Number Five – Antonio Brown, WR
Before anyone gets bent out of shape, yes, Antonio Brown is indeed the third wide receiver on the depth chart behind two very talented receivers. It is also true that this greatly diminishes his potential for high-volume targets. What is also true is that the value here is potentially astronomical.
The value here is what’s key. Do we all remember just how good AB can be? It took him a little bit to get acclimated after being away for so long. There is a HUGE difference between being in good shape, and being in good football shape. He got his feet wet again last year, and should only improve.
In 2020 for the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers, Brown was able to catch 45 balls for 483 yards and four touchdowns. Those stats are remarkable for a “third“ option at receiver, especially for one that only played in eight regular-season games. That’s not even mentioning the fact that he had five catches for 22 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl LV.
Now granted, those numbers may not be spectacular from a fantasy perspective, but here’s the kicker. Brown should only improve, especially now that his re-acclimation is coupled with an actual full-length offseason. The thing is, not everyone sees this as clearly as Bucs fans, and Brown’s average draft position is plummeting because of it. You can potentially get a receiver of this talent for next to nothing, and it’s the ultimate low-risk high reward situation for fantasy, thus his inclusion here.