Preseason catch totals provide useful clues about which receivers may receive targets from the primary quarterback but do not tell the whole story. Drake Maye handled most first-team reps in camp, creating a clearer signal about his likely in-season targets. Players who worked primarily with second- and third-string quarterbacks accumulated catches that may carry less predictive weight. Undrafted receiver Efton Chism III did not record a catch from Maye in the preseason yet secured a roster spot. Strong performances with backup quarterbacks can justify expanded roles when the top quarterback is throwing in regular-season games.
If you're catching passes from the top quarterback, Drake Maye, the indication is you may do so during the season. Conversely, if a player starts out on the bottom rung on the wide receiver ladder, he'll likely be toiling with the second and third string QBs in the preseason. Those reps may have less relevance than playing catch with Drake Maye, but fortunately, there are still opportunities to show what you can do.
These stats are a decent indication of the receivers who'll get targets when Drake Maye slings the rock around Gillette Stadium against the Raiders on September 7. Every player on Daniels' list will be on the field and get reps when the real games begin in a couple of weeks. But there's also one who doesn't appear on that list at all who might surpass all of them in catches if he gets the targets.
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