Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Fantasy Preview: Running Backs
The Big 3
1. LaDainian Tomlinson- Tomlinson continues to put up amazing numbers as the league’s most versatile back. Run, catch, throw, Tomlinson has proven he can do it all.
With Phillip Rivers taking over the reins at QB in San Diego I’d expect more rushing attempts for Tomlinson. At the same time defenses will key on him even more, as if they didn’t before. Expect 1500 yards rushing, 400-600 yards receiving, and around 20 total Td’s. You can also add in a passing Td on a trick play.
*SAFE PICK
2. Shaun Alexander- It is hard to ignore 1880 yards and 27 Td’s. Even though Alexander seems to lack that explosive ability to break a huge run that some other top backs possess, he still puts up monster numbers. You’d expect his amount of touches would wear him down, but he has only gotten stronger the past 3 years. Seattle did lose Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson, but still has left tackle Walter Jones and center Robbie Tobeck. Alexander has one of the league’s best blocking fullbacks in Mack Strong in front of him. Matt Hasselbeck makes opposing defenses respect the pass at any time. Expect 1600-1750 yard rushing, 100-200 yards receiving, and around 20 total Td’s.
*SAFE PICK
3. Larry Johnson- Johnson had a ridiculous ’05 season for only starting 9 games. Averaging over 5 yards per carry he put up 1750 yards and 20 Td’s. While you can’t expect the same pace he was at last season, you can still expect a very good season in front of that Chiefs’ offensive line. The retirement of LT Willie Roaf could be a big loss. The offensive line will still be anchored by guards, Will Shields and Brian Waters, plus center Casey Wiegmann. Replacements for Roaf and departed FB Tony Richardson will be key for Johnson to have another great season. QB Trent Green provides a dependable teammate in the backfield alongside Johnson. He is a trendy pick to be the best RB in fantasy but I don’t like him ahead of Tomlinson or Alexander. Expect 1500-1700 yards rushing, 300-400 yards receiving, and around 20 total Td’s.
*RISKY PICK
The Other #1 Backs
4. Clinton Portis- Portis proved he wasn’t just a product of the Broncos’ blocking scheme last year. 1,500 yards 3 out of 4 seasons speaks for itself. The addition of WR’s Atwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd should give QB Mark Brunell more options and ultimately open up the defense more for Portis to exploit. The Redskins offensive line is strong with OT’s Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen, OG’s Randy Thomas and Derrick Dockery, and C Casey Rabach. He ended up as the sixth best back in the fantasy world last year, and look for him to improve on that. Expect 1,500-1600 yards rushing, 200-300 yards receiving, and around 15 total Td’s.
5. Edgerrin James- James joins a team that has two of the brightest young stars at the WR position. Both Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald present very good targets to QB Kurt Warner. Edgerrin James will benefit from the passing game, as he did form Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. If Warner does not stay healthy (which is a very real possibility) rookie Matt Leinart could be forced into early action.
While Leinart could be the most well prepared rookie QB, he is still a rookie, and defenses would load up on the Cardinals’ running game. One group that must sure up, is the offensive line. LT Leonard Davis must step up and become a dominant lineman. The Cardinals are looking for free agent addition OG Milford Brown to become a solid interior lineman for the team. Edgerrin James should still have a good year away from Indianapolis. The talent is there for the whole Cardinals offense to take it to another level, it is just a question of whether they can put all the pieces together. Expect around 1,500 yards rushing, 300-400 yards receiving and around 15 total Td’s.
*RISKY PICK
6. Tiki Barber- Barber is coming off of two monster seasons. Putting up over 1,800 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving, and being the fourth ranked back at the end of the season in the fantasy world, Barber most likely will not improve on those numbers. One of the things he really improved on that will be overlooked is his previous fumbling problem. He only fumbled one ball all last year, while touching it over 400 times. In his tenth season you would expect Barber to start wearing down but I expect another good year. The offensive line led by RT Kareem McKenzie and OG Chris Snee played well last season and should get better as a unit. Third year QB Eli Manning looks to improve on a up and down 2005 season. Manning’s development will directly affect Barber’s numbers. Expect around 1,500 yards rushing, 500 yards receiving and 10 to 14 Td’s.
The Weak #1 Backs
7. Lamont Jordan- Jordan didn’t break out as much as most people predicted he would last season. Of course the whole Raiders team underachieved. Much of his lack of success could be put on the non effectiveness of the passing game and an offensive line that didn’t give him enough opportunities. He has all the tools to be a good all around back in the fantasy world. He is a big, strong runner who is deceptively quick and has good hands coming out of the backfield. If QB Aaron Brooks can open up defenses enough with WR Randy Moss, Jordan could have a monster season. Expect 1,200-1400 yards rushing, 400-500 yards receiving and 8-12 Td’s.
*RISKY PICK
8. Rudi Johnson- After back-to-back 1450 yard, 12 Td seasons, Johnson has proved to be an elite back in the running sense. His lack of receiving is the only thing that prevents him from being a top five back. He finished as the seventh best fantasy RB last year, even though he only had 90 yards receiving. RT Willie Anderson and LT Levi Jones combine to make a solid duo at the outside part of the Cincinnati offensive line. If QB Carson Palmer returns to form after season ending knee surgery, the defense will be open up a great deal with receiving threats Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. FB Jeremi Johnson is a good lead blocker for whoever is running behind him. This would give Johnson another great season. Expect around 1,500 yards rushing, 100-200 yards receiving and 8-10 Td’s.
*SAFE PICK
9. Willis McGahee- McGahee was a trendy top choice in many people’s drafts last year. While he didn’t pan out to be a top 5 back he was still solid. Buffalo’s weakness at the QB position hurt McGahee a good bit. However, McGahee has shown he is a strong runner with a good burst. The addition of FB Alan Ricard could be huge. Ricard led the way for Ravens RB Jamal Lewis in his 2,000 yard season. If QB J.P. Losman steps up and becomes a good, solid starter McGahee could have a monster year running the ball. He needs to step up and become that top notch RB. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards rushing, 100-200 yards receiving and 8-10 Td’s.
10. Jamal Lewis- This is the highest you will see Lewis ranked in any fantasy RB rankings. This isn’t just a homer pick, however. Lewis comes back 100% healthy this year and is not worrying about his contract. Lewis has proved over his years in the leage to be one of the strongest runners with a very surprising ability to break the big runs off. Besides the injuries and contract concerns last season, Lewis was hurt by the Ravens poor QB play.
QB’s Kyle Boller and Anthony Wright did not scare any defenses. With the newly aquired Steve McNair to solidify the QB position, Lewis could have a huge year. WR’s Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton and TE Todd Heap give McNair some weapons to further stretch out the defense. While Jamal has never been a big threat as a receiver, his running ability was never questioned until he showed some signs of indecision at the line last season. The Ravens offensive line must regain its dominant form. LT Jonathan Ogden still is a premiere LT but young interior lineman like Chris Chester and Jason Brown must step up and become solid players this year. Don’t be afraid of offseason acquisition RB Mike Anderson. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards rushing, 100-200 yards receiving and 8-10 Td’s.
*RISKY PICK
Up and Comers; #2’s Who could become #1’s
11. Steven Jackson- Jackson has all the tools for a breakout season in fantasy world. He has both rushing and receiving skills. He only had two 100 yard games last year but expect at least 4 more this season. QB Marc Bulger and WR’s Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Kevin Curtis should open up the defense for Jackson to run the ball. He was the 11th best fantasy back last season and could very well take a huge step up this year. He could become a #1 running back on your fantasy team this year, but slot him in as a good #2.
12. Ronnie Brown- Brown had a very solid rookie season. Splitting time with RB Ricky Williams, Brown still put up 900 yards with a 4.4 yard average. He is a trendy top five RB pick by many, simply by people adding Ricky Williams yards last year to his this season. I would not give him those yards so quickly, as RB’s tend to wear down as the season goes on. The Dolphins offensive line should be improved this year with the acquisition of LT L.J. Shelton, the emergence of fourth year RT Vernon Carey, and the solid play of C Seth McKinney. QB Daunte Culpepper could open up things up and FB Fred Beasley is a good FB ahead of Brown, so expect a good but not necessarily a top ten season. He should be a good #2 fantasy back for you, a weak #1.
13. Chester Taylor- Having seen Taylor play his whole career in Baltimore, I know the kind of ability he has. He is a slashing type of back that doesn’t usually break huge runs, but almost always goes forward. Taylor also possesses very good hands and is a definite threat in the passing game. He finally gets his chance to shine in Minnesota and I expect him to be a good #2 RB on your fantasy team, with the possibility of becoming your top back.
14. Cadillac Williams- Williams showed flashes of brilliances running the ball last season, and proved his worth as the #5 pick overall of the 2005 draft. For all the talent Williams has running with the ball, he lacked receiving skills his rookie year. One would assume his receiving skills would become more refined in his second year in the league. Williams should be a good #2 RB in fantasy.
15. DeShaun Foster- Foster has shown major abilities in his three years in the league. He has faced two problems; injuries and playing behind Stephen Davis. If he can put his injuries behind him there is no reason he can’t have a big season. He has power, speed and good hands. QB Jake Delhomme gives Foster a good QB to be next to. WR Steve Smith, with the addition of Keyshawn Johnson in conjunction with Delhomme, give the Panthers a solid passing game. This should open up the field more for Foster. The Panthers did draft RB DeAngelo Williams, but Foster, barring injuries, will take the majority of the carries. Could turn into a solid #1, want him to be your #2.
16. Kevin Jones- New offensive coordinator Mike Martz could be a great addition for Kevin Jones. Jones, who has supposedly been working on his receiving all offseason, could be used like Marshall Faulk was in the Rams system. Jones regressed in his second season, but should return to form in ’06. QB Jon Kitna should be a steadier player than Joey Harrington was, and if Martz can turn him into gold as he did with various QB’s in St. Louis, look for Jones to put up huge numbers. You do remember what kind of player Marshall Faulk was right? Well if Jones puts up ¾ of that he will be a good back in fantasy. Want him to be your #2.
#2’s
17. Warrick Dunn- Dunn had a great year in yards in 2005, but didn’t put the ball in the endzone enough to be a top notch type of back. Look for him to improve on his 3 Td’s but not on his 1,400 yards rushing. T.J. Duckett continues to underachieve and leave Dunn as the main back in Atlanta. Michael Vick’s development will be an interesting variable affecting Dunn’s stats. Dunn should provide a good #2 back in the fantasy world.
18. Brian Westbrook- Westbrook had 1 more rushing yard than receiving yard last year. Hopefully Andy Reid realizes he needs to run the ball more and stops thinking short passes= runs. Westbrook is a quick runner who is more powerful than you would think for his size. I’d expect an increase in rushing yards with a slight decrease in receiving. He is a serviceable #2 RB, a very good #3 in fantasy.
19. Julius Jones- After a rather disappointing second year, Jones comes into the season with something to prove. The explosiveness he showed in his rookie year must be consistent. With pressure from second year back, Marion Barber, look for Jones to step up. QB Drew Bledsoe, with new star WR Terrell Owens, should give Dallas the passing attack needed to open up defenses. The offensive line must step up after OG Larry Allen finally departed. Jones should be a decent #2 RB in fantasy.
20. Domanick Davis- Davis’ fantasy stock was saved by Houston not selecting RB Reggie Bush with the first pick of the NFL Draft. The Texans showed confidence in the fifth year back by not drafting Rush. Davis is a duel threat guy who isn’t extremely explosive but provides good hard running every week. If QB David Carr develops with WR’s Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds, Davis will benefit greatly. Davis is an decent #2, good #3 RB in fantasy.
21. Reuben Droughns- Droughns put up 1200 yards rushing for the second straight season. His lack of Td’s hold him back from being a better fantasy RB. He is a guy that will be solid, but most likely never be your #1. He isn’t very explosive, but will pound the ball in the middle. The Browns offensive line took a big hit when C LeCharles Bentley went down in training camp with a season ending knee injury. Look for this to hurt Droughns production somewhat, but should get the carries to be a decent #2 back in fantasy.
Don’t Depend on These Guys, but Possibilities
22. Deuce McAllister- McAllister is coming off a big knee surgery and comes into this season with the probability of splitting touches with Reggie Bush. McAllister, who does possess a ton of ability, as a runner and receiver, could be a #1 back if he fully recovers and got all the touches from the RB position. Don’t look for both of those to happen though, as rookie Reggie Bush will push for time. McAllister is too talented not to get anything, so he is definitely worth a late pick, don’t expect him to be a top #2 even though.
23. Ahman Green- Green’s recovery from a torn quadriceps has been quite good, but it is hard to believe he will ever return to his amazing former self. The 29 year old has taken a lot of hits through his career, and if he can return to close to what he was, he could be a valuable back in fantasy. He has a good mix of rushing and receiving skills, but does have a fumble problem. Green is worth a late round look as a #3 running back.
24. Corey Dillon- Looks like a 50 year old but still manages to always get positive yards. No big runs for Dillon, but still a guy that will give you a consistent start. Injuries and age are concerns and he could be backing up rookie Laurence Maroney by midseason, but a solid # 3 running back on your fantasy team, with a chance to be your #2.
25. Frank Gore- Gore should be taking a majority of the carries this upcoming season. His 4.8 yards per carry was impressive in his rookie year. He Could surprise some people, but don’t expect him to be your starter. He is a good #3 with a possibility to be your #2.
26. Reggie Bush- He will get into the offense but the question is how much and in what ways. While his fantasy numbers could very well not be impressive, he has the ability to break something big everytime he touches the ball.
Plus he is backing up Duece McAllister who is just coming off a big knee injury. Unless McAllister gets injured, it will be hard to predict Bush’s number of touches per week. Worth a backup pick, should be your #3 back.
27. Willie Parker- His size makes him a limited back. Parker is quick but not a full time back in my opinion. He will be splitting carries with someone (Duce Staley if healthy), especially in the redzone. Worth a backup pick, should be your #3 back.
28. Dominic Rhodes- Rhodes is going to fill the starting RB position for the Colts to begin the season most likely. He will probably put up good numbers no matter what in the Colts offense. However, look for rookie RB Joseph Addai to replace him by midseason, or at first minor injury.
29. Cedric Benson- Thomas Jones has been a holdout in Chicago. One would think this gives Benson the step up he needs and I expect him to be starting come opening day. Could become a solid #2.
30. Fred Taylor- Always so much risk/reward with Taylor. Injuries have plagued his whole career in Jacksonville and there is no reason to expect any different. However, he is worth a late round/backup RB pick.
31. Tatum Bell- His 5.3 yards per carry was impressive last season, but the Broncos don’t like him as much as I do. Right now Ron Dayne is listed as the starting RB for the Broncos. Look for Bell to get the majority of the carries by season’s start, but still you can’t guarantee much fantasy success for a guy that splits carries.
32. Chris Brown- As of now, Brown will be part of the Titans RB carousel. He is at the top of the depth chart as of now in Tennessee. But look for carries to be taken away by RB’s Travis Henry and rookie LenDale White
33. Ron Danye- Dayne has the starting job, as of now, but it is a hard situation in Denver to figure out. If him or Bell got ALL the carries they would be a big time fantasy back, due to Denver’s notorious blocking schemes. It looks as though they will split carries though.
34. Brandon Jacobs- Jacobs could be a starting RB very soon in the league. Until then he will be the bulldozing short yardage RB for the Giants. Look for him to put up a good amount of Td’s but not many yards, because of his usage.
35. Joseph Addai- Could be starting by opening day, but more likely that he will step into that role midseason. As soon as he does, Addai will put up good numbers in the powerful Colts offense.
36. Thomas Jones- After his career year, there is a good chance Jones starting RB position will be filled by 2005 first round pick Cedric Benson. No matter what the case, he won’t get the same amount of carries that he got last year. Expect Benson to be the starter, barring injuries, come opening day.
+ The sections were created in order for you to easier divide the notches of RB’s. For the most part, these sections are how RB’s are looked at in the league today, but it is still personal opinion.
+ Rankings were created through analysis of stats, offseason player movement, personal opinion, and by looking at rankings from several different sources.
The Big 3
1. LaDainian Tomlinson- Tomlinson continues to put up amazing numbers as the league’s most versatile back. Run, catch, throw, Tomlinson has proven he can do it all.
With Phillip Rivers taking over the reins at QB in San Diego I’d expect more rushing attempts for Tomlinson. At the same time defenses will key on him even more, as if they didn’t before. Expect 1500 yards rushing, 400-600 yards receiving, and around 20 total Td’s. You can also add in a passing Td on a trick play.*SAFE PICK
2. Shaun Alexander- It is hard to ignore 1880 yards and 27 Td’s. Even though Alexander seems to lack that explosive ability to break a huge run that some other top backs possess, he still puts up monster numbers. You’d expect his amount of touches would wear him down, but he has only gotten stronger the past 3 years. Seattle did lose Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson, but still has left tackle Walter Jones and center Robbie Tobeck. Alexander has one of the league’s best blocking fullbacks in Mack Strong in front of him. Matt Hasselbeck makes opposing defenses respect the pass at any time. Expect 1600-1750 yard rushing, 100-200 yards receiving, and around 20 total Td’s.
*SAFE PICK
3. Larry Johnson- Johnson had a ridiculous ’05 season for only starting 9 games. Averaging over 5 yards per carry he put up 1750 yards and 20 Td’s. While you can’t expect the same pace he was at last season, you can still expect a very good season in front of that Chiefs’ offensive line. The retirement of LT Willie Roaf could be a big loss. The offensive line will still be anchored by guards, Will Shields and Brian Waters, plus center Casey Wiegmann. Replacements for Roaf and departed FB Tony Richardson will be key for Johnson to have another great season. QB Trent Green provides a dependable teammate in the backfield alongside Johnson. He is a trendy pick to be the best RB in fantasy but I don’t like him ahead of Tomlinson or Alexander. Expect 1500-1700 yards rushing, 300-400 yards receiving, and around 20 total Td’s.
*RISKY PICK
The Other #1 Backs
4. Clinton Portis- Portis proved he wasn’t just a product of the Broncos’ blocking scheme last year. 1,500 yards 3 out of 4 seasons speaks for itself. The addition of WR’s Atwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd should give QB Mark Brunell more options and ultimately open up the defense more for Portis to exploit. The Redskins offensive line is strong with OT’s Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen, OG’s Randy Thomas and Derrick Dockery, and C Casey Rabach. He ended up as the sixth best back in the fantasy world last year, and look for him to improve on that. Expect 1,500-1600 yards rushing, 200-300 yards receiving, and around 15 total Td’s.
5. Edgerrin James- James joins a team that has two of the brightest young stars at the WR position. Both Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald present very good targets to QB Kurt Warner. Edgerrin James will benefit from the passing game, as he did form Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. If Warner does not stay healthy (which is a very real possibility) rookie Matt Leinart could be forced into early action.
While Leinart could be the most well prepared rookie QB, he is still a rookie, and defenses would load up on the Cardinals’ running game. One group that must sure up, is the offensive line. LT Leonard Davis must step up and become a dominant lineman. The Cardinals are looking for free agent addition OG Milford Brown to become a solid interior lineman for the team. Edgerrin James should still have a good year away from Indianapolis. The talent is there for the whole Cardinals offense to take it to another level, it is just a question of whether they can put all the pieces together. Expect around 1,500 yards rushing, 300-400 yards receiving and around 15 total Td’s.*RISKY PICK
6. Tiki Barber- Barber is coming off of two monster seasons. Putting up over 1,800 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving, and being the fourth ranked back at the end of the season in the fantasy world, Barber most likely will not improve on those numbers. One of the things he really improved on that will be overlooked is his previous fumbling problem. He only fumbled one ball all last year, while touching it over 400 times. In his tenth season you would expect Barber to start wearing down but I expect another good year. The offensive line led by RT Kareem McKenzie and OG Chris Snee played well last season and should get better as a unit. Third year QB Eli Manning looks to improve on a up and down 2005 season. Manning’s development will directly affect Barber’s numbers. Expect around 1,500 yards rushing, 500 yards receiving and 10 to 14 Td’s.
The Weak #1 Backs
7. Lamont Jordan- Jordan didn’t break out as much as most people predicted he would last season. Of course the whole Raiders team underachieved. Much of his lack of success could be put on the non effectiveness of the passing game and an offensive line that didn’t give him enough opportunities. He has all the tools to be a good all around back in the fantasy world. He is a big, strong runner who is deceptively quick and has good hands coming out of the backfield. If QB Aaron Brooks can open up defenses enough with WR Randy Moss, Jordan could have a monster season. Expect 1,200-1400 yards rushing, 400-500 yards receiving and 8-12 Td’s.
*RISKY PICK
8. Rudi Johnson- After back-to-back 1450 yard, 12 Td seasons, Johnson has proved to be an elite back in the running sense. His lack of receiving is the only thing that prevents him from being a top five back. He finished as the seventh best fantasy RB last year, even though he only had 90 yards receiving. RT Willie Anderson and LT Levi Jones combine to make a solid duo at the outside part of the Cincinnati offensive line. If QB Carson Palmer returns to form after season ending knee surgery, the defense will be open up a great deal with receiving threats Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. FB Jeremi Johnson is a good lead blocker for whoever is running behind him. This would give Johnson another great season. Expect around 1,500 yards rushing, 100-200 yards receiving and 8-10 Td’s.
*SAFE PICK
9. Willis McGahee- McGahee was a trendy top choice in many people’s drafts last year. While he didn’t pan out to be a top 5 back he was still solid. Buffalo’s weakness at the QB position hurt McGahee a good bit. However, McGahee has shown he is a strong runner with a good burst. The addition of FB Alan Ricard could be huge. Ricard led the way for Ravens RB Jamal Lewis in his 2,000 yard season. If QB J.P. Losman steps up and becomes a good, solid starter McGahee could have a monster year running the ball. He needs to step up and become that top notch RB. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards rushing, 100-200 yards receiving and 8-10 Td’s.
10. Jamal Lewis- This is the highest you will see Lewis ranked in any fantasy RB rankings. This isn’t just a homer pick, however. Lewis comes back 100% healthy this year and is not worrying about his contract. Lewis has proved over his years in the leage to be one of the strongest runners with a very surprising ability to break the big runs off. Besides the injuries and contract concerns last season, Lewis was hurt by the Ravens poor QB play.
QB’s Kyle Boller and Anthony Wright did not scare any defenses. With the newly aquired Steve McNair to solidify the QB position, Lewis could have a huge year. WR’s Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton and TE Todd Heap give McNair some weapons to further stretch out the defense. While Jamal has never been a big threat as a receiver, his running ability was never questioned until he showed some signs of indecision at the line last season. The Ravens offensive line must regain its dominant form. LT Jonathan Ogden still is a premiere LT but young interior lineman like Chris Chester and Jason Brown must step up and become solid players this year. Don’t be afraid of offseason acquisition RB Mike Anderson. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards rushing, 100-200 yards receiving and 8-10 Td’s. *RISKY PICK
Up and Comers; #2’s Who could become #1’s
11. Steven Jackson- Jackson has all the tools for a breakout season in fantasy world. He has both rushing and receiving skills. He only had two 100 yard games last year but expect at least 4 more this season. QB Marc Bulger and WR’s Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Kevin Curtis should open up the defense for Jackson to run the ball. He was the 11th best fantasy back last season and could very well take a huge step up this year. He could become a #1 running back on your fantasy team this year, but slot him in as a good #2.
12. Ronnie Brown- Brown had a very solid rookie season. Splitting time with RB Ricky Williams, Brown still put up 900 yards with a 4.4 yard average. He is a trendy top five RB pick by many, simply by people adding Ricky Williams yards last year to his this season. I would not give him those yards so quickly, as RB’s tend to wear down as the season goes on. The Dolphins offensive line should be improved this year with the acquisition of LT L.J. Shelton, the emergence of fourth year RT Vernon Carey, and the solid play of C Seth McKinney. QB Daunte Culpepper could open up things up and FB Fred Beasley is a good FB ahead of Brown, so expect a good but not necessarily a top ten season. He should be a good #2 fantasy back for you, a weak #1.
13. Chester Taylor- Having seen Taylor play his whole career in Baltimore, I know the kind of ability he has. He is a slashing type of back that doesn’t usually break huge runs, but almost always goes forward. Taylor also possesses very good hands and is a definite threat in the passing game. He finally gets his chance to shine in Minnesota and I expect him to be a good #2 RB on your fantasy team, with the possibility of becoming your top back.
14. Cadillac Williams- Williams showed flashes of brilliances running the ball last season, and proved his worth as the #5 pick overall of the 2005 draft. For all the talent Williams has running with the ball, he lacked receiving skills his rookie year. One would assume his receiving skills would become more refined in his second year in the league. Williams should be a good #2 RB in fantasy.
15. DeShaun Foster- Foster has shown major abilities in his three years in the league. He has faced two problems; injuries and playing behind Stephen Davis. If he can put his injuries behind him there is no reason he can’t have a big season. He has power, speed and good hands. QB Jake Delhomme gives Foster a good QB to be next to. WR Steve Smith, with the addition of Keyshawn Johnson in conjunction with Delhomme, give the Panthers a solid passing game. This should open up the field more for Foster. The Panthers did draft RB DeAngelo Williams, but Foster, barring injuries, will take the majority of the carries. Could turn into a solid #1, want him to be your #2.
16. Kevin Jones- New offensive coordinator Mike Martz could be a great addition for Kevin Jones. Jones, who has supposedly been working on his receiving all offseason, could be used like Marshall Faulk was in the Rams system. Jones regressed in his second season, but should return to form in ’06. QB Jon Kitna should be a steadier player than Joey Harrington was, and if Martz can turn him into gold as he did with various QB’s in St. Louis, look for Jones to put up huge numbers. You do remember what kind of player Marshall Faulk was right? Well if Jones puts up ¾ of that he will be a good back in fantasy. Want him to be your #2.
#2’s
17. Warrick Dunn- Dunn had a great year in yards in 2005, but didn’t put the ball in the endzone enough to be a top notch type of back. Look for him to improve on his 3 Td’s but not on his 1,400 yards rushing. T.J. Duckett continues to underachieve and leave Dunn as the main back in Atlanta. Michael Vick’s development will be an interesting variable affecting Dunn’s stats. Dunn should provide a good #2 back in the fantasy world.
18. Brian Westbrook- Westbrook had 1 more rushing yard than receiving yard last year. Hopefully Andy Reid realizes he needs to run the ball more and stops thinking short passes= runs. Westbrook is a quick runner who is more powerful than you would think for his size. I’d expect an increase in rushing yards with a slight decrease in receiving. He is a serviceable #2 RB, a very good #3 in fantasy.
19. Julius Jones- After a rather disappointing second year, Jones comes into the season with something to prove. The explosiveness he showed in his rookie year must be consistent. With pressure from second year back, Marion Barber, look for Jones to step up. QB Drew Bledsoe, with new star WR Terrell Owens, should give Dallas the passing attack needed to open up defenses. The offensive line must step up after OG Larry Allen finally departed. Jones should be a decent #2 RB in fantasy.
20. Domanick Davis- Davis’ fantasy stock was saved by Houston not selecting RB Reggie Bush with the first pick of the NFL Draft. The Texans showed confidence in the fifth year back by not drafting Rush. Davis is a duel threat guy who isn’t extremely explosive but provides good hard running every week. If QB David Carr develops with WR’s Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds, Davis will benefit greatly. Davis is an decent #2, good #3 RB in fantasy.
21. Reuben Droughns- Droughns put up 1200 yards rushing for the second straight season. His lack of Td’s hold him back from being a better fantasy RB. He is a guy that will be solid, but most likely never be your #1. He isn’t very explosive, but will pound the ball in the middle. The Browns offensive line took a big hit when C LeCharles Bentley went down in training camp with a season ending knee injury. Look for this to hurt Droughns production somewhat, but should get the carries to be a decent #2 back in fantasy.
Don’t Depend on These Guys, but Possibilities
22. Deuce McAllister- McAllister is coming off a big knee surgery and comes into this season with the probability of splitting touches with Reggie Bush. McAllister, who does possess a ton of ability, as a runner and receiver, could be a #1 back if he fully recovers and got all the touches from the RB position. Don’t look for both of those to happen though, as rookie Reggie Bush will push for time. McAllister is too talented not to get anything, so he is definitely worth a late pick, don’t expect him to be a top #2 even though.
23. Ahman Green- Green’s recovery from a torn quadriceps has been quite good, but it is hard to believe he will ever return to his amazing former self. The 29 year old has taken a lot of hits through his career, and if he can return to close to what he was, he could be a valuable back in fantasy. He has a good mix of rushing and receiving skills, but does have a fumble problem. Green is worth a late round look as a #3 running back.
24. Corey Dillon- Looks like a 50 year old but still manages to always get positive yards. No big runs for Dillon, but still a guy that will give you a consistent start. Injuries and age are concerns and he could be backing up rookie Laurence Maroney by midseason, but a solid # 3 running back on your fantasy team, with a chance to be your #2.
25. Frank Gore- Gore should be taking a majority of the carries this upcoming season. His 4.8 yards per carry was impressive in his rookie year. He Could surprise some people, but don’t expect him to be your starter. He is a good #3 with a possibility to be your #2.
26. Reggie Bush- He will get into the offense but the question is how much and in what ways. While his fantasy numbers could very well not be impressive, he has the ability to break something big everytime he touches the ball.
Plus he is backing up Duece McAllister who is just coming off a big knee injury. Unless McAllister gets injured, it will be hard to predict Bush’s number of touches per week. Worth a backup pick, should be your #3 back. 27. Willie Parker- His size makes him a limited back. Parker is quick but not a full time back in my opinion. He will be splitting carries with someone (Duce Staley if healthy), especially in the redzone. Worth a backup pick, should be your #3 back.
28. Dominic Rhodes- Rhodes is going to fill the starting RB position for the Colts to begin the season most likely. He will probably put up good numbers no matter what in the Colts offense. However, look for rookie RB Joseph Addai to replace him by midseason, or at first minor injury.
29. Cedric Benson- Thomas Jones has been a holdout in Chicago. One would think this gives Benson the step up he needs and I expect him to be starting come opening day. Could become a solid #2.
30. Fred Taylor- Always so much risk/reward with Taylor. Injuries have plagued his whole career in Jacksonville and there is no reason to expect any different. However, he is worth a late round/backup RB pick.
31. Tatum Bell- His 5.3 yards per carry was impressive last season, but the Broncos don’t like him as much as I do. Right now Ron Dayne is listed as the starting RB for the Broncos. Look for Bell to get the majority of the carries by season’s start, but still you can’t guarantee much fantasy success for a guy that splits carries.
32. Chris Brown- As of now, Brown will be part of the Titans RB carousel. He is at the top of the depth chart as of now in Tennessee. But look for carries to be taken away by RB’s Travis Henry and rookie LenDale White
33. Ron Danye- Dayne has the starting job, as of now, but it is a hard situation in Denver to figure out. If him or Bell got ALL the carries they would be a big time fantasy back, due to Denver’s notorious blocking schemes. It looks as though they will split carries though.
34. Brandon Jacobs- Jacobs could be a starting RB very soon in the league. Until then he will be the bulldozing short yardage RB for the Giants. Look for him to put up a good amount of Td’s but not many yards, because of his usage.
35. Joseph Addai- Could be starting by opening day, but more likely that he will step into that role midseason. As soon as he does, Addai will put up good numbers in the powerful Colts offense.
36. Thomas Jones- After his career year, there is a good chance Jones starting RB position will be filled by 2005 first round pick Cedric Benson. No matter what the case, he won’t get the same amount of carries that he got last year. Expect Benson to be the starter, barring injuries, come opening day.
+ The sections were created in order for you to easier divide the notches of RB’s. For the most part, these sections are how RB’s are looked at in the league today, but it is still personal opinion.
+ Rankings were created through analysis of stats, offseason player movement, personal opinion, and by looking at rankings from several different sources.
# posted by CBurg @ Tuesday, August 01, 2006 
