Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

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.

Wednesday, July 23, 8:30 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. continued to get first-team reps when the offense was in 11 personnel at training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Quarterback Geno Smith did throw a deep ball to Thornton, but it was broken up. Thornton, not second-rounder Jack Bech, has been getting reps with the first-team offense since the spring, so he could be a valuable deep threat with his speed for Smith in his first year in the NFL. Jakobi Meyers is the Raiders' WR1 entering the season, so there is plenty of opportunity for Thornton if he continues to impress the coaching staff and gain chemistry with Smith. Tre Tucker will be Thornton's primary competition for targets. At best, Thornton might be a boom/bust flex option for fantasy managers in deeper formats.