Rizzla discusses Donte Moncrief heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and examines the fantasy context.
With Antonio Brown now an Oakland Raider, the Pittsburgh Steelers were in dire need of an outside receiver who could command double teams. Moncrief is a 6’2, 221 lbs., receiver with 4.40 speed that has shown flashes of his immense talent, but has never been able to put it together. Adam Schefter once again broke news of the deal.
Former Jaguars’ WR Donte Moncrief reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steeelrs, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2019
This is an underrated get for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In landing a receiver with a number one profile such as Moncrief, they no longer need to feel pressed to draft a wide receiver early in a draft with two rounds full of impact defensive talent. There is a lot of value to be had in rounds three to seven, and the Steelers have just bought themselves enough breathing room to be able to wait, despite what was formerly a glaring need. Donte Moncrief, JuJu Smith Schuster, James Washington, and Eli Rogers is enough to go to battle with.
Fantasy Context:
Donte Moncrief found a dream landing spot. While a draft addition could quickly change things, he lands as a starting receiver in what is now once again a strong offense. Moncrief may finally realize his potential in Pittsburgh. Moncrief is once again in the WR3 conversation, but now sports significantly more upside than he had in Jacksonville. This may be a solid sell high window for Moncrief owners in dynasty leagues. A draft addition will immediately change the complexion of his dynasty stock.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is a big winner here. While no one is saying that Moncrief has more talent than JuJu, he does have enough to command attention from opposing teams number one corners. With 4.4 speed Moncrief will be able to take the top off defenses, and at the very least draw coverage from opposing teams number one corners. This is exactly what JuJu needs. JuJu sees his floor raised with this move. JuJu remains a second tier WR1.
James Washington sees his dynasty stock take a major hit. A major breakout candidate for a couple of days, Washington saw his stock take a dive in free agency, and may face even more competition from the draft. Washington has the talent to eventually take over as the Steelers number one receiver based on the current depth chart. In redraft Washington is in the WR3 mix and could re-enter the WR2 conversation if he becomes the two wide starter.
Ben Roethlisberger recovers nicely with this move. A top two fantasy QB in 2018, he was projecting as having a much lower floor with AB in Oakland. Moncrief brings some stability to the passing game, and gives him a proven, if inconsistent weapon on the outside. Ben once again boasts an enviable amount of weapons, and returns to being a QB1 with elite upside.
