2018 Player Outlook Eric Decker: Time To Start Modeling in New England
6 years agoComing off a lost year in 2016 after hip surgery, hopes were high Eric Decker would rebound to his former self with the Titans last season. While he was able to play in all 16 games, his production took a hit with the nagging injuries to Marcus Mariota and the boring Titans offense. Even with those limitations Decker had 50 receptions for 563 receiving yards and one touchdown showing he can still be a reliable second or third receiver on an NFL team. With the turmoil currently going on in the wide receiving corps., Decker has found a great fit for the 2018 season in the New England Patriots.
After the trade sending Brandin Cooks to the Rams, the Patriots were counting on a Healthy Julian Edelman to recapture his slot role which Tom Brady loves to use so much. With his suspension, this will have to be put on hold. While he can fill in for Edelman at the slot receiver position giving Brady a huge target, after the first four weeks he can move outside and provide a major red zone target alongside Rob Gronkowski.
As for his fantasy value in 2018, he is only two seasons removed from a 12-touchdown season with the Jets and he was a touchdown machine for the Peyton Manning led Broncos. If healthy, a season of 75 receptions for 900 yards and eight to ten touchdowns is certainly in the cards. His ADP is going to sky rocket so if you can get him before it does, do so. If you do not draft until later in the preseason, feel comfortable drafting him anywhere in the tenth round of drafts or later.