Fantasy Upside
Now that Jared Cook is in Green Bay, Lance Kendricks will have a bigger role in the Rams offense. In 15 games last season, Kendricks caught just 25 passes for 245 yards with two touchdowns on 36 targets. But his numbers should increase now Cook is gone and the team upgraded at quarterback with the selection of Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL draft. A tight end can often be a young quarterback’s best friend and seeing as how the Rams don’t have many weapons in the passing game, Kendricks could wind up being a fantasy sleeper. Cook only turned his 75 targets into 39 receptions last year, but who’s to say Kendricks couldn’t do more with those opportunities?
Fantasy Downside
Kendricks had an opportunity to sign with the Falcons as a free agent in 2014 and decided to re-sign with the Rams after the team promised him an expanded role in the passing game. But he saw two fewer targets in 2015 than he did in 2014, catching two fewer passes, three fewer touchdowns and 14 fewer yards. Granted, Cook’s departure should create more opportunities for Kendricks, but he hasn’t been fantasy relevant since 2012 when he caught 42 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns.
2016 Bottom Line
Kendricks isn’t worth a draft pick because he’s currently being undrafted in both 10 and 12-team leagues. That said, his targets will grow with Cook’s departure and he’s always been a solid red zone target thanks to his size and athleticism. He could wind up being a quality streaming option depending on how the Rams utilize him, so pay attention to his usage early in the season.
