Week 3 rookie waiver targets rise as usage reveals true upside. Dont'e Thornton Jr. brings rare size-speed bursts that could spark a breakout with Geno Smith connecting on downfield plays. Cam Skattebo has surged to the Giants' RB1 discussion, while Bhayshul Tuten's per-touch efficiency signals elite upside in Jacksonville. Jarquez Hunter edges closer to real volume with the Rams, and Brashard Smith offers a dart throw with return-yard utility. Elic Ayomanor shows flashes, but volume hinders weekly starts. Puka Nacua’s late-blooming path remains the blueprint for upside.

With Ahkello Witherspoon on IR, the Rams face a cornerback crunch that could push outside help or a heavy internal reshuffle. The plan centers on balancing in-house depth with possible upgrades, leveraging Forbes Jr. and Durant as likely starters while Williams handles the bulk of Witherspoon’s snaps as CB3. A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin loom on the practice squad as quick-elevate options, and a veteran could be dipped into if a steady starter is required. Week 7 timing after the bye could shape the decision timeline.

From there, the Rams’ Week 2 clash with Tennessee highlighted where the defense flashed and where coverage stress showed, underscoring the need for reliable depth as the schedule tightens. The decision matrix weighs immediate competitive impact against long-term stability, with external signings or quick practice-squad promotes as the two main routes.

Week 2 brought instant-impact rookies into fantasy focus. Tetairoa McMillan ripped off 100 receiving yards in only his second NFL game, staking Carolina as a promising target outside the usual rookie ladder. Kansas City's Josh Simmons anchored the line with zero official pressures on 39 pass-blocking snaps against Philadelphia, boosting Mahomes' ceiling. Cam Ward battled through pressure to deliver big-time throws for Tennessee, while Travis Hunter split time as WR/CB for Jacksonville, flashing two-way upside. Cincinnati’s Dax Hill and Andrei Iosivas added defensive and secondary spark as the rookie class makes its Week 3 impact felt.