Donald Driver Gets Two-Year Extension: Fantasy Implications And More

The Green Bay Packers signed WR Donald Driver to a two-year extension through 2012, signaling the beginning of the end for the Packer great.

In an article I wrote earlier this month, I talked about Driver’s sinking value due in part to his age and the coaching staff’s concern over his surgically repaired knees. It’s something I still stand by, but the coaching staff seems confident enough to extend Driver’s contract to allow him to retire a Packer despite their concerns.

“Now I am going to retire as a Packer that is something I have dreamed of for a long time, and it’s here now…” Driver said to reporters shortly after signing his extension while with his family.

I really don’t see Driver surpassing 1,000 yards this season, nor do I see him hitting the 70-catch mark he achieved a year ago, but it is precisely that outlook that could up his low end value.

Look, you’re not going to out and grab Driver within the first five rounds (or at least I don’t think you should), but getting him as a number three or even a number four WR in the sixth or seventh round would be a great value pick.

Driver should have a bit more value in PPR leagues than standard despite his impending drop in production, and you can even entertain keeping him around for the full two years—I believe Driver’s last year (2012) is going to be his grandest finale—but let’s get through this year first, right).

Around Camp:

·       News out of Packers camp is that RB Quinn Porter has been doing a fine job with increased reps (thanks a bunch James Starks’ hammy) and is moving ever so slightly up the depth charts in specific areas. While he will have very limited fantasy value in 2010, he could make for a nice low end selection in Dynasty leagues.

·       Will Blackmon (knee), Atari Bigby (ankle), Al Harris (knee), and Brady Poppinga (concussion), all sat out of practice Friday, and could wind up not playing in Saturday night’s scrimmage game. Harris and Bigby remain the biggest fantasy concerns for IDP leaguers. For now, consider them more of a risk than anything else.

·       Nick Collins has been shining thus far for the Packers, playing with a high motor, and a lot of aggression. It’s perfect news because it shows the Packers want to remain an aggressive style defensive attack, and their veterans are right on cue. Collins remains a solid high end pick, and is currently ranked 49th among DBs.

For a full team analysis and fantasy breakdown, come check out our our Green Bay Packers Fantasy Projections.