This is the kind of story you would usually read in July or early August, before the season starts. But hey, the Oakland Raiders' regular season doesn't officially kick off for another 72 hours, so I guess there's still time to pump up one of your players. That's what Hue Jackson is doing with wide receiver Jacoby Ford . Jackson said this week that he wouldn't be surprised if the diminutive speedster caught 75-80 passes this season. Jackson also said the team needs to do whatever possible to get him the ball.
"If he can score touchdowns, I'm going to give it to him," Jackson said of Ford. "He likes the ball in his hands, we like to put it in his hands. We need to turn this guy loose."
Ford scored seven touchdowns last year as a rookie -- two rushing, two receiving, three on kick returns. He averaged 18.8 yards per catch over 25 receptions.

Fantasy Analysis:

That catch count is probably not realistic, not with the Raiders' QB situation (sorry, Jason Campbell). But there is no doubt that Ford is a true game-breaking receiver who has tremendous upside. I have no problem with him as a WR3. If the Raiders commit to getting him more involved in the offense, he could be one of the biggest steals of the year.