Ladd McConkey – NFL Draft Sleeper Alert
Jay Felicio
The trades keep coming in the NFL, as the Giants made a move to get another pass-catcher in the mix for Daniel Jones with the acquisition of veteran TE Darren Waller.
The Giants sent a third-rounder, which will be the 100th pick in next month’s draft, to the Raiders. The Giants acquired that pick from Kansas City in the Kadarius Toney trade.
For a moment in time, Waller looked poised to be an annual fixture in the elite tight end conversation. He broke out in 2019 with 1,145 yards and three scores on a hefty 90 catches. He followed that up with one of the best statistical performances we’ve seen from a tight end in the last decade, posting 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine scores. He finished second at the position in fantasy scoring both seasons, with only Travis Kelce beating him out.
Of course, we’re now two seasons removed from those heights. And in those two seasons, Waller missed 14 regular season games due to a host of injuries that includes ankle, knee and hamstring issues. His durability heading into his age-31 season is a major concern. At the same time, Waller can still be a difference-maker both for the Giants and for fantasy managers when he’s on the field. Waller will be in the top-12 conversation among tight ends, but he’ll be toward the back of that group in 2023 fantasy and best ball drafts.
Waller’s presence on the depth chart takes some of the wind out of Daniel Bellinger’s sails. The second-year man impressed in his rookie season. While Bellinger will take a back seat to Waller in the short-term, he still has appeal as a deep dynasty stash. As for Jones, Waller represents a bona fide top-flight target, which is something Jones and the Giants lacked last season. This isn’t likely the only pass-catcher the Giants will bring in either via free agency or the draft, but it’s a step in the right direction for Jones’ fantasy prospects.
In Vegas, Waller leaves behind a tight end room that is now perilously thin with Foster Moreau testing the free-agency market. However, this trade could indicate that the Raiders are attempting to get something done with Moreau. If that ends up happing, Moreau will be in the mix as a top-20 option at the position.
