Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Xavier Legette

Thursday, July 3, 7:17 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni noted during the team's minicamp that he believes wide receiver Calvin Austin III is poised to step into the offense's No. 2 pass-catching role. "I think that '2' spot is all Calvin's right now," said Azzanni. The Memphis alum put together his best statistical season in 2024 with a decent 36/548/4 line as the team's third-leading wideout. However, even with the departure of ex-teammate George Pickens vacating 103 targets, it won't be an easy path to fantasy relevance. Pickens was replaced by DK Metcalf, who will garner his fair share of looks, and Austin III will now have to contend with two viable options at tight end in Pat Freiermuth and the newly acquired Jonnu Smith. The 26-year-old offers the most juice on the team, but Pittsburgh's propensity to run and productive teammates will likely limit his fantasy value outside of best ball formats.

Monday, July 14, 2:30 PM

The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that Carolina Panthers second-year wide receiver Xavier Legette should see improved production in 2025 as quarterback Bryce Young develops and rookie first-round receiver Tetairoa McMillan draws coverage his way. Legette had 49 catches for 497 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (13 starts) after going 32nd overall in last year's draft out of South Carolina. It was a disappointment for the 24-year-old, but as Person points out, Legette didn't become a full-time starter in college until his fifth season. His eight drops put him among the leaders in that category. the 6-foot-3, 227-pounder has a big, chiseled frame and could make strides this year as long as Young continues to improve as well. There will be plenty of competition for targets in Carolina, though, so RotoBaller has Legette ranked as the No. 64 wideout.