Fantasy Upside
When it comes to speed and big plays, there’s no doubting DeSean Jackson’s potential. Even with Washington last year, he proved he’s still a deep ball threat - and no matter who the QB was week-to-week, Jackson was able to stretch the field for a big play that often made a fantasy player’s day. This year, QB Robert Griffin III has at least had some positive reports early on in OTAs that should have Jackson owners optimistic there can be some stability at that position. Stability at QB should only help the Washington WR position. Even with Pierre Garcon around, Jackson seemed to quickly climb to the team’s WR1 slot.
Fantasy Downside
Jackson comes with some negatives, though. He hasn’t been the most consistent fantasy player when it comes to plugging and playing him every week. He can put up a big week but can also string together some clunkers. We had a recent news report about Jackson’s reality TV show that didn’t paint him in the best light – that he’s often lost without his father and eluded that he can get himself in trouble off the field, which seems to be the reason the Eagles released him.
Bottom Line
There’s no doubting Jackson’s ability, and it takes just one big play to put him in double-digit fantasy points for the week. He’s ranked 16th among our WRs this season, however his ADP is the seventh round compared to those around him who fall in the fourth or fifth round. Jackson in the seventh round is obviously better than Jackson in the fourth, so if he slips that far, he becomes a more attractive draft pick. Based on our ranking, we do believe in his ability, so the later you can get him, the bigger value he should be. But be prepared for some weeks of low, single-digit points.
