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SI Fantasy Analyst Suggests Garrett Wilson Breaks into Top Tier This Year
Garrett Wilson's rookie year production may have been only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
In fantasy football terms, the New York Jets' dynamic pass-catcher reached WR2 status as a first-year pro under both standard and PPR scoring formats.
With quarterback Aaron Rodgers's arrival increasing the potential for a monster sophomore season, Wilson has been rising up draft boards ahead of the 2023 campaign. SI Fantasy currently ranks the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as the No. 10 overall receiver, projecting him as a second-round fantasy draft pick.
Sports Illustrated fantasy analyst Michael Fabiano appears to be on the growing Wilson hype train, listing the Jets' rising star as one of "eight potential breakout wide receivers to target in fantasy drafts who could have career best seasons in 2023."
Laying out the requirements for making the list, Fabiano noted that "you can’t break out twice."
"I don’t see a player as a breakout candidate if he’s already reached his 'statistical ceiling' during his career," wrote Fabiano.
So, if 1,103 yards on 83 receptions isn't a ceiling for Wilson, how high can the receiver go?
One way Wilson can significantly increase his fantasy value is by reaching the end zone more frequently. He scored only four touchdowns as a rookie with Jets' quarterbacks combining for fewer than one scoring strike per game.
By comparison, All-Pro Davante Adams made 14 touchdown receptions in 2022.
Although he currently lives in rarefied, Adams represents the "statistical ceiling" that could be in store for Wilson.
When Rodgers and Adams were last together in 2021, the WR1 made 123 catches for 1,553 yards and 11 touchdowns.
"I still think that Davante [Adams] is in a league of his own," said Rodgers after addressing Wilson's potential on the final day of Jets' OTAs.
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, had just given Wilson and Jets' cornerback Sauce Gardner the ultimate compliment.
"We got at some point possibly the best corner and the best receiver in the NFL. There’s a legit possibility I think for those two guys," said Rodgers.
From "2023 Fantasy Football: Top 8 Breakout Wide Receivers":
Garrett Wilson, Jets
Wilson was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, posting 1,103 yards and 215.7 fantasy points. That was with Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White throwing him the football. Just imagine what he’ll do with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers? While the Jets did add Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb, I still like Wilson to move into No. 1 fantasy wideout territory.
— Michael Fabiano
The other seven names on Fabiano's "breakout" list start with Wilson's Ohio State teammate Chris Olave (Saints) followed by Marquise Brown (Cardinals), Jerry Jeudy (Broncos), Christian Watson (Packers), Drake London (Falcons), Treylon Burks (Titans) and Kadarius Toney (Chiefs).
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