Tyler Scott
- Rookie Draft Ranking: 31st overall (WR15)
- WR Rookie Model Percentile: 55th
- Underdog ADP: 215.6
- Landing Spot: Chicago Bears (133rd overall)
Fantasy Outlook
Through free agency and the draft, the Bears' message is clear: they intend to evaluate Justin Fields as a passer. And Scott will play a (small) role in their assessment.
No, that's not a shot at his size. Just look at the depth chart.
Chicago got D.J. Moore in their haul for the first-overall pick, with Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney to round out their starting three-wide set. Meanwhile, the Bears scooped up Robert Tonyan and still have Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis kicking around the facility.
Scott's speed and Fields' penchant for the homerun swing feel like a match made in heaven. But the depth chart and the coaching staff's conservative approach will limit Scott's chances at explosive plays, making him a risky proposition in most fantasy formats.
Way-too-early 2023 redraft rank: Waiver wire target
Summary
By looking at his measurables, you can reasonably project how an NFL team could deploy Tyler Scott. At 5’10” and 177 lbs., the former Bearcat needed to highlight his athletic traits at the combine to ease any concerns. And with 4.44 speed, Scott moved into the Day 2 discussion.
However, Scott has limited experience as a WR. He mixed in as an RB in high school, earned snaps as a rusher and receiver his first year at UC, and converted to a full-time WR as a sophomore. Combined with the size-weight limitations, a team could instantly plug him in as a gadget receiver fit for screens and jet sweeps as he grows into the position.
Pros
Homerun hitter
Highlight reels are an easy starting point to understand where a player wins. In Scott’s case, his second gear was a problem for defenders.
The Cincinnati product could take an intermediate post to the house or blaze by a defender giving him a 10-yard cushion. Scott generated yards after the catch (YAC) regardless of the route type, making him a big-play threat wherever he goes.
Over a two-year sample, Scott is one of six WRs in his class with an average depth of target (aDOT) and YAC per reception over the class average. Through this lens, he compares favorably to Zay Flowers, but the Boston College prospect held a larger share of his team’s offensive production. Regardless, Scott’s suddenness gave him the space to excel downfield.
From “just a guy” to “the guy”…in one year
Scott switched to WR in 2021 and played alongside now-Colts’ WR Alec Pierce. It was Scott’s first season as a true receiver, and he was competing for looks against (future) second-round NFL talent.
Even after Pierce’s departure, I could understand the other starters absorbing Pierce’s role. Scott only drew 37 targets. But Coach Luke Fickell saw more in the speedster.
Scott became a target hog after a single season as a WR. His 37.1% dominator rating ranked fifth in the class while leading the Bearcats in targets, yards, and touchdowns. Plus, his yards per route run soared by 27.7% with the additional volume.
Cons
Can’t fight through defenders
Throughout his college career, Scott only played 26 slot snaps per PFF. As you can imagine, being fleet of foot kept him away from defenders, and Coach Fickell put Scott in advantageous positions on the field. Scott faced man coverage on 27.1% of his routes in his final year. However, he struggled if pressed at the line of scrimmage.
Scott’s 1.18 YPRR (fourth-worst in the class) emphasizes what most already assumed: He’ll have trouble winning at the catch point. With his small catch radius, quarterbacks will have an even tougher time firing a pass Scott’s way. So, until he improves his route running and technique, his role on an NFL team will be the same as his size.
Fantasy Impact
Scott has the tools to be an impact player as a rookie. His long speed would force safeties to respect any passer's penchant for creating an explosive play, and he can move the chains with YAC on short crossers. As a rotational player, he’d be the spark to ignite an offense.
I see him, and he reminds me of what the Bills envisioned for Isaiah McKenzie. Scott would seamlessly fit onto a squad with at least two established pass-catchers (e.g., Seattle, Dallas). As the third or fourth option, he’d have the potential for spike weeks while continuing to develop as a receiver.
This could make him an intriguing late-round flyer on Underdog Fantasy. You can double your first deposit of up to $100 and start drafting Scott today by claiming your offer below!
