We here at Mocking the Draft put together a bracket to match up the top 32 rookie quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends drafted in April. Put simply, it's a NCAA tournament style bracket to help us decide which rookie will score the most fantasy points this coming season. You're welcome to go back and see the original post here. Today's match up: A.J. Jenkins vs T.J. Graham.
Fantasy Football Rookie Bracket Match Up: A.J. Jenkins Vs T.J Graham
It's the battle of the initials this time around. The San Francisco 49ers surprised a lot of people by taking receiver A.J. Jenkins with the 30th overall pick, while T.J. Graham was the third round selection of the Buffalo Bills.
Why vote for Jenkins?
The 49ers are desperate for some production out of their receivers. Leading receiver Michael Crabtree didn't have a bad year last season, but he hardly strikes fear into defensive coordinators around the league. Kyle Williams was the next best wide receiver, and he only had 20 catches They did bring in Randy Moss and Mario Manningham in the offseason, but Jenkins could see time on the field and make a significant impact. He has a very good all-round game, but isn't really elite in any aspect of it. If San Fran can find the right role for him, he could be an under-the-radar guy that pops up at the end of the year with more catches and yards than you would expect.
More after the jump.
Why vote against Jenkins?
The 49ers made it all the way to the NFC championship game last year without a legit number two receiver. They found a way to win, and it was running the ball. Free agent Brandon Jacobs along with second round pick LaMichael James join second year Kendall Hunter and starter Frank Gore in what is a crowded backfield. All of these guys will want touches if they make the roster, and with the success the 49ers saw running the ball last year, they could stay run heavy. With Manningham on the roster, Jenkins will probably be more of a slot guy at least early on in his career. A run heavy offense brings run heavy formations, which means a slot receiver is sacrificed for extra blockers. Jenkins can't make plays if he's not on the field.
Why vote for Graham?
Graham is a true deep threat. He has the burst and speed to get open deep at any point and make a big play. He won't need to see the field all too often to have a major impact, which is good because the Bills brought back breakout star Stevie Johnson and still have David Nelson on the roster, who put up above average numbers last year. With Fred Jackson scheduled to return from injury, there might not be many touches for Graham, but as I said, he only needs one big play to have a major impact.
Why vote against Graham?
He’s a raw route runner, which means he’ll mainly be running deep patterns in three receiver sets. While this could lead to the occasional big play, he won’t see too much action outside of this. He could be a big boom or bust fantasy pick.
Let us know who you voted for and why in the comments below. Tomorrow's match up: Doug Martin vs DeVier Posey
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