Fantasy Upside
Russell Wilson was a proven winner long before he became a solid fantasy quarterback. But the Seahawks' signal caller's passing numbers have climbed every year since his rookie campaign in 2012. Last year, he recorded his first 4,000 yard passing season, threw a career-high 34 touchdowns and kept his interception total in single digits for the third straight year. And don't forget he still likes to run. He was second in the NFL behind Cam Newton with 553 yards. Wilson has proven he is the real deal and after a blistering second half in 2015 (268 yards per game and 25 TDs), the numbers could continue to go up.
Fantasy Downside
A lot of people think Wilson has been lucky. Not with his play, but with his health. His body frame is not typical of the 21st century quarterback weighing in at 206 pounds. He runs a lot and gets sacked a lot yet has not missed a game in his career. He also has to deal with an offensive line that has been constantly rebuilt the last couple seasons. There probably is going to be four new starters in 2016. One other set of numbers to note is Wilson's fantasy rushing numbers, which were off-the-charts into 2014, came back down to earth last season, including a career-low one rushing touchdown.
2016 Bottom Line
Wilson is a top 5 fantasy quarterback. There is not doubt about it. But how high should you be willing to take him? His ADP suggests he has been going in the 4th round, but if you are considering taking him hire, keep in mind the depth at the quarterback position this season. There is plenty of good value in rounds 8 through 11. Of course, you would love to have Wilson on your team, but if that means taking him high, it could cost you some value at another position.