Jordan Reed 2014 Fantasy Outlook
Jordan Reed was a bit of a sensation as a rookie with the Washington Redskins last year. In the first nine games of the season, he was targeted an insane amount and registered 499 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 45 receptions.
That’s where the good times, ended, unfortunately. The athletic Florida product was on pace to put up mammoth numbers in just his first NFL season, but a concussion and recurring symptoms ended his rookie season and just nine games.
While he’s reportedly recovered fully and working toward and even better second season, reports have emerged that Reed has had four officially reported concussions throughout his football career, ranging from his college days at the University of Florida to last year as a rookie with the Redskins.
The concern over what another concussion could mean was already very real and apparent. Putting a number on his concussion history only makes it worse.
Naturally, Redskins fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike want to know what this will mean. Will the Redskins have one of their best play-makers for the entire year? Can fantasy owners trust in Reed enough to make him a starting tight end on their fantasy rosters?
The only answer is “maybe”.
Concussions are arguably the most unpredictable injury a player can sustain, as even players with heavy histories with concussions can go years without having another, or a player with zero history of concussions can have a season ruined with multiple concussions in a manner of weeks.
The most difficult part isn’t always just the concussion, as depending on the severity and how and when it happens, players can often recover very quickly and experience almost no symptoms after the injury. Unfortunately, that’s not often the case. Wes Welker was another 2013 case, as he was forced to sit out the final three regular season games for the Broncos just to make sure he’d be ready for the playoffs.
Austin Collie is another name people think of when they talk about concussions, although he appears to have gotten over his concussion issues in the past few years. Then there is the case of former Lions running back Jahvid Best, who has missed the past two years with lingering concussions issues and may never play again.
From a talent and role perspective, there is not much to dislike about Reed. He’s a fluid, athletic tight end who runs solid routes and can make plays with or without the ball. He probably could be a more consistent blocker and better finisher on blocks, but as an offensive weapon, he’s a heck of a passing option.
In that regard, he’s easily a TE1 in fantasy football and a guy fantasy owners will want to snag off the draft board somewhere in the middle rounds. When you think about him realistically, though, he clearly presents a lot of risk, as he has a long concussion history and one that just robbed him of half of a season.
He still has that value and upside you crave. Just know that he’s one big hit away from being a total bust in fantasy football.
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