Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Entering the 2013 fantasy football season, it may be tough to judge just who will break out at their respective position. Beyond the seventh or eighth round, things get a bit muddy. If you’re in a deeper league with 10-14 teams, it gets incredibly muddy at that point.
Who do you take chances on? Who do you stay away from? Who has the highest ceiling? It’s a tough game to play, but that’s why we love it so much.
This year, I believe one of the biggest sleepers you will find at the wide receiver position is going to be Chicago Bears sophomore Alshon Jeffery — for several reasons.
First of all, quarterback Jay Cutler targeted his number one option Brandon Marshall a ridiculous amount of the time because, let’s be honest, that offensive line barely gave him time to check out his second option let alone anything beyond that. Tossing it to Marshall was the only logical thing to do besides taking a lick and suffering a sack.
The offensive line is much-improved, and new head coach Marc Trestman is implementing an offense that will be able to take advantage of more protection. His offenses usually center around being quite diverse in all of the guys involved. Cutler has been spreading the ball around during the preseason much more than he had in previous years.
Jeffery has a build a lot like Marshall, He’s big, tall, athletic and physical. Marshall also took Jeffery under his wing this summer and worked out with him, giving him tons of direction and coaching. With Cutler and Trestman giving Jeffery plenty of praise during camp and throughout the preseason, he could be poised for a much different year in comparison to 2012.
I would grab Jeffery in the later rounds of the draft if he is still there and stash him during week one. If you’re in an expanded league, like I said before, you may be forced to throw him in the fire and start him. Either way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
