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Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery started his NFL career with three catches for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 last season, but hand and knee injuries led to him missing six games and totaling just 24 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie.
But Jeffery did finish the season strongly with four catches for 76 yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, and multiple reports suggest he has been working out with teammate Brandon Marshall in Florida this offseason to get in better shape. New Bears head coach Marc Trestman has said he expects Jeffery to be a starter, and with little competition in place right now the second-year man from South Carolina is in line for an expanded role in 2013.
Marshall was the centerpiece of Chicago’s pass offense in 2012, with 118 receptions for 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns. Only one other player (running back Matt Forte) had more than 40 receptions for the Bears last season, and no one else had over 400 receiving yards or more than three touchdown catches. Tight end Martellus Bennett was signed in free agency, which brings another weapon to the mix, but having another wide receiver emerge would be a benefit to the entire offense.
Jeffery showed ability as a red zone weapon and downfield threat as a rookie, and simply staying on the field should lead to increased production next season. Trestman’s offensive acumen puts the entire Chicago offense on the radar of fantasy football owners, and he will surely find a way to use a receiver with Jeffery’s size (6’4″) and skill set.
Jeffery is unlikely to take a lot of production away from Marshall, but as long as he is healthy I expect him to more than double his 2012 production in 2013. He is worth considering as a late-round pick in 12 and 14-team leagues, with more upside and value in touchdown-heavy formats. Owners in keeper leagues should also see Jeffery as potential buy-low candidate with his value likely to only go up from here.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
