The best ability is availability and, to be straightforward, Darren Waller was not available for the Raiders over the past two seasons, making him available to the Giants for a third-round pick. But after landing in New York, Waller looks like the Waller of old, as he has thoroughly dominated training camp through the team’s first two sessions.
“The Daniel Jones – Darren Waller connection was even better Thursday than it was on Wednesday,” SNYtv’s Connor Hughes tweeted. “Waller is basically always open in the middle of the field, and Jones is constantly looking for him. This offense hasn’t had a weapon like Waller in quite some time and you can tell everyone is benefiting from it. Jones completed 7 of 9 passes in full team drills — four of those completions went to Waller. The three that didn’t come when Waller was off the field gettin’ a breather.”
His early connection with Daniel Jones makes him one of the top values in all of 2023 fantasy football. It’s not always the best indication of redraft ADP, but Underdog Fantasy best ball drafters are taking Waller at TE7 (80.3 ADP and 12 spots behind Kyle Pitts).
Rewinding to last training camp, the Giants’ offense got schooled by Wink Martindale’s defense — which might’ve helped the offense in the long run. However, the offense has looked sharp thus far, with Danny Dimes connecting with Waller over and over again.
According to The Athletic, Brian Daboll dialed up a number of two tight end sets in the red zone, highlighted by Waller and TE Daniel Bellinger both motioning into the backfield. Even without Waller, the Giants ranked highly in the red zone last season (fifth). But, Waller should take them to a whole new level.
It’s clear Daboll and OC Mike Kafka are infatuated with their new toy. With such an emphasis on this matchup nightmare, it shouldn’t shock anyone if Waller finds the end zone 10-plus times and racks up over 1,000 yards in 2023. In fact, you should smash all of Waller’s season-long overs at PrizePicks, where he’s listed at a paltry 60.5 receptions, 725.5 receiving yards, and 4.5 receiving touchdowns. Plus, if you use promo code RSJ or click the link, we’ll match your first deposit up to $100.
Waller sits at TE6 and 70th overall on The Wolf’s 2023 Fantasy Rankings.
