We at RotoStreet have been high on Marvin Jones Jr. since day one, and he has not disappointed. With that being said, I’m an opportunist and believe in getting elite talent when possible. The reason I am writing this post is because it’s time for fantasy owners to start taking Marvin Jones seriously.
I have engaged in numerous trade discussions where Jones is being looked at as a throw in and it’s really starting to piss me off. Do these people even watch or pay attention to football? Do they think because he doesn’t carry the name recognition of say, Randall Cobb, that he’s not more valuable?
Wake the fuck up and look at the stats.
Through 2 weeks, he has emerged as Matt Stafford‘s favorite target and although he hasn’t found pay dirt yet, the numbers suggest that will change. Through the first 2 weeks of the young NFL season, Jones ranks 8th in targets, 13th in receptions, and 7th in total yards. I’m not at all insinuating that Marvin Jones is the second coming of Calvin Johnson, but Stafford historically peppers his favorite receiver.
Calvin Johnson targets over the last 5 years:
- 2015 – 149
- 2014 – 128 (13 games)
- 2013 – 156 (14 games)
- 2012 – 204
- 2011 – 158
Jones is currently on pace for 168 targets, which is higher than all but 1 of Calvin’s last 5 seasons. He is also on pace for 1,624 yards, which is higher than all but 2 of Calvin’s last 5 seasons. Yes, the TD’s aren’t there yet. But, if Stafford continues to target Jones as frequently as he did Johnson, we can expect the TD’s to come — which would equal an awesome year for Marvin and his owners.
If you can still get him for cheap in your league, stop reading this and go make a deal. If someone wants him from you and treats him as a throw in, tell them to kick rocks.
It’s about damn time we all take Marvin Jones seriously.