Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Casey Washington

Wednesday, May 28, 1:41 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently said he was impressed that wide receiver Jacob Cowing, who weighed 168 pounds at last year's scouting combine, added more weight in the offseason. Cowing also trained with quarterback Brock Purdy in Jacksonville and Arizona this offseason, signaling he wasn't happy with a 2024 rookie season in which he was used sparingly on offense. The 24-year-old only caught four passes last year, but The Athletic's Matt Barrows thinks he should be an asset on quick-hitters and jet sweeps that went to Deebo Samuel Sr. in recent years. The former fourth-rounder (135th overall) out of Arizona could have a bigger role early in the 2025 season with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) rehabbing an injury and Demarcus Robinson facing a potential suspension, but for now, Cowing will just be one to keep an eye on during training camp.

Sunday, August 25, 1:20 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie sixth-round wide receiver Casey Washington is already looking like a real value pick for the Falcons, as he's made some of the team's best catches in training camp and is in contention for Atlanta's fourth wide receiver role after the loss of Rondale Moore to a season-ending injury. Washington is competing with the likes of Chris Blair and KhaDarel Hodge for the No. 4 role behind Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III. The Falcons' offense is much more attractive to fantasy managers now that head coach Arthur Smith is gone and quarterback Kirk Cousins is leading the show. The 23-year-old had 49 catches for 670 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at Illinois last year. For now with just a depth role in Atlanta, Washington is one to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.