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Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears (1 Viewer)

Jason Wood

Zoo York
2011 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.

With the labor uncertainty, there are more unanswered questions entering the summer than usual. The good news is that gives us some more time to discuss the merits of players without having to react (or overreact) to the smallest bits of news about a slight injury in practice, or coach speak. We'll have plenty of time for that when it comes (we hope).

In the meantime, as always we will post a list of players to be discussed each week. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discuss 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: Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears

Player Page Link: Johnny Knox 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 :popcorn: ... 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.

 
65 receptions - 1050 yards - 5 TD's - 16 ypc

Solid #2 fantasy WR that can be had in the later rounds.

 
if the bears wr core remains the same, i think knox will be a good pick at his adp. a low floor type player that could run hot on flukey long plays. a nice bye week replacement at worst.

 
I think the CHI offense should improve slightly in the 2nd season under Martz. I expect Knox and Bennett each to have solid 2011 campaigns. Hester seems likely to be relegated to WR3 duties for CHI, and Olsen remains simply an underutilized TE in the Martz scheme.

Recs: 60

Rec Yds: 972

Rec TDs: 6

*This all is working under the assumption that CHI doesn't bring in a first or second tier FA WR.

 
60 1000 7

I imagine Martz will use the experience to understand what Knox does well and what he doesn't do well. This should lead to a little better numbers, not to mention another year in the system for Cutler as well as Knox. No reason not to expect improvement for a WR who was raw coming out of Abilene Christian going into his 3rd year. I think he's one of the better values this year

 
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Finished last year as WR26 in FBG scoring with 51/960/5 (18.8 ypr) and currently has an ADP of WR29. <snip>As mentioned, he is currently the 29th WR off the board. For comparison sake, the 21-28 guys are: Holmes, S. Rice, Britt, Boldin, Harvin, Collie, Crabtree, and Garcon.
I am a dynasty owner. I like Knox less now than I did at this time last year. That said, I could see Knox improving on his 2010 numbers a little and moving up the rankings a tad bit from #26. I am a bit surprised to see the names listed at 21-28 off the board. Then again... all do have issues... so at second blush this makes sense after all. I do bet, though, that we see 3 or 4 of these gents move up the board a bit assuming we get to see them in preseason.
 
http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/sports/ct-spt-0806-side-bears-chicago--20110806,0,7545630.storyJohnny Knox is being installed as the lead kickoff returner while maintaining his spot atop the depth chart at WR.For those of us in return yardage leagues, his value just shot through the roof. Remember, he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie as a kick returner.
Hmmm thanks for the info as I'm in a return league. I'm still trying to figure out how much the new 5 yard rule will have on returns this year.Anyone want to guess how much this boosts Knox up? Top 20 in PPR?
 
http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/sports/ct-spt-0806-side-bears-chicago--20110806,0,7545630.storyJohnny Knox is being installed as the lead kickoff returner while maintaining his spot atop the depth chart at WR.For those of us in return yardage leagues, his value just shot through the roof. Remember, he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie as a kick returner.
Hmmm thanks for the info as I'm in a return league. I'm still trying to figure out how much the new 5 yard rule will have on returns this year.Anyone want to guess how much this boosts Knox up? Top 20 in PPR?
It doesn't say maintaining his spot atop the WR chart in the article does it?Today Rotoworld said Roy & Bennett were running with the 1's....I'm not sure this is great for him as a WR in NON return yard leagues.
 
http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/sports/ct-spt-0806-side-bears-chicago--20110806,0,7545630.story

Johnny Knox is being installed as the lead kickoff returner while maintaining his spot atop the depth chart at WR.

For those of us in return yardage leagues, his value just shot through the roof. Remember, he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie as a kick returner.
Knox should, and will be talked about a lot more after this season ends in circles about how talented he is as a returner. Unfortunately, this is where the Kool-Aid runs dry for me. I am not as enthusiastic as this thread seems to be about Knox as a consistant fantasy WR.

65 receptions - 1050 yards - 5 TD's - 16 ypc

Solid #2 fantasy WR that can be had in the later rounds.
He'll get his high YPC. and a handful of big plays, but a WR #2? * 4 games with more than 4 catches

* 6 games with less than 50 yds receiving

* 10 games with less than 60 yds receiving

* 1 100 yd game

This is too inconsistant for a WR2 on my team. With a lack of protection for Cutler due to vacancies on the O-Line and the addition of Roy Williams I see 50-860-5.........A bye week fill-in or a flex play at best.

 
I'm also not as high on Knox this year as last.

55 receptions, 798 yards and 5 TD's.

If you play in return yardage leagues, bump Knox though.

 
http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/sports/ct-spt-0806-side-bears-chicago--20110806,0,7545630.story

Johnny Knox is being installed as the lead kickoff returner while maintaining his spot atop the depth chart at WR.

For those of us in return yardage leagues, his value just shot through the roof. Remember, he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie as a kick returner.
Knox should, and will be talked about a lot more after this season ends in circles about how talented he is as a returner. Unfortunately, this is where the Kool-Aid runs dry for me. I am not as enthusiastic as this thread seems to be about Knox as a consistant fantasy WR.

65 receptions - 1050 yards - 5 TD's - 16 ypc

Solid #2 fantasy WR that can be had in the later rounds.
He'll get his high YPC. and a handful of big plays, but a WR #2? * 4 games with more than 4 catches

* 6 games with less than 50 yds receiving

* 10 games with less than 60 yds receiving

* 1 100 yd game

This is too inconsistant for a WR2 on my team. With a lack of protection for Cutler due to vacancies on the O-Line and the addition of Roy Williams I see 50-860-5.........A bye week fill-in or a flex play at best.
Good analysis...I forgot Roy is there now too.

 
If Knox is running with the 2nd team offense, then who's working with the 1st team alongside Roy Williams? Earl Bennett? Isn't he supposed to be the slot guy?

I thought Knox and Williams would man the outside while Bennett was in the slot.

I'm very confused about Knox value right now.

 
If Knox is running with the 2nd team offense, then who's working with the 1st team alongside Roy Williams? Earl Bennett? Isn't he supposed to be the slot guy?I thought Knox and Williams would man the outside while Bennett was in the slot.I'm very confused about Knox value right now.
Knox lines up in the slot 3/4 of the time maybe more.......Roy will be Split-End 1, and the Spilt end will most likely be Earl Bennett. Remember, 3Wr sets in a Martz offense.
 
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Knox had his chance to seize a large long-term role and instead resembled Nate Washington too often. He didn't compete for the ball in the air and occasionally seemed to be in the wrong place and the wrong time. It feels like I saw him cause multiple interceptions last year for Cutler. I wouldn't expect an increase from last year's numbers. Bye-week/injury fill-in in PPR, maybe boom/bust WR3 in nonPPR

 
Knox had his chance to seize a large long-term role and instead resembled Nate Washington too often. He didn't compete for the ball in the air and occasionally seemed to be in the wrong place and the wrong time. It feels like I saw him cause multiple interceptions last year for Cutler. I wouldn't expect an increase from last year's numbers. Bye-week/injury fill-in in PPR, maybe boom/bust WR3 in nonPPR
Exactly what I saw, too. This guy won't be anywhere near my teams this year.
 
Knox had his chance to seize a large long-term role and instead resembled Nate Washington too often. He didn't compete for the ball in the air and occasionally seemed to be in the wrong place and the wrong time. It feels like I saw him cause multiple interceptions last year for Cutler. I wouldn't expect an increase from last year's numbers. Bye-week/injury fill-in in PPR, maybe boom/bust WR3 in nonPPR
Exactly what I saw, too. This guy won't be anywhere near my teams this year.
That's unfortunate too. He showed so much potential the year before but because my league does reward return yards he's someone I'll definitely look to scoop up in the later-mid rounds if possible.
 
Knox had his chance to seize a large long-term role and instead resembled Nate Washington too often. He didn't compete for the ball in the air and occasionally seemed to be in the wrong place and the wrong time. It feels like I saw him cause multiple interceptions last year for Cutler. I wouldn't expect an increase from last year's numbers. Bye-week/injury fill-in in PPR, maybe boom/bust WR3 in nonPPR
I agree, however he is a small school guy only entering his 3rd season in the NFL. Knox entered camp with added weight and bigger arms.With that though, Williams and Hester have been lining up wide with Knox/Bennett in the slots. Also, Sam Hurd has looked very good with the 2nd team.As for your, knox caused multiple INT's for Cutler. You're correct, he led the NFL in targets leading to INTs for WRs. Maybe Cutler isn't THAT bad after all.
 
Drake said. "Johnny just has to fight. Ain't nothing going to be handed to any of them. You have to earn your stripes in this league every year. What was done last year … it's a new day and it's a new year.
well, except for roy williams who has been nonexistent for years. and devin hester who has never been a competent wr. id be super pissed if i was knox.
 
I think the Roy signing should just make Knox a better bargain.

Roy didn't get sent packing from Dallas because he was a victim of playing in an offensive scheme that didn't suit his talents. The guy should be able to produce in any system. So it's not a system issue, it's a Roy issue. And he's already shown that he can be supplanted as the primary target by a small school guy with a questionable draft pedigree.

Knox is raw. But he seems to be a class act with solid character. It sounds to me that Knox recognizes his short comings and is committed to learning both the craft and this offense. So I believe this demotion will motivate him (though it's not a ploy) and may actually benefit him in the long run. I think he'll be a better WR by the end of 2011 for it.

If you are ever going to buy Knox in dynasty, now is the time. While I don't see him as top 10 material, I can see him as solid top 20 material. So use this development to get him at a discount.

 
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In a pass heavy scheme like Martz' being pushed into the slot isn't quite the same as being demoted- there are going to be 3 WR sets on the field the majority of the time and the slot guy can have a big impact. Shawn McDonald had 79/943/6 with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson on DET in 2007- in addition Mike Furry had 61/664/1 as basically the 4th WR/backup slot receiver.

Knox is still currently in line to be on the field more than enough. If he fails to understand the system better than last year he probably won't progress but if he starts figuring out where to be he has big upside.

 
Earl Bennett leads this team in receptions and touchdown catches.
Nah, he may not even start. Forte catches enough that no WR on this offense is going to have spectacular numbers. I'd expect another repeat of last season for Knox, maybe just a slight improvement. 60/1000/6. Probably a return TD as well. The Bears spread it around, and get 5 or 6 guys the ball in their hands 40-60 times. Knox is a great kid but he is what he is which for fantasy purposes keeps him as a WR3.
 

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