Instant Fantasy Analysis - WR James Washington, Steelers

[The Football Guru 211]

The Steelers continue their near-annual tradition of taking a Day 2 receiver. Washington essentially replaces Martavis Bryant, who was traded to Oakland for a third-round pick on the first night of the draft. The Oklahoma State product was one of college football's premier deep threats last season and averaged 19.8 YPC on 226 career receptions. Washington is a master of winning contested catches downfield. His ball-tracking skills are exceptional, and he complements that ability by positioning himself as well as any college receiver to win in those situations downfield. As such, he figures to absorb the Bryant role in this offense. As was the case with Bryant, that role is going to make him fantasy-relevant, although the Steelers aren't going to have enough balls to make a consistent option. Think WR5 for redraft purposes, and consider him a second-round value in rookie drafts.