Jermar Jefferson Fantasy

Detroit Lions rookie running back Jermar Jefferson is a healthy scratch for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The seventh-round selection will start the season behind D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Godwin Igwebuike in the running back rotation. The fact that Jefferson doesn't contribute on special teams could make him a healthy inactive more times than not in 2021 when all of the Lions running backs are healthy on game day. The 21-year-old has a three-down skill set and is a physical runner with good size, but he won't get much of a chance for significant touches in his rookie season in Detroit, barring injuries to Swift and/or Williams.

Sep. 12th • 12:19 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson carried the ball 11 times for 43 yards in the team's final preseason game against the Colts. Jefferson was solid running between the tackles and caught one pass for five yards. Jefferson played well but Godwin Igwebuike also ran tough and punched in a touchdown. The RB3 role is still wide open behind D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams heading into cut-down day next week.

Aug. 27th • 10:34 PM

Detroit Lions running backs D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams are the clear top-two backs in Detroit, and they are expected to split carries in offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn's scheme. Jermar Jefferson was drafted in the seventh round this year and started to come on strong at the end of the offseason training program, especially in the passing game. He'll have to hold off Dedrick Mills and Mike Warren II in training camp. Lynn likes versatility in his backs, so Jefferson could have a leg up in the competition because of his abilities as a pass-catcher. However, he'll also have to prove that he can protect the quarterback in obvious passing situations. The 21-year-old averaged 143 rushing yards per game at Oregon State last year, which ranked fourth in college football. Jefferson is a bruising back who ran for 858 yards and seven touchdowns in just six starts in 2020, but the rookie is unlikely to have much fantasy value in redraft leagues this year unless one of Swift or Williams miss time with an injury. Swift and Williams are both capable of factoring into the passing game and catching plenty of passes, which probably won't leave a ton left over for Jefferson if he wins the No. 3 job.

Jul. 19th • 10:54 PM