Second-Year Scouting Report: Rashid Shaheed

June is underway, and we’re getting closer and closer to the 2023 regular season. Best ball leagues have been drafting for months now, and they are getting more popular now that we understand landing spots for veteran free agents and rookies.

Every year, rookie fever emerges, and the previous class gets pushed aside by the shiny new NFL toys. This usually results in a rookie surge of ADP, which opens up pockets of value, especially with players from the previous class who may not be as established as some long-time veterans in the league. This happens even though most fantasy analysts (and players) understand the largest leap occurs from Year 1 to Year 2. Throughout the summer, FTN will be releasing second-year scouting reports to keep these players fresh in fantasy managers’ minds. We continue our second-year scouting report series today with the Saints’ dynamic wide receiver, Rashid Shaheed, and his outlook in 2023 and beyond. 

Rashid Shaheed, WR, New Orleans Saints 

An undrafted rookie out of Weber State, Rashid Shaheed was originally released by the Saints last offseason, before getting elevated to the active roster following an injury to Deonte Harty. Despite playing just 12 games, Shaheed finished fourth on the team in receptions (28) and receiving yards (488), entrenching himself as a starter entering year two. 

What Went Wrong 

Rashid Shaheed didn’t make the initial roster, inactive for the first five games of the season. As a first-year player without any draft capital, nothing was handed to Shaheed, and everything was earned. Although he was on the field in his first two games, he only saw one touch in both of them but made the most of his limited opportunities. He was much more involved in the back half of the season, averaging nearly five targets and 60-plus receiving yards in Weeks 15-18. 

What Went Right 

Rashid Shaheed‘s explosiveness was evident in his first offensive touch, taking an end-around handoff to the house for a 44-yard touchdown. He followed it up the following week, hauling in his lone target for a 53-yard score. Over his last four games, with Chris Olave in and out of the lineup with a concussion, Shaheed became the go-to-option in NOLA, averaging 4.75 targets, 4 receptions, 62.25 receiving yards and 0.25 touchdowns in Weeks 15-18. On the season, Shaheed finished tied for third in the NFL in yards per route run (2.59), one spot ahead of Olave. 

Prognosis Entering 2023 

Since cracking the starting lineup in Week 6, Rasheed Shaheed had some monstrous games to close out the season but was often difficult to know when to start. His production was somewhat flukey, making the most of his limited opportunities. He profiles as a “better in best ball” player, however, it would not be shocking if he becomes a more consistent option after a full offseason with the starters. Although it may not be a significant upgrade, Derek Carr is a better signal caller than Andy Dalton, with a track record of sustaining multiple pass catchers for fantasy. 

Dynasty Outlook 

Although it’s hard to project undrafted free-agent players after their first season, there is no reason to think Rasheed Shaheed won’t be in the Saints’ plans going forward. At 24 years old, Shaheed is an intriguing dynasty asset for fantasy managers willing to bet on talent and look past the draft capital. Aside from Chris Olave, there isn’t much standing in the way of Shaheed carving out an ample role for years to come with plenty of opportunities for targets.