5 Detroit Lions who could become fantasy football stars in 2022

4. WR DJ Chark

It feels like a longer time ago than that, but Chark topped 1,000 yards, on 73 catches with eight touchdowns, in 2019 for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished as top-20 fantasy receiver that year too (standard scoring). Two injury impacted seasons and the dysfunction in Jacksonville landed him in Detroit on a “prove-it” deal this offseason.

Chark is expanding his route tree and where he lines up during offseason work and training camp, rather than strictly being an “X” receiver who is pigeonholed to run downfield routes primarily. He is enjoying the challenge to expand his role.

"I like the challenge of running different routes and being in different spots and not being stuck in one spot for too long of a period,” Chark said. Vertically is cool, but there’s so much field to run across horizontally that he allows in this offense, which helps out a lot,” Chark said. “If they are in man or match, you can stretch the field on gos and posts, but also crossing routes where the same guy has to cover you for more distance across the field.”"

Chark is a remarkable value based on ADP right now, ranking in the late 50s or 60s in wide receiver rankings. The specter of rookie Jameson Williams taking his role once he’s healthy is there, and invites a range of outcomes for the season. But Chark wouldn’t have to do a lot to return value as a late-round flier, or even a post-draft waiver wire pivot, and the upside is WR2/WR3 range.