For just the third time in his 8 year NFL career, Edgerrin James failed to break the 1,200 yard rushing mark. However, as the season went on, "Edge" seemed to get better and better, improving his average per carry from 3.4 yards per carry in his first 3 games, to 4.2 yards per carry in his last 5 games, not to mention 3 100 yard performances.
Edge should be able to put up good numbers in 2007, under the guidance of new head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who as former Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator, was known for running the ball.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Atlanta Falcons Running Back Warrick Dunn - Lots Of Yards But Not TDs
The knock against Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn is that although he usually puts up plenty of rushing yards, he doesn't get into the end zone very often.
Look for more of the same in 2007 - about 1,200 yards with a few trips into the end zone.
Look for more of the same in 2007 - about 1,200 yards with a few trips into the end zone.
Baltimore Ravens Running Back Willis McGahee - Better Things In 2007?
Finishing short of the 1,000 yard rushing mark in 2006, Willis McGahee was a disappointment to many fantasy football owners. He has a new home in Baltimore, but his struggles may continue.
On the plus side of things, the Ravens passing game has improved dramatically under the direction of Steve Mcnair, which should open up the running game.
The Ravens will give McGahee more opportunities to prove himself in 2007, as former starter Jamal Lewis had 314 carries in 2006. Because of this, a 1,200 yard rushing season is within reach of McGahee in 2007.
On the plus side of things, the Ravens passing game has improved dramatically under the direction of Steve Mcnair, which should open up the running game.
The Ravens will give McGahee more opportunities to prove himself in 2007, as former starter Jamal Lewis had 314 carries in 2006. Because of this, a 1,200 yard rushing season is within reach of McGahee in 2007.
Buffalo Bills Running Back Marshawn Lynch - Rookie In Training
Last year's started Willis McGahee has departed, and rookie Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch will take his place.
The road will not be easy for Lynch, as the Bills averaged only 3.7 yards per carry on the ground in 2006.
The upside for Lynch is that the Bills are starting to put together a better passing game. If the Bills an step it up a notch in 2007 and start to throw opposing defenses off balance with their passing game, Lynch has a chance to break the 1,000 yard rushing mark during his first year as a Bill.
The road will not be easy for Lynch, as the Bills averaged only 3.7 yards per carry on the ground in 2006.
The upside for Lynch is that the Bills are starting to put together a better passing game. If the Bills an step it up a notch in 2007 and start to throw opposing defenses off balance with their passing game, Lynch has a chance to break the 1,000 yard rushing mark during his first year as a Bill.
Carolina Panthers Running Back - Deshaun Foster - The Next Fragile Freddie?
Every year it seems that often injured Carolina Panthers running back Deshaun Foster is primed for a breakout year, and every year he seems to disappoint. In 2006, Foster managed only 897 yards and 3 touchdowns, while missing two games due to injury.
At best, Foster is best used as a third stringer. If Foster can't pull it together in training camp, look for DeAngelo Williams to challenge for the starting job.
At best, Foster is best used as a third stringer. If Foster can't pull it together in training camp, look for DeAngelo Williams to challenge for the starting job.
Chicago Bears Running Back Cedric Benson - Time To Shine
2006 Chicago Bears starting running back Thomas Jones has moved on to New York, which means Cedric Benson has finally landed the starting job.
While Jones shouldered most of the load in 2006, Jones and Benson had eerily similar stats, both averaging 4.1 yards a carry, although Benson had a higher yards per reception average, at 6.8 yards per reception, compared to Jones 4.3 yards per reception.
If Benson can stay healthy, he should be able to easily reach the 1,200 yard rushing mark, although the Bears need to improve their red zone offense, which has limited Bears running backs scoring production on the ground in recent years. If you draft Benson, make sure to pick up his backup, Adrian Peterson, in the later rounds of the draft just in case Benson goes down with an injury.
While Jones shouldered most of the load in 2006, Jones and Benson had eerily similar stats, both averaging 4.1 yards a carry, although Benson had a higher yards per reception average, at 6.8 yards per reception, compared to Jones 4.3 yards per reception.
If Benson can stay healthy, he should be able to easily reach the 1,200 yard rushing mark, although the Bears need to improve their red zone offense, which has limited Bears running backs scoring production on the ground in recent years. If you draft Benson, make sure to pick up his backup, Adrian Peterson, in the later rounds of the draft just in case Benson goes down with an injury.
Cincinnati Bengals Running Back Rudy Johnson - Mr. Consistency
Cincinnati Bengals Running Back Rudy Johnson consistently puts up big numbers, year in and year out. He has rushed for at least 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns over the last three years, and the only reason to anticipate any kind of a drop off in production is if backup running back Chris Perry starts to see more touches.
Cleveland Browns Running Back Jamal Lewis - A Tough Place To Be
Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis has a very difficult job ahead of him in 2007, as he hopes to resurrect a rushing attack which ranked second to last in the NFL in 2006.
Considering the Browns lackluster passing game, don't expect Lewis to rebound to his 2003 form, when he rushed for 2,066 yards and 14 touchdowns. Lewis is more likely to come closet to half those numbers in Cleveland: 1,033 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns, but there is an outside chance he could reach the 1,200 yard, 8-12 touchdown mark.
Considering the Browns lackluster passing game, don't expect Lewis to rebound to his 2003 form, when he rushed for 2,066 yards and 14 touchdowns. Lewis is more likely to come closet to half those numbers in Cleveland: 1,033 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns, but there is an outside chance he could reach the 1,200 yard, 8-12 touchdown mark.
Dallas Cowboys Running Backs Julius Jones VS Marion Barber
In 2006, Marion Barber was an unpleasant surprise for owners of Dallas Cowboys running back Julius Jones. Why? Because although Jones showed lots of promise, rushing for 1,084 touchdowns, Barber took a lot of his carries away, managing 654 rushing yards, and stealing most of the goal line carries. Barber finished the year with 14 rushing and 2 receiving touchdowns, compared to only 4 total touchdowns for Jones.
Now that former head coach Bill Parcells is out of the picture, the question is how will new head coach Wade Phillips use Jones and Barber? This is one of those situations where there is an upside to both players, but it is much less risky to stick with running backs with no question marks regarding who will get most of the carries.
Now that former head coach Bill Parcells is out of the picture, the question is how will new head coach Wade Phillips use Jones and Barber? This is one of those situations where there is an upside to both players, but it is much less risky to stick with running backs with no question marks regarding who will get most of the carries.
Denver Broncos Running Back Travis Henry - Keeping The Tradition Alive
Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry has the opportunity of a lifetime - to be the next great Denver running back. He is coming off of a 1,211 yard rushing season in Tennessee, and he could easily add another 400 yards to those totals in Denver.
Henry is somewhat of a risky pick, since you never know if Mike Shanahan will decide to rotate Henry with Mike Bell, but don't be surprised if Travis Henry keeps the starting job throughout the year, and keeps the running tradition alive in Denver.
Henry is somewhat of a risky pick, since you never know if Mike Shanahan will decide to rotate Henry with Mike Bell, but don't be surprised if Travis Henry keeps the starting job throughout the year, and keeps the running tradition alive in Denver.
Detroit Lions Running Backs Tatem Bell VS T.J. Duckett VS Kevin Jones
The fantasy football running back situation in Detroit, for the moment, is one you should avoid.
For one, Tatem Bell and T.J. Duckett will be competing for the starting spot. While the odds are against Kevin Jones recovering from the injury he sustained last season, if for some reason he does recover, the starting running back situation in Detroit will get even cloudier.
This will be an interesting battle to watch in training camp and pre-season. Until you have more information about who the clear cut starter will be, you are taking a tremendous risk by drafting any of these players.
For one, Tatem Bell and T.J. Duckett will be competing for the starting spot. While the odds are against Kevin Jones recovering from the injury he sustained last season, if for some reason he does recover, the starting running back situation in Detroit will get even cloudier.
This will be an interesting battle to watch in training camp and pre-season. Until you have more information about who the clear cut starter will be, you are taking a tremendous risk by drafting any of these players.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Vernand Morency - A Definate Sleeper
Green Bay Packers Running Back Vernand Morency has a chance to shine in 2007, now that former starter Ahman Green has moved on to the Houston Texans.
Morency showed promise toward the end of the year. Over his last 5 games, he had 33 carries for 178 yards,averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored twice.
The main competition Morency has for the starting job is rookie Brandon Jackson, who was recently injured during training camp. If Morency can hold off Jackson, he could be a real nice surprise for fantasy owners in 2007
Morency showed promise toward the end of the year. Over his last 5 games, he had 33 carries for 178 yards,averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored twice.
The main competition Morency has for the starting job is rookie Brandon Jackson, who was recently injured during training camp. If Morency can hold off Jackson, he could be a real nice surprise for fantasy owners in 2007
Houstan Texans Running Back Ahman Green - A Denver Running Back In Houston?
Ahman Green could be the surprise running back of the year in Houston. He showed he could still play in 2006, rushing for 1059 yards and 5 touchdowns, plus 46 receptions for 373 yards and a receiving touchdown - and he put up these stats while missing two games.
One thing you have to remember about the Texans ground attack is that it is coached by the former offensive coordinator of Denver, which has been known to produce quality running backs year after year.
If Green can hold off speedster Samkon Gado and tank Ron Dayne for the starting job, he could return to his pro-bowl form, that is, if he can stay healthy.
One thing you have to remember about the Texans ground attack is that it is coached by the former offensive coordinator of Denver, which has been known to produce quality running backs year after year.
If Green can hold off speedster Samkon Gado and tank Ron Dayne for the starting job, he could return to his pro-bowl form, that is, if he can stay healthy.
Indianapolis Colts Running Back Joseph Addai - Too Bad He'll Be Splitting Carries...
Indianapolis Colts Running Back Joseph Addai Joseph Addai will put up some good fantasy football numbers in 2007. In 2006, he rushed for 1,081 yards and 7 touchdowns, and also had 325 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown - while sharing carries with Dominic Rhodes.
He should see an increase in carries and yards in 2007, but its hard to say if he will get more than 1,200 rushing yards and 8-10 touchdowns, since is appears that he will be splitting carries again, in spite of the fact that Rhodes has moved on to another team.
He should see an increase in carries and yards in 2007, but its hard to say if he will get more than 1,200 rushing yards and 8-10 touchdowns, since is appears that he will be splitting carries again, in spite of the fact that Rhodes has moved on to another team.
Jacksonville Jaguars Running Backs - Fred Taylor VS Maurice Jones-Drew
For most of the 2006 football season, Jacksonville Jaguars running Back Fred Taylor seemed to shake his "Fragile Freddie" label, that is, if you don't count the last three games of 2006. Overall, he had a good season, rushing for 1,146 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2006, including 242 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
Those who drafted Taylor, however, had an unpleasant surprise when a guy named Maurice Jones-Drew started to steal his carries, and finished the season with 941 rushing yards, 436 receiving yards, with 13 touchdowns on the ground and 2 receiving touchdowns.
The bottom line is that both of these guys are "ok" picks, but only for the later rounds, and are better as backups, since you just don't know who will get the ball. Taylor only averaged 15 carries per game, and he is likely to lose goal line touches to Jones-Drew. The knock against Jones-Drew is that you just don't know how many touches per game he is going to get, and it is hard to say at this point how many opportunities he will have to carry the rock into the end zone.
Those who drafted Taylor, however, had an unpleasant surprise when a guy named Maurice Jones-Drew started to steal his carries, and finished the season with 941 rushing yards, 436 receiving yards, with 13 touchdowns on the ground and 2 receiving touchdowns.
The bottom line is that both of these guys are "ok" picks, but only for the later rounds, and are better as backups, since you just don't know who will get the ball. Taylor only averaged 15 carries per game, and he is likely to lose goal line touches to Jones-Drew. The knock against Jones-Drew is that you just don't know how many touches per game he is going to get, and it is hard to say at this point how many opportunities he will have to carry the rock into the end zone.
Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Larry Johnson - Ball Hog Without The Diaper
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards likes to pound the ball, and running back Larry Johnson likes to get the ball, rushing for 1,789 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2006, while leading the league with 416 carries, which, by the way, is an NFL record.
Some people question Johnson's ability to stay healthy while carrying a massive workload. Johnson has two things in his favor: his toughness and durability, and the fact that Michael Bennett will share more of the load in 2007.
However, Johnson will still see plenty of carries and keep scoring touchdowns, which translates to lots of points for you if you have him on your team.
Some people question Johnson's ability to stay healthy while carrying a massive workload. Johnson has two things in his favor: his toughness and durability, and the fact that Michael Bennett will share more of the load in 2007.
However, Johnson will still see plenty of carries and keep scoring touchdowns, which translates to lots of points for you if you have him on your team.
Miami Dolphins Running Back Ronnie Brown - Will He Rebound In 07?
After former starter Ricky Williams left the Miami Dolphins due to his suspension for marijuana use, Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown looked like a solid draft pick. However, he finished the season with only 1,008 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, with 276 yards receiving.
At first glance, these are not very good numbers, but it is important to realize that Brown missed 3 games, and finished the season strong with 2 strong performances, breaking the 100 yard rushing mark in both games.
Its a known fact that new head coach and former Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron likes to run the ball, and while Ronnie Brown is certainly not LaDainian Tomlinson, he should put up solid numbers in 2007, and is a very strong pick.
At first glance, these are not very good numbers, but it is important to realize that Brown missed 3 games, and finished the season strong with 2 strong performances, breaking the 100 yard rushing mark in both games.
Its a known fact that new head coach and former Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron likes to run the ball, and while Ronnie Brown is certainly not LaDainian Tomlinson, he should put up solid numbers in 2007, and is a very strong pick.
Minnesota Vikings Running Back Chester Taylor VS Adrian Peterson
Minnesota Vikings running back Chester Taylor put up descent numbers in 2006, rushing for 1,216 yards and 6 touchdowns, plus an additional 288 yards receiving. He would be a descent fantasy football draft pick this year if it were not for the Adrian Peterson factor...
Just how many carries will Peterson take away from Chester Taylor? Its hard to say at this point, but Peterson is probably going to be too good of a player to keep off the field.
Because of this, both of these guys should be avoided, until there is more information about how the carries are going to be divided up.
Just how many carries will Peterson take away from Chester Taylor? Its hard to say at this point, but Peterson is probably going to be too good of a player to keep off the field.
Because of this, both of these guys should be avoided, until there is more information about how the carries are going to be divided up.
New England Patriots Running Back Laurence Maroney - Move Over Corey Dillon
New England Patriots Running Back Laurence Maroney should have a very good year in 2007. Maroney and Corey Dillon split carries in 2006, and rushed for a combined total of 1,557 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground, plus an additional 341 yards and a touchdown receiving.
With Dillon out of the way, Maroney will likely get most of the carries, assuming head coach Bill Belichick does not utilize a running back by committee approach. Look for Maroney to set his goal on a 1,500 rushing yard, 12 touchdown season.
With Dillon out of the way, Maroney will likely get most of the carries, assuming head coach Bill Belichick does not utilize a running back by committee approach. Look for Maroney to set his goal on a 1,500 rushing yard, 12 touchdown season.
New Orleans Saints Running Backs Deuce McAllister VS Reggie Bush
There is one thing for certain about New Orleans running backs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush - both can play at a very high level. Of course, that is also a big problem for those who play fantasy football, because it is hard to know which back will get the most touches.
On the one hand McAllister had 1,057 yards rushing, on 244 carries, with 10 rushing touchdowns, and 30 caches for 198 yards. Reggie Bush only had 155 carries for 565 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns, but had 88 catches for 742 receiving yards, with 2 receiving touchdowns.
When you compare the duos total yards, it is practically a 50/50 split, with McAllister netting 1,301 yards to Bush's 1,307 yards.
The bottom line: both players are likely to put up good stats, although the 50/50 split may be something like 40/60 or 60/40 in 2007. While both players have a tremendous upside, you are better off with running backs who will not share the load.
On the one hand McAllister had 1,057 yards rushing, on 244 carries, with 10 rushing touchdowns, and 30 caches for 198 yards. Reggie Bush only had 155 carries for 565 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns, but had 88 catches for 742 receiving yards, with 2 receiving touchdowns.
When you compare the duos total yards, it is practically a 50/50 split, with McAllister netting 1,301 yards to Bush's 1,307 yards.
The bottom line: both players are likely to put up good stats, although the 50/50 split may be something like 40/60 or 60/40 in 2007. While both players have a tremendous upside, you are better off with running backs who will not share the load.
New York Giants Running Backs - Brandon Jacobs vs Rueben Droughns
New york Giants running back Brandon Jacobs did not see the field a whole lot in 2006, but when he did, he made the most of it, scoring 9 rushing touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Now that last year's starter Tiki Barber has moved on to the broadcasting booth, Jacobs could emerge as one of the top running backs in the up coming season. However, the main problem is Ruben Droughns - just how many carries Droughns steals away from Jacobs remains to be seen.
If Jacobs gets the bulk of the carries, he is capable of reaching the 1,500 yard mark, with 12 touchdowns (assuming 340 carries), but with Droughns in the picture, its hard to say what his numbers will look like in 2007.
Now that last year's starter Tiki Barber has moved on to the broadcasting booth, Jacobs could emerge as one of the top running backs in the up coming season. However, the main problem is Ruben Droughns - just how many carries Droughns steals away from Jacobs remains to be seen.
If Jacobs gets the bulk of the carries, he is capable of reaching the 1,500 yard mark, with 12 touchdowns (assuming 340 carries), but with Droughns in the picture, its hard to say what his numbers will look like in 2007.
New York Jets Running Back Thomas Jones - The Surprise Pick Of 2007?
New york Jets running back Thomas Jones could surprise in 2007. He has averaged over 1,250 yards rushing during the past two years in Chicago, and has landed on an improving New York Jets team.
Quarterback Chad Pennington should be able to keep defenses off balance with talented receivers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, and the Jets were tied for 9th place in 2006 with 15 rushing touchdowns - expect Jones to be the go to guy in goal line situations.
Jones will lose some touches to Leon Washington, but he should see the ball at least as many times as he did during the past two seasons in Chicago, and is more than likely on his way to his third season with at least 1,200 rushing yards.
Quarterback Chad Pennington should be able to keep defenses off balance with talented receivers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, and the Jets were tied for 9th place in 2006 with 15 rushing touchdowns - expect Jones to be the go to guy in goal line situations.
Jones will lose some touches to Leon Washington, but he should see the ball at least as many times as he did during the past two seasons in Chicago, and is more than likely on his way to his third season with at least 1,200 rushing yards.
Oakland Raiders Running Backs - Lamont Jordan Vs Dominic Rhodes
Oakland Raiders running back Lamont Jordan was a major disappointment in 2006, and his future looks even bleaker now that Dominic Rhodes is in town to try to steal the show.
This is a battle to watch during training camp, and until you know the clear cut answer to who the starter is going to be, both Jordan and Rhodes are players to avoid, particularly because this could be a potential running back by committee situation.
Even IF a clearcut starter is named, both of these players are late round selections at best, as the Raiders are once again attempting to rebuild a floundering team with their third head coach in three years.
This is a battle to watch during training camp, and until you know the clear cut answer to who the starter is going to be, both Jordan and Rhodes are players to avoid, particularly because this could be a potential running back by committee situation.
Even IF a clearcut starter is named, both of these players are late round selections at best, as the Raiders are once again attempting to rebuild a floundering team with their third head coach in three years.
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back "Fast" Willie Parker - The Speedster
In 2006, Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back "Fast" Willie Parker was just 6 yards shy of breaking the 1,500 rushing yard plateau, but he impressed fantasy football owners with his 1,494 yard, 13 touchdown performance on the ground. His 31 receptions for 222 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns added a nice touch.
The main question surrounding Parker is how often new head coach Mike Tomlin will run the ball. All indications point to keeping the Steelers running game alive, but the main problem is that Parker may lose some carries to Najeh Davenport, which may hurt Parker's value, particularly if Davenport steals the goal line carries.
The main question surrounding Parker is how often new head coach Mike Tomlin will run the ball. All indications point to keeping the Steelers running game alive, but the main problem is that Parker may lose some carries to Najeh Davenport, which may hurt Parker's value, particularly if Davenport steals the goal line carries.
Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Brian Westbrook - Injury Prone, But...
The knock against Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Brian Westbrook is that he tends to be a little injury prone. However, when he is on the field, he is hard to stop!
In 2006, Westbrook rushed for a career high 1,217 yards and 7 touchdowns, and had 77 receptions for 699 yards and 4 touchdowns. At times, he seems somewhat inconsistent, but the fact of the matter is that when he is on, HE IS ON!
The two question marks surrounding Westbrook are whether or not he will be able to finish the full season injury free, and how many carries a healthy Correll Buckhalter will steal away from him. Otherwise, he makes a great fantasy pick!
In 2006, Westbrook rushed for a career high 1,217 yards and 7 touchdowns, and had 77 receptions for 699 yards and 4 touchdowns. At times, he seems somewhat inconsistent, but the fact of the matter is that when he is on, HE IS ON!
The two question marks surrounding Westbrook are whether or not he will be able to finish the full season injury free, and how many carries a healthy Correll Buckhalter will steal away from him. Otherwise, he makes a great fantasy pick!
San Diego Chargers Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson - The No Brainer Pick
San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson broke the NFL record for touchdowns, making 28 trips into the end zone on the ground. He also added 3 receiving touchdowns, and passed for 2 touchdowns.
If these stats weren't mind boggling enough he also rushed for 1,815 yards, and caught 56 passes for 508 yards receiving. Simply put, in 2006, he was the best fantasy football running back ever, and arguably had one of the best seasons for a running back in NFL history.
In Norv Turner's run oriented offense, don't expect Tomlinson's production to drop off too much. Its doubtful that he will match his 28 rushing touchdown total from last year, but he will still get plenty of yards and make plenty of trips into the end zone. In short, get him on your team if you can!
If these stats weren't mind boggling enough he also rushed for 1,815 yards, and caught 56 passes for 508 yards receiving. Simply put, in 2006, he was the best fantasy football running back ever, and arguably had one of the best seasons for a running back in NFL history.
In Norv Turner's run oriented offense, don't expect Tomlinson's production to drop off too much. Its doubtful that he will match his 28 rushing touchdown total from last year, but he will still get plenty of yards and make plenty of trips into the end zone. In short, get him on your team if you can!
San Francisco 49ers Running Back Frank Gore - Running Back Gold
Fantasy owners who drafted San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore had a pleasant surprise in 2006, as he rushed for 1,695 yards and 8 touchdowns, and piled up 485 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
Look for Gore to to see more scoring opportunities in 2007, as San Francisco's should be able to get into the red zone more often with a more talented receiving corps in Darrell Jackson and speedster Ashley Lelie.
Look for Gore to to see more scoring opportunities in 2007, as San Francisco's should be able to get into the red zone more often with a more talented receiving corps in Darrell Jackson and speedster Ashley Lelie.
Seattle Seahawks Running Back Shaun Alexander - Is He "Back"?
Seattle Seahawks running back Shawn Alexander was a major disappointment to many fantasy owners for most of the 2006 season. However, there is reason for optimism in 2007:
During the last six games of the 2006 season, Alexander rushed for 672 yards and 5 touchdowns. If there is any doubt about whether or not his injury has healed, that alone should answer the question, not to mention the time he has had to heal over the off season.
Some will pass on Shaun Alexander because of his low season totals in 2006, but if he is available on draft day, pick him up if you can!
During the last six games of the 2006 season, Alexander rushed for 672 yards and 5 touchdowns. If there is any doubt about whether or not his injury has healed, that alone should answer the question, not to mention the time he has had to heal over the off season.
Some will pass on Shaun Alexander because of his low season totals in 2006, but if he is available on draft day, pick him up if you can!
Saint Louis Rams Running Back Steven Jackson - The Shifty Bulldozer
Saint Louis Rams Running Back Steven Jackson is a tough, but shifty running back, who had some eye popping stats in 2006: 1,528 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns, plus an additional 806 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Look for the Steven Jackson to keep plowing over and dodging defenders in 2007. He might see a few less touches since the coaches don't want to run him into the ground, but expect him to play on a very high level.
Look for the Steven Jackson to keep plowing over and dodging defenders in 2007. He might see a few less touches since the coaches don't want to run him into the ground, but expect him to play on a very high level.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams - Will He Stall Again?
After a descent rookie season in 2005, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams stalled in 2006, rushing for only 798 yards and a touchdown. Definitely NOT what you want from your fantasy football running back!
Time will tell if the Cadillac will get rolling again under a revamped offensive line, but its hard to believe he won't improve on his 2006 numbers.
While drafting Williams in the early rounds would certainly be a mistake, he still makes a nice backup for your bye weeks or an insurance policy if one of your other starters get injured - but make sure to take him in a later round.
The main factor that hurts Williams value is the Mike Alstott factor, who will likely steal some of his goal line carries.
Time will tell if the Cadillac will get rolling again under a revamped offensive line, but its hard to believe he won't improve on his 2006 numbers.
While drafting Williams in the early rounds would certainly be a mistake, he still makes a nice backup for your bye weeks or an insurance policy if one of your other starters get injured - but make sure to take him in a later round.
The main factor that hurts Williams value is the Mike Alstott factor, who will likely steal some of his goal line carries.
Tennessee Titans Running Lendale White - Will He Pick Up the Slack?
Now that Chris Brown and Travis Henry and Chris Brown are no longer in the mix, Tennessee Titans Running Back Lendale White is next in line to take over the starting jobs.
White is a power runner with a tremendous upside, but three major concerns are his work ethic,his injury proneness, and whether or not rookie Chris Henry will steal the show.
It might be best to stay clear of drafting White until there is a better indication of what his role will be in 2007.
White is a power runner with a tremendous upside, but three major concerns are his work ethic,his injury proneness, and whether or not rookie Chris Henry will steal the show.
It might be best to stay clear of drafting White until there is a better indication of what his role will be in 2007.
Washington Redskins Running Back Clinton Portis - Will He Rebound?
After posting 4 straight seasons of 1,300 yards or more, Clinton Portis took a dive and rushed for only 523 yards on 127 carries. Part of the reason for his lack of production was because of a nagging injury he suffered in pre-season. He only played in 8 games, and only started in 7 of those games.
Look for Portis to rebound in 2007. He should return to his previous form, and should excel under former Kansas City Offensive Coordinator Al Saunder's running attack.
The main two questions about Portis, however, are whether or not he will stay healthy enough to finish the season, and how many carries he will have to share with Ladell Betts, who excelled last season as a replacement for Portis.
Look for Portis to rebound in 2007. He should return to his previous form, and should excel under former Kansas City Offensive Coordinator Al Saunder's running attack.
The main two questions about Portis, however, are whether or not he will stay healthy enough to finish the season, and how many carries he will have to share with Ladell Betts, who excelled last season as a replacement for Portis.
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