5 Reasons to Draft Jonathan Baldwin in Your Fantasy Football League

Jonathan Baldwin didn't live up to the expectations that come with being a first-round draft pick, and starting off your NFL career by cracking in a scuffle with a teammate certainly didn't help his cause in 2011.

But as a more mature, level-headed wideout heading into 2012, this physically talented big target is poised for a breakout season. 

These are the five reasons why you must draft him in your fantasy league this year. 

He Flashed Big-Play Potential in 2011

Jonathan Baldwin's rookie year was far from memorable, but he did create a few indelible memories that have Chiefs coaches and fans encouraged about what he's capable of in the future. 

The leaping touchdown against the Chargers on Monday Night Football was a tremendous display of his speed, size and special body control. 

He also had a this absolutely unreal behind-the-back grab against the Denver Broncos in November. 

Baldwin was drafted to stretch the field and win on the majority of deep jump balls, and on a few occasions last season, he showed he can most certainly do just that. 

Jamaal Charles Returns in 2012

The return of the former All-Pro runner Jamaal Charles will have a vast affect on many Kansas City Chiefs in 2012. Don't forget about change-of-pace bulldozer Peyton Hillis, either. 

Because Charles is healthy, team's won't have the luxury of frequently sending seven and eight defenders into coverage. 

That should result in more one-on-one coverage for Baldwin and the rest of KC's receivers. 

Usually, the 6'4'', 230-pound wideout wins against one-on-one coverage. 

Dwayne Bowe's Holdout

According to SI.com's Jim Trotter, "there is virtually no chance that Bowe will pass up game checks that amount to $559,000 a week."

While Bowe's the most established wideout on the Chiefs roster and is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, he's missing valuable practice time with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. 

When the former LSU standout returns to the lineup, he'll likely be placed back into the No. 1 receiver spot, but his holdout is undoubtedly giving Baldwin the spotlight as Bowe's replacement to show coaches what he's capable of.

The Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Line

Believe it or not, the Chiefs offensive line will have an affect on Baldwin's production in 2012. 

Matt Cassel has to improve on a relatively disappointing 2011, but the five trenchmen in front of him will frequently give him ample time to distribute the ball down the field. 

Kansas City's front office acquired Houston Texans right tackle Eric Winston in free agency, a guy Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked as the NFL's No. 1 right tackle in his famed "BR1000" series. Jon Asamoah was the No. 8 ranked right guard in the same series by Miller, and Brandon Albert is a stout left tackle protecting Cassel's blindside. 

The Chiefs shouldn't have a problem keeping Cassel upright in 2012, another good sign for Baldwin.

He's Potentially a Fabulous Value Pick

Because he'll have to emerge from obscurity in 2012, not many fantasy owners will have Baldwin on their radars in the early- to-mid rounds of their fantasy drafts. 

You should be able to pick him up relatively late in your draft, and he's unquestionably loaded with upside. 

With a full offseason under his belt, Bowe's holdout, the return of the the Chiefs' intimidating running game and the solid offensive line make his potential fantasy value tremendous. 

You could draft Baldwin in, say, Round 10 and have a legitimate WR No. 2 by November.