At 5-10, 175, DeSean Jackson’s a rookie slot receiver seeing action on the outside. The Eagles, who are without Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, have been using Jackson as their own Hines Ward, throwing him receiver screens and running posts and crosses down the middle of the field. But his year-to-date average of 18 yards per reception is drawing a lot of attention on waiver wires. So what can we expect from Jackson for the rest of the ‘08/’09 season?

Taken with the 18th pick in the second round of the 2008 entry draft, Jackson, 21, raised his stock at the NFL combine with a 4.35 40 yard dash. But both his size and inconsistent NCAA numbers made him a niche pick. The ‘07 season at Cal saw Jackson catch 65 balls for 762 yards and 6 scores; not bad numbers, but not enough of an improvement over his 38-catch, 601-yard freshman season to convince scouts that Jackson had real NFL upside. The issue was Jackson’s sophomore season, a 1,060 yard campaign with 9 touchdowns and four return scores. Everyone was looking for a big junior year, but it didn’t happen. His yards/catch average dropped from 18 to 11.7–4.1 yards under his freshman average of 15.8. Then Jackson was benched for the first quarter of the Armed Forces Bowl, ostensibly for violating undisclosed team rules, and his first round chances were permanently iced.

With his hands-speed combination, Jackson should generate solid numbers as a possession receiver. With Brown and Curtis out, Jackson’s getting a lot of looks. And it’s not a stretch to say that he’s claimed a starting job. A safe bet is 85 catches, 900-100 yards, and 7 touchdowns. But Jackson owners have to be worried about his special teams role. You don’t typically see #1 receivers returning punts. And Jackson’s not exactly a brick. He had a few nagging muscle pulls in 2007, and his injury risk shoots up exponentially as a return man. I haven’t seen many guys return a punt, then stay on the field for an offensive series. And when they have it’s almost always affected their production.

You’ve also got to wonder what happens when Curtis comes back. He’s telling people that he’ll be ready by Philadelphia’s Week 7 bye, and he essentially plays the same position as Jackson. Does that mean that Jackson gets shifted to a returner-third down role? With one incredibly stupid play on his resume, Jackson’s already a bit of a risk. You know, Koren Robinson and Peter Warrick were once hyped a la Desean, and aside from shoe size they’re all very similar talents. I’m a little concerned that Jackson’s failure to translate his skills–to learn how to get open and score–in college could throttle his value at the NFL level. If he couldn’t do it there, he probably won’t be able to do it here. But you’re gambling with Jackson, so right now you have to wait and see.

The good thing about Jackson is that, if you own him, he was almost certainly a late-round pick or a waiver claim. So you got him cheap. Expect a lot of touches, but temper your TD totals. In terms of comparison players, you’re looking at Coles, Moss, and Ward. He can run slants and screens and reverses between the 20s, but shorter receivers tend to have trouble catching balls in the red zone. There’s no room for curls and hooks, and corner and fade routes are out. So hopefully your league awards points for receptions.