Upside by David Yudkin
Lots of Positives Point to a Strong Season

Improved Offense
Jones is ranked as our #9 TE, exactly where he finished in 2003. With even more offensive weapons brought in and major upgrades in the coaching staff, it's not far-fetched to expect more production out of the offense.

Sole Veteran Presence on Offense
The Cards "Big 3" WR, QB, and RB have only six years of experience combined. Jones has seven on his own, and he should be both a security blanket and a go-to receiver on important third down plays.

Dennis Green's History of Productive TE
Reviewing Green's TE usage in Minnesota shows that Steve Jordan, Andrew Glover, and Byron Chamberlain each had 500-600 yard receiving seasons. Most seasons, other TE chipped in as well, with a season high total of 84 receptions, 861 receiving yards, and 4 TD in 2001.

No Competition at TE
There are four other TE on the Cardinals' roster. Steve Bush has averaged only 6 receptions per year. None of the other three (Mike Banks, Lorenzo Diamond, and Eric Edwards) has ever caught a pass in the NFL. Arizona did not draft a TE, either, so Jones is the man in the desert.

No Substitute for Experience
Jones has averaged 51 receptions, 543 yards, and 3 TD over his 7-year career. At this stage in his career, he knows how to create space and get open.

Bottom Line
Jones may not get back to his 71-766-5 peak performance level of 2000, but with an improved offense and his veteran status he should be able to approach 60-600-4. If he clicks with young QB Josh McCown or if Coach Green continues his aggressive use of a receiving TE, he could conceivably approach his 2000 numbers.

Downside by Andy Hicks
Freddie Jones is not going to win anyone a fantasy championship. Entering his 8th season, Jones has failed to come close to his 71 catch, 766 yards and 5 touchdown performance with the Chargers in 2000. If you are not keen on drafting one of the top 4 or 5 Tight Ends, then players like Freddie Jones enter the equation.

When trying to decide between Jones and one of the other 15 tight ends that are in the same projection area, there are a few matters that must be considered.

1. Age
   Jones at 30 is one of the more senior Tight Ends in the game. The question that must be asked is upside, is there any?
2. How many other options will be in the passing game?
   Second overall pick Larry Fitzgerald, as well as 2nd year men, Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson. Add to that potent young corps the experienced pass catching backs in Marcel Shipp and Emmitt Smith. Freddie Jones could be anywhere from the 3rd to the 6th option in the passing game. There is a real potential that Jones will be used for special purposes rather than dependence.
3. New coaching staff
   Dennis Green will use a Tight End, but the real fear is that he will want to see his trio of young receivers get as much of the ball as possible.
4. The quarterback
   For the 5 games that Josh McCown was the quarterback in 2003, Jones had 11 catches for 105 yards and 0 touchdowns. Project that to a full season and Jones becomes almost worthless.
5. Touchdowns
   Never the most prolific Tight End in this area, Jones notched 3 scores last year. All from Jeff Blake. A career average of less than 3 touchdowns a season should concern those who want to draft him as their starter.

Freddie Jones would make a nice backup for your fantasy squad. As starter material he is likely to leave you disappointed.