Who Should I Start? Michael Woods II or Jacob Cowing

Thursday, May 29, 6:27 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II (knee) was seen taking part in Wednesday's voluntary organized team activities. Woods did not play in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale last year against the Baltimore Ravens due to a knee injury, but the 25-year-old appears to be fully recovered and a full-go heading into the 2025 season this fall. The former sixth-rounder (202nd overall) in 2022 out of Oklahoma had only five catches for 45 yards in 10 games (no starts) in his rookie season in 2022, didn't play at all in 2023, and caught seven of 17 targets for 65 yards and no touchdowns in just five games (two starts) last season. The Browns have opportunity in their receiving corps behind Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, but Woods will merely be competing with Diontae Johnson, Jamari Thrash, David Bell and DeAndre Carter for a depth role. He's not on the fantasy radar right now.

Tuesday, July 15, 3:38 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing had a quiet rookie season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Arizona. The 24-year-old produced just four receptions for 80 yards and rushed once for seven yards. Otherwise, he did the majority of his work as a punt returner. Entering 2025, Deebo Samuel Sr. is now with the Washington Commanders, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is likely to miss the start of the new campaign. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Cowing has a chance to earn touches in Kyle Shanahan's offense. "[Cowing] could take a lot of the departed Deebo Samuel's gadget plays. The 49ers like his toughness, speed, and nose for yards after the catch," Tafur wrote. "Cowing added more weight in the offseason to his once 168-pound frame to handle sweeps and other running plays. He looked sharp at offseason workouts and, with Brandon Aiyuk still sidelined, could carve out an important role at training camp." Add in the fact that Jauan Jennings has requested a new deal or to be traded, and Cowing is now slightly on the fantasy football radar. That said, he's more of a deep-league flier or best ball dart throw. For now, he should be left on the waiver wire in traditional 12-team setups.