The only thing more surprising than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ 3-1 start to the 2023 season is the appearance of WR Deven Thompkins’ name on a fantasy football waiver wire article.
However, should his involvement in the Bucs passing game over the last two weeks make him worth a speculative add on the waiver wire for your fantasy team heading into Week 5? Let’s take a closer look.
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Should Deven Thompkins Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 5?
After starting WR Mike Evans left the Bucs’ Week 4 matchup against the New Orleans Saints prematurely with a hamstring injury, Thompkins managed to make the most of his four targets by catching all four passes for 45 yards and this highlight-reel touchdown catch.
Catch of the game by @GrandmasterDT 🤯
📺: #TBvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/G5J7o4JeEV
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 1, 2023
Thompkins has seen four targets in each of the last two weeks and could see an expanded role if Evans is forced to miss any additional time while working his way back from the hamstring injury he sustained in the Bucs 26-9 win against the Saints on Sunday.
The second-year receiver from Utah State hasn’t been overly involved in the Bucs’ passing game to start his career but has managed to produce a decent catch rate over his young career when given looks.
Another appealing thing about Thompkins is that he is very unlikely to demand much attention on your waiver wire heading into Week 5 because the Bucs will be on their bye this week.
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You can likely add and stash Thompkins on your bench for less than 5% of your FAAB.
Thompkins is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues, but his ceiling will be significantly capped once Evans returns to the lineup.