Michael Campanaro showed a few splashes of talent as a rookie last season, including a three catch, 40-yard game against the Bengals in late October. He was ultimately buried on the depth chart, however, and finished the year with just seven catches, 102 yards and a touchdown. He’ll fight for a role in the slot this year.
Fantasy Upside
Campanaro is a sure-handed player who showed he can run good routes and find holes in the defense despite limited opportunities. He also has a great chance to earn a role in the Ravens return game. If he wins the WR3 spot and the RS job, Campanaro will become fantasy relevant in his second year in the league.
Fantasy Downside
It’s still an uphill battle for Campanaro and he has a limited ceiling. He isn’t guaranteed to win the WR3 job over Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown and even if he does, it’s not likely to turn into a starting role for him. There’s really only so much value you can get out of a slot receiver in Baltimore, even with a new pass-happy offense being installed.
Bottom Line
Fantasy owners should consider Campanaro a late-round flier in deeper leagues a stash in dynasty leagues. Even within those parameters, there will be other players who possess more upside. The fact that he looked good in limited reps bodes well for the 24-year-old in the long run, but he’s still not ready for prime time yet. Keep an eye on Campanaro, but watch him while he’s on waivers and not on your roster.
