Fantasy Football: WR Tajae Sharpe Will Vastly Exceed Expectations

Aug 20, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) rushes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) rushes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Tajae Sharpe may just be a rookie for the Tennessee Titans, but he could end up being a terrific fantasy player right away.

Every single year in fantasy football, there is a player that comes out of nowhere to surprise everyone. Players like Kirk Cousins, Victor Cruz, and Doug Baldwin have gone from the ranks of backups to being stars over the past five years alone. In 2016, there will be another player that will do the same and there is a good chance that Tajae Sharpe could end up being that guy.

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Sharpe is a fifth round rookie receiver for the Tennessee Titans who has been absolutely terrific in the offseason thus far. He was a terrific receiver at UMass Amherst and during his senior season, he led the FBS in receptions with 111. He was a terrific route runner at UMass and was constantly able to get open. His ability to separate and make catches has carried over to the NFL.

Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) enters the field prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) enters the field prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

In his first two preseason games, Sharpe has been nothing short of spectacular. He has caught eight passes for a total of 103 yards. He has shown a solid rapport with Marcus Mariota and he should end up being the team’s No. 1 receiver. Sharpe was also a major reason that the team elected to trade their former second round pick Dorial Green-Beckham.

Sharpe is not going to be getting much competition from players already on the roster for the top job anyway. He will likely be the starter across from Rishard Matthews, a talented receiver who is best served as a No. 2 option. Meanwhile, former first rounder Kendall Wright will be an effective slot receiver while Harry Douglas and Andre Johnson will offer quality depth.

Sharpe has the most upside of any player on the roster by far and he should develop into a top flight receiver. He is a guy that should be available in the later portion of every fantasy draft, and selecting him will definitely help your fantasy team.

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At the best, Sharpe can end up being a solid second receiver for a team and his floor is as a solid backup. With his average draft position being close to the ranks of the undrafted, he will be an excellent value pick.