Darrell Jackson, WR, San Francisco 49ers

May 7, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Ryan R. Bonini and Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Ryan Dodson

The San Francisco 49ers traded their fourth-round draft choice - No. 124 overall - in the 2007 NFL Draft to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver Darrell Jackson.

Background

Jackson, who caught 63 passes for 956 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games last season, has reportedly been at odds with the Seahawks over the six-year, $25 million contract extension he signed in 2004. Adding fuel to the fire, his decision to skip the team's voluntary workouts in 2005 and how the team handled his knee injury during 2006 were also points of contention.

The Seahawks have depth at wide receiver with Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson and D.J. Hackett, so Jackson's name popped up during the course of the offseason as potential trade bait. However, it appears the Seahawks were not able to receive more than a second-day pick in return for him. In light of the Oakland Raiders' trade of wideout Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth-rounder, it's not surprising.

Jackson was a third-round pick in 2000, and he impressed immediately, catching 53 passes for 713 yards, both of which were second on the team. He also caught six touchdown passes, which led Seattle that year. Since then, he has been, pretty inarguably, the team's top receiving threat.

Table: Darrell Jackson Career Statistics (2000-2006)

Year	G	Rec	Yards	Avg	TD
2000	16	53	713	13.5	6
2001	16	70	1,081	15.4	8
2002	13	62	877	14.1	4
2003	16	68	1,137	16.7	9
2004	16	87	1,199	13.8	7
2005	6	38	482	12.7	3
2006	13	63	956	15.2	10

Despite his status in Seattle, Jackson was never able to ascend to the upper echelon of wide receivers. Dropped passes plagued him throughout his tenure with the Seahawks, deflating what could have been top-notch numbers.

Injuries have stood in his way as well. Jackson was limited to 19 games combined in 2005 and 2006. He has only played a full 16-game season four times in seven seasons. In Week 4 of 2005, Jackson experienced some issues with his knee. Week 5 brought more trouble. An MRI revealed a torn meniscus, which forced Jackson to undergo surgery. The injury was determined to be more serious than originally expected. He didn't return until Week 15. He sat out Week 17 before making a solid run in the playoffs. However, the following season, he missed the final three games of the season and most of the playoffs with a turf toe injury.

Current Situation

Jackson gives the 49ers a true weapon at the wide receiver position. The team parted ways with wide receiver Antonio Bryant during the offseason and only brought in Ashley Lelie (Atlanta Falcons) to upgrade the position. Jackson will likely assume a starting position immediately. Lelie and Arnaz Battle will probably then battle it out for the other starting position, with the loser being relegated to the slot role.

From a fantasy standpoint, this move isn't too exciting for Jackson owners. Quarterback Alex D. Smith showed improvement in his second year by hitting 58.1 percent of his passes for 2,890 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, he's still learning the ropes and has a long way to go. Jackson may also see a few looks go to developing tight end and safety valve Vernon Davis. Furthermore, the 49ers' offense is led by the ground game of running back Frank Gore. The Seahawks had a balanced attack in their West Coast system under head coach Mike Holmgren. Even with a number of options in Seattle, Jackson was still able to get his numbers.

Jackson, should he be able to stay healthy, definitely improves the 49ers' offense. However, as noted, staying on the field has been an issue for him in the past couple of seasons. His propensity for dropping balls won't do much to aid the development of Smith, either. For Smith to develop confidence in his likely No. 1 target, Jackson's concentration needs to improve.

Fantasy Outlook

Consider Jackson as a low-level No. 2 fantasy option at this point, based on the change of scenery, a young developing quarterback and questions surrounding his durability. His presence, and a couple of other factors, slightly increase the value of Smith as well. However, don't view Smith as more than a borderline No. 2 with some upside.

With Jackson out of the picture in Seattle, Hackett (45 receptions for 610 yards and four touchdowns), who enjoyed a career year in 2006, would likely push for the starting job opposite Branch. He could be a player to keep a close eye on in the coming months.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Ryan R. Bonini

Founding KFFL in 1996, Bonini serves as KFFL's General Manager and VP of technology for KFFL's parent company, USA TODAY SPORTS Media Group. Bonini was named the 2009 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the FSWA and received honors with the Best Fantasy Football Series in '10, making him the first two-time FSWA football award winner.

His work has been found in USA Today, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, NFL.com, and many others. He has also been featured on numerous radio programs around the country. Bonini is a member of the PFWA, FSWA and FSTA.

Follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanbonini

Nicholas Minnix

KFFL's baseball editor plays in LABR and Tout Wars and won the FSWA Baseball Industry Insiders League in 2010.

The University of Delaware alum is a regular guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and Baltimore's WNST AM 1570. Follow him on Twitter.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

Impact Analysis: Dallas Cowboys' backfield (08/02)
Impact Analysis: Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions (07/29)
Fantasy Football Impact Analysis: Cleveland Browns backfield (06/15)
Impact Analysis: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (11/13)
Impact Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers RBs (10/17)
Impact Analysis: Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans (09/24)
Impact Analysis: New Orleans Saints RBs (09/23)
Impact Analysis: John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks (08/28)
Impact Analysis: Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins (08/25)
Impact Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers backfield (08/07)