Sleeper Alert
No one should be expecting to see the San Diego version of Vincent Jackson emerge over in Tampa Bay, but I think fantasy worlds are overlooking this guy in a major way heading into 2012 fantasy football drafts. While I think Josh Freeman and that Tampa Bay offense won’t provide Jackson with the same grip of opportunities, I think Jackson will see enough targets to get somewhat close to his usual full-season stat line. The receiver pulled in 60 receptions for 1,106 yards and 9TDs in 2011, and while he only played five games in 2010, he averaged over 60 receptions, 1,100+ yards and 8TDs per season during 2008-2009.
The best part about drafting V-Jax this year is that you can grab him in that 5.07-6.02 range — That’s bargain value right there! He can earn that kind of draft slot with ease, so expectations can be curbed heading into September, yet you have all that upside for more. If he gets even close to his usual 1,100 and 7-8 scores, you’re not just talking bargain, you’re talking one of the bigger middle-round steals in all of 2012 drafts. Even if Jackson can’t get his 60 receptions and 1,100 yards in Tampa, Freeman might feed the receiver more touchdowns than any of us are expecting, which could easily make up for any dip in receptions and yards… V-Jax is a big-time target, and I have a feeling Tampa is going to take full advantage of their new red zone threat.
Agree 100% Smitty. The Bucs will still have issues on D this year but the offense really does have quite a few weapons. With the coaching/philosophy change this year imo Freeman will be much more like his 2010 form which means having VJ there as a true WR1 can only be a good thing. MW will not have the pressure of being the WR1 and can do damage again, Benn, Brisco and Parker will do the rotating in a out thing to cause havoc. Then you get to the RB’s Martin, Blount and even Smith all want to be involved so should play hard to get the touches. Looking forward to the preseason to see how this plays out.
RabidBucFan
I have a strong feeling that the Bucs passing game will be trash this year, even though I think VJ is a great WR, the rest of them have a lack of talent, this will give strong covereges to VJ that won’t be easy to break with an also short talented Freeman.
Could be. It’s not a crazy theory. However, I think the passing attack has been lacking because there has not been that true WR1. Now that they have VJax, and Doug Martin, that passing attack will be freed up a bit more than I think most anticipate. Will be be SD good? Again, probably not, but he will be strong IMO. Great take, though, keep up the good commenting!
Respect!
Be sure to check out our Week 1 Start Bench Advice which is already up!