Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Gabriel Davis

Wednesday, July 3, 6:35 PM

The Carolina Panthers made no move to extend wide receiver Diontae Johnson after trading for the former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout in March, as they prefer to see whether he emerges as the explosive, coverage-separating pass-catcher that quarterback Bryce Young and the offense lacked in 2023. If Johnson proves he's a difference-maker in his first year in Carolina and if he doesn't become a distraction when the ball doesn't come his way, he could be set to cash in next offseason in a receiver market that has exploded in recent years. The 27-year-old disappointed as Pittsburgh's top receiver last year, catching a career-low 51 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson will now be competing with veteran Adam Thielen for targets in what was the worst offense in the league last year. Most of Johnson's fantasy value will be tied to how much Young improves in Year 2. Consider Johnson a low-end WR3/high-WR4 target in fantasy drafts.

Friday, July 26, 2:58 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) was spotted at Thursday's practice in training camp. Davis missed some time late last season with the Buffalo Bills due to a sprained PCL, but it looks like he'll be a full participant at camp to begin familiarizing himself with Jacksonville's offense ahead of the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. The 25-year-old deep threat was as erratic as ever in 2023, going catchless in four games during the regular season and exceeding 20 fantasy points on five other occasions, and he'll battle for targets on the perimeter with rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. in 2024. Star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has formed a clear connection with slot man Christian Kirk over the past two years, so Davis is likely going to give both the Jags and fantasy managers plenty of headaches as a weekly boom-or-bust WR4/flex option this fall.