Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Diontae Johnson

Sunday, January 5, 11:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III hauled in four of seven targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 44-38 overtime loss to the Panthers, ending their season. While he found the end zone just once all year, the performance caps off a productive campaign for the 28-year-old. The sixth-year pro set career highs (by a wide margin) with 87 targets, 62 catches, and 686 receiving yards. With Michael Penix Jr. looking like a competent passer, the Falcons offense could take a step forward next season. McCloud III should maintain some appeal in PPR leagues as the number three option behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney.

Thursday, June 12, 3:36 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Diontae Johnson is focused on changing the perception surrounding him this season after a tumultuous 2024, he told ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi on Wednesday. Johnson was all over the place last season, leading the Carolina Panthers in receiving through the first seven games before a mid-year trade to Baltimore -- and eventual release after he refused to play in Week 13. The Texans claimed him, and he caught two passes for them in Week 18, but was waived after their wild-card win over the Chargers due to his "visible frustration" after playing just 15 snaps. The 28-year-old will get a chance to prove himself in Cleveland, as the target competition behind fellow WR Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku isn't too daunting. Still, the offense's success will largely depend on who is calling signals for the Browns in 2025, and even that might not be a guarantee on a weekly basis.