Travis Benjamin

It appears as if Benjamin's breakout 2015 season with the Browns might just be an outlier, as the speedy receiver was once again relegated to a decoy option within the Chargers offense in 2017. A third consecutive season with 500-plus receiving yards isn't something to dismiss, but it's telling that the majority of Benjamin's major counting stats (targets, receptions, and receiving yards) all dropped from the previous year. Thanks to the return of oft-injured Keenan Allen, Benjamin acted essentially as a glorified decoy, utilizing his speed to free up the middle of the field for the rest of his teammates. Given the team's depth at the wide receiver position, it's unlikely Benjamin will prove to be anything more than a dangerous utility tool this season.

Benjamin, along with seemingly the entire Chargers team, suffered through a litany of injuries during the 2016 season. Still, the former Cleveland wideout managed to snag 47 passes for 677 yards and four touchdowns, including two games in which he recorded over 100 receiving yards. And that production doesn't even account for the myriad of dropped balls that plagued Benjamin later in the year. However, with the addition of No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Mike Williams, Benjamin's role within the offense could take a step back. Given the Chargers' prolific passing attack, the 27-year-old should still see his fair share of targets, but the 5-10, 175-pounder's boom-or-bust potential likely makes him more suitable for best-ball fantasy formats.

Benjamin, who emerged as Cleveland's de facto No. 1 receiver last year, landed in a good spot. With Malcom Floyd retired, Benjamin should see plenty of work as the team's field-stretcher opposite possession man Keenan Allen. At 5-10, 170, Benjamin is one of the smallest receivers in the league, but he runs a blistering 4.31 40 and put his speed to good use in Cleveland, taking six of his 125 targets for 40-plus yards (T-6th). He won't see much red-zone work, especially with Antonio Gates around, but Benjamin could find the end zone on big plays. And quarterback Philip Rivers represents a significant upgrade over anyone with whom he's ever played.

Benjamin led all Cleveland receivers with three touchdowns in 2014, but it will be tough to replicate that in 2015, as he'll have to earn his playing time first. The team brought in both Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline this offseason to bolster a generally weak position group, and both of those options are likely to land above Benjamin on the 2015 depth chart. That's not to say the 25-year-old won't contribute, but it will be immensely difficult to predict Benjamin's fantasy output on a week-to-week basis. He's been targeted more than five times in a game just twice in his three-year NFL career. There may be a more concrete role for Benjamin in the return game, however.

A torn ACL limited Benjamin to just five games last year, and while the Browns could be scrambling for receivers if Josh Gordon ends up getting suspended for all of 2014, Benjamin may not be recovered in time to earn some of those snaps to begin the season.

Benjamin saw just 37 targets last season, but he displayed the speed and big-play ability that caused the Browns to draft him in the fourth round in 2012. With Josh Gordon and Greg Little firmly entrenched ahead of him on the depth chart, the best-case scenario for Benjamin in 2013, barring injuries, is likely as the Browns' slot receiver.

The prevailing assumption heading into April's draft was Cleveland would spend a high pick on a receiver. That never materialized as the team took quarterback Brandon Weeden with their second first-round selection and subsequently addressed the offensive and defensive lines before drafting Benjamin with the 5th pick of the 4th round. He’s a mid-level prospect, but possesses a trait you cannot teach, blazing speed. He ran the second-fastest 40-time at the combine (4.36) and could be worked into the Cleveland receiver rotation in 2012 as a deep threat. Benjamin posted modest numbers of 41 catches, 609 yards, 16.4 YPC, and three touchdowns in his senior year at Miami (FL). He also served as the team’s punt and kick returner and should fill those roles for the Browns at times to spell Josh Cribbs.