My pick for most under rated RB (1 Viewer)

The Ref · May 22, 2006

Like most of us in the shark pool this time of year, I am in the process of pulling together my projections for the 2006 season. Every year I have been reading and posting to the shark pool there has been a great deal of very good feedback of pre season rankings. FBG Has Rudi Projected for 310/1333/11 - 22/126/0. Rudi is RB11 per the FBG staff avg.

This is my personal attempt to make a case for Rudi Johnson, who I think is consistently ranked much too low so far this pre season. Unless something changes before the season starts, I plan on seeing Rudi on many of my teams this year.

Rudi Johnson has been the full time RB for the Bengals for two whole seasons now and has proven to be durable.

In 2004 he rushed for 1454 yards and 14TD

In 2005 he rushed for 1514 yards and 13TD

He does have Chris Perry to deal with, but to date has not had to split any time with him. This does not appear to change in 2006. I do not think the injury to Palmer will have that much of an impact on Rudi's numbers as they still have one of the NFL's best WR core that will need to be respected.

My case is that Rudi is the safe pick over Jackson, Caddy, Brown (all with less of a track record, sophomore slump potential) and even Edge (until we see what the Arizona line looks like in Camp).

I have Rudi Johnson at RB7, 7th player off the board with the expectations I can forecast similar production of 1450 yards and 13TD with a low risk factor.

Thoughts?

Lott's Fingertip · May 22, 2006

I don't disagree.... but I've never been terribly impressed with Rudi. I think he's a good, solid RB, but I think his fantasy ceiling is what we saw last year.

I think Caddy, R.Brown, and S.Jackson all are in the same bucket as Rudi, but all have more upside. I wouldn't be averse at all to picking any of those three ahead of Rudi.

Rudi looks like a safe pick, though. I prefer guys that can really break out and become studly over Rudi; the only real knock on the three is possible injuries. But even Rudi had to play through a knee issue some of last year...

Anyway, it's upside vs. stability. No wrong choice, really.

The Jerk · May 22, 2006

I agree. I'm high on Rudi, but more so in redrafts than dynasty due to the presence of Perry. It's all about the situation. Rudi is in a great one with an improving team, dynamic offense and strong OL. He may be leaned on even more in 2006 early due to Palmer's knee recovery and possibly later due to bad weather and/or an improving defense leading to more grind-out games.

I'm hoping he stays lower profile so don't tell too many others what you're thinking.

nygiants56 · May 22, 2006

Like most of us in the shark pool this time of year, I am in the process of pulling together my projections for the 2006 season. Every year I have been reading and posting to the shark pool there has been a great deal of very good feedback of pre season rankings. FBG Has Rudi Projected for 310/1333/11 - 22/126/0. Rudi is RB11 per the FBG staff avg.

This is my personal attempt to make a case for Rudi Johnson, who I think is consistently ranked much too low so far this pre season. Unless something changes before the season starts, I plan on seeing Rudi on many of my teams this year.

Rudi Johnson has been the full time RB for the Bengals for two whole seasons now and has proven to be durable.

In 2004 he rushed for 1454 yards and 14TD

In 2005 he rushed for 1514 yards and 13TD

He does have Chris Perry to deal with, but to date has not had to split any time with him. This does not appear to change in 2006. I do not think the injury to Palmer will have that much of an impact on Rudi's numbers as they still have one of the NFL's best WR core that will need to be respected.

My case is that Rudi is the safe pick over Jackson, Caddy, Brown (all with less of a track record, sophomore slump potential) and even Edge (until we see what the Arizona line looks like in Camp).

I have Rudi Johnson at RB7, 7th player off the board with the expectations I can forecast similar production of 1450 yards and 13TD with a low risk factor.

Thoughts?

He gets better as the year winds down! he started slowly in 2005, and exploded down the stretch..HUGELY underrated RB..

Franknbeans · May 22, 2006

My money is on Fred Taylor

-OZ- · May 22, 2006

Like most of us in the shark pool this time of year, I am in the process of pulling together my projections for the 2006 season. Every year I have been reading and posting to the shark pool there has been a great deal of very good feedback of pre season rankings. FBG Has Rudi Projected for 310/1333/11 - 22/126/0. Rudi is RB11 per the FBG staff avg.

This is my personal attempt to make a case for Rudi Johnson, who I think is consistently ranked much too low so far this pre season. Unless something changes before the season starts, I plan on seeing Rudi on many of my teams this year.

Rudi Johnson has been the full time RB for the Bengals for two whole seasons now and has proven to be durable.

In 2004 he rushed for 1454 yards and 14TD

In 2005 he rushed for 1514 yards and 13TD

He does have Chris Perry to deal with, but to date has not had to split any time with him. This does not appear to change in 2006. I do not think the injury to Palmer will have that much of an impact on Rudi's numbers as they still have one of the NFL's best WR core that will need to be respected.

My case is that Rudi is the safe pick over Jackson, Caddy, Brown (all with less of a track record, sophomore slump potential) and even Edge (until we see what the Arizona line looks like in Camp).

I have Rudi Johnson at RB7, 7th player off the board with the expectations I can forecast similar production of 1450 yards and 13TD with a low risk factor.

Thoughts?

Undervalued - probablySafe - pretty much, but the idea that if he does get injured, he may not get the job back upon return makes me bump him down just a little

Above Ronnie / Caddy / Edge? I personally wouldn't, but can understand why someone would.

The injury to Palmer is a significant factor IMO - who is the backup?

I think the staff has Rudi ranked just right @ #11 in a redraft, basically tied with Caddillac/SJax. The public at large however, seems to undervalue Rudi.

Once you factor in consistency and "safety", I'm sticking with Warrick Dunn as the most undervalued RB. consistently a top 15 RB, currently ranked in the 20s, probably has an ADP in the late 3rd round. I'll gladly take a stud RB in the 1st, a WR like CJ/Fitz or Gates in the 2nd, and Dunn in the 3rd.

Bri · May 22, 2006

Ref, how old is Rudi?

I think that bears mentioning but good post and I like him too

-OZ- · May 22, 2006

Ref, how old is Rudi?

I think that bears mentioning but good post and I like him too

How does Rudi being 27 factor in? Not too old, in his prime, I'm not sure where you're going with this.

boofatty · May 22, 2006

Everyone talks about Perry taking his job. I don't see that happening. Every year that Perry rides the pine, this is looking more and more like a Shaun Alexander/Maurice Morris situation to me. If Perry is so great, why hasn't he taken the job? Why did the Bengals resign Rudi?

I'm stoked because I just unloaded Alexander and Morris for Rudi and Larry Fitz in my dynasty league.

I'm trying to get Perry from another owner just to handcuff.

-OZ- · May 22, 2006

Everyone talks about Perry taking his job. I don't see that happening. Every year that Perry rides the pine, this is looking more and more like a Shaun Alexander/Maurice Morris situation to me. If Perry is so great, why hasn't he taken the job? Why did the Bengals resign Rudi?

I'm stoked because I just unloaded Alexander and Morris for Rudi and Larry Fitz in my dynasty league.

I'm trying to get Perry from another owner just to handcuff.

This has been discussed a lot. Bottom line, if the bengals are winning and Rudi is healthy, he starts. My point / concern is more if he got injured and the bengals keep winning with Perry, I'm not sure he'd get the job back. contrast that with any other RB you're taking in the first 15 picks, and that's a (minor) concern.

Bri · May 22, 2006

Ref, how old is Rudi?

I think that bears mentioning but good post and I like him too

Click to expand...

How does Rudi being 27 factor in? Not too old, in his prime, I'm not sure where you're going with this.

I believe he's 26 2005-1979=26, hasn't had his b'day yet this year but nonetheless if we use 30 as the fearful age then it's important to mention IMO.That's all. His post was very in depth and I liked it and thought it was missing that.

Also, sometimes it's interesting to compare RBs age. For example Edge is a year older but has 7 years compared to Rudi's 4. More wear and tear for Edge? Better used to the grind? Rudi's only got 2 starting RB years is that even less wear and tear? Sometimes I find the age interesting

Bri · May 22, 2006

Everyone talks about Perry taking his job. I don't see that happening. Every year that Perry rides the pine, this is looking more and more like a Shaun Alexander/Maurice Morris situation to me. If Perry is so great, why hasn't he taken the job? Why did the Bengals resign Rudi?

I'm stoked because I just unloaded Alexander and Morris for Rudi and Larry Fitz in my dynasty league.

I'm trying to get Perry from another owner just to handcuff.

You don't bench a young back that averages 1400 yards and 12 Tds when he's the starter. Not IMO anyhow

Sopranos · May 22, 2006

He was soso in the first half. Had a very strong 2nd half. His stock is up but the first half has me alittle concerned

Situation G Rush Yds Y/G TD Rec Yds Y/G Avg Lng YAC 1stD TD

Games 1-8 8 162 681 85.1 4.2 2 11 24 3.0 2.2 8 3.4 1 0 0 0

Games 9-16 8 175 777 97.1 4.4 10 12 66 8.3 5.5 15 7.2 1 0 1 0

If its too hard to read then here

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5548/s...4lkkBCm1Lz.uLYF

-OZ- · May 22, 2006

Ref, how old is Rudi?

I think that bears mentioning but good post and I like him too

Click to expand...

How does Rudi being 27 factor in? Not too old, in his prime, I'm not sure where you're going with this.

Click to expand...

I believe he's 26 2005-1979=26, hasn't had his b'day yet this year but nonetheless if we use 30 as the fearful age then it's important to mention IMO.That's all. His post was very in depth and I liked it and thought it was missing that.

Also, sometimes it's interesting to compare RBs age. For example Edge is a year older but has 7 years compared to Rudi's 4. More wear and tear for Edge? Better used to the grind? Rudi's only got 2 starting RB years is that even less wear and tear? Sometimes I find the age interesting

10/01/1979 I go by his age in season, you're right, he is 26 right now.I thought this was about a redraft.

BigTex · May 22, 2006

Like most of us in the shark pool this time of year, I am in the process of pulling together my projections for the 2006 season. Every year I have been reading and posting to the shark pool there has been a great deal of very good feedback of pre season rankings. FBG Has Rudi Projected for 310/1333/11 - 22/126/0. Rudi is RB11 per the FBG staff avg.

This is my personal attempt to make a case for Rudi Johnson, who I think is consistently ranked much too low so far this pre season. Unless something changes before the season starts, I plan on seeing Rudi on many of my teams this year.

Rudi Johnson has been the full time RB for the Bengals for two whole seasons now and has proven to be durable.

In 2004 he rushed for 1454 yards and 14TD

In 2005 he rushed for 1514 yards and 13TD

He does have Chris Perry to deal with, but to date has not had to split any time with him. This does not appear to change in 2006. I do not think the injury to Palmer will have that much of an impact on Rudi's numbers as they still have one of the NFL's best WR core that will need to be respected.

My case is that Rudi is the safe pick over Jackson, Caddy, Brown (all with less of a track record, sophomore slump potential) and even Edge (until we see what the Arizona line looks like in Camp).

I have Rudi Johnson at RB7, 7th player off the board with the expectations I can forecast similar production of 1450 yards and 13TD with a low risk factor.

Thoughts?

Rudi finished 7th (of RBs) in my league and is as reliable as they come. I grabbed Rudi his last year of riding the pine and many were bashing him then. Saying "He couldn't take the job, what makes you think he's can produce at the next level" or "He's a backup at best." These same naysayers will not admit they were wrong about Rudi. They are so blind they refuse to see what the numbers really say.

Bottom line: Rudi is a workhorse, he's yet to get hurt, he's produced at a top level, he's consistant week in, week out. Give credit were it's due!

All anyone can say is "if" he gets hurt, Hell you can say that about any rb. If "if" was a dime and a bag of chips, we'll all be rich and never be hungry.

Go Rudi!!!!!!!!!!!

:towelwave:

Keg · May 22, 2006

Rudi=Tiki of a few yrs ago with how he is under valued

boofatty · May 22, 2006

Everyone talks about Perry taking his job. I don't see that happening. Every year that Perry rides the pine, this is looking more and more like a Shaun Alexander/Maurice Morris situation to me. If Perry is so great, why hasn't he taken the job? Why did the Bengals resign Rudi?

I'm stoked because I just unloaded Alexander and Morris for Rudi and Larry Fitz in my dynasty league.

I'm trying to get Perry from another owner just to handcuff.

Click to expand...

You don't bench a young back that averages 1400 yards and 12 Tds when he's the starter. Not IMO anyhow

I hear you, but it seems to me that Perry would be more involved if he's such a stud.Here's his career stats in two seasons:

63 280 4.4 0 | 54 361 6.7 2

His numbers look good as a runner and receiver, but why don't they give him more attempts? That's all I'm saying.

I need to compare with more backs at this stage in their career, but don't have time.

Both backs are young, so again, why is Perry on the bench (or third down back) if he's got more "potential"?

Bottom line, Rudi's the man in Cincy. I don't see Perry stealing the show anytime soon. In fact, I bet Perry is traded if he ever puts up some contract stink.

Or, maybe Perry is the next LJ stuck behind a stud? Ah hell, I give up - when does the season start?

Banger · May 22, 2006

Good post. I agree that Rudi has been underrated over the past couple years but this year is ranked about where he should be. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he took a step back this year due points made by several other posters, 1) Palmer uncertainty. If he's out teams forget about the pass and key on Rudi. 2) very tough looking schedule (@KC, Cle, @Pit, NE, @TB, Car, Atl, @Bal, SD, @NO, @Cle, Bal, Oak, @Ind, @Den Pit) 3) has the best backup in the league behind him, will Perry take a bigger bite?

Musesboy · May 22, 2006

Like most of us in the shark pool this time of year, I am in the process of pulling together my projections for the 2006 season. Every year I have been reading and posting to the shark pool there has been a great deal of very good feedback of pre season rankings. FBG Has Rudi Projected for 310/1333/11 - 22/126/0. Rudi is RB11 per the FBG staff avg.

This is my personal attempt to make a case for Rudi Johnson, who I think is consistently ranked much too low so far this pre season. Unless something changes before the season starts, I plan on seeing Rudi on many of my teams this year.

Rudi Johnson has been the full time RB for the Bengals for two whole seasons now and has proven to be durable.

In 2004 he rushed for 1454 yards and 14TD

In 2005 he rushed for 1514 yards and 13TD

He does have Chris Perry to deal with, but to date has not had to split any time with him. This does not appear to change in 2006. I do not think the injury to Palmer will have that much of an impact on Rudi's numbers as they still have one of the NFL's best WR core that will need to be respected.

My case is that Rudi is the safe pick over Jackson, Caddy, Brown (all with less of a track record, sophomore slump potential) and even Edge (until we see what the Arizona line looks like in Camp).

I have Rudi Johnson at RB7, 7th player off the board with the expectations I can forecast similar production of 1450 yards and 13TD with a low risk factor.

Thoughts?

I see Johnson as a very safe option as well. He has posted two seasons of 16 games with 1400+ yards and 12 TDs in each. He ran for 572 yards in his five starts in 2003. It seems increasingly likely that Carson Palmer will be ready in time.

So Johnson has two full years of carrying the load and he has proven he can handle it. The Bengals should return the same offensive personnel. Perry is there, but I see that as a positive as he can be drafted late as the handcuff and be expected to be a worthy starter if Johnson were to be hurt.

I think he is a safer pick than those ranked in the same area:

Jordan - One year as a starter, missed two games, barely reached 1000 yards, new coaching staff, a healthy Moss may take away a couple of TDs inside the five.

Brown - Carrying the full load for the first time. Mularkey made some crazy calls rather than pounding McGahee at the goal line last year.

Edgerrin James - New team, inferior offensive line, less potent offense.

Steven Jackson - Missed a game when starting for the first time, barely reached 1000 yards, new coaching staff (may turn out to be a plus).

Carnell Williams - May lose carries on third down and will very likely lose TDs to Alstott, hurt last year and unproven still.

Domanick Davis - Durabilty and existing knee problems.

I don't see any back after the top five that is as safe, proven and durable as Rudi Johnson. He has a suitable backup in place that can be drafted cheaply. What's not to like? I think some owners are drafting these other backs hoping that they will get the production from an emerging player with some upside, while ignoring that Johnson is already what they hope their alternative pick will turn in to. If he puts up 1400/12 again, just how much are any of those other guys going to outproduce him?

Dreamer · May 22, 2006

How many receptions will he have this year?

In PPR leagues, he just doesn't have that big upside I like. Perry is eating half his pizza. He's a safe late first rounder, but a back who catches the ball will outscore him.

Banger · May 22, 2006

Everyone talks about Perry taking his job. I don't see that happening. Every year that Perry rides the pine, this is looking more and more like a Shaun Alexander/Maurice Morris situation to me. If Perry is so great, why hasn't he taken the job? Why did the Bengals resign Rudi?

I'm stoked because I just unloaded Alexander and Morris for Rudi and Larry Fitz in my dynasty league.

I'm trying to get Perry from another owner just to handcuff.

Click to expand...

You don't bench a young back that averages 1400 yards and 12 Tds when he's the starter. Not IMO anyhow

Click to expand...

I hear you, but it seems to me that Perry would be more involved if he's such a stud.Here's his career stats in two seasons:

63 280 4.4 0 | 54 361 6.7 2

His numbers look good as a runner and receiver, but why don't they give him more attempts? That's all I'm saying.

I need to compare with more backs at this stage in their career, but don't have time.

Both backs are young, so again, why is Perry on the bench (or third down back) if he's got more "potential"?

Bottom line, Rudi's the man in Cincy. I don't see Perry stealing the show anytime soon. In fact, I bet Perry is traded if he ever puts up some contract stink.

Or, maybe Perry is the next LJ stuck behind a stud? Ah hell, I give up - when does the season start?

Perry's problem is that he can't stay healthy. He was injured his entire rookie season and was bother by injuries last year as well. When he plays though he offers a shiftiness and explosiveness that Rudi will never have. There's a reason he was drafted in the 1st round (two picks behind Sjax) ahead of Kevin Jones, Tatum Bell and Julius Jones. Cincy actually traded down with St. Louis allowing the Rams to grab SJax so you could argue that they liked Perry more than any RB in the draft. The guy has real talent and you can really see it on the field when he touches the ball. He's one of those guys that you just have to watch because the boxscore don't always tell the whole story.....All that being said, I don't envision Perry taking the job over but since he's such a good compliment to Rudi I could definitely see him cutting into Rudi's carry total.

softball · May 22, 2006

IMHO The original post is very accurate.

My problem with Rudi IS whats in the original post.

He's safe, and MILDLY consistent. The end result numbers look good, but he had 7 of 16 games that he scored less than 13 fantasy Points in PPR Leagues. That's almost half the season, and unless you are playing in a Total Points League, the excellent games only help your team half the time.

I would take any of the three RBs listed in this thread ahead of him, and would even consider a Stud WR like Holt, Steve Smith or Chad Johnson.

Texasmouth · May 22, 2006

Isn't Rudi a 1st round pick in most leagues? How could he be under rated if he is a first round pick?

BigTex · May 22, 2006

Like most of us in the shark pool this time of year, I am in the process of pulling together my projections for the 2006 season. Every year I have been reading and posting to the shark pool there has been a great deal of very good feedback of pre season rankings. FBG Has Rudi Projected for 310/1333/11 - 22/126/0. Rudi is RB11 per the FBG staff avg.

This is my personal attempt to make a case for Rudi Johnson, who I think is consistently ranked much too low so far this pre season. Unless something changes before the season starts, I plan on seeing Rudi on many of my teams this year.

Rudi Johnson has been the full time RB for the Bengals for two whole seasons now and has proven to be durable.

In 2004 he rushed for 1454 yards and 14TD

In 2005 he rushed for 1514 yards and 13TD

He does have Chris Perry to deal with, but to date has not had to split any time with him. This does not appear to change in 2006. I do not think the injury to Palmer will have that much of an impact on Rudi's numbers as they still have one of the NFL's best WR core that will need to be respected.

My case is that Rudi is the safe pick over Jackson, Caddy, Brown (all with less of a track record, sophomore slump potential) and even Edge (until we see what the Arizona line looks like in Camp).

I have Rudi Johnson at RB7, 7th player off the board with the expectations I can forecast similar production of 1450 yards and 13TD with a low risk factor.

Thoughts?

Click to expand...

I see Johnson as a very safe option as well. He has posted two seasons of 16 games with 1400+ yards and 12 TDs in each. He ran for 572 yards in his five starts in 2003. It seems increasingly likely that Carson Palmer will be ready in time.

So Johnson has two full years of carrying the load and he has proven he can handle it. The Bengals should return the same offensive personnel. Perry is there, but I see that as a positive as he can be drafted late as the handcuff and be expected to be a worthy starter if Johnson were to be hurt.

I think he is a safer pick than those ranked in the same area:

Jordan - One year as a starter, missed two games, barely reached 1000 yards, new coaching staff, a healthy Moss may take away a couple of TDs inside the five.

Brown - Carrying the full load for the first time. Mularkey made some crazy calls rather than pounding McGahee at the goal line last year.

Edgerrin James - New team, inferior offensive line, less potent offense.

Steven Jackson - Missed a game when starting for the first time, barely reached 1000 yards, new coaching staff (may turn out to be a plus).

Carnell Williams - May lose carries on third down and will very likely lose TDs to Alstott, hurt last year and unproven still.

Domanick Davis - Durabilty and existing knee problems.

I don't see any back after the top five that is as safe, proven and durable as Rudi Johnson. He has a suitable backup in place that can be drafted cheaply. What's not to like? I think some owners are drafting these other backs hoping that they will get the production from an emerging player with some upside, while ignoring that Johnson is already what they hope their alternative pick will turn in to. If he puts up 1400/12 again, just how much are any of those other guys going to outproduce him?

thayman · May 22, 2006

I see him as the second coming of Warrick Dunn.....A guy that puts up pretty solid consitent numbers, but he isn't that "homerun" that alot of guys are looking for.

metoo · May 22, 2006

Johnson is underrated but Dunn has to be the most underrated. Completed an initial dynasty league about 2 weeks ago. I took Dunn in the 7th, A. Green, F. Taylor and C. Perry all were drafted before him.

By the way, all members in this league are members here.

tribecalledjeff · May 22, 2006

He was soso in the first half. Had a very strong 2nd half. His stock is up but the first half has me alittle concerned

Situation G Rush Yds Y/G TD Rec Yds Y/G Avg Lng YAC 1stD TD

Games 1-8 8 162 681 85.1 4.2 2 11 24 3.0 2.2 8 3.4 1 0 0 0

Games 9-16 8 175 777 97.1 4.4 10 12 66 8.3 5.5 15 7.2 1 0 1 0

If its too hard to read then here

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5548/s...4lkkBCm1Lz.uLYF

Why was this? Schedule? Different offensive priorities? I will look into this later, I didn't realize it.

The Ref · May 22, 2006

Like most of us in the shark pool this time of year, I am in the process of pulling together my projections for the 2006 season. Every year I have been reading and posting to the shark pool there has been a great deal of very good feedback of pre season rankings. FBG Has Rudi Projected for 310/1333/11 - 22/126/0. Rudi is RB11 per the FBG staff avg.

This is my personal attempt to make a case for Rudi Johnson, who I think is consistently ranked much too low so far this pre season. Unless something changes before the season starts, I plan on seeing Rudi on many of my teams this year.

Rudi Johnson has been the full time RB for the Bengals for two whole seasons now and has proven to be durable.

In 2004 he rushed for 1454 yards and 14TD

In 2005 he rushed for 1514 yards and 13TD

He does have Chris Perry to deal with, but to date has not had to split any time with him. This does not appear to change in 2006. I do not think the injury to Palmer will have that much of an impact on Rudi's numbers as they still have one of the NFL's best WR core that will need to be respected.

My case is that Rudi is the safe pick over Jackson, Caddy, Brown (all with less of a track record, sophomore slump potential) and even Edge (until we see what the Arizona line looks like in Camp).

I have Rudi Johnson at RB7, 7th player off the board with the expectations I can forecast similar production of 1450 yards and 13TD with a low risk factor.

Thoughts?

Click to expand...

I see Johnson as a very safe option as well. He has posted two seasons of 16 games with 1400+ yards and 12 TDs in each. He ran for 572 yards in his five starts in 2003. It seems increasingly likely that Carson Palmer will be ready in time.

So Johnson has two full years of carrying the load and he has proven he can handle it. The Bengals should return the same offensive personnel. Perry is there, but I see that as a positive as he can be drafted late as the handcuff and be expected to be a worthy starter if Johnson were to be hurt.

I think he is a safer pick than those ranked in the same area:

Jordan - One year as a starter, missed two games, barely reached 1000 yards, new coaching staff, a healthy Moss may take away a couple of TDs inside the five.

Brown - Carrying the full load for the first time. Mularkey made some crazy calls rather than pounding McGahee at the goal line last year.

Edgerrin James - New team, inferior offensive line, less potent offense.

Steven Jackson - Missed a game when starting for the first time, barely reached 1000 yards, new coaching staff (may turn out to be a plus).

Carnell Williams - May lose carries on third down and will very likely lose TDs to Alstott, hurt last year and unproven still.

Domanick Davis - Durabilty and existing knee problems.

I don't see any back after the top five that is as safe, proven and durable as Rudi Johnson. He has a suitable backup in place that can be drafted cheaply. What's not to like? I think some owners are drafting these other backs hoping that they will get the production from an emerging player with some upside, while ignoring that Johnson is already what they hope their alternative pick will turn in to. If he puts up 1400/12 again, just how much are any of those other guys going to outproduce him?

This is a much better job of articulating some of the issues that players have being picked in front of Rudi. There are lots of sharks who preach that the #1 quality they are looking for in a first round pick is a very low bust factor. I think Rudi has the lowest bust factor of the players listed above. With that being said I still pick Jordan in front of him, but I can see the case.

by_the_sea_wannabe · May 22, 2006

How many receptions will he have this year?

In PPR leagues, he just doesn't have that big upside I like. Perry is eating half his pizza. He's a safe late first rounder, but a back who catches the ball will outscore him.

I have Rudi at 11 in my ppr rankings, 7th in my non ppr rankings. Not enough catches to warrant a middle 1st round pick in ppr leagues imo.

The Ref · May 22, 2006

Good post. I agree that Rudi has been underrated over the past couple years but this year is ranked about where he should be. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he took a step back this year due points made by several other posters, 1) Palmer uncertainty. If he's out teams forget about the pass and key on Rudi. 2) very tough looking schedule (@KC, Cle, @Pit, NE, @TB, Car, Atl, @Bal, SD, @NO, @Cle, Bal, Oak, @Ind, @Den Pit) 3) has the best backup in the league behind him, will Perry take a bigger bite?

To answer your points..1)I don't think the Palmer uncertainty is going to effect Rudi as much as some are letting on. The production of the O as a whole I think till be effected, but Rudi will still have his production. CJ and TJ are just too talented to be ignored on the outside. I don't think your going to see very many 8 men in the box fronts with them out there no matter who the QB is.

2) like most every other team, there are a few games that I will not be looking forward too as a Rudi owner. But I don't think this is such a bad schedule to bump him down a whole lot.

3) Rudi is the goods, and has proved as much over the last few seasons. I don't think Perry is going to be stealing away his job any time soon. And if anything, you know who the handcuff is and will be able to pick him up late.

David Yudkin · May 22, 2006

I like Rudi and have been pimping him since he started splitting time with Dillon. I think he gets a bum rap by some people and he is a guy that you can normally get a few slots after he should be drafted.

However, I am not so sure he is all that underrated. His best career ranking is 7 and I believe his average FBG ranking is 11. (BTW, once I post my rankings I believe Rudi will switch spots with Cadillac to make Johnson #10.)

That's really not that far off in the scheme of things. IMO, a player would need to be WAY off base in his ranking for him to get the title most underrated.

Buckna · May 22, 2006

He was last year, but I don't think so anymore. He's now proven himself for multiple years and most of the Perry hype has died down. These two backs compliment each other well and we have seen how Cinci likes to use them. They will ride Rudi into the ground, so until he wears out and gets injured (like Dillon did), he is the starter.

If I am picking at the tail end of a redraft this year, I'll be pretty happy if Rudi is still on the board for me to take. Tier 2 RB's are traditionally a large minefield, I'll take a safe grinder like Rudi and then grab either a stud WR or one of the "higher-upside" RB's with my early 2nd rounder.

The Ref · May 22, 2006

I like Rudi and have been pimping him since he started splitting time with Dillon. I think he gets a bum rap by some people and he is a guy that you can normally get a few slots after he should be drafted.

However, I am not so sure he is all that underrated. His best career ranking is 7 and I believe his average FBG ranking is 11. (BTW, once I post my rankings I believe Rudi will switch spots with Cadillac to make Johnson #10.)

That's really not that far off in the scheme of things. IMO, a player would need to be WAY off base in his ranking for him to get the title most underrated.

Ok, maybe there should be a qualifying statement in terms of "most underrated". There will be a 40-50 something QB/RB/WR that cracks the top 10 and that player (deservedly so) will be the "most underrated". When your slotting players within the top 12 of the rankings a 4 spot improvement compared to the rest of everyone else's rankings is larger variance then someone who has the #50WR ranked at #40WR.

It's easier to "reach" for value in the 7th round when compared to the first round.

If my goal is to not bust in the first round, I am picking Rudi over the current 7-10 players. It's certainly possible that some or all of the 7-10 players will out perform Rudi in 2006. But I personally think that it's more likely that one will go over one will equal and two will fall short.

Musesboy · May 22, 2006

I like Rudi and have been pimping him since he started splitting time with Dillon. I think he gets a bum rap by some people and he is a guy that you can normally get a few slots after he should be drafted.

However, I am not so sure he is all that underrated. His best career ranking is 7 and I believe his average FBG ranking is 11. (BTW, once I post my rankings I believe Rudi will switch spots with Cadillac to make Johnson #10.)

That's really not that far off in the scheme of things. IMO, a player would need to be WAY off base in his ranking for him to get the title most underrated.

Click to expand...

Ok, maybe there should be a qualifying statement in terms of "most underrated". There will be a 40-50 something QB/RB/WR that cracks the top 10 and that player (deservedly so) will be the "most underrated". When your slotting players within the top 12 of the rankings a 4 spot improvement compared to the rest of everyone else's rankings is larger variance then someone who has the #50WR ranked at #40WR.

It's easier to "reach" for value in the 7th round when compared to the first round.

If my goal is to not bust in the first round, I am picking Rudi over the current 7-10 players. It's certainly possible that some or all of the 7-10 players will out perform Rudi in 2006. But I personally think that it's more likely that one will go over one will equal and two will fall short.

That is exactly right. There are probably 50 players that have the ability to make the top 10 in the right situation (injuries to the starter etc), but not the opportunity. I think that Rudi Johnson at 6-7 and Perry late offers very good value. Better to have one or two of the hyped players beat him by a few points than draft the next Kevin Jones or Julius Jones.

jurb26 · May 22, 2006

You are a year late, but yes Rudi is underrated again.

Loomba · May 23, 2006

Rudi isn't getting the respect he deserves, kind of reminds me of Tiki Barber every year.

I do worry about Chris Perry's presence. That kid looks pretty talented and, I think, will begin to play a bigger role in that offence.

Another name to throw out there right now in terms of undervalued/underrated is Jamal Lewis, imho.

The Ref · May 23, 2006

You are a year late, but yes Rudi is underrated again.

Well yes and no. Last year Rudi only had one real whole season under hit belt. Now he has two. Big difference in my book. I know I am not the first to Pimp Rudi, and for what it's worth I have never owned him. I just think going into THIS year, he is being undervalued.

Besides, it's always better the get on the train late then miss it alltogether.. :bye:

jurb26 · May 23, 2006

You are a year late, but yes Rudi is underrated again.

Click to expand...

Well yes and no. Last year Rudi only had one real whole season under hit belt. Now he has two. Big difference in my book. I know I am not the first to Pimp Rudi, and for what it's worth I have never owned him. I just think going into THIS year, he is being undervalued.

Besides, it's always better the get on the train late then miss it alltogether..

I've always loved the rational that Rudi is not a top 10 back because he does not catch enough passes and his upside is thus limited. As if 1400+ and 10+ RBs in one of the most potent Os in the NFL are easy to come by. :rolleyes:

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