With all the hubbub surrounding Calvin Johnson being the best rookie fantasy wide receiver, most fans have stopped paying attention to a few others who were drafted. One in particular has me very excited. I’m not talking about Ted Ginn Jr. in Miami. Or Carolina’s Dwayne Jarrett.

The receiver I’m referring to now calls Green Bay home. And he’s already won the popularity of much of the team’s fan base with top notch performances this preseason. His name, of course, is James Jones.

Drafted in the third round by Green Bay, Jones has quickly ascended the depth chart while the Packers continue their rebuilding process. He’s Donald Driver’s number one backup, and he’s a darn good one at that.

As the team’s number three wide receiver this preseason, Jones easily leads the team in receptions with 16. (Second on the team is Ruvell Martin with 6 catches.) He’s also managed 196 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with some highlight-reel grabs, some of which literally required a double take — a challenge proved one such catch a completion.

But it’s his style of play that has Cheeseheads abuzz. Jones’ seemingly pedestrian 4.57 second 40 yard dash time doesn’t do his football speed justice, and he plays without fear on the field. He’s more than willing to perform a crossing route over the middle, even with a free safety lurking. But all this is overshadowed by his pair of uncanny hands that seem to catch anything thrown in his direction.

Of course, all this would mean nothing if he doesn’t play. But that may change.

Already this season Jones has been the favorite target of quarterbacks, whether they be Favre or, especially, the quickly maturing Aaron Rodgers. And with Donald Driver’s increasing liability — he’s already failed a physical this offseason and sprained his foot (though the latter of the issues appears promising) — Jones continues to get more looks.

But the clincher here is that no one seems to know about him. His stock is rising every day, but owners just aren’t paying attention. “It is preseason, after all.” But while that’s true, Jones deserves a second look; no doubt you’ll find him very late in your draft. (I’ve been in several 12 team mock drafts over the past week and no team has drafted him.)

Brett Favre loves to compare Jones with once-Packers great Sterling Sharpe. Do yourself a favor and keep a close eye on Jones, if for no other reason than to see him play and cheer him on.

Subscribe to The NFL Minute

This post is tagged