Jeremy Maclin is sitting out Thursday’s practice and considered “unlikely” to play in the Eagles’ second preseason game against the New England Patriots. The Philly Inquirer reported Wednesday that Maclin’s health has become increasingly concerning despite the high praise he does get when on the field.
Maclin has been viewed as a value pick in many fantasy football drafts this season. The five year veteran wide receiver is a full year removed from his season ending knee injury and is stepping into a role that should have a great opportunity for success.
The dust has settled from the surprise DeSean Jackson releasing and fans and fantasy gurus have begun optimistic that Maclin can not only fill Jackson’s shoes but can offer more versatility in the Chip Kelly offense. There is no doubt that DeSean is one of the most elite deep threat wide receivers in the NFL, but he isn’t exactly a physical player at the line of scrimmage. Defenders often out-muscled Jackson in press man situations. If Jackson couldn’t beat tight man coverage or help block in Chip’s system, he wasn’t very valuable.
NFL Combine Results from 2009
Maclin is slightly taller and heavier. He is considered a possession wide receiver being known more for his route running than or his speed. Although, to many people’s surprise, Maclin is just as fast as any elite pass catcher in the NFL.
- Jeremy Maclin ran a 4.39 at the 2009 NFL Combine,
- DeSean Jackson ran a 4.35 the year earlier.
Injury Concerns?
It was reported that Jeremy Maclin had been “toasting” Darrelle Revis during 1-on-1 work at this week’s joint practices between the Patriots and Eagles and Maclin has struggled to stay at 100 percent entering Eagles training camp.
Personally I think easing Maclin back into the game is a smarter choice that pushing him and running the risk of further injury. We need to remember that the recovery process can be a slow and a cautious one. What better time get Maclin into game shape than now. Preseason games are meaningless and I’m sure the coaching staff would rather not rush Maclin into harms way.
Fantasy Value
This injury concern may actually help improve Maclin’s draft value in the coming weeks. What may seem like news now is likely to be forgotten in a month. If worried “over-thinkers” want to pass on this fantasy football gem for a few aches and pains than you could be in for a jackpot scenario.
The 6th round seems like a great place to snag the number one wide receiver on a high powered NFC Playoff favorite. Check out Gridiron Experts projections for Jeremy Maclin and hundreds of other players for this fantasy football season.
Jeremy Maclin’s ADP from July 15 to Aug 15th
James is a diehard fantasy football fan who has been playing for over 20 years. He doesn’t have a favorite team, mainly from moving around a lot when he was a kid. This has to lead to many fantasy championships as James drafts with his head, not with his heart. James also plays heavily in Dynasty Football and loves DFS and Picking games. He’s excited to see where he can go writing for Gridiron Experts
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