Fantasy Upside
Despite chronic health issues, Sammy Watkins has as much upside as any receiver in fantasy. The Rams traded a 2018 sixth-round pick, cornerback E.J. Gaines, and a 2018 second-round pick to acquire Watkins from Buffalo. Watkins instantly becomes the most dangerous weapon in Sean McVay's passing game and figures to be targeted heavily, provided he can stay on the field. If QB Jared Goff can improve off a rough rookie season, then Watkins has appeal as a fantasy WR2.
Fantasy Downside
One of the reasons the Bills declined Watkins' fifth-year option is because he can't stay healthy. It was highly unlikely they were going to sign him long-term next offseason, so they unloaded him on the Rams for multiple picks and a potential starting cornerback in Gaines. Watkins is hell when well, but he missed eight games a year ago due to a foot injury. Lower-body issues are problematic for receivers, especially a wideout like Watkins, who relies on his tremendous speed to create separation in coverage. The upside is immense, but that upside is tied to Watkins' health, which is seemingly always in question.
2017 Bottom Line
Watkins currently ranks as our WR29. While Goff is a downgrade from Tyrod Taylor, moving from the Bills to the Rams isn't vastly different, given that both teams operate run-first offenses. Plus, when healthy, Watkins will be targeted a ton in the passing game. If Goff can improve and Watkins can stay on the field, then he has tremendous appeal as a fantasy WR2. But you know the drill by now: Watkins is a walking injury and there's good reason why the Bills were willing to trade him despite his No. 1 WR status. His current ADP is 4.03 in 10-team leagues and 3.09 in 12-team leagues. Nobody will blame you if you want to bypass Watkins on draft night given his injury history and the Rams' punchless offense. He's a major risk in the fourth round, but the payoff could also be huge.
