Though Byron Leftwich proved to have a lot of stunning fourth quarter performances, they weren’t enough to wow fantasy owners. His overall yardage and touchdown numbers still hovered around the same vicinity of his rookie campaign. This upcoming year could be different though, as the Jaguars will look to expand Leftwich’s abilities.

Last season was definitely an up and down year for Leftwich. The first month he was praised for heroic last second comebacks, but in the entirety of the previous three and a half quarters he struggled mightily. Then for a four week stretch suddenly Leftwich started to tease fantasy owners with his best stretch of the year. The stretch included four three hundred yard passing games, and also two rushing touchdowns. How did this occur out of no where?

The main explanation would have to be linked to one of the best receivers over the last ten years in Jimmy Smith. At the age of 35 last year, it took a little longer for Smith to get his routine and speed in full stride. Being the number one receiver shouldn’t be the burden placed on Jimmy Smith’s shoulders, but that was the case. He had the bulk of his success during those same weeks Leftwich’s progression was off the charts.

There were times that the connection between Leftwich and Jimmy Smith looked top notch, as Smith would snare unbelievable catches. Smith still couldn’t do it by himself. With Reggie Williams struggling his rookie season and Troy Edwards still living up to a first round bust, derails were a common scene on Jacksonville drives.

Reggie Williams should break in well this year, and the freakish rookie Matt Jones will also be in the fold. Troy Edwards makes a nice fourth receiver, and now Jimmy Smith should be able to roam a little easier. All Leftwich needs is decent receivers, as he may be right behind Peyton Manning in his ability to read defenses. For what Leftwich lacks in speed he more than makes up for it in the pocket.

A big concern is the durability question marks surrounding Fred Taylor. His MCL tear towards the end of last season is “expected” to be 100 percent by the start of the season. This is from an athlete that hasn’t been free of the injury list. It seems not too long ago that Taylor came into the league along with Robert Edwards in New England, but he is now entering his eighth NFL season. He has had a strong career, but consistent injuries heading into the thirties is a serious cause for doubt. LaBrandon Toefield has had a few chances to showcase his abilities, and really hasn’t wowed anyone.

If Taylor’s recovery from injury is pushed further back, expect the Jaguars to land Travis Henry. Henry is still a young and former Pro Bowl explosive back, that would fit in well with the Jaguars system. The Bills are also shopping only a third round pick for Henry’s rights. Even though Henry is in the last year of his contract, there probably wouldn’t be a problem in signing him to a two or three year deal.

Regardless of who’s in the backfield, Leftwich’s stats should improve dramatically. He has practically two years under his belt, and the third starting year is usually the turning point for quarterbacks with raw talent. Draft Leftwich as a fantasy backup with a strong chance at eclipsing into your starting rotation. Basically you can probably get away with drafting a mediocre quarterback in the fifth or sixth round, and then snatching Leftwich right behind that pick.