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WR Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles

HT: 6-1, WT: 210, Born: 4-20-1983, College: Michigan, Drafted: Round 4

2008 Projections

Best Case

With Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson ahead of him on the depth chart, Avant would need at least one significant injury to see meaningful playing time. In that event, Avant could surprise some people because his first two seasons showed solid growth. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Michigan Wolverine caught 23 receptions for 267 yards and two touchdowns last season, improving on his rookie totals across the board. Avant made key first down catches when he was targeted, and it's clear he earned the respect of his quarterback and his coaches. If injury opens the door, Avant could put together a 50-catch season in the pass-happy Eagles offense.

Worst Case

Last year Avant caught 23 passes and was arguably a rung higher on the depth chart than he'll be in 2008. The addition of DeSean Jackson moves Avant, Greg Lewis and Hank Baskett down a rung. Assuming Avant makes the team, his worst case is landing behind Baskett as the WR5, which would equate to less than a few dozen targets over the entire season.

Outlook

Avant isn't a viable fantasy consideration unless the Eagles suffer major injuries. He could catch 20-25 passes again, but more likely Avant will catch 12-15 balls and possibly chip in a touchdown or two. He's worth keeping an eye on in deeper dynasty leagues, because his skills are refined enough to project as a slot receiver down the road.

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Avant had a good game, solidifying his spot as the number three WR. He caught three of the four balls thrown his way, including a touchdown where he was forced to fight for the last couple of yards to get into the end zone. It seemed like after the touchdown drive, the Packers paid more attention to Avant causing his targets to be low, since Avant had two big plays during the Eagles' touchdown drive.

Week 2 - Avant had a nice game as he finished as the Eagles second leading receiver. He caught his first pass on a nice catch on an eight yard completion where he was falling out of bounds for a first down, but it would be his only catch of the half. He would have another big catch in the fourth quarter for 14 yards on a fourth down play to keep a drive alive.

Week 3 - Avant caught his first pass in the third quarter on a nine yard reception for a first down. It would be his only catch in the game.

Week 4 - Avant seemed to share time with the tight ends Matt Schobel and Brent Celek, who were needed to help with the pass protection. He only caught one ball for 12 yards, and dropped one of the other targets he received.

Week 10 - Avant caught both of his targets, with a long of 19 yards.

Week 11 - Avant only had one catch but, it went for a four yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Week 12 - Avant caught his only pass on the Eagles' second drive of the game. He also had a one yard rush on a play that seemed to be designed for him to throw the ball. He caught the backward pass but with nobody open, Avant tucked the ball and did his best to get positive yards on the play.

Week 16 - Avant is the number three receiver for the Eagles. He is a reliable possession type who is able to catch the ball in traffic and get the first down. He caught all four passes thrown his way, two of them for first downs. On one reception he was stopped just two yards short on a third and six play where McNabb had to scramble and Avant was the safety valve.

Week 17 - Avant caught both passes thrown to him for 30 yards, although he was not targeted in the second half.