A.T. Perry – 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook
Wide Receiver – Wake Forest
6’4 198 lbs
6th Round – 18th Pick (195th Overall) – New Orleans Saints
A.T. Perry had a productive four-year career at Wake Forest. However, he had a limited role early in his career. Perry had only 19 receptions for 273 receiving yards and two touchdowns in nine games over the first two years.
Yet, things changed in 2021. Perry had a breakout season, totaling 71 receptions for 1,293 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. The third-year receiver led the Demon Deacons in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns that year. Furthermore, Perry finished in the ACC in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns.
Instead of declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Wake Forest star returned to college for another year. Perry had another outstanding season, totaling 81 receptions for 1,096 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. The veteran receiver led the team in all three categories for the second consecutive year. Furthermore, he finished in the ACC in receptions and receiving touchdowns while leading the conference in receiving yards.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Despite totaling 152 receptions for 2,389 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in his final two years at Wake Forest, Perry was a sixth-round pick. However, the former Demon Deacon could have an immediate impact.
The New Orleans Saints hit a home run last year with Chris Olave. Last year’s first-round pick had 72 receptions on 119 targets for 1,042 receiving yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Meanwhile, Michael Thomas has been a superstar wide receiver in the past. He had over 90 receptions and 1,100 yards each of the first four years of his career.
However, Thomas has missed 80% of the games over the past three years because of injuries. Meanwhile, the rest of the team’s depth at wide receiver is lackluster.
Last year undrafted free agent Rashid Shaheed was a bright spot for the team. The rookie receiver had 28 receptions on 34 targets for 488 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Tre’Quan Smith has never had more than 450 receiving yards or five touchdowns in any year of his career. Furthermore, he had only one receiving touchdown last season, a career-low.
Perry could make an immediate impact as a rookie. Whether it’s because Thomas can’t stay healthy or the lack of proven depth at wide receiver, the rookie could be a worthy late-round pick in redraft leagues come August.
Dynasty Outlook
Unfortunately, Perry has the odds stacked against him being a sixth-round pick. However, the former Wake Forest star receiver has talent. Furthermore, he has a chance to make an impact as a rookie.
Olave will be the No. 1 wide receiver for New Orleans for the next several years. However, Thomas’ future is in doubt. Not only has the veteran receiver missed 80% of his games over the past three years in the NFL, but his contract expires after the 2024 season.
While he will need to make an impact as a rookie to have long-term value, Perry landed in a situation that will give him that opportunity. Therefore, fantasy players should take a shot on the former Wake Forest in the fifth round of their dynasty rookie drafts.
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