Damion

Ratley

Ratley spent time with the Browns, Giants, and Texans last year, appearing in five games with the G-Men. He was cut by the Texans last week. The Lions’ WR room has been completely turned upside down with Ratley joining fellow newcomers Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman.

Ratley had caught four passes for 63 yards through five games. His release comes after he committed an offensive pass interference penalty that negated a Darius Slayton touchdown against the Cowboys in Week 5. This is ex-Brown Ratley’s age-25 campaign.

Ratley outgained Golden Tate on the day. Still, he’s not worth a pickup in fantasy leagues.

Cut by the Browns on Saturday, Ratley slides in as the Giants’ No. 4 wideout behind Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton. Ratley posted a 12-200-1 line as the Browns’ lightly-used No. 3 wideout last season. Ex-Browns coach Freddie Kitchens is on the Giants’ staff.

The 25-year-old emerged as the Browns’ No. 3 receiver at times last season when Rashard Higgins was hurt. He ended up catching 12 of his 24 targets for 200 yards and his first career touchdown. The Browns did nothing at receiver over the offseason, but a new regime is in town.

They also cut Damion Ratley. Taylor was a healthy scratch for 13-of-16 games last year. The moves are a good sign for KhaDarel Hodge’s roster chances.

Ratley has been working as the Browns’ No. 3 WR in recent weeks. Still, their frequent use of multiple tight ends and running backs renders Ratley as a non-viable fantasy option due to volume concerns.

The sixth-round pick from Texas A&M was forced to step up into a large role in the Cleveland passing game with all of the injuries the Browns have sustained at the wide receiver position. His productive game came in game in which Jarvis Landry caught just two passes, so it should be taken with some degree of salt. That said, the Browns will still be without Rishard Higgins for a the short term and Antonio Callaway has proven to be an unreliable option. Ratley is only an option in the deepest of leagues, but the Browns face a terrible Tampa Bay defense on the road in Week 7 for those that must dig that deep.

Ratley (6'3/190) caught just 47 passes in three seasons at College Station but flashed 4.39 wheels at Texas A&M’s Pro Day. That kind of size/speed combination will typically earn you a look as a Day 3 flier. Ratley isn’t just fast, also doing damage after the catch and showing elite overall athleticism at his Pro Day. The problem is his extremely raw overall game. Ratley should begin 2018 on the practice squad.

With Antonio Callaway (groin) sidelined, Ratley actually got a start in the Browns’ three-receiver set. The No. 175 overall pick has five catches for 47 yards through three preseason contests. He appears to have clinched a spot on the Browns’ 53-man roster.