Keenan Allen was one of the sad stories last season, having a monster start to the season before his season got shut down because of a kidney injury. Allen was rewarded this offseason with a new contract, signing a deal for forty-five million over four years. Through eight games last season Allen had seven hundred and twenty-five yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as a true number one wide receiver in the NFL. Keenan had 90.6 yards per game while he played, good for seventh in the league. However according to ESPN Keenan’s ADP (Average Draft Position) is 34th and he is the 15th wide receiver coming off the board. We’ll take a deeper look at Kennan Allen and why he will outplay his ADP.

Should we be scared about Keenan Allen’s injury?

Keenan Allen’s kidney laceration was a freak injury, and very unlikely to happen again. Keenan’s only other injuries was a PCL tear in college and a sprained ankle in 2014, both in his past. There is very little fear about Allen re-injury any part of his body, and he should hopefully be ready to go for all sixteen games.

Why will Keenan Allen outproduce his ADP?

Keenan is everything for Phillip Rivers: a safety blanket, a red zone target, a reception monster, Keenan plays all those roles. This ensures that he sees the ball in all situations. San Diego is also a pass happy team, tied with the New Orleans Saints for second in pass attempts last season. San Diego did not make any drastic improvements this offseason but they did pick up burner Travis Benjamin who should only stretch the field for Allen. Keenan can make contested catches such as this one against the Ravens…

and he can also run great routes and burn defenders that way. This versatility is what makes him so key to the Chargers gameplan and makes Keenan a valuable fantasy player.

Where should Keenan Allen really be ranked?

Right now ESPN’s ADP has Keenan below players such as Amari Cooper, Brandin Cooks, and T.Y. Hilton. We expect Keenan to outproduce all these guys this year, barring the slim chance of another injury. Keenan should strongly be in the third tier of wide receivers with players such as Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey, and Mike Evans. Allen’s versatility and great route running ability will help him put up great stats, and the Chargers will be sure to feed him.