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New York Giants tight end Darren Waller was a sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2015 NFL Draft. Waller was a wide receiver in college, totaling 51 receptions on 971 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in three years at Georgia Tech.
Unfortunately, his NFL career got off to a rocky start. The former Georgia Tech receiver had only 18 receptions over the first four years of his career. Furthermore, Waller was suspended for the 2017 season for violating the league’s policy on substances of abuse.
However, things changed starting in 2019. The veteran had a breakout season with the Las Vegas Raiders, totaling 90 receptions on 117 targets for 1,145 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Then Waller improved those numbers in 2020, totaling 107 receptions on 145 targets for 1,196 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs.
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What Did Darren Waller Accomplish In 2022?
Unfortunately, the former Georgia Tech wide receiver struggled with injuries over the past two years. After missing six games in 2021, Waller missed eight games last season. The veteran had 28 receptions on 43 targets for 388 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
While he is a talented tight end when on the field, the Raiders grew frustrated with Waller’s injury history and traded him to the New York Giants this offseason. However, should fantasy players be excited about the former Georgia Tech wide receiver this year?
Will Darren Waller Be A Top-5 Fantasy TE In 2023?
The veteran tight end has high expectations for himself and the Giants this year. Waller said he has been impressed by Daniel Jones this offseason.
More importantly, New York has arguably the worst wide receiver core in the NFL. It consists of Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell, Sterling Shepard, and the third-round rookie Jalin Hyatt.
Despite making multiple moves at the wide receiver position this offseason, New York lacks a go-to option for Jones. Therefore, fantasy players believe Waller will lead the team in targets in 2023 and finish among the league leaders.
However, the injury history is a massive red flag. While Waller could see the targets need to end the year as the TE1, he could also miss half of the season with injuries. So, the veteran should end the year as a top-five tight end unless injuries force him to miss significant time.
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