During last year's training camp, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers complained of being heckled by younger fans outside the practice facility. This was at a time when many analysts couldn't decide if Aaron Rodgers was ready for the starting role in Green Bay. Being the quarterback of a professional football team is incredibly demanding. The team hinges not only on your athletic performance, but your demeanor on and off the field. Rodgers being on edge over a few demented children raised some eyebrows...
Rodgers put all doubts to rest during the course of the 2008 season by completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 4,038 yards and 28 touchdowns. He ran for another four touchdowns. Rodgers also managed to avoid throwing an interception until week 4 of the season. Almost every fantasy owner, especially those who drafted Tom Brady, were scrambling to pick up an undrafted Rodgers from the free agent pool if they were in a shallow league. The Packers' disappointing 6-10 record was the only aspect of the season preventing Rodgers from having a perfect start to his career in the National Football League.
As the 2009 fantasy football season looms closer, it is clear that Aaron Rodgers should be considered a full-fledged No. 1 quarterback worthy of being drafted between the third and fifth rounds. Wide receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are outstanding weapons for any quarterback to have. Jennings has displayed remarkable speed and big play ability while Driver is as experienced as they come. The two wideouts didn't lose a beat last season as they both totaled over 70 receptions and 1,000 yards.
Not everything about the Packers' offense is smiles and sunshine though. The five big men in front of Rodgers are a work in progress. After the 2004 season, the Packers lost two stellar guards in Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle. The following year they lost center Mike Flanagan. Rebuilding the interior of that offensive line has taken several years and there's still more to be done. Last year they allowed 34 sacks, 14th worst in the NFL. With that being said, there's a lot of opportunity for those linemen to grow alongside Aaron Rodgers instead of ye olde gunslinger Brett Farve.
The fantasy potential for Mr. Rodgers is limitless. The only caveat is that he lacks a history of consistency. However, if you take a look at some of the all-time great quarterbacks and their passer rating during their first year at the helm you will see that Rodgers is doing quite well for himself.
John Elway 54.9
Peyton Manning 71.2
Drew Brees 76.9
Brett Farve 85.3
Tom Brady 86.5
Joe Montana 87.8
Aaron Rodgers 93.8
Dan Marino 96.0
___________________
Every fantasy owner loves to look back at a player's history and see a never-ending list of standout seasons (see Peyton Manning). Aaron Rodgers has not demonstrated that yet, but you simply cannot stray away from him after the funhouse he exhibited last year.
If he ends up on your roster feel confident that you have a quarterback who is able to compete with Manning, Brady, and Brees week in and week out. Just don't reach for Rodgers, or any quarterback for that matter, too early. Keep in mind that the quarterback position has a slow drop off in fantasy football. Invest in other positions before you turn to Rodgers in late third or early fourth round.
Like this article? FUTURE FORECAST ARCHIVES