Braylon Edwards, WR, New York Jets (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2010 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. This year, we plan to publish more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters.

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: Braylon Edwards, WR, New York Jets

Player Page Link: Braylon Edwards 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 Projections

The Rules

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

[*]Focus commentary on the player (or players) in question, and your expectations for said player (or players)

[*]Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"

[*]Avoid redundancies or ... this should be about incremental analysis or debate

While not a requirement, we strongly encourage you to provide your own projections for the player (players):

Projections should include:

[*]For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Attempts, Rush Yards, Rush TDs

[*]For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs

[*]For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs

Now 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.

 

[Jayrod]

When Braylon had his great season in 2007, the big question was whether it was his breakout season or a fluke. Of course now it looks like a fluke since the last two seasons look like his first two seasons. But there has been a lot of issues surrounding those seasons that factored in. Unsettled QB's, team change, horrendous offense....of course he has contributed with his high rate of dropped passes. It is just baffeling that a guy can go from 80-1289-16 down to a 50-700-4 guy. And even worse is that he shows flashes from time to time that teases fantasy owners with the hope that he may return to greatness.

But at this point, in this Jet offense, I think we can safely assume that WR1 or 2 numbers are highly unlikely. I think he improves from last year, but on a run first team with multiple quality receivers and a 2nd year QB, that potential is limited.

I expect to see 60 catches for 900 yds and 5 TD's. Better than the last two years, but nowhere near 2007. There is some room above or below that, but I'd be shocked to see much more than 15% movement up or down from these numbers.

 

[finito]

70 1050, 8 TDs

I think he'll have a nice bounce back year. Not spectacular, but he'll be good.

 

[Iraqi Information Minister]

I think 50/700/4 is the best you can hope for.

 

[Willie Mays Hayes]

I think 50/700/4 is the best you can hope for.

This feels right to me.

 

[travdogg]

Unless I can get Edwards as a WR4, I have very little interest in him. The jets are very run oreinted, and despite Coach Ryan's claims to want to be a more balanced offense, if the defense stays elite, this will be the most run heavy team in the AFC and maybe the NFL.

Edwards could be the #1 guy in the passing game, but its just as likely he's the #4 target in the passing game. Frankly, I think Holmes can do everything Edwards can, and do it better than Edwards. I'd expect Holmes to be the #1 once his suspension ends, can Edwards be the #2 over Cotchery? He'll have to be to have value, because this isn't a team that's likely to be running too many 3-wide sets despite actually being deep at WR all of a sudden.

I'll say Edwards gets, 70 targets, 40 catches 650 yards and 5 TD's.

 

[pantherclub]

I think 50/700/4 is the best you can hope for.

I dont know. He has shown he has produced in the past so he is not some unknown, however Sanchez is not going to be a gun slinger this year but Edwards still should be his #1. Would 70ish catches and 1000 yards 7 tds really surprise anyone?

 

[bigern1000]

I think 50/700/4 is the best you can hope for.

I dont know. He has shown he has produced in the past so he is not some unknown, however Sanchez is not going to be a gun slinger this year but Edwards still should be his #1. Would 70ish catches and 1000 yards 7 tds really surprise anyone?

It wouldn't surprise me if he's on that pace after the first 4 games. I had invested a high price on him on a WR-needy auction team prior to the Holmes acquisition, which I don't look as highly back on now as I did at the time. I think somewhere in between where it seems like most of the projections here show is fairly close -- something like 60/850/6 to err on the side of caution...

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

We'll most likely never see the Braylon Edwards we saw a few years back where he was one of the best in the league but he's better than what we've seen the last couple of years. I thought I saw a few glimpses of greatness out of Braylon last year, just not often enough. With Sanchez getting more experience as a QB, I think the Jets are going to be one of the better teams in the NFL. With that, I just think the Jets will be doing things the right way and I can see Edwards on the right end of some play action passes for big gains. He's also a nice target for Sanchez down near the red zone.

55 receptions for 799 yards and 6 td's

 

[Concept Coop]

I think 50/700/4 is the best you can hope for.

He pretty much did that last year after a crazy season. The Clevland QB's couldn't hit his hands. Then he is traded, mid-season, to a running team with a rookie QB. Sanchez is going to get better, they are going to be closer to the same page, and he is still a talented player. The Jets may want to run the ball all day long. But in the NFL, if you can't pass, you can't win. They will have to throw enough for Braylon to improve from last season.60/825/7

 

[Iraqi Information Minister]

I think 50/700/4 is the best you can hope for.

He pretty much did that last year after a crazy season. The Clevland QB's couldn't hit his hands. Then he is traded, mid-season, to a running team with a rookie QB. Sanchez is going to get better, they are going to be closer to the same page, and he is still a talented player. The Jets may want to run the ball all day long. But in the NFL, if you can't pass, you can't win. They will have to throw enough for Braylon to improve from last season.

60/825/7

That's the worst place to hit Braylon Edwards with a football.

 

[fightingillini]

Unless I can get him as a WR4 or WR5, I am avoiding at all costs. Competes with Cotchery and eventually Santonio Holmes for catches in a clear run-first offense. Has the capability of playing really great or really lousy, and so he's a guy that I wouldn't want to depend on as a starting WR, even WR3. Better suited for best ball survivor type leagues.

53 rec, 800 yds, 4 TD

 

[Concept Coop]

I think 50/700/4 is the best you can hope for.

He pretty much did that last year after a crazy season. The Clevland QB's couldn't hit his hands. Then he is traded, mid-season, to a running team with a rookie QB. Sanchez is going to get better, they are going to be closer to the same page, and he is still a talented player. The Jets may want to run the ball all day long. But in the NFL, if you can't pass, you can't win. They will have to throw enough for Braylon to improve from last season.

60/825/7

That's the worst place to hit Braylon Edwards with a football.

Ha ha! True. But do it enough times and he can grab 16 TDs in one season.

 

[Reaper]

We'll most likely never see the Braylon Edwards we saw a few years back where he was one of the best in the league but he's better than what we've seen the last couple of years. I thought I saw a few glimpses of greatness out of Braylon last year, just not often enough. With Sanchez getting more experience as a QB, I think the Jets are going to be one of the better teams in the NFL. With that, I just think the Jets will be doing things the right way and I can see Edwards on the right end of some play action passes for big gains. He's also a nice target for Sanchez down near the red zone.

55 receptions for 799 yards and 6 td's

As a Jets fan, this has to be among the best catches we have seen in a long long time, or ever.

That was Braylons 1st game back....

But, I have to agree with all the talk about The Jets offense and lack of opportunities...

My plan is to probably wait till 2 Jet WR"s are drafted and then take a flier on the last guy wether it's BE, Holmes or Cotchery.. late....

Yeah, I'm not going to be looking to start a Jet WR this year, even with decent stats, all 3 are going to be wildly inconsistent.

That said, I love Braylon on the Jets almost as much as Rex Ryan does...

 

[Moniker]

We'll most likely never see the Braylon Edwards we saw a few years back where he was one of the best in the league but he's better than what we've seen the last couple of years. I thought I saw a few glimpses of greatness out of Braylon last year, just not often enough. With Sanchez getting more experience as a QB, I think the Jets are going to be one of the better teams in the NFL. With that, I just think the Jets will be doing things the right way and I can see Edwards on the right end of some play action passes for big gains. He's also a nice target for Sanchez down near the red zone.

55 receptions for 799 yards and 6 td's

Living in Cleveland and getting to watch Braylon every Sunday for a couple of seasons it became apparent that the tough catch wasn't his problem. He seems to make the tough catch with ease, almost every time. His problem is the routine, everyday catch.

 

[JPeso]

We'll most likely never see the Braylon Edwards we saw a few years back where he was one of the best in the league but he's better than what we've seen the last couple of years. I thought I saw a few glimpses of greatness out of Braylon last year, just not often enough. With Sanchez getting more experience as a QB, I think the Jets are going to be one of the better teams in the NFL. With that, I just think the Jets will be doing things the right way and I can see Edwards on the right end of some play action passes for big gains. He's also a nice target for Sanchez down near the red zone.

55 receptions for 799 yards and 6 td's

The reason I've never thought Braylon actually had the Stone Hands of the name I call him, but more of a confidence issue that snowballed. He's a talented player, but doesn't seem to believe it himself.

 

[Sweet Love]

We'll most likely never see the Braylon Edwards we saw a few years back where he was one of the best in the league but he's better than what we've seen the last couple of years. I thought I saw a few glimpses of greatness out of Braylon last year, just not often enough. With Sanchez getting more experience as a QB, I think the Jets are going to be one of the better teams in the NFL. With that, I just think the Jets will be doing things the right way and I can see Edwards on the right end of some play action passes for big gains. He's also a nice target for Sanchez down near the red zone.

55 receptions for 799 yards and 6 td's

Personaly, I think it is a concentration issue over confidence. I liken him to a better Brandon Lloyd (aka Matrix)...can make the amazing catch, yet drops the routine ones. I have stated this in the past, but I used to think drops were an overrated stat (i.e. the guy who gets targeted 145 times versus 95 times has a greater chance of having more drops), but watching Edwards drop that ball in the plaoff game against the Bengals in the playoffs, just made me cringe.

 

[baconisgood]

We'll most likely never see the Braylon Edwards we saw a few years back where he was one of the best in the league but he's better than what we've seen the last couple of years. I thought I saw a few glimpses of greatness out of Braylon last year, just not often enough. With Sanchez getting more experience as a QB, I think the Jets are going to be one of the better teams in the NFL. With that, I just think the Jets will be doing things the right way and I can see Edwards on the right end of some play action passes for big gains. He's also a nice target for Sanchez down near the red zone.

55 receptions for 799 yards and 6 td's

Braylon had plenty of boneheaded drops during his big year in Cleveland. They were overshadowed by his fantastic play otherwise but they were there and most Cleveland fans knew it and said things like "if he cures his drops he will be the greatest ever!"- hyperbole of course, but its not confidence.

 

[rzrback77]

Braylon Edwards is atletically gifted, but does not ever put it all together. He is capable of making fantastic plays, but is not consistent enough to be the primary target for a team. Then, look at what team he plays on the Jets, who had the best rushing offense in 09 and still have a solid run blocking offensive line. They may not run as often as in 09, but they will still run a lot. And if they do pass more often, there are quite a few options for Sanchez. He can throw to the open guy rather than force the issue. In addition to Edwards, he has the relaible Jericho Cotchery, the athletic TE, Dustin Keller, and also Santonio Holmes. They even have two nice receiving RBs in Tomlinson and McKnight. Just not much chance of Edwards getting a high number of targets.

I personally expect a decrease from his 09 numbers, which were 45 catches on 94 targets 48% for 680 yards 15.1 ypc and 4 TDs. He finished as the WR 35(FBG non-ppr scoring) so his ADP of WR 31 and 86 seems a bit high and I doubt that he is drafted by me in 2010.

Braylon Edwards 16 gms 85 targets 45 53% 675 yards 15.0 ypc and 4 TDs

 

[JoeDog]

There's some concern that the Jets won't throw enough to adequately satisfy their suddenly deep receiving corp. While Ryan prefers ground-n-pound (and with his defense who can blame him?), he's demonstrated a willingness to cut Schottenheimer slack. He will tolerate more passing attempts as long as the offense doesn't cost him games. If Sanchez reduces his INTs from last year, expect more targets to go around. Still the only Jets receiver with a chance to be a "one" is Keller and I wouldn't go into the season banking on that. I expect Edwards to finish in that borderline two-three range. Get him as a three and hope he plays like a two.

 

[Reaper]

Interesting read.... ESPN

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Braylon Edwards opened his big right hand and gave a guided tour. He revealed a perma-curled pinky and a middle finger aspiring to be a question mark.

"This pinky is destroyed -- a ripped ligament -- and my middle finger is going the wrong way," he said. "Broke it twice."

With a battle-scarred right hand, Edwards leans to the left when it comes to catching passes for the New York Jets. His left hand is stronger than the right, a disparity that affects him on passes over his right shoulder. Eager to correct the flaw, Edwards is working hard in training camp, trying to dispel the widespread notion that he has bad hands.

"I'll be OK," he said. "I've been doing good at it this year, trusting the fingers, trusting the hands. So far, it's been working for me."

Edwards is an immense physical talent, but he was dogged last season by the dropping issue. Part of that was reputation; he led the league in drops in 2008 as a Cleveland Brown. In 2009, his total wasn't outrageous -- five, according to STATS, LLC -- but they were ill-timed. The most egregious drop came against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto, where he pulled a Luis Castillo, dropping an easy, no-one-around-him pass that should've gone for an 80-yard touchdown.

After breaking down plays from last season, Jets wide receivers coach Henry Ellard determined that most of Edwards' drops came on passes over his right shoulder. As Ellard put it, "He has a block on that side," suggesting the issue is mental as well as physical. So on most days in practice, Ellard runs over-the-shoulder drills, hoping repetition solves the problem.

"If you want to be in the elite five, you have to make a play every time the ball comes in your direction," Ellard said.

Edwards exudes confidence, talking like he expects this to be his signature season. One of his new partners, Santonio Holmes, said Edwards "could be the No. 1 receiver in the NFL -- this year." Edwards has tasted individual glory (1,289 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in 2007), which might explain why he's focusing solely on team goals.

He loves the big-play potential of the Jets' receiving corps.

"You won't be able to stop us," Edwards said. "Wherever the ball goes, there should be a play."

He also loves the attitudes of his fellow receivers -- especially Holmes, one of only three players on the team with a Super Bowl ring.

"We just want to win a championship, that's all we care about," Edwards said. "At the end of the day, when we retire and we're playing with our kids and grandkids, to have that ring on the mantle … to say, 'I did that in 2011' … that's why we're here."

Edwards was known in Cleveland as a diva, and there are those who wonder how he and Holmes -- another No. 1-caliber receiver -- will get along. From the early indications, Edwards seems determined to recast his image and make himself a team guy. On Thursday, he made a cameo on special teams, blocking a field goal.

"Hey, you have to do a lot of stuff to stay around," he said. "Lot of studs around here."

It will be fascinating to see how offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer uses his big three receivers: Edwards, Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery. Edwards, a split end his entire career, is learning the flanker and slot positions. That flexibility should help create problems for opponents.

"We're causing chaos, play to play, for the defense," Edwards said, referring to practice.

Curiously, Edwards was one of the least efficient receivers in the league in '09. He had 45 receptions, but was targeted 94 times -- a ratio (47.9 percent) that put him 76th out of 83 players who were targeted at least 75 times, according to STATS.

Edwards, who signed a one-year contract for his tender amount ($6.1 million), will be a free agent after this season. There is financial incentive to have a monster year, but he insisted that doing so isn't his primary motivation.

"All I care about is winning a championship," he said. "It would be the culmination of so many things that have gone on in my career and my life. That's all I want: Win a championship and be on the best team there is."