Marvin Jones: Hiding In The Shadows of Kenny Golladay Love
Many forget about how effective Marvin Jones was for Detroit in 2017 and up until his unfortunate knee injury that ended his 2018 season. The reason he has gone under the radar is due to the loud echoing of Kenny Golladay’s hype train. Detroit’s most recent breakout receiver has earned his fair share of hype this offseason following his impressive 2018 campaign. Golladay posted 70 receptions, 1,063 yards, and five touchdowns in 15 games.
Golladay recorded these numbers with Jones out with a knee injury suffered in Week 10. This was just 12 days following the Lions trading their leading receiver, Golden Tate, to Philadelphia. These events helped Golladay become the de facto wide receiver one in Detroit. The young receiver went from averaging six targets per week through the first nine games, to 10 targets a game between weeks 10–16.
Take Advantage of the Smokescreen of Value
After listening to this intro, it probably sounds like I am about to tear down Golladay and talk about the potential regression to target share and production that could occur with Marvin Jones coming back. Although that is in the cards, I am more interested in how Golladay’s strong season has created a smokescreen of value for Jones. The veteran receiver was not having the greatest fantasy season prior to his injury, but with the Tate trade there was projected upside for an increase in target share and production. Jones is just a year removed from posting 61 receptions, 1,101 yards, and nine touchdowns, finishing as PPR WR12 in 2017. Jones currently holds an FFPC ADP of 109.47. It’s a great opportunity to get a stud receiver in the ninth or tenth round.
Detroit’s Top Receiver
Even if the 29-year-old returns to Detroit as the wide receiver two, he provides a great fantasy floor for owners with huge upside in 2019. Jones has the opportunity to retake his primary receiving duties as Matthew Stafford’s top red zone target . Jones finished 2017 with a 42.9-percent end zone target share (No. 6). In 2018 he finished with a 54.2 percent end zone target share (No. 1).
I follow the concept of looking at offenses and their receivers to help make decisions based on the projected upside of getting someone like Jones at an exceptional value. The smokescreen of Golladay’s talent and 2018 fantasy production helps to draw attention away from Jones’ great 2017 season. Due to the abrupt end to his last season, it is easy to forget about his past success and his ability to secure a large share in Detroit’s offense. Jones is someone I am targeting heavily in later rounds of redraft leagues. He can still be a useful asset in dynasty leagues at a cheap price with the opportunity to produce for the next few years.
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