BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~60 Overall
Current ADP: ~70
One year ago, Robby Anderson was being selected at the onset of Round 8. His ADP was the byproduct of optimism that he could perpetuate his late-season momentum from 2017 when he averaged 98 yards-per-game (Weeks 8-13) and accumulated 941 yards.
But Anderson failed to build upon that encouraging sequence during the early portion of 2018, as he averaged a discouraging two-receptions and 27 yards-per-game in September. If his 123-yard performance in Week 5 is excluded, he averaged just 32.5 yards-per-game until Week 13.
However, after averaging just 4.3 targets per-game during his first six matchups, Anderson’s average rose to 8.5 during his final eight games. That soared to 9.75 in Weeks 14-17, which was the sixth-best average among wide receivers during December. His forgettable early-season production also became a distant memory after he was deployed more frequently on intermediate routes during that four-game sequence. The expanded usage propelled Anderson to a 104-yards-per-game average during Weeks 14-16, while he also generated three touchdowns during that critical span.
Anderson’s red zone opportunities also rose considerably, as all nine of his targets were collected during his last six contests. He ultimately led the Jets in targets (94), receptions (50), receiving yards (752), and receiving touchdowns (6), while his ability to operate as a dynamic downfield weapon boosted his season-long average to 15 yards-per-reception. He also finished third among all receivers in targeted air yards (TAY-16.5) and ninth in percentage share of team's air yards (TAY%-33.6%) according to NextGenStats.
Anderson should benefit from the rapport that he developed with Sam Darnold as the 2018 season progressed, while the addition of Jamison Crowder will force opponents to account for his presence in the slot. If Adam Gase follows through with his stated goal of expanding the diversity of Anderson’s routes, then these factors will help Anderson sustain his favorable late-season output throughout all of 2019. That will result in a breakout season that owners can embrace.
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