Is Jonathan Baldwin a Second Year Fantasy Snake?

Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com



In his most recent edition of the famous NFL Beat, Alex said it right; It’s been a real snaky summer here in Austin, TX. The serpentinous imagery slithers through my mind and I start to wonder. In 2012, will Chiefs second year wide receiver, Jonathan Baldwin, demonstrate any of the five types of terrestrial locomotion unique to the fantasy football snake?

I’d like to think so. I’ve been on this beat since hounding Kansas City GM, Scott Pioli at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine. So much that he thought I was an annoying Pitt guy (Baldwin’s alma mater) with a funny tie. Little did he know I was just a fantasy geek with a hunch and some sleeper curiosity all the way back in February. Let’s just say Scott was less than convincing in his prognostication for Baldwin.

The other problem? I can’t find a single fact or statistic that suggests Baldwin has any zootoxins to his bite. His college stats were mediocre. His rookie NFL stats were underwhelming (21 receptions, 254 yards, 1 TD, 1.9 receptions/game, 2 YAC/reception.) He didn’t even make the list of top 100 fantasy points/target in 2011. QB Matt Cassel’s production in KC has been less than prolific. WR Dwayne Bowe still figures to get the lion’s share of targets, and talented young receiving TE Tony Moeaki returns from injury- with excellent position coaching

My unjustified affinity for Baldwin is most likely explained by history. I have a tendency of being a year too early on young fantasy talents. See my premature affairs with players like Vincent Jackson, Darren McFadden, Derrick Rose, and Andrew Bynum. It’s like falling victim to your pet boa constrictor.

Don’t get snaked and invest too much in Jonathan Baldwin, but if the value is proper, I think there is some upside as a #3-4 fantasy WR. Maybe even the chance to become a low end #2. The Chiefs have every reason to get Baldwin involved. He’s big,fast, and acrobatic with good hands. He was a first round pick, and Dwayne Bowe’s future in KC is still a bit cloudy. It doesn’t help that Bowe is basically already campaigning about who he wants his next team to be once 2013 free agency hits. It’s going to take points to win games in the AFC West and new OC, Brian Daboll promises to attack.