Projecting Daniel Braverman’s 2017 Fantasy Value

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Daniel Braverman (83) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Daniel Braverman (83) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Daniel Braverman was a non-factor in 2016 after being the hottest late-round draft pick earlier in the year. Will he rebound in 2017?

Two targets, zero catches.

The “statistics” you see listed above were Daniel Braverman’s contribution to the 2016 Chicago Bears. Braverman spent most of the season on the practice squad, but when he did finally get promoted to the active 53-man roster, he certainly didn’t light the world on fire in his limited snaps.

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Braverman comes into this year with more opportunity. He will have an opportunity to win the starting slot role for the team, but will probably find himself in a reserve role for the offense. It should also be noted that his roster spot is by no means guaranteed. If Braverman has a quiet August, especially if UDFA Tanner Gentry performs like some expect he could, Braverman could be waived.

The Bears love Braverman and love the type of role he could play for the Bears (think Tom Waddle). He has great hands and showed in college that he’s good at finding space in a defense, but that didn’t translate onto the field much during preseason. Braverman was waived by Chicago after the 2016 preseason but found his way back on the practice squad after nobody claimed him.

Braverman could probably earn himself another year on the practice squad if he doesn’t make the active 53-man roster out of the gate in September because if no team claimed him after last year’s cuts, they probably won’t do it after this year’s either.

Based on the Bears group of receivers being what it is, Braverman will most likely make the 53-man roster. I highly doubt he earns the starting slot position out of the gate, but perhaps he made significant strides in the offseason.

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If Braverman is merely a sub for the Bears three-receiver packages, he holds no fantasy value at all. He is not worth having in regular leagues, deep leagues or even dynasty leagues. However, if you still have hope for Braverman, keep an eye on him in the preseason, if he earns the starting slot spot with an impressive August, he could be a surprise fantasy player, especially in PPR leagues. But as things stand now, Braverman is a firm pass.

Daniel Braverman 2017 Projections: 24 catches, 244 yards, 10.2 YPC, 1 TD