Tackled for a Loss: The Freedom Grab a Go-to Guy in Gaffney

[Philadelphia Freedom]

Dateline: 5/2/02
by Linus Scrimmage

Their second pick in the first round brought the Freedom, former Florida wide receiver, Jabar Gaffney. Freedom owner, Matt Marshall, discussed the reasons the team selected Gaffney, “His value this year compared to his fellow rookie wideouts is very high because he's guaranteed playing time and could very well start for most or all of the season. We had Jabar as the number 2 WR on our board based on his skills and his projected playing time. We needed an impact player that could develop while getting valuable playing time as our fourth WR. We feel he can contribute for us this year and for many years to come.” Marshall pointed out, that one of the last rookie WR’s to make a big fantasy impact was Cleveland's Kevin Johnson, who also played on an expansion team, was drafted in the second round after his team took its starting QB #1 overall, and for coach Chris Palmer.

Gaffney was practically born with a football in his hand. As the son of former New York Jets wide receiver Derrick Gaffney, Jabar was outside tossing around the pigskin at the age of one. The elder Gaffney tutored his son on the intricacies of route running and ball-handling techniques. Advice that has taken Jabar all the way to the big-leagues. "He taught me just about everything I know right now," Gaffney said.

The best way to describe Gaffney's receiving skills is "complete." He is a polished wide-out with consistent
hands, who can be a game-controlling wide-out, with solid route-running skills, and the ability to sneak it downfield on occasion. Gaffney’s been compared to Jimmy Smith in that he doesn't have fantastic size or speed, but he's a good downfield and red zone threat. And talk about consistency; his two seasons at Florida were virtual mirrors of each other (14 and 13 TDs, for example). Many scouts regarded him as being one of the best, if not the best receiver in the draft.

However, for a team like the Freedom the most attractive thing about him this year is his opportunity. More than any other rookie WR, Gaffney has a chance to start. And with only the diminutive Jermaine Lewis (who'll be a full -time return man and is best suited to play as the #3 WR in the slot) to beat out, Gaffney has an excellent chance to start from the get-go.