Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Nico Collins

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.

Wednesday, July 17, 8:47 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was recently in the running for the league's top wide receivers. This is a well deserved mention after Collins put together a breakout campaign last season. He hauled in 80 receptions for nearly 1,300 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. This performance earned him a three-year, $72 million extension this offseason. Collins is now one of the highest-paid players at his position. Recently, NFL executives, coaches, and personnel members were surveyed to determine the best wideouts in the league. Collins fell short but was an honorable mention. It's pretty impressive to see Collins up there after one outstanding campaign. It'll be interesting to see if Collins can replicate it with Stefon Diggs competing with him for targets next season.