Vulnerable Veterans: Going Down South (AFC/NFC)

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to begin Thursday, April 27th @ 8PM EST.  For some NFL veterans, this is the moment when their respective teams draft rookies who could very well replace them by the beginning of the next season (2024).  In this four-part series, I will cover one non-quarterback, fantasy player on each team that is vulnerable to being replaced by a 2023 rookie by the start of the 2024 season.

The second entry into the Vulnerable Veterans series takes a look at the AFC and NFC South.  Check out the first part where I cover the AFC and NFC North.  Each team’s picks are as of pre-NFL draft and do not account for any projected trades.

AFC SOUTH

Vulnerable Veteran | Robert Woods (Wide Receiver)

The Texans will look to upgrade every position, with player-turned-coach DeMeco Ryans now at the helm.  Houston has been busy adding free agents on offense: Devin Singletary, Robert Woods, Noah Brown and Dalton Schultz.  Despite Woods being the highest-paid receiver on the Texans, he has a palatable dead cap figure of $4.75M after 2023.

Bobby Trees can either turn over a new leaf or extend an olive branch to the next generation of Texans’ receivers.  With a new quarterback expected to be selected, look for the Texans to draft a top receiver to aid in his development.  Mock drafts indicate the receivers could be Quentin Johnston, Jalin Hyatt and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Vulnerable Veteran | Isaiah McKenzie (Wide Receiver)

Full disclosure, I now acknowledge that Ashton Dulin and Mike Strachan, much like “Fetch”, will not be a thing.  Wide receivers Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce are firmly atop the depth chart.  While free agent acquisition Isaiah McKenzie is an affordable option who is set to be overtaken by an incoming rookie.

Industry mock drafts have indicated three names at the position, Zay Flowers, Josh Downs and Tyler Scott.  Scott would be a great Day Two pick who could earn snaps early using his speed out of the slot.

Vulnerable Veteran | Evan Engram (Tight End)

Evan Engram experienced a fantasy football resurgence in 2022, on the Doug Pederson/Trevor Lawrence-led Jaguars’ offense.  As Engram enters his age-29 season, he could earn one last big contract after being franchise-tagged for 2023.  Whether he earns it or not, look for the Jaguars to draft Engram’s replacement in the upcoming draft.

The Jaguars can go any way they choose, with a deep rookie tight end class.  Top end options include more well-known names such as Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid, Darnell Washington.  With additional options at the position including Luke Musgrave and Sam LaPorta.

Vulnerable Veteran | Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (Wide Receiver)

With all due respect, the Titans’ wide receivers ain’t worth a velvet painting of a whale and a dolphin gettin’ it on.  I said with all due respect!  As the Titans’ offense is in flux, look for Tennessee to upgrade the receiver position for whichever quarterback is at the helm come 2024.  Both Westbrook-Ikhine and Kyle Philips are vulnerable to being replaced; however, NWI has been given more chances and has yet to capitalize.

Notable receivers that have been mocked to the Titans include: Quentin Johnston, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jalin Hyatt, Tyler Scott and Rashee Rice.  The thought of Johnston and 2022 draftee Treylon Burks playing together is just too good to pass up.

NFC SOUTH

Vulnerable Veteran | Mack Hollins & Scotty Miller (Wide Receiver)

The Falcons showed a heavy focus on their ground attack, leading the NFL in rushing attempts in 2022.  With much said about Atlanta using significant draft capital on another running back, I will not accept the Tyler Allgeier slander.  Behind dynasty darling Drake London at receiver is the law firm of Hollins and Miller.  With neither a particularly imposing threat, look for the Falcons to add to the position in 2023.

Many mocks still have the Falcons adding a running back in the first three rounds of the draft.  However, receivers that have been mocked to Atlanta include Zay Flowers, Rashee Rice and an interesting Day Three pick in Andrei Iosivas.

Vulnerable Veteran | Terrace Marshall (Wide Receiver)

In acquiring the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Panthers sent away their cornerstone receiver in DJ Moore.  Adam Thielen and DJ Chark signify a capable group of receivers for whichever rookie quarterback is under center.  And as much as it pains me, I have lost faith in Marshall becoming a consistent starter for the Panther’s.

The Panthers could go a few different ways, with many mocks pegging Josh Downs to Carolina in the second round.  With other mocks throwing around the idea of Zay Flowers, Tyler Scott or Jayden Reed.

Vulnerable Veteran | Michael Thomas (Wide Receiver)

Prior to drafting Chris Olave in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the last time the Saints drafted a wide receiver in the first two rounds was Michael Thomas back in 2016.  With their continued cap gymnastics, New Orleans has managed to keep MT on the roster for 2023.  But at some point the dead cap carousel has to stop.  Thomas is entering his age-30 season having played in three games since Week 15 of 2020.

Outside of beloved dynasty stash Rashid Shaheed and veteran mainstay Tre’Quan Smith, the Saints are in desperate need of another impact pass-catcher.  Mocks have included names spread across Days 1-3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, such as Zay Flowers, Marvin Mims and Andrei Iosivas, respectively.

Vulnerable Veteran | Rachaad White (Running Back)

Exit Tom Brady and Leonard Fournette, enter Baker Mayfield and Rachaad White.  White is in dire need of a running mate in the Tampa Bay backfield.  I agree with Jason Katz of PFN that “Frankly, I don’t believe White is an NFL-caliber starting running back.”

A lack of confidence in White and dearth of depth in Chase Edmonds and Ke’Shawn Vaughn could lead the Buccaneers to add another running back in the 2023 NFL Draft.  Outside of the allure of drafting Bijan Robinson, other notable names include: DeWayne McBride, Roschon Johnson and Tyjae Spears.

2023 NFL DRAFT

Mark your calendars, if you haven’t already, for April 27th @ 8PM EST to see which veterans could be out of a job by the start of the 2024 season.  Check out the prior article on the AFC and NFC North and look out for the next installment of Vulnerable Veterans, where I will share which veterans from the East will step back as the 2023 rookies feast.

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