Sleeper Alert
It’s easy to overlook DeSean Jackson entering 2012, just as it’s easy to overlook both Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin. The thing is, fantasy football owners are forgetting just how potent that Eagles’ offense is outside of LeSean McCoy. McCoy will get his, don’t get me wrong, but defenses will also game plan around McCoy this upcoming season; even if that Eagles’ passing attack has a rebound season in 2012, and let’s say they start off hot, McCoy’s production will keep defenses honest all season long… As you can read here, I am extremely high on Michael Vick this season, and in turn, I’m extremely high on every major fantasy contributor on that Eagles’ roster.
Before we continue, take a look at Jackson’s career stats…
Career Stats
| Year | Team | G | Rec | Ru Yds | 100+ | Re TDs | Ru Att | Ru Yds | Ru TDs | |
| 2008 | PHI | 16 | 62 | 912 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 96 | 1 | |
| 2009 | PHI | 15 | 63 | 1167 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 137 | 1 | |
| 2010 | PHI | 14 | 47 | 1056 | 4 | 6 | 16 | 104 | 1 | |
| 2011 | PHI | 15 | 58 | 961 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 41 | 0 | |
Sure, Jackson had a down year in 2011, not reaching 1,000 yards and only having four scores… again, we attribute much of that to Maclin’s off-season illness and Vick’s in-season troubles. Vick is going through his first off-season (and preseason) as the Eagles’ starter since back before Vick left and re-entered the NFL… last year there was the lockout, and the year prior, which was Vick’s bounce-back party, well, the QB didn’t begin the season as the team’s starter, he took that job away from Kolb… so, much of Vick’s struggles last can be blamed on the fact that he just didn’t have the time that he needed to truly blend back into that offense… if you ask me, a better Vick equals a bounce-back season for Jackson.
ADP
The great part about investing in Jackson this August is that he doesn’t have to explode and regain his former low-end fantasy WR1 form. It would be nice if he did, and I think it’s certainly possible, but at his current ADP, which is around 5.03-5.07, all he has to do to earn his 5th- to 6th-round value is reach that 1,000-yard mark and grab a couple more touchdowns than last year… if he does that, he will essentially earn his 5th- to 6th-round value… If he exceeds expectations, though, that’s how you dominate your draft! What do I have Jackson pegged for in 2012? How about 60 receptions for 1,080 yards and 8 scores… those stats are well within reach given DeSean’s situation and given I still firmly believe that he has every bit of talent that he had back in 2010 and 2009.
Love Djax this year, definitely a target for me as a wr3 that could be a low end wr1
Yep, that’s the trick. Land him as your low-end or even high-end WR3, and hope he bounces back. If not, no loss, you get what you paid for anyway.
Big-time sleeper!
who will have a bigger year, djax or dez bryant?
As a Vick owner, what do you think about most analysts stating that Maclin will have a better year than DJax? Thanks
I think either could lead the team this year, but DeSean is underrated and has the better ADP IMO. I think he is a great bounce-back candidate.
Hey Smitty,
I’m in a standard, non-PPR league. Just wondering if you think I should accept the following trade:
I give:
Donald Brown
Vincent Jackson
I get:
DeSean Jackson
David Wilson
Thanks in advance!
Jon