Alshon Jeffery: What Bears' Rookie WR Will Bring to Your Fantasy Football Team

Alshon Jeffery comes to the Bears as a rookie slipping under the radar, particularly in the national spotlight. However, he is a player that can make an immediate impact not only for the Bears, but for your fantasy football team as well.

Jeffery came to the Bears as a highly-touted receiver out of South Carolina, however, concerns arose leading up to the draft about Jeffery's weight and dedication to the game.

This caused him to slide into the middle of the second round, where the Bears felt he was worth trading up to get.

The Bears have picked up a lot of new pieces this offseason, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Jeffery's counterpart on the outside, Brandon Marshall, figures to be the focus of quarterback Jay Cutler's attention. But that's not to say Jeffery is going to be a slouch.

I've got three reasons Alshon Jeffery has the potential to make his fantasy owners look like geniuses.

Touchdowns

Alshon Jeffery has a big frame. He came to the Bears measuring in at 6'3", and, in proving his doubters wrong, weighed in at a svelte 216 pounds.

Size like that is hard to find everyday, and the Bears have two receivers that fit that bill. Jeffery, however, has a chance to be a touchdown machine this year.

Last year's leading rookie receiver in touchdowns was Atlanta's Julio Jones, who had a very respectable eight TDs. I don't think it is out of the question to see Jeffery get really close to that number, if not equaling it.

With offensive coordinator Mike Tice's new scheme, Jay Cutler has a lot more flexibility in what he can do out on the field. This figures to Cutler taking advantage of mismatches on the outside, especially in the red zone.

Cutler, while on the Waddle and Silvy show for ESPN Chicago, even said he could see Jeffery "being just a dominant force out there," and that "He's a born, natural receiver."

To receive such high praise early on from Cutler shows the quarterback has faith in Jeffery to be a performer. Cutler was effective as he has ever been in the red zone last season, and the addition of Jeffery—who will most likely be getting one-on-one coverage—should lead to a lot of touchdowns.

Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler has improved every year with the Bears and this year figures to be no different. Last season Cutler showed better decision-making ability and was keeping his mistakes to a minimum.

In fact, according to USA Today's NFL statistics Cutler was exceptional in the red zone. His eight touchdowns to zero interceptions was among the best in the league.

This marked improvement over previous seasons shows Cutlers maturity on the field and his ability to recognize his limits. Cutler also put up those impressive statistics without a true number one or two receiver. With that having been addressed it's not out of the question to think Cutler will improve even further.

Jeffery and his 6'3" body will most likely become a favorite of Jay Cutler inside the 20-yard line. With his 37" vertical, Alshon has the ability to get up above smaller NFL corners and win the jump ball. Jay Cutler should love throwing the fade route to someone with that kind of athletic prowess.

Cutler should also improve upon his completion percentage and TD to INT ratio; two things that should give Alshon Jeffery even more value in all fantasy leagues.

Upside

Alshon Jeffery may bring you touchdowns, he may have a great quarterback throwing to him, but his biggest asset to your fantasy team is his upside.

Jeffery's average draft position, better known as ADP, is currently 155. This put's him in in the 15th round of 10-team leagues and the 13th round of 12-team leagues. Jeffery is currently the third rookie receiver coming off the board in most drafts.

It's not often that rookie receivers come in and make an impact right away; however, Jeffery is in a great situation to have a breakout rookie campaign.

Brandon Marshall figures to get the majority of the attention, and if there is a double team, it's going to be for him.This leaves Jeffery with one-and-ones and he should be able to thrive.

Low-end projections put Jeffery at 500 yards and three TDs, while high-end projections put him around 750 yards and six TDs. He has the potential to outperform even the highest expectations.

Quarterback Jay Cutler, on Waddle and Silvy, even hinted at specific packages saying the Bears will "pick and choose where [they] use him, what's best suited for him." With a 6'2" frame and soft hands, it makes sense that he will be a staple in the red zone.

As a  No.4 or No. 5 WR,  Jeffery will be a solid player off the bench and worth using during the bye weeks of top receivers. He is going late in drafts and he is worth a look, especially in keeper and dynasty leagues.

As a late pick he has low-risk high-reward potential and could end up being a steal if everything falls into place.