Dynasty & Redraft: WR Ace Sanders, Jacksonville Jaguars (1 Viewer)

RTC: Sanders needs to make impact

By Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com

Excerpt:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Ace Sanders wasn't drafted to make an impact at wide receiver, yet that's what he did during his rookie season with the Jaguars.

He was drafted to provide big plays as a punt returner but that never materialized in 2013, writes the Florida Times-Union's Hays Carlyon. Coach Gus Bradley, however, is optimistic that Sanders will be able to do so in 2014.

Because of Justin Blackmon's suspensions and injuries to Cecil Shorts and Mike Brown, Sanders spent much more time at receiver than originally anticipated and he caught 51 passes for 484 yards. The 51 passes were just 15 shy of Shorts' team-high 66.

But Sanders averaged just 5.6 yards on 25 punt returns. He returned one for a touchdown against St. Louis but it was called back because of a penalty, which left his longest return at 17 yards. Bradley said the Jaguars' punt return team never got in rhythm.

"I think when you get one long punt return it really spreads throughout the whole punt return unit," Bradley said. "We didn't get that feeling from our punt return unit. We had chances, but we'll look to find ways to improve that."

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Rotoworld:

Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell said Thursday he hopes second-year WR Ace Sanders turns into a "Darren Sproles type."

Sanders showed well with 51 catches for 484 yards and a touchdown during his rookie campaign, flashing glimpses of the playmaking ability Caldwell is looking for. Sanders would have to become a bigger part of the Jags' offense and develop into a better red-zone threat to be on the re-draft radar. The latter is difficult to imagine because Sanders stands in at 5-foot-7, 173.


Source: Gene Frenette on Twitter

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I could see Sanders maybe developing into a Darren Sproles type, though Sproles is an inch shorter and 15 lbs heavier. Sanders posted a 4.50 40 time so he's quick, but not so quick as many of the big difference makers. I can't find Sproles 40 time for comparison...Lindy's Draft Guide from last year says Sanders has

"excellent stop-start quickness, lateral agility to elude and is a nightmare to tackle in the open field. Explosive initial acceleration. Excellent vision and feel for setting up his blocks. Patient creative runner who is always a threat to go back against the grain. Good straight lin speed and shows a late burst to pull away. Shows the ability to pluck the ball from outside of his frame. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder and shows good hand eye coordination and timing to make the diving grab. Good toughness and concentration to handle slot responsibilities Fights through arm tackles and is tough to tackle due to his naturally low center of gravity. Doesn't back down to the size and physicality over the middle. Good bloodlines, son of former NFL DB Tracy Sanders."

I'd say he's worth a speculative hold.

Rotoworld:

Coach Gus Bradley said WR Ace Sanders is "having a very good offseason."

The Jaguars improved their depth by adding Rashad Greene and Neal Sterling with Day 3 picks, but Sanders has the inside track for the final receiver job. Sanders only needs to hold off Sterling and Arrelious Benn to keep his spot.

May 29 - 5:09 PM
Source: jaguars.com

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ESPN Jaguars reporter Mike DiRocco said Ace Sanders has been "the talk of OTAs."

DiRocco said he's "catching everything in sight." This is the second positive report we've heard on Sanders in the last week. With Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson emerging as the top two wideouts, Sanders isn't guaranteed a roster spot. The 23-year-old was a non-factor last season, catching just six of eight targets for 55 yards.

Source: ESPN.com
Jun 7 - 10:42 AM

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