Projecting Change: Darrell Jackson

Maybe the Seahawks knew what they were doing when they dealt Darrell Jackson. Forget about all the drops and the lax practice habits, at least Jackson was statistically as consistent as any receiver in the league.
We are now seven months removed from his turf toe injury, and Jackson still can't do anything. He hasn't run a route all summer for his new squad. The always excellent Matt Maiocco reports that Jackson isn't close to 100%. "I feel it," Jackson said. "I always feel it."
Jackson has missed 13 games over the last two seasons. He's practiced so little over the last year that he risks another injury if and when his toe does heal. I originally projected him for 72 catches, 1045 yards, and seven touchdowns for 2007 in an improving San Francisco offense, primarily because the rest of their receivers are terrible. That put him at WR24, which I thought was conservative. But that projection looks too generous now.
The current questions surrounding Jackson's health will knock our projections down to 64/928/6 heading into camp. We'll give a few more catches to Arnaz Battle and Jason Hill. That makes Jackson our No. 29-ranked wideout, a boom-or-bust pick as your third wide receiver. It's hard to believe Jackson has fallen so far, but I just don't trust him to stay healthy. The team change is also a negative. I'm open to moving Jackson back up if he starts practicing well in training camp. It's more likely that his freefall will continue after more injury news.
* Here's our Fantasy Fix video for the week, complete with a new set. And some police blotter action.
* Varying levels of receiver sleepers making noise. Jaguars rookie Mike Walker looks like a long-term keeper. Ronald Curry is making spectacular grabs once again. I love Curry as a WR3 this year if JaMarcus Russell can manage to be competent.
* PacifistViking is running fantasy football previews. I'm new to the site, but the writing is high quality. No love for Jerricho Cotchery, though.





Comments
it always makes me nervous when a guy hasn't played much in the last 2 years. the injuries are a concern, but what concerns me more is time away from the game. the nfl is the best athletes in the world at the top of their games, and anytime a guy 1.) takes time away (injury) or 2.) takes time off and quits working(randy moss), it's too difficult to come back.
the league moves too quickly and there are too many guys out there killing themselves for your job.
i would rank d-jax closer to number 50.
Posted by: Dibble | June 15, 2007 03:04 PM
btw... love the blog gregg. keep it up!
Posted by: Dibble | June 15, 2007 03:06 PM
mmm
Posted by: Anonymous | October 6, 2007 11:30 PM