Maurice Jones-Drew finally gets the chance to be the feature back with Fred Taylor out of the mix and I expect him to shine like the star he is. He’s got the potential to be a 1,000/1,000 player (rushing/receiving) and I would not be shocked if he is the top fantasy back this season. Not saying he will be, just that it wouldn't blow my mind.
('09 Proj: 285 att, 1,172 yds, 14 touchdowns, 85 rec, 848 yds, 4 rec. TD's) ~Robb Perkins
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He has finally been handed the full time gig with the Jags and will be a top five pick in many fantasy drafts heading into 2009. His 14 touchdowns were sixth in the league last season and with his touches sure to rise in 2009, look for M.J.D. to threaten a 2,000 yard all purpose year.
('09 Proj: 1,900 all purpose yards, 16 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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Just given a real nice contract extension, which suggests that the Jaguars will begin to build their offense around the sparkplug. Equally dangerous rushing or catching the ball. Tougher runner than his size would suggest, as his 34 career rushing touchdowns attest to. But if MJD is going to get future red zone looks, the Jaguars need to give him a better supporting cast.
('09 Proj: 1,500 total yds, 9 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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The diminutive running back had another tremendous season in 2008 and continues to disprove his critics. With the departure of veteran Fred Taylor, expect Jones-Drew to improve his rushing totals, possibly at the expense of his role in the passing game. Regardless, he is a surefire first-round pick and should be a cornerstone of many championship teams.
('09 Proj: 225 att, 1,700 total yds, 16 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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Maurice Jones-Drew just signed a four year contract extension and is the sole occupant of the Jacksonville backfield for the first time in his career. His production will spike greatly with the absence of Fred Taylor, barring any injury or change in roster. He's easily a top five draft pick.
('09 Proj: 310 att, 65 rec, 2,015 total yds, 15 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
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The little man has the Jacksonville backfield all to himself now that Fred Taylor is gone. When you take into account his pass catching abilities in addition to his running game, what you get is fantasy gold. MJD will be one of the season’s MVP’s.
('09 Proj: 275 att, 1,100 yds, 14 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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A small part of me still wonders just how far coach Jack Del Rio is willing to go with this manuscript, "Jones-Drew - The Workhorse Back". I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Jags drafted a bigger bruiser to pair with him. Regardless, M.J.D. is now the main man to concern yourself with in this offense and I like the recent low-risk acquisition of Torry Holt as well. Should be a virtual lock to finish in the top 8 fantasy RB's this year.
('09 Proj: 270 att, 1,140 yds, 11 touchdowns, 70 rec, 780 yds, 4 rec TD's) ~Rick Perkins