The ESPN Fantasy Football marathon continues with an analysis of the New York Jets' wide receivers:
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 96 receptions, 1,256 yards, 8.6 receiving TDs
Over or under: The birth certificate says he's 32 years old, but don't believe it. Marshall reported to training camp at a svelte 225 pounds, arguably the best shape of his career. He shows no signs of slowing down, and I suspect the ESPN Fantasy Projection will be spot on. He won't duplicate last season's terrific numbers (109 catches, 1,502 yards, 14 touchdowns), but that's because there are more options in the passing attack. He won't average 11 targets per game, as he did last season, but he still will be a dominant receiver, especially in the red zone.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 85 receptions, 1,123 yards, 8.3 receiving TDs
Over or under: The catch and yardage totals look right, but I think he'll surpass the touchdown projection. Some people might be surprised by this, but Decker -- not Marshall -- was the Jets' leading red-zone receiver last season. Decker is hoping for more big-play opportunities this year. In 2015, he spent a lot of time in the slot, where he was an effective possession receiver. He'd like to expand his role by returning to one of the outside spots. He has displayed deep speed in camp, so maybe it's a possibility.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 17 receptions, 207 yards, 1.6 receiving TDs
Over or under: These are modest projections, to be sure. Don't be surprised if he doubles the number in each category. The Jets have big plans for Enunwa, who will be deployed as the No. 3 receiver and occasionally as a tight end. He's a hybrid player whose versatility makes him a tough cover. The passing game still runs through Marshall and Decker, but Enunwa could feast on the scraps.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 14 receptions, 226 yards, 1.6 receiving TDs
Over or under: I see this as a transition year for the former second-round pick, who probably will begin the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list. He'll return around midseason, but he'll be far behind and will be hard-pressed to make an impact. He's coming off knee surgery and still has no much to learn about the game. I can't see him reaching the Fantasy projections.
Who else could see time: Kenbrell Thompkins is a player to watch. He's a possession receiver who could be in the No. 3/No.4 role, meaning he could be worth 15 or 20 receptions. Jalin Marshall, an undrafted rookie, has been one of the stories in training camp. He's a smooth receiver, yet his main contribution likely will be as a kick returner.
