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Hayden Hurst 2023 Outlook: Potential TE2 In PPR Formats
2 years agoCarolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst enjoyed his best season as a pro last year with the Cincinnati Bengals, catching 52 passes for 414 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Now, he's set to go from one of the league's best quarterbacks to a rookie signal-caller in 2023. While first-overall pick Bryce Young is a top-tier prospect and should have bright days ahead of him, pass-catchers usually struggle with rookie QBs. The Panthers' offense will likely have its fair share of struggles as the 21-year-old develops, so Hurst's touchdown upside will be limited. That said, he is the most established pass-catcher besides Adam Thielen on the Panthers' roster, so he could serve as an early safety blanket for Young. It's tough to see a path toward TE1 upside for Hurst, but in PPR formats, he could post a TE2 season with volume. He's a fine backup or streaming option, but he should not be counted on as a "set 'em and forget 'em" starter in fantasy lineups.
