2016 Jaguars Fantasy Football Preview: Wide Receivers

7/7/2016

A full fantasy preview of the Jaguars wide receivers heading into the 2016 fantasy draft season.

By Jordan de Lugo - @jordandelugo

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The Jaguars offense burst onto the fantasy scene in 2015 thanks in large part to the emergence of Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson as elite receivers. Both players eclipsed the 1,000 yard and the double digit touchdown marks on the season. Can they possibly duplicate that success in 2015?

Let’s take a look at each of the Jaguars receivers that we project to make the final 53 man roster in 2016.

Allen Robinson is THE guy in Jacksonville, without question. He is a 6’3’’, 215 lb. wide receiver with unlimited leaping ability and a remarkable knack for catching 50/50 balls. His talent and handwork payed off in 2015 as he was perhaps the most improved player in the entire league. He was able to record 80 catches for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns, establishing himself as a true number one receiver. The question is how to project what he will do in 2016. I find it highly unlikely that Robinson will be able to match his 14 touchdowns, but it does however seem likely that he could have more catches in 2016 than the 80 he recorded in 2015 and he could get close to the same amount of yards. He’s too good for the Jaguars to not target him at least once a drive and could actually be helped out by the emergence of Marqise Lee and Rashad Greene, plus an improved rushing attack. Look for Robinson to continue his dominance on the field for the Jags this season. So where should he be drafted? He’ll be gone by the end of the second round, and depending on who’s available in your draft it might not be a bad idea to nab up the most talented Jaguar in the bottom half of the 1st round.

Projection: 86 catches, 1,350 yards, 11 TDs

Allen Hurns isn't the biggest, fastest, most eye catching receiver, but he is a damn good football player that knows how to get the job done. After being an undrafted free agent just two years ago, Hurns has already earned his first big contract to the tune of $40 million. In 2015 he recorded 64 catches for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was a top value play nearly every week in DFS formats and an awesome sleeper pick in standard leagues. While I think Allen Robinson will be close to duplicating his 2015 numbers, I think Hurns will fall well short of his 2015 stats, which isn't a bad thing for the Jags. With Marqise Lee and Rashad Greene chomping at the bit to get on the field, this could negatively impact Hurns’ numbers going forward. Even with a dip in his production Hurns could be a very good WR3 or FLEX in 2016 and would be a valuable selection any time after the 6th round.

Projection: 60 catches, 900 yards, 7 TDs

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Marqise Lee aka “The Albino Tiger” has finally been spotted and is fully healthy heading into the 2016 season. Lee was drafted at the beginning of the second round by the Jags in 2014, but has been slowed by injuries to this point in his career. A healthy offseason is just what the doctor ordered for one of the most talented players on the roster. His attitude is good and morale is high. With a healthy season he could be a fantasy break out, but there’s always an injury risk with this one. You can certainly take a late round flyer on him as a boom or bust type player or as insurance for Robinson or Hurns. I think he stays at least relatively healthy and puts up some decent numbers for the Jags this year.

Projection: 45 catches, 600 yards, 5 TDs

Rashad Greene is a real question mark for the Jags as a receiver. He seems too small to take the type of punishment that slot receivers take in this league, but he has shown flashes. As a returner is where is his true value lies. If your league gives points for return yards and TDs then Greene could be a valuable sleeper pick or waiver wire addition. He was the best punt returner in the NFL in 2015 averaging nearly 17 yards per return and will likely only get better in his sophomore campaign. He is also likely to be the Jaguars fourth option at receiver, so there will be some value there too.

Projection: 30 catches, 350 yards, 3 TDs + 500 punt return yards, 2 punt return TDs

Bryan Walters is as reliable as they come, but like many smallish slot receivers he has struggled to find a home in the NFL. He signed on with the Jaguars last year and filled in admirably when his number was called. He will likely be the 5th option for the Jaguars at receiver, which will make it very difficult for him to have a fantasy impact. If his number is called he’ll get the job done, I just don't think it will be called very often in 2016.

Projection: 20 Catches, 250 yards, 1 TD

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