Bo Melton of the Seattle Seahawks: An In-Depth Analysis of His Potential as a Fantasy Football Sleeper for the 2024 Season

By Jason Bolton August 17, 2024 09:54

Photo by ROD MAR/Seattle Seawawks

One of the best wide receivers in college at Rutgers University, Bo Melton, was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks during the 2022 NFL Draft. Melton flashed speed and quickness while at Rutgers, ending his career with numbers that hinted he could make an impact as a playmaker. In four seasons, he got 2,200 receiving yards and 13 TDs, cementing himself as a good target man and serious threat.

The depth at receiver in Seattle limited Melton's rookie year despite his talent, and the presence of stars like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett did not help him get on the roster. This was one of the few places he could make a large positive difference on the field. But his coaches noticed how he worked and how hard it was to keep him out of the gym, so he spent a good chunk of that first season playing scout team.

By the time 2023 rolled around, Melton was not in a position to be complacent; he had all but won- his prior form should give him an edge over other contenders, and have long decided that with the incoming competition, he would make himself useful. That speed and downfield ability made him a valuable weapon for the Seahawks, especially in an offensive climate of versatility.

The 2023 Season

Bo Melton's 2023 NFL season went next level on the good & bad spectrum, fully encapsulating what he is as a player. He scored 29.9 fantasy points, a mere 7.5 point average per game, which was good for the No.109 tight end and an overall ranking of just 308th in all the NFL for receivers. His top performance was in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings: six catches for 105 yards and a touchdown = 16.5 fantasy points. It demonstrated his big-play ability when he was in the right spot at ideal moments.

Overwhelmed, Melton didn't have it all good, though. He finished with one catch for seven yards on two targets in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, scoring just 0.7 fantasy points. That inconsistency was a refrain throughout the season, as he had to fight for targets due to veterans being ahead of him on Seattle's depth chart. He had a few big games throughout his rookie season but was never able to be an every-snap linebacker.

Fantasy Outlook For Melton

Seahawks Offense Changes

With the Seahawks rebuilding their rushing attack with a new offensive staff in place, Melton could be an ideal fit for Seattle's dynamic offense. Melton could benefit from a five-wide league, the Seahawks going three receivers more often, or injuries just to the right players. His speed makes him a good candidate for deep routes, which can create big plays and increased fantasy points.

Increased Targets and Touches

With the offense in Seattle slowly starting to evolve, Melton might see more looks on game day. He could become a consistent deep threat if he wins the job against Garcon's top backup, Jeremy Ross, or second-year TE, Michael Egnew. Not only would that help increase his chances at scoring, but it would also give him some time to develop chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith, as we know he can support more than one fantasy-relevant receiver.

Mapping Skills to Fantasy Lines

Melton's player profile lends himself to being quite fantasy football friendly. His ability to stretch the field with deep speed makes him threatening for long touchdowns. Moreover, he could find a reliable way to get open if better at route running and increase potential through short to intermediate passes, which would aid his fantasy stock even more. His ability to make things happen after the catch should also help him produce in this area.

ADP and Draft Position

His Average Draft Position (ADP) is a modest 310th overall and 104 at his position. This creates a rare situation for fantasy managers seeking late-round sleepers. If Melton can win a larger role in the Seahawks' offense, there could be solid value here as an under-the-radar commodity outside of deeper formats.

Ultimately, Bo Melton's road to becoming a wideout for the Seattle Seahawks has already been quite eventful. After a 2023 campaign that displayed some upside, the shaky play made him on par with an undrafted option in most fantasy leagues. Nevertheless, even with an eye on 2024, more factors point towards Melton as a sleeper for said season.

Melton has the talent and, if changes come to Seattle's offensive scheme as expected, could see his targets go up significantly, giving him a shot at becoming a fantasy impact player. Melton has significant value if he is most approachable by drafting a major player in the final round and able to seize opportunities this upcoming season. Time will tell the truth about whether he's ready to handle an increased role in Seattle; as always, monitoring training camp reports and preseason performances is essential.