A Third Brandon Enters The Picture

July 3, 2008 at 7:58 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Every fantasy owner knows the names Brandon Marshall and Brandon Jacobs, but do they know the name Brandon Jackson? The 2007 second round pick from Nebraska failed to impress as a rookie, but find out why you better learn about him heading into 2008.

Packers starter Ryan Grant has been sitting out practices all off-season, due to his contract situation, and while there’s still no doubt in our minds that he’s worthy of a first round draft pick in all formats, his absence on the field has opened up a huge door for the 5′10″ Jackson, who has reportedly added 15 pounds of muscle this off-season, putting him at a whopping 227 pounds. Jackson finished the 2007 regular season on a high note, rushing for 113 yards on 20 carries against he Lions, and has built on that momentum ever since, looking like the best player overall during Packers off-season practices.

So, what does this mean for his fantasy value? Well, chances are you’ll hear some news very soon about Ryan Grant getting a new deal done before training camp - which could be part of the reason the Packers are being so outspoken about just how great Jackson has looked. When that news breaks, Jackson will fall into place as Grant’s primary back-up, and nothing more than a versatile hand-cuff for seasonal owners.

However, because of Jackson’s skill set, he is a solid NFL featured back candidate in the long term, and someone who can put up solid digits if Grant were to miss a long period of time.

In other words, Brandon Jackson has separated the himself from the pack - pardon the pun - and established himself as a primary NFL back-up RB, and thus has some fantasy value now. Dynasty owners may want to stash him in hopes of a Michael Turner situation in a few years, or deal him to Grant owners now for a pretty penny.