Week 8 Waiver Wire: Why Fantasy Owners Must Add Jeremy Kerley

New York Jets rookie wide receiver Jeremy Kerley has stepped up and replaced the now-departed Derrick Mason perfectly so far. Kerley has filled the slot receiver position well, making solid contributions over his first three weeks in the lineup. 

Kerley was a fifth-round pick in April's draft after a great career at TCU. He landed on a few All-American lists for his efforts as a return man in his final college season. The 22-year-old was expected to come in and help replace Brad Smith as a return man and add depth at wideout. With Mason gone, he has been bumped up into the receiving rotation behind Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes. 

While the rookie is nothing more than a No. 3 receiver at this point, the more he plays, the more quarterback Mark Sanchez seems to find him. Right now, I think he's worth a spot on your bench because his production will increase as the season goes along, and if either Burress or Holmes goes down, Kerley will definitely be worth a starting spot. 

Putting the TCU product on your roster would be a big boom or bust risk at this point of the season, but in three games since taking over duties in the slot, he has nine catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. On Sunday against the San Diego Chargers he had his best game as a pro, catching four passes for 29 yards. 

Sanchez checked down to Kerley on two key third down plays to help keep drives alive, which showed that he has faith in the young receiver. If you've got an opening on your roster at the wide receiver spot, monitor Kerley's progress and consider picking him up.