Carolina Panthers TE Hayden Hurst just emerged as rookie QB Bryce Young’s most trusted target during the quarterback’s pro debut against the Falcons in Week 1.
Was this an outlier performance, or should fantasy football managers consider Hurst a worthwhile waiver wire addition ahead of Week 2?
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Should Hayden Hurst Be a Be Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 2?
Hurst seemingly has been underappreciated in fantasy circles throughout his career. It’s largely forgotten at this point, but the South Carolina product was the 25th overall pick by the Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft.
All tied up in Atlanta! @_bryce_young's first NFL TD pass is complete to @haydenrhurst 🙌
📺: #CARvsATL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/q8c5F00OeO— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
He hasn’t exactly lived up to that pedigree, but a combination of factors has contributed to that. Still, Hurst hasn’t been a bust by any means. In fact, the veteran had two 50+ catch seasons on his six-year NFL résumé coming into this season. If Week 1 is any indication, he might be primed to add another during the current campaign.
Hurst’s five receptions on seven targets for 41 yards were all team highs on the afternoon in the season-opening loss to his old Atlanta squad. Young compiled only 146 yards on his 20 completions, so Hurst’s role in the air attack was significant.
A sure-handed, proven pass-catching asset like Hurst should continue to be a consistent component of a rookie signal-caller’s air arsenal. Therefore, Hurst’s Week 1 performance shouldn’t be a one-off by any stretch — even if DJ Chark’s (hamstring) absence did free up some targets.
It’s also worth noting that Hurst has more downfield chops than he generally receives credit for. The seven-year pro averaged between 10.2 and 12.5 yards per reception in his first three seasons — recording 12 catches of 20+ yards during that span — before taking on a shorter-area role in his most recent trio of campaigns.
While he’s almost certainly going to operate relatively close to the line of scrimmage again in Carolina this season, Hurst could join fellow offseason arrival Adam Thielen as Young’s most dependable pass-catching options while the first-year player acclimates to the league.
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Hurst is a worthwhile waiver wire add in deeper full-PPR formats, especially considering how challenging the tight end position can be to fill.
Meanwhile, managers in shallower leagues who may been caught short-handed on depth at the position would do well to consider Hurst for the consistency he’s likely to provide as one of Young’s security blankets.
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