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With ESPN, Yahoo! and other fantasy websites already open for fantasy football mock drafts, owners are getting excited for the 2014 season. There were a lot of moves during the offseason and helped and hurt players’ fantasy value. One that is getting a lot of attention is DeSean Jackson leaving (or being kicked off) the Philadelphia Eagles and signing with the Washington Redskins.
Jackson had a career year in 2013. He finished with 82 receptions for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs. His previous highs were 62 receptions for 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns back in 2009. The noticeable difference is the absence of Jeremy Maclin during the 2013 season. With his return, Jackson’s numbers were set to drop regardless.
Heading south to Washington, Jackson will be competing with Pierre Garcon, Jordan Reed and the recently-signed Andre Roberts. The run game will be healthy as well. Jackson’s value isn’t all that bright for the 2014 season.
Jackson should not be drafted as a top-15 wide receiver. He is a big-play threat, but isn’t a red-zone target. Jackson will be used to break away from the opposing secondary and rack up some yards. Robert Griffin III will target Garcon and Reed in the redzone while also dialing his own number from time to time.
Jackson isn’t a touchdown scorer. He had nine in both 2013 and 2009. From 2010-2012, Jackson scored just 12 touchdowns. He had six, four and two in those three seasons. My 2014 projection for Jackson is 56 receptions for 880 yards and six touchdowns for 148 points with standard scoring. Fantasy owners will be disappointed if they draft Jackson in the first four rounds.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.
