Player Spotlight: Kevin Jones (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit Lions

Player Page Link: Kevin Jones 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 sustainable 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 TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[az_prof]

It is hard to project for Kevin Jones due to uncertainty about his injury. If he comes back and plays all year I don't think that there is much question that he will be the featured back, although he will likely lose some goal line carries to Duckett and will be spelled once in a while by Bell. That being said, you have to downgrade his number of opportunities. On the other hand, the Detroit offense should be better as they made some improvements to the OL (some say that the real objective in the trade that brough them Bell was OT George Foster and that Bell was a throw-in). Having someone else run the short yardage and goal line runs should help his YPC.

200 carries at 4.3 ypc= 860 yards (he averaged 15 carries a game last year; I project 12.5 over 16 games)

64 receptions (he averaged 5 a game last year; I project 4 a game over 16 weeks), 544 yards (8.5 per catch, same as last year)

4 running Tds

2 passing Tds

In PPR, 240 fantasy points

His health is a risk, but the potential payoff in PPR leagues is high and he is worth the risk for a middle round draft pick. He is less safe than Bell, but his upside is much higher.

 

[Jason Wood]

Interesting that a few hours into this week's Spotlights...we've had one analysis of Kevin Jones, but 16 posts in the LaDainian Tomlinson thread. No matter how you slice Tomlinson's outlook, most people have him at RB1 and he's going to be drafted 1st overall in a great many leagues. Meanwhile Kevin Jones is coming off an injury, has Tatum Bell to contend with, and could offer tremendous fantasy value IF he's back healthy.

 

[duaneok66]

Interesting that a few hours into this week's Spotlights...we've had one analysis of Kevin Jones, but 16 posts in the LaDainian Tomlinson thread. No matter how you slice Tomlinson's outlook, most people have him at RB1 and he's going to be drafted 1st overall in a great many leagues. Meanwhile Kevin Jones is coming off an injury, has Tatum Bell to contend with, and could offer tremendous fantasy value IF he's back healthy.

big if . . .0/0/0

and

0/0/0

for obvious reasons (health) . . .

 

[shadyridr]

I SERIOUSLY doubt Jones wil lbe ready for the start of the season. I just think there is no reason for them to rush him back when they have a capable back up in Bell. When he does start playing I predict a slower season than last year. In other words he wont put up top 5 #s week to week. The reason being Martz will pass the ball more than ever with the addition of Johnson. The line is still terrible, and they are not gonna just bury Bell on the bench. Less playing time for Jones will mean less touches in general.

For my projections I am going to assume he misses 4 games to start the season.

12 games, 170 att, 700 yds, 7 tds, 48 rec, 350 yds, 2 tds

In other words when healthy he should be a very solid RB2

 

[H.K.]

Latest news on Jones from his player page:

June 9, 2007, 11:10

Lions :: RB

RB K. Jones Headed for PUP?

Mike O'Hara, Detroit News - [Full Article]

Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli admitted Friday that Kevin Jones (foot), Brian Calhoun (knee) and Shawn Bryson (knee) are all candidates to begin the year on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 2, 2007, 08:32

Lions :: RB

RB K. Jones Continuing To Progress

DetroitLions.com - [Full Article]

Lions RB Kevin Jones is continuing to progress. Jones is in the middle of his second week of running on the football field. He is not yet wearing spikes, but is able to change direction and do some cutting. Jones is still aiming to return in time for training camp, but his main goal is to be back in time to get himself into football shape for the start of the regular season.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

What is the big deal about Kevin Jones?

His 61 receptions last season? That has to be it, take that out of the equation and this kid is a bust.

He hasn't ran for over 700 yards in either of the past two seasons, never had more than 8 TD's in any one season, and has only ran for over 1,000 yards once in his career.

He has six 100 yard games in his 3 game career (played in 40 games).

If your not playing in a PPR, stay away from this guy. I liked him coming out of Virginia Tech, along with Lee Suggs, but he has shown me nothing in the NFL.

 

[shadyridr]

What is the big deal about Kevin Jones?His 61 receptions last season? That has to be it, take that out of the equation and this kid is a bust.He hasn't ran for over 700 yards in either of the past two seasons, never had more than 8 TD's in any one season, and has only ran for over 1,000 yards once in his career.He has six 100 yard games in his 3 game career (played in 40 games).If your not playing in a PPR, stay away from this guy. I liked him coming out of Virginia Tech, along with Lee Suggs, but he has shown me nothing in the NFL.

He was a top 5 RB last year before getting hurt. Yeah huge bust.

 

[shadyridr]

Am I the only one hoping Jones starts the season on the PUP causing him to plummet on draft boards. While some schmoe takes Bell you wait to grab Jones as your RB4 and enjoy the benefits in the 2nd half of the season.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

What is the big deal about Kevin Jones?His 61 receptions last season? That has to be it, take that out of the equation and this kid is a bust.He hasn't ran for over 700 yards in either of the past two seasons, never had more than 8 TD's in any one season, and has only ran for over 1,000 yards once in his career.He has six 100 yard games in his 3 game career (played in 40 games).If your not playing in a PPR, stay away from this guy. I liked him coming out of Virginia Tech, along with Lee Suggs, but he has shown me nothing in the NFL.

He was a top 5 RB last year before getting hurt. Yeah huge bust.

He was top 5 in a non-ppr??? I think not.

 

[shadyridr]

What is the big deal about Kevin Jones?His 61 receptions last season? That has to be it, take that out of the equation and this kid is a bust.He hasn't ran for over 700 yards in either of the past two seasons, never had more than 8 TD's in any one season, and has only ran for over 1,000 yards once in his career.He has six 100 yard games in his 3 game career (played in 40 games).If your not playing in a PPR, stay away from this guy. I liked him coming out of Virginia Tech, along with Lee Suggs, but he has shown me nothing in the NFL.

He was a top 5 RB last year before getting hurt. Yeah huge bust.

He was top 5 in a non-ppr??? I think not.

95% sure he was. Anyway I dont have access to any sports sites. So check it out.

 

[Jason Wood]

What is the big deal about Kevin Jones?

His 61 receptions last season? That has to be it, take that out of the equation and this kid is a bust.

He hasn't ran for over 700 yards in either of the past two seasons, never had more than 8 TD's in any one season, and has only ran for over 1,000 yards once in his career.

He has six 100 yard games in his 3 game career (played in 40 games).

If your not playing in a PPR, stay away from this guy. I liked him coming out of Virginia Tech, along with Lee Suggs, but he has shown me nothing in the NFL.

He was a top 5 RB last year before getting hurt. Yeah huge bust.

He was top 5 in a non-ppr??? I think not.

95% sure he was. Anyway I dont have access to any sports sites. So check it out.

He wasn't top-5, but he was top-10 in non-PPR leagues through Week 13:http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/d...att%2Brsh%2Brec

 

[flyingsushi]

What is the PUP list.? Just wondered how it works. I know it is means they can't play, but can they get them back on the active roster any time they want, unlike the IR.

If a player is on the PUP list, would that indicate the injury is serious enouph to more than likely keep them from playing or at least playing well to enouph to really contribute.

Thanks

 

[shadyridr]

What is the PUP list.? Just wondered how it works. I know it is means they can't play, but can they get them back on the active roster any time they want, unlike the IR. If a player is on the PUP list, would that indicate the injury is serious enouph to more than likely keep them from playing or at least playing well to enouph to really contribute. Thanks

I believe they have to be held inactive for the 1st 6 games. Can anyone verify?

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

What is the PUP list.? Just wondered how it works. I know it is means they can't play, but can they get them back on the active roster any time they want, unlike the IR. If a player is on the PUP list, would that indicate the injury is serious enouph to more than likely keep them from playing or at least playing well to enouph to really contribute. Thanks

I believe they have to be held inactive for the 1st 6 games. Can anyone verify?

this is correct. The issue is that is half of most fantasy seasons.

 

[shadyridr]

Lions bye week is week 6. If I had to bet, Id say he comes back after that. I will adjust my projections for Jones and Bell for Jones missing 5 games. Like I said I hope he starts on the PUP. You probably can grab him real late as a RB4 and stash him.

 

[phthalatemagic]

I think he only plays in 6 games this year

550 total yards

3 TDs

16 receptions

 

[LBH]

What is the PUP list.? Just wondered how it works. I know it is means they can't play, but can they get them back on the active roster any time they want, unlike the IR. If a player is on the PUP list, would that indicate the injury is serious enouph to more than likely keep them from playing or at least playing well to enouph to really contribute. Thanks

I believe they have to be held inactive for the 1st 6 games. Can anyone verify?

By being on the active PUP list, players can join workouts when they are medically cleared for practice. Going on the inactive PUP list, a move that typically is not made until before the start of the season, means a player must sit out at least the first six games of the year. HTH

 

[Mapmaker]

I think there's a world of difference in starting the season on the PUP ... in which he would have to sit the first 6 games of the season and opening training camp on the PUP ... which has no bearing on regular season play !

KJ is running and has said he hopes to be ready for the opening of training camp I believe ( see HK's post above)

 

[LBH]

I think its great that owners are running for cover because of the PUP news. makes him an even better value in drafts. Everything thats been reported about where Jones is in his rehab has been very positive, but agree his health and durability are big ???. Bell and Duckett will cut into his carries too

projections....210 carries 800yds 5tds 65rec 550yds 4tds

 

[TDavi118]

With all the positive comments on Jones,... Does anyone realize the magnitude of the "lis franc" injury?

I Know Jones is healing like a kid,... but this is a serious injury!

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

Westbrook had a Lis Franc two seasons ago and came back fine in 2006

 

[duaneok66]

from what Ive heard, its a more severe injury . . .

 

[Lash]

660/6 rush

31/190/0 rec

10 games

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I think (not positive though) that Dunn had the same serious one that Jones did.

 

[duaneok66]

contradictory stories on the net, but this article says it was worse . . .

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football...tory?id=2698704

 

[rzrback77]

Count me in on the camp that fears Kevin Jones likely will not return by the beginning of the season. I also think that Tatum Bell in a contract year and with a new opportunity will not look back when given the head start on Jones. The severity of the injury has my full attention. This is not to say that my mind could be changed by his performance in camp if he returns. But this projection is before camp and I'm erring on the side of caution for the severe injury.

I project that Kevin Jones is placed on the PUP list and subsequently sits the first six games. Depending on his full return to health and the performance of Tatum Bell in the meantime, as well as the overall team success, the Lions could consider the safer route of giving him the full year to rest and return in 08. Therefore,

Kevin Jones will not play in 07.

 

[Stealthycat]

Kevin Jones will not play in 07

I agree for several reasons. They brought in Bell and Duckett for a reason. They have a gem rookie in Calvin Johnson and they are going to be a passing team from hell. The Detroit Offense can go without Kevin Jones this season, without risking further injury by bringing him back too early.

 

[Chunky Soup]

Westbrook had a Lis Franc two seasons ago and came back fine in 2006

While I'm very hopeful of KJs return, Westbrook has a mild lisfranc sprain relatively. There were conflicting reports at the start, but here is what was said after the initial diagnosis of the Lisfranc:

RB Westbrook Gets Good NewsMarc Narducci, The Philadelphia Inquirer - [Full Article]The news earlier in the week that Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is out for the season with a Lisfranc sprain is under review. Baltimore foot specialist Mark Myerson, who examined Westbrook after the initial announcement, now has a different interpretation of the running back's ailment. "He didn't have a Lisfranc," Myerson said yesterday afternoon from his Baltimore office. "I would call it a mid-foot injury and you have to get the rest from the team."

And look at the current situation with KJ: His news never disputes the Lisfranc, it disputes how long he'll be out for.Also, look at the other news about Westbrook after the injury. In May, even, they were talking about bigger workloads for him. Here we are in July and we don't even know if KJ will be back for the start of the season or really ready at all otherwise.

May 15, 2006, 10:01 Eagles :: RBRB Westbrook To Carry Bigger Load?Peter King, SI.com - [Full Article]SI.com's Peter King says the Eagles believe their offense will be fine without WR Terrell Owens. He goes on to state that versatile RB Brian Westbrook may be the real missing piece and will be counted on to carry more of the offensive load this season.

June 30, 2006, 23:45 Eagles :: RB, WRRB B. Westbrook To Be Multi-dimensionalAdam Schefter, NFL.com - [Full Article]The Philadelphia Eagles don't boast the most productive receivers. Because of that, RB Brian Westbrook will be targetted even more than last year.

July 18, 2006, 11:32 Eagles :: RBEagles Plan To Rush MoreDan Benevento, Courier-Post - [Full Article]Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said that they will emphasize the running game in training camp. The Eagles will rely on the versatile RB Brian Westbrook but the young RB Ryan Moats will also see some plays. 3rd-year RB Bruce Perry would fill the role of powerback.

It really is a different situation.

 

[BearsFan]

I believe Westbrook had a significantly less severe lis franc sprain, while KJ actually had a fracture.

 

[Loomba]

Just thought I would bump this up to see if any Detroit homers have any new news to share with the masses -- with the opening of training camp coming up very soon.

Is Jones still headed to the PUP list or is there a chance he makes it into camp at some point?

 

[LionsFan78]

Just thought I would bump this up to see if any Detroit homers have any new news to share with the masses -- with the opening of training camp coming up very soon.Is Jones still headed to the PUP list or is there a chance he makes it into camp at some point?

Haven't heard any, although I'm starting to get less optomistic. I couldn't say anything for sure till training camp.Side note, just some reading between the lines, but I've seen a few quotes from Martz this year talking about their offense for this season (Sorry fellas, I can't find links right now...). But in his quotes, I remember him mentioning plans including Bell specifically by name, not Jones.

 

[KING]

the lions have no reason to rush jones back. they have an an adequate replacement in bell. in fact, jones value came from playing in martz's system, not from individual skill. bell may actually be an upgrade in the running game. when, or if jones does come back, he will probably find himself in a platoon, or as the 3rd down back.

70 245 3.5 2 and 22 154 7.0 1

 

[az_prof]

the lions have no reason to rush jones back. they have an an adequate replacement in bell. in fact, jones value came from playing in martz's system, not from individual skill. bell may actually be an upgrade in the running game. when, or if jones does come back, he will probably find himself in a platoon, or as the 3rd down back.70 245 3.5 2 and 22 154 7.0 1

This is funny, how people assume Bell is better than Jones and that Jones is the product of his system rather than the other way around. Bell played in THE most running friendly system in the NFL and couldn't hold off Mike Bell. If anyone is going to be the third down back it is Bell. He may start the season if Jones isn't ready, but there is no evidence that he is a better back or that he will be the featured back--just conjecture.

 

[fsufan]

the lions have no reason to rush jones back. they have an an adequate replacement in bell. in fact, jones value came from playing in martz's system, not from individual skill. bell may actually be an upgrade in the running game. when, or if jones does come back, he will probably find himself in a platoon, or as the 3rd down back.70 245 3.5 2 and 22 154 7.0 1

This is funny, how people assume Bell is better than Jones and that Jones is the product of his system rather than the other way around. Bell played in THE most running friendly system in the NFL and couldn't hold off Mike Bell. If anyone is going to be the third down back it is Bell. He may start the season if Jones isn't ready, but there is no evidence that he is a better back or that he will be the featured back--just conjecture.

i do not think bell will even be the 3rd down RB if KJ is healthy. KJ did have 61 receptions last year

 

[KING]

Kevin Jones will begin training camp on the camp/PUP list. He reportedly has a "50-50 chance" to be ready for the season.

Impact: The positive vibes surrounding Jones' recovery are waning. He can run straight ahead, but reportedly can't cut yet. He can be taken off the PUP list at any time, but needs to be ready a few weeks before the season to get into football shape. The odds are increasing that Tatum Bell will open the year as the starter.

source: rotoworld

 

[KellysHeroes]

Kevin Jones will begin training camp on the camp/PUP list. He reportedly has a "50-50 chance" to be ready for the season.Impact: The positive vibes surrounding Jones' recovery are waning. He can run straight ahead, but reportedly can't cut yet. He can be taken off the PUP list at any time, but needs to be ready a few weeks before the season to get into football shape. The odds are increasing that Tatum Bell will open the year as the starter.source: rotoworld

yeap....

 

[Chunky Soup]

Kevin Jones will begin training camp on the camp/PUP list. He reportedly has a "50-50 chance" to be ready for the season.Impact: The positive vibes surrounding Jones' recovery are waning. He can run straight ahead, but reportedly can't cut yet. He can be taken off the PUP list at any time, but needs to be ready a few weeks before the season to get into football shape. The odds are increasing that Tatum Bell will open the year as the starter.source: rotoworld

More proof that the Westbrook situation last year isn't really comparable to the Jones situation this year. Owners have been looking too quickly at the most recently injury with the word "lisfranc" attached and assume it will be the same. They're not.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Here is the complete article from Lions beat writer Tom Kowalski.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Kevin Jones will begin training camp on the camp/PUP list. He reportedly has a "50-50 chance" to be ready for the season.Impact: The positive vibes surrounding Jones' recovery are waning. He can run straight ahead, but reportedly can't cut yet. He can be taken off the PUP list at any time, but needs to be ready a few weeks before the season to get into football shape. The odds are increasing that Tatum Bell will open the year as the starter.source: rotoworld

More proof that the Westbrook situation last year isn't really comparable to the Jones situation this year. Owners have been looking too quickly at the most recently injury with the word "lisfranc" attached and assume it will be the same. They're not.

If I'm not mistaken (I'm not 100% sure), Jones' injury is more comparable to the injury Warrick Dunn had.

 

[Loomba]

Thanks for the updates gents.

 

[hooptd]

Kevin Jones will begin training camp on the camp/PUP list. He reportedly has a "50-50 chance" to be ready for the season.Impact: The positive vibes surrounding Jones' recovery are waning. He can run straight ahead, but reportedly can't cut yet. He can be taken off the PUP list at any time, but needs to be ready a few weeks before the season to get into football shape. The odds are increasing that Tatum Bell will open the year as the starter.source: rotoworld

I didn't see the part that said he couldn't cut yet, just that he is hesitant which is normal according to the writer. That article seems pretty encouraging to me. It looks like he may play early in the season if not the start. If he's as close as the story sounds, why would they place him on the pup list and lose him for 6 weeks when he may only need miss 2-3 at the start?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Kevin Jones will begin training camp on the camp/PUP list. He reportedly has a "50-50 chance" to be ready for the season.Impact: The positive vibes surrounding Jones' recovery are waning. He can run straight ahead, but reportedly can't cut yet. He can be taken off the PUP list at any time, but needs to be ready a few weeks before the season to get into football shape. The odds are increasing that Tatum Bell will open the year as the starter.source: rotoworld

I didn't see the part that said he couldn't cut yet, just that he is hesitant which is normal according to the writer. That article seems pretty encouraging to me. It looks like he may play early in the season if not the start. If he's as close as the story sounds, why would they place him on the pup list and lose him for 6 weeks when he may only need miss 2-3 at the start?

This PUP is not the same as the regular season PUP. He can be taken off at any time from this PUP.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Rotoworld

Kevin Jones' agent said he wouldn't be ready for hitting "anytime soon."

"He's definitely taking it slow," agent Tony Fleming said. The more we hear, the less likely it sounds that Jones will be ready for Week 1."

I view him as a #4 right now

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Rotoworld

Kevin Jones' agent said he wouldn't be ready for hitting "anytime soon."

"He's definitely taking it slow," agent Tony Fleming said. The more we hear, the less likely it sounds that Jones will be ready for Week 1."

I view him as a #4 right now

The comment about week 1 is Rotoworlds opinion, not the agents, just to clarify. Here is what the Detroit Free Press Lions beat writer wrote in its' entirety about Jones:

Running back Kevin Jones

Jones is recovering from a Lisfranc injury -- a tearing of the tissues that connect the bones in the middle of his left foot. He won't be ready to practice for a while, will have to play catchup and fight for his starting job. Rehab has gone according to plan, but his agent, Tony Fleming, said Jones would not be ready for hitting "any time soon."

"He's definitely taking it slow," Fleming said. "The Lions are not rushing him back."

Jones hopes to be ready for the season opener Sept. 9 at Oakland and has said he expects to be the starter when healthy. But he has stiff competition in newcomers Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett.

Link to article.

This is the same thing that has been said for a few months.

 

[Rev]

There really is no way to give a clear Kevin Jones statistical prediction for the 2007 season, because his production largely rests upon 2 possible scenario's: either he'll be healthy and ready to play after 3 or 4 games, or he wont. In the case of the former, I'd expect Jones to play about 11 games (you can count on him getting nicked up here and there after he comes back), and I'd expect him to produce close to where he did last season (with a higher YPC). While many think Duckett and Bell will decrease Jones' touches and production, I expect the Lion's offense to generate more touches in general this season, so that it's quite possible for Jones' touches and production to remain steady or slightly increase.

If healthy after 3 or 4 games:

170 carries/715 yards/6 TD

55 catches/475 yards/1 TD

If he gimps on and off the field all season long:

30carries/95 yards/0 TD

 

[faux_bear]

So the question is, what do you guys think about his dynasty prospects? I understand this year may be a wash, but with his value at an all-time low, is this the time to snag Kevin Jones at a reasonable price and stash for 4 or 5 years?

 

[Monsters of the Midway]

Way too early to tell. We should check back on September 1st.

I'm liking Tatum Bell more and more, though I've always been a fan. I know, he can't block or catch but he could put up good numbers of Jones doesn't return from this injury.

 

[Chunky Soup]

I'm liking Tatum Bell more and more, though I've always been a fan. I know, he can't block or catch but he could put up good numbers of Jones doesn't return from this injury.

Martz has been pimping him to no end recently, and I don't think he does that for anybody.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Jones progressing

Kevin Jones did a successful workout of about 30 minutes in Thursday's late afternoon practice that included forward, backward and side-to-side cuts to test his recuperating left foot.

Jones has been out since the Dec. 10 loss to Minnesota, a game in which dislocated and broke the foot, creating speculation that it could be a career-ending injury.

One of the drills he participated in involved short runs while being strapped to a harness pulled by another person. Jones seemed to have no problem with the resistance.

Bailey, who overcame a knee injury his second season, said word is going around the team that Jones is ahead of schedule That isn't a surprise because of the effort and desire Jones shows everyday, Bailey said.

"It's one of those things where you can't be afraid to go hard," said Bailey of Jones' injury. "You have to fight with your mind and body, which can often tell you something is wrong."

Link to entire Detroit News article