First Down Blog: Cut out the Aaron Jones disrespect

Multiple times each week, Brad Evans, in this space, will ramble on about whatever random, likely tequila-influenced fantasy football/betting thoughts are coursing through his often-moronic mind. Today’s topic: The ever-disrespected Aaron Jones.

Inside the NBA’s mandated bubble, Rajon Rondo is staying at a completely remodeled, and by all photographic evidence, opulent $400 per night Walt Disney World resort hotel. Last week, the bench-warmed and now broken guard described the accommodations as being on par with any random Motel 6, murder stains presumably included.

High comedy.

Similar to the Laker’s feelings about his recent residence, fantasy drafters house identical sentiments toward Aaron Jones, a luxury back who served up stats on a silver platter for his investors last season. Ardent supporters, happy to slip into the same comfy and cozy bed this season, continue to throw their support behind the rusher. Others, meanwhile, won’t plunk down the Visa believing there are bedbugs undoubtedly crawling about.

If you’re an unspoiled realist, the former group is the proper one.

Admonishments directed at Jones must cease. This offseason doubters have relentlessly tossed cold water on the rusher, off a fiery TD-pacesetting campaign no less. Critics argue rookie A.J. Dillion’s arrival combined with the organization’s unwillingness to sign him long term are harbingers of fantasy despair to come. To them, Dillion is Matt LaFleur’s newest Derrick Henry, a punishing back with the bulky frame and stiff arm to pound opponents into oblivion. The greenhorn, who generated 3.48 yards after contact per attempt with Boston College in 2019, could live up to their hype, but most likely not until 2021.

(More: See where Jeff Ratcliffe and Brad Evans pegged Jones in the Packers’ Booms, Busts and Breakouts.)

Yes, Jones’ league-leading 19 TDs from 2019 are bound to regress. However, naysayers’ convictions that a harsh correction is forthcoming are greatly exaggerated.

He’s a proven and efficient RB who should again log at least 60-65% of the opportunity share. Last season, he generated 3.19 yards after contact per attempt (RB17), totaled the sixth-most yards created and ranked RB5 in yards after contact per reception (9.22). Unbelievably, 16 of his 48 red-zone touches converted into scoring splashes. Essentially, he's Hunter S. Thompson on the gridiron, a man with a nose for the chalk.

Running behind an elite offensive line — Green Bay ranked at or near the top of the heap in several run-blocking metrics — and with Aaron Rodgers keeping defenses honest (20.7% stack percentage in ‘19), Jones is in position to retain his RB1 status in 12-team leagues, especially in 0.5 PPR. On the receiving end of 49 Rodgers passes last season, he’s a phenomenal multipurpose threat.

Let the fainthearted shiver over Dillion, Jamaal Williams or whatever other nonsense is afflicting them. Jones is a well-rounded RB who shouldn’t fall deep into Round 2. In what could be his swan song with the Packers bank on 1,400-plus yards and 11-13 total TDs.

Bottom line, Jones might be the most divisive figure, no matter position, in fantasy football this year. Ignore detractors, invest in his services and dreams of green are bound to come true.