington on the depth chart as the No. 3 and 4 wide receivers, meaning a lot would have to go his way to have any fantasy relevance in 2024.
Casey Washington Receives Heavy Volume In Preseason Debut
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington caught three passes on nine targets for 27 yards in a 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins Friday night. Despite the heavy volume for the 23-year-old receiver, he wasn't able to do much with it. The rookie out of the University of Illinois was able to log an impressive 12.4 yards per reception in the limited time he received in college on 122 receptions in 55 total games. Although, he was only able to find the end zone four times during his five years in college. There are no expectations for Washington to be used on the offense as the team's fifth wideout on the depth chart, but the early heavy volume is a positive side for the rookie receiver.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington has a tough road to playing time as a rookie, considering he was a sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft. However, Falcons writer Daniel Flick reports that the Illinois product is making waves this offseason. "After rookie minicamp, Washington started OTAs working with the third- and fourth-string offenses," Flick wrote. "By the middle of OTAs, he began blending in with the first- and second-team unit, catching passes from Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr." While it's important not to overreact to offseason developments, it's a great sign for Washington's chance to make the 53-man roster. Washington racked up just 1,508 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 55 collegiate games, but Atlanta clearly liked something they saw on tape, and his performance in practice is all that matters from this point on. Washington isn't on the fantasy radar yet, but he could push KhaDarel Hodge or Ray-Ray McCloud for a roster spot behind Drake London, Rondale Moore, and Darnell Mooney.
Casey Washington
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Falcons
