Dexter McCluster

A player noted for his ability in the open field, McCluster can line-up in the backfield or at wide receiver with equal comfort. While that flexibility offers a nice tool for offensive coaches, it also evidences McCluster’s lack of a true position. In his first season for the Titans last year, McCluster averaged 3.3 yards on 40 carries and 7.6 yards on 26 receptions. Those subpar figures went with only one touchdown, limiting McCluster’s fantasy value considerably. Although the Titans will surely look for better ways to utilize McCluster in Year 2 of their union, his 2014 campaign puts his stock relatively low heading into this season.

The Chiefs were never really able to settle on a position for the lightning-fast McCluster, and as a result his numbers were consistently underwhelming. The Titans seem committed to using him out of the backfield rather than as a WR, and if he emerges with a Darren Sproles-like role that fits his skill set, he could put up useful numbers.

The lightning quick McCluster was used more as a receiver than running back last year, and the results were underwhelming. While McCluster had career highs in catches (52) and receiving yards (452), his YPT was a meager 5.9, and he scored only once. This year, new coach Andy Reid and new quarterback Alex Smith should add more punch to the offense, and McCluster is expected to line up in different spots while most commonly operating out of the slot. It certainly can't hurt, but it’s hard to see a ton of upside for a 5-8, 170-pound player who operates mostly in the short areas of the field.

McCluster appears set to make a full-time move to wide receiver in his third season after playing more of a hybrid role the previous two years. In that role it may be difficult for him to earn consistent playing time with the likes of Steve Breaston and rookie Devon Wylie competing for reps in the slot, though with his acceleration and electric open field moves the Chiefs may make a greater effort to get him the ball in space. It should become more clear during the preseason how Kansas City intends to use McCluster, but it's difficult to imagine him seeing considerable touches in either the crowded backfield or the improved receiving corps.

McCluster will be utilized primarily as a running back this season, but may still qualify at receiver in some leagues. At 5-8, 170, McCluster is lightning quick, blazingly fast and dangerous in the open field, and the Chiefs will look to capitalize on that with him running stretch plays and coming out of the backfield as a pass catcher. He caught 21 balls during his rookie year with 18 rushes and returned 26 kicks and 13 punts, one of which went for a score. The Chiefs want to get the ball in his hands more during his second year and it's possible he may take on a role similar to what Danny Woodhead did for New England last season. If that is the case, watch out for this dynamic jitterbug to become a good flex play in most weeks.

Whether he's lined up at wide receiver or running back, McCluster is a game-changer, and the Chiefs plan to use him all over the field (and in the return game) to best utilize his talents. We like him as a late-round sleeper, especially in point per reception (PPR) leagues, because of Kansas City's desire to give him plenty of work at multiple positions and his potential to be a 50-catch player as a rookie.