Decker, Enunwa see slight fantasy benefit from Marshall's departure

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Free-agent WR Brandon Marshall signed with New York Giants, leaving the Jets with a self-induced void at the position. WR Eric Decker will return from rotator cuff and hip injuries which limited him to just three games in 2016. As the logical option to step up to replace Marshall as the team's No. 1 receiver, owners shouldn't be so quick to assume the production will transfer over.

The Quarterback mess

It is anyone's guess who'll be starting under center for the Jets in 2017. The only quarterbacks currently signed are Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, who both lack experience and overall skill. Whether it be a free agent, a trade, or a rookie, the Jets quarterback situation will improve, but it's still unlikely to be as good as it was under QB Ryan Fitzpatrick during the 2015 season, when both Marshall and Decker each topped 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Decker

Before Marshall's signing, Decker was being selected as the WR36 at pick 8.09, per FantasyFootballCalculator.com. It was only nine receivers behind Marshall, who was almost sure to be headed to a better situation.

Decker will enter the 2017 season as his team's No. 1 receiver for the first time since 2014, his first with the Jets. With WRs Jeremy Kerley and Percy Harvin as his top compliments, Decker caught 74 of 115 targets for 962 yards and five touchdowns. Production good enough for a fantasy WR2, but a far cry from what he produced in 2015 and what owners now expect.

At WR36 there is little risk in Decker, as WR3 production is well within his capabilities, even with subpar quarterback play and WR1 coverage from defenses. The fear is the official departure of Marshall will cause his ADP to rise. He's a strong selection at his current position, but owners need to avoid the desire to reach for someone who's at the top of his team's depth chart.

He shouldn't be taken as anything higher than the WR30, putting his ADP in the late-sixth, early-seventh round.

(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Enunwa

Enunwa outperformed Marshall in Decker's absence last season, catching 58 of 106 targets for 857 yards and four touchdowns. It was a big rise from his rookie season in 2015, when he caught less than half his targets for just 315 yards and no scores. He will remain in a similar role as the No. 2 receiver.

Enunwa is going beyond PFC's top 67 receivers and outside the first 15 rounds. Should he be available this late in drafts - free-agent Ted Ginn Jr. is WR67 - he represents value with a return to same role.

(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Robby Anderson

Anderson tied Marshall with 10 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2016, even though he had 17 fewer total receptions and 50 fewer targets. He caught just two touchdowns, but he was used for three rushing touchdowns in which he totaled 42 yards.

Should the Jets fail to add another receiver this offseason, Anderson would stand to benefit greatly from an injury to either Decker or Enunwa. He is worth a desperation late-round selection in either format if he enters the year as the Jets' WR3.