Player Spotlight: Leon Washington (1 Viewer)

2008 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Leon Washington, RB, New York Jets

Player Page Link: Leon Washington Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

Any Jets homers have anything to say about Washington? From some articles I've seen, seems like many consider him the most explosive player they have on offense. I just read something from Rich Cimini saying that it seems like "every time Leon Washington touches the ball, it seems like the entire defense has to chase him all over the field."

I know they've got a bunch of other weapons and fed the ball to T. Jones last year. But can anyone provide any insight as to whether they think Leon will indeed have a greater role in the offense this year?

IMO, Leon Washington is very talented and was badly under-utilized last year. Yes, he's "small" but he's not really underweight, he's just short. The guy hits the hole pretty hard and makes good decisive cuts. He doesn't break a million tackles, but he does enough. Very good hands and outstanding speed in the open field. I really feel that he would be very effective in a Brian Westbrook type role (He's probably not quite that talented, but their skill sets are similar from what I've seen)

With the new offensive line and a defense that should hopefully give the jets some better time of possession and field position, the Jets have the makings of a very, very good RBBC. If you're in a ppr, and he gets the touches he deserves, i could see Leon as a viable # 3. (especially if your league counts return stats) However, i wont make sort of numerical projections, because I dont have a ton of confidence in this offensive coaching staff after last year.

I play in a PPR where we can start up to 4 RB's (2 RB's, 2 WR/RB flex). I'll be targetting him as my # 4. If his mediocre production continues, I'll always be able to fill that hole with whatever waiver wire WR steps up.

As a Jets homer I really like Washington's skills. I believe the Jets need to get him more involved in some two back sets, which would create matchup problems for the defense. His return skills are unquestioned, and his big play ability is always a threat to score from anywhere on the field. However, while his size is his biggest asset it is really his biggest detriment. He is listed at 5'10'' 210lbs, and the latter of which is likely inflated. While I don't see him rushing for 650 yards again as he did in 2006, I also don't see him rushing for 353, as he did in 2007. The FA signings of Faneca, Woody, and Richardson will not only benefit Thomas Jones, but Washington as well, leading me to increase some of his totals. I would expect an uptick in his performance, but nothing extreme barring injury to Jones. He is a player that most teams could use, someone that is a good burst of speed in the backfield, a good reciever, and a great return man.

105 attempts, 472 yards, 2 TDs; 42 receptions, 424 yards, 2 TDs

Leon is probably one of the most difficult guys to project this year. But as a Jet fan, I really feel that if he got the opportunity that were given other "small" guys like Westbrook and Tiki, Leon would produce comparable numbers. I truly think he is that good.

I'm going to go way out on a limb and say he plays a few games that are akin to last year's opportunity, then gets a real shot sometime in the middle of this season, produces, and doesn't look back.

150 attempts, 700 yards, 5 TD's; 50 Catches, 425 yards, 2 TD's, with the bulk of these numbers coming in the second half. Then he drives people nuts when they try to figure out where to rank him next season.

jwb said:

Leon is probably one of the most difficult guys to project this year. But as a Jet fan, I really feel that if he got the opportunity that were given other "small" guys like Westbrook and Tiki, Leon would produce comparable numbers. I truly think he is that good.I'm going to go way out on a limb and say he plays a few games that are akin to last year's opportunity, then gets a real shot sometime in the middle of this season, produces, and doesn't look back.150 attempts, 700 yards, 5 TD's; 50 Catches, 425 yards, 2 TD's, with the bulk of these numbers coming in the second half. Then he drives people nuts when they try to figure out where to rank him next season.

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I agree, he is that dynamic of a player. However, do you foresee an injury to TJ or simply ineffectiveness as the reason for LW to become "the guy" for the NYJ.

i honestly think Jones would have to get hurt. Jones is gonna have much better blocking this year, and he's proven that he can be a very effective runner with a good o-line. Last year, there was flat out no room to run. Hopefully adding faneca and woody (along with the development of the 2 kids) will change that. If Jones has room to run, he's going to be productive, and he'll keep Leon off the field full time. Plus, Jones is a solid pass blocker and capable reciever.

Unless Leon just goes absolutly bezerk breaking long runs, i can't see him overtaking jones as the lead back.

TLEF316 said:

i honestly think Jones would have to get hurt. Jones is gonna have much better blocking this year, and he's proven that he can be a very effective runner with a good o-line. Last year, there was flat out no room to run. Hopefully adding faneca and woody (along with the development of the 2 kids) will change that. If Jones has room to run, he's going to be productive, and he'll keep Leon off the field full time. Plus, Jones is a solid pass blocker and capable reciever. Unless Leon just goes absolutly bezerk breaking long runs, i can't see him overtaking jones as the lead back.

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I agree with all of this. Just add Tony Richardson into the mix and you're spot in. Richardson is so undervalued yet he could be the biggest acquisition of the offseason IMO.

Thanks guys for the replies. Is there anything to be read into the signing of Jesse Chatman?

I don't think any of those guys see enough time to be draftable, really, unless as said Jones gets hurt.

MCguidance said:

jwb said:

Leon is probably one of the most difficult guys to project this year. But as a Jet fan, I really feel that if he got the opportunity that were given other "small" guys like Westbrook and Tiki, Leon would produce comparable numbers. I truly think he is that good.I'm going to go way out on a limb and say he plays a few games that are akin to last year's opportunity, then gets a real shot sometime in the middle of this season, produces, and doesn't look back.150 attempts, 700 yards, 5 TD's; 50 Catches, 425 yards, 2 TD's, with the bulk of these numbers coming in the second half. Then he drives people nuts when they try to figure out where to rank him next season.

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I agree, he is that dynamic of a player. However, do you foresee an injury to TJ or simply ineffectiveness as the reason for LW to become "the guy" for the NYJ.

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I don't really know, to be honest - I just know that I think Leon is exceptionally talented. Perhaps Jones gets hurt, or he's ineffective. Or, Leon just does a lot with what he is given that it becomes clear he should get more. One way or another, I think this is the year he turns the corner (just a gut feeling, really.)

As a totally unbiased, non-Jets fan, I present to you few reasons to doubt that Leon Washington will make any impact to your fantasy team in 2008:

1. TJ matched his most productive season of his career in 2007, with 310 rush attempts and 28 receptions, only bested by his numbers in 2005 of 314 rush attempts and 26 receptions. This guy isn't slowing down, he's speeding up. Productive TJ is, well, not productive Washington. Washington definitely has the skills to be a Westbrook type of a back, but TJ isn't too bad himself running patterns out of the backfield.

2. TJ accomplished this behind a horrible offensive line. The upgraded line for 2008 is a big x-factor indeed, as this team scored only 6 rushing TD's in 2007. Perhaps a glimmer of hope here is that of the 6 td's Washington accounted for half (3 for the mathematically challenged) and TJ got only 1. Even as RBBC, this kind of a red zone production means not much value here for Washington. It's not like anyone would mistake Washington to be a goal line back in a RBBC anyway next to TJ. Washington has yet to chalk up a receiving TD btw.

3. I didn't realize this, but I just read that Washington received the team MVP honors in 2007. Unfortunately he was much more productive in 2006 without TJ's presence than 2007: 151/650/4 rushing & 25/270/0 receiving in 2006 vs. 71/353/3 rushing & 36/213/0 receiving in 2007. How terrible was this team in 2007 that the MVP went to this guy?

4. Leon Washington is a great kick returner. Unfortunately those stats belong to the Special Team and we're talking about him in the other, less prominent role as the running back. Oh, that's why he got the MVP. He scored 3 more TD's in the 2007 season with kick returns.

5. Chad Pennington is still the QB for this team. Let's face it, teams won't be looking for deep routes against the Jets as long as he's the QB. I liked Pennington coming into the league and he has heart. Recent news stated that he played the entire 2007 season with an injury, so I'll tag this as the second biggest x-factor to the running back position's success.

So my concern isn't with Leon Washington's talent, but with the situation he is in. The kid's got talent, in 8 games he started in 2006 his stats were equivalent to 302/1300/8 for a full season, better than what TJ accomplished in 2007. I would like to think he'll get his shot and break out in the next year or two, I just don't see any reason to believe that 2008 is that year unless something unpredictable like injuries are in the mix.

My projection will remain conservative on him: 85/390/2 rushing 35/280/2 receiving. Washington will stay on my roster another year hoping for success in the second half of 2008 or all of 2009. Or if I'm really lucky I'm on the wrong side of all of this and he will emerge as a sleeper winner. A deep sleeper winner.

Leon's position in reminiscent of one Jerious Norwood. Tons of upside but highly under utilized. If you have a 20 man roster stash him away otherwise hope for a lucky waiver grab later on.

What now with Farve?

I think Leo benefits the most from Favre. More so then the passing game hype bump ups at least if he is utilized right!

Buckeyedawgs said:

I think Leo benefits the most from Favre. More so then the passing game hype bump ups at least if he is utilized right!

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That's overly optimistic for Leo don't you think? IMO the entire receiving corp and TJ gets the big bump with Leo improving on his numbers from last year but still not enough to warrant much of an upgrade since before the trade. How the revamped offensive line performs is a bigger factor I think, after all what can Favre or any QB for that matter do without an effective running game.

Leon Washington = young Brian Westbrook

He'll make a difference on 3rd down and returns until he gets his shot at the full time gig. But when he does he will not look back.

Thomas Jones owners you are warned. TJ has been known to get nicked up in the past.

LawFitz said:

Leon Washington = young Brian Westbrook

He'll make a difference on 3rd down and returns until he gets his shot at the full time gig. But when he does he will not look back.

Thomas Jones owners you are warned. TJ has been known to get nicked up in the past.

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He's missed a total of 3 games in the last 5 yrs with 3 full seasons of 16 games in those 5 yrs. Not sure what you're talking about here.

gianmarco said:

He's missed a total of 3 games in the last 5 yrs with 3 full seasons of 16 games in those 5 yrs. Not sure what you're talking about here.

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I've made this mistake before, for some reason TJ just seem like someone who missed a lot of games but the stats say otherwise. He has been nicked up quite a bit iirc, but he rarely missed games from it. He's a tough cookie for sure.

gianmarco said:

He's missed a total of 3 games in the last 5 yrs with 3 full seasons of 16 games in those 5 yrs. Not sure what you're talking about here.

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Don't get me wrong... I like TJ and have owned him several times in recent years starting with his first year in Chicago. Yes he hasn't missed a lot of games but it's been because he's a tough SOB who plays through pain. Problem is that this year when one of these nick nacks occurs he's got a beast in waiting behind him ready to steal his job.This situation reminds me very much of Duce Staley/Brian Westbrook from a few years ago.

LawFitz said:

gianmarco said:

He's missed a total of 3 games in the last 5 yrs with 3 full seasons of 16 games in those 5 yrs. Not sure what you're talking about here.

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Don't get me wrong... I like TJ and have owned him several times in recent years starting with his first year in Chicago. Yes he hasn't missed a lot of games but it's been because he's a tough SOB who plays through pain. Problem is that this year when one of these nick nacks occurs he's got a beast in waiting behind him ready to steal his job.This situation reminds me very much of Duce Staley/Brian Westbrook from a few years ago.

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I can tell you're a Leon fan and I like him a lot too. But, TJ has had someone waiting behind him to steal his job the last 3 yrs in a row and he just plays and puts up #'s. You've admitted he's a tough SOB and plays through pain so what's different about this year? I'm not in the business of predicting injuries and TJ simply doesn't have a history of missing time due to injuries. Could it happen? Absolutely. Could LW steal the show if it does? Absolutely. But, to say he has a habit of getting nicked as if he's an injury risk that has missed time in the past simply isn't so. I'm not saying LW isn't a solid sleeper in the event something happens, but TJ has missed much less time due to injuries than most other RB's in the league.

Leon wasn't ready to be a starter his first two years. Things are about to change...

Standout NY Jets running back Leon Washington staying hungry

by Dave Hutchinson/The Star-Ledger

Sunday July 27, 2008, 10:15 PM

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- By all accounts, Leon Washington had a breakout year last season. He set a club single-season record with three kickoff returns for touchdowns, scored a team-high six touchdowns and was voted team MVP.

But there he was this offseason, running the 13 steep concrete steps at Andrew Jackson High, his alma mater in Jacksonville, Fla. He pulled tires and ran sprints. It was just like the old days when he was a scrawny teenager growing up.

Washington, a third-year pro, is still hungry. He spent the offseason getting stronger and working on his lower body, winning the team's offseason condition award. He even dared to go barbell to barbell with a noted weight room warrior, running back Thomas Jones.

"I know I'm gifted enough to go out there and play football, but in this game that's not good enough," said Washington, who also had 353 yards and three touchdowns rushing with 36 receptions on 71 attempts for 213 yards.

"You watch guys like (NFL great) Jerry Rice on film, running up those hills, running up mountains even though this guy is the best wide receiver in the league. I watch (teammate) Jerricho Cotchery.

"I knew coming into the season, if I worked hard in the offseason to prepare my body the right way it would (help) me to at least have a little bit of an edge on my opponents. That was my focus."

Washington, at 5-foot-8, 202 pounds, looks quicker, more explosive and faster. He says he didn't lose weight, he just added muscle mass. He says he wants to improve his pass blocking and be stronger at the end of the season.

"You can see the work that he did in the offseason translate onto the field in all the different areas," said coach Eric Mangini.

The trick for the Jets this season is how to best use Washington. He averaged just 4.4 carries per game last season and seemed underutilized on offense. He returned kickoffs last season in place of injured Pro Bowler Justin Miller, who will be back this season. Then there's the punt returns (9.2-yard average on 20 returns).

"I'm sure we're going to continue to try to get him as involved as possible," said Mangini.