Fantasy Football - Camp Battles 2015 |
|
Camp Battles - Green Bay WRs Jordy Nelson is done for the year…now what!? The Packers passing attack suffered a setback Sunday when Jordy Nelson landed awkwardly after a short gain. Nelson was Aaron Rodgers’ steadiest weapon and a top 10 fantasy receiver. His season-ending injury will have a domino effect on the Packers depth chart. First, let’s make it clear Randall Cobb will remain in his usual spot and his numbers shouldn’t be affected much. Some will argue Cobb’s workload will increase, but the Packers passing attack has never really operated that way. Each component is separate from one another. Second, let’s all agree that Davante Adams will take on Nelson’s role. Adams reportedly had a strong offseason and is poised for a big sophomore splash. That leaves the question: Who will take over the team’s No. 3 job? For most NFL rosters this question is moot as it relates to fantasy football; few teams have three draftable wide receivers. But in the case of the Packers you could argue Adams was going to be a strong No. 3 fantasy receiver in most leagues. Not sure the same will be true moving forward, but Green Bay’s No. 3 receiver will still be picked in most drafts. Rookie Ty Montgomery and fan favorite Jeff Janis have a couple weeks to duke it out for that honor. Why Janis is your best bet: Experience – even limited experience – counts a great deal. Janis has some in this offense, Montgomery has none. Last year, Janis caught two passes for 16 yards, both coming in a blowout October win over Minnesota. The 2014 seventh round pick got some first team reps this spring while Nelson was rehabbing from hip surgery, and Janis out-caught Montgomery in the Packers’ recent preseason contest against New England. He’s big (6-foot-3, 219 pounds) and moves well. Not much on the surface to dislike. Why it’s Montgomery: Janis may make things happen on the practice field, but he did not do much in year one and nothing from this preseason indicates he’s going to take that step in becoming more than a late round pick. The Packers are far more invested in Montgomery (third round pick) and his numbers while at Stanford suggest he can provide the team with a steady presence. He caught 61 passes in both his junior and senior seasons, and was an impact player in the return game last season (added bonus for fantasy owners this year). Don’t forget about: Jared Abbrederis A preseason injury robbed Abbrederis of his rookie season and a concussion has kept him on the sideline so far this summer. This all means that Abbrederis is not draftable, and right now is in jeopardy of missing the final cut. However, those familiar with Abbrederis know his talents and potential. He’s quick, runs polished routes and has sure hands. If he makes his way to the field healthy, he could be a late bloomer for a team in desperate need of more help in the passing attack. Who fantasy owners should pull for: Montgomery He’s the steadier pick of the two. Packers reporters applaud Janis’ athletic gifts but also wan of his inconsistency. And while the term “steady” is sometimes interchangeable with lacking big-game potential in the minds of fantasy owners, it’s fair to note Montgomery had three games with 130 or more yards receiving his junior season. Follow Mike Beacom on Twitter @mikebeacom |
By Mike Beacom