2011 Rookie RB class (1 Viewer)

[loose circuits]

Wondering what the consensus is in the shark pool. In an argument with a league mate about whether this class is deep at RB. I think it is the deepest class I can remember and one of my comments was that there is nearly 20 RB's that are as good of prospect as Brandon Jackson was who was a consensus 1st round rookie pick and likely top 3 RB (depending on where you had Bush/Henry). He didn't have near the resume some of these guys do. I can concede that the sexy prospects aren't out there, but there are plenty of guys that can contribute on Sunday's.

What do you guys think?

 

[Concept Coop]

I think there is very good depth. It just isn't heavy at the top. I think guys like Vereen and Todman are going to make a lot of fantasy owners very happy.

 

[DansRams]

Wondering what the consensus is in the shark pool. In an argument with a league mate about whether this class is deep at RB. I think it is the deepest class I can remember and one of my comments was that there is nearly 20 RB's that are as good of prospect as Brandon Jackson was who was a consensus 1st round rookie pick and likely top 3 RB (depending on where you had Bush/Henry). He didn't have near the resume some of these guys do. I can concede that the sexy prospects aren't out there, but there are plenty of guys that can contribute on Sunday's.What do you guys think?

I think this is a very good rb draft, that lacks the elite stud, but has multiple potential 3 down backs and has great depth. I would argue that the 8-15th ranked rb's in this draft are as good as I have seen in many years.

 

[eaglesfan7]

I agree that this draft class is very deep. Most people disagree I think but I'm trying to trade out of the first round of rookie drafts to get multiple picks in all my leagues this year.

 

[moderated]

I think guys like Vereen and Todman are going to make a lot of fantasy owners very happy.

Both are far better then the Tate/hardest 2nd tier from last year. And the next 3-5 are way better then what was there last year in the 6-10 rb range.

 

[loose circuits]

Not even sure I like Vereen & Todman the most. I'm assuming you mean after Leshoure & Ryan Williams? I also like the Big 12 RB's: Hunter, Thomas, Murray, and Helu all do some things to get excited about. Throw in the MJD wannabes Rodgers & Lewis who both flash some quality skills. Not to mention Taiwan Jones, Delone Carter, Bilal Powell, D'Rel Scott, Locke, White, Cooper, Ridley, Royster, Devine, Alex Green, and even Bradford has shown some things to like

So many backs, I think the average vets will have difficulty finding jobs if a lot of these guys get drafted

 

[eaglesfan7]

Not even sure I like Vereen & Todman the most. I'm assuming you mean after Leshoure & Ryan Williams? I also like the Big 12 RB's: Hunter, Thomas, Murray, and Helu all do some things to get excited about. Throw in the MJD wannabes Rodgers & Lewis who both flash some quality skills. Not to mention Taiwan Jones, Delone Carter, Bilal Powell, D'Rel Scott, Locke, White, Cooper, Ridley, Royster, Devine, Alex Green, and even Bradford has shown some things to likeSo many backs, I think the average vets will have difficulty finding jobs if a lot of these guys get drafted

Take out an 84-yard run by RB Ryan Williams last year, and he averaged 3.57 yards per carry. I realize he was injured much of the year and you have to look at 2009 for his real production I guess but it's still concerning.

 

[Concept Coop]

Not even sure I like Vereen & Todman the most. I'm assuming you mean after Leshoure & Ryan Williams? I also like the Big 12 RB's: Hunter, Thomas, Murray, and Helu all do some things to get excited about. Throw in the MJD wannabes Rodgers & Lewis who both flash some quality skills. Not to mention Taiwan Jones, Delone Carter, Bilal Powell, D'Rel Scott, Locke, White, Cooper, Ridley, Royster, Devine, Alex Green, and even Bradford has shown some things to likeSo many backs, I think the average vets will have difficulty finding jobs if a lot of these guys get drafted

Yes. After LeShoure and Williams. I have both Vereen and Todman after that, however.Not only are there are lot of quality backs, but they all seem to fit the mold the NFL is shifting to: guys that excel at a certain aspect of a RBBC. I think this is an interesting time to be a football fan in general, and especially a dynasty owner. The RB position is changing and it should be fun to watch.

 

[Go deep]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

With that said, I don't think there there is a big gap between the best and worst every year. After Ingram I don't think there is one guy I feel really good about becoming a top 20 rb. I'm sure there will end up being another guy or two who could do it, I just think it will be hard to find those players.

I've been selling my rookie picks this year for the rb's from last years draft. With the exception of the top 3 picks this year anyway, I'm holding/buying them.

 

[FavreCo]

Since the 3 down RB is close to extinct, there is plenty of RB depth. Choose wisely.

 

[DansRams]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

With that said, I don't think there there is a big gap between the best and worst every year. After Ingram I don't think there is one guy I feel really good about becoming a top 20 rb. I'm sure there will end up being another guy or two who could do it, I just think it will be hard to find those players.

I've been selling my rookie picks this year for the rb's from last years draft. With the exception of the top 3 picks this year anyway, I'm holding/buying them.

If this happens every year (I agree btw), then why have you been selling your picks when you know perceived value is rising as the draft approaches?

 

[loose circuits]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

Did you play in 2007?

 

[Go deep]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

With that said, I don't think there there is a big gap between the best and worst every year. After Ingram I don't think there is one guy I feel really good about becoming a top 20 rb. I'm sure there will end up being another guy or two who could do it, I just think it will be hard to find those players.

I've been selling my rookie picks this year for the rb's from last years draft. With the exception of the top 3 picks this year anyway, I'm holding/buying them.

If this happens every year (I agree btw), then why have you been selling your picks when you know perceived value is rising as the draft approaches?

I just recently started to trade, our attempt to anyway, my 2011 rookie picks. I'm trying to sell then at the value I think they will/should have by the time rookie drafts start. In other words, if I can get cj spiller for a mid/late first, or mathews/best with any pick after the top 3 or tate/hardestry with a 2nd round pick, i will do it now. I'm obviously not limiting my trading to those specifics, but its a basic idea of what I'm expecting for my 2011 picks.

 

[Go deep]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

Did you play in 2007?

Adrian Peterson and Lynch alone where more valuable than anything in this years class.I will say that and actually have said before that this class is very similar to the class of 2007, and not just the rb's either.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

Did you play in 2007?

Adrian Peterson and Lynch alone where more valuable than anything in this years class.I will say that and actually have said before that this class is very similar to the class of 2007, and not just the rb's either.

You honestly don't see a RB in this year's class better than Lynch?

 

[loose circuits]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

Did you play in 2007?

Adrian Peterson and Lynch alone where more valuable than anything in this years class.I will say that and actually have said before that this class is very similar to the class of 2007, and not just the rb's either.

I would compare Mario Fannin or Brandon Saine to Chris Henry (who was top 5), look at where they are listed at this class. Brandon Jackson was the 3rd or 4th best back and he's not near the caliber of a lot of these backs. I'm talking depth wise, guys like Kenny Irons, Tony Hunt, and Lorenzo Booker wouldn't sniff this draft

 

[Go deep]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

Did you play in 2007?

Adrian Peterson and Lynch alone where more valuable than anything in this years class.I will say that and actually have said before that this class is very similar to the class of 2007, and not just the rb's either.

You honestly don't see a RB in this year's class better than Lynch?

Obviously we have the advantage of hindsight now, but Lynch was a top 15 pick. No rb wil be picked that high this year.

 

[Go deep]

This seems to happen every year around here. The closer we get to they draft the more optomistic people become about the new crop of rookies. This is probably the worse rb class I have seen since I have been playing in dynasty leagues.

Did you play in 2007?

Adrian Peterson and Lynch alone where more valuable than anything in this years class.I will say that and actually have said before that this class is very similar to the class of 2007, and not just the rb's either.

I would compare Mario Fannin or Bradford to Chris Henry (who was top 5), look at where they are listed at this class. Brandon Jackson was the 3rd or 4th best back and he's not near the caliber of a lot of these backs. I'm talking depth wise, guys like Kenny Irons, Tony Hunt, and Lorenzo Booker wouldn't sniff this draft

Like I just mentioned, that's easy to say now after we know how those guys turned out. The rbs in this draft might be better but I wouldn't be at all suprised to see all but 1 or 2 rbs in this class never amount to much of anything.

 

[thriftyrocker]

In other words, if I can get cj spiller for a mid/late first, or mathews/best with any pick after the top 3 or tate/hardestry with a 2nd round pick, i will do it now.

It seems at least 1 of Williams and Leshoure will be viewed as a top 20 RB after the draft. Mathews and Best are already there. But I think pick 4 for one of the two ends up being an even trade.

 

[loose circuits]

Not even sure I like Vereen & Todman the most. I'm assuming you mean after Leshoure & Ryan Williams? I also like the Big 12 RB's: Hunter, Thomas, Murray, and Helu all do some things to get excited about. Throw in the MJD wannabes Rodgers & Lewis who both flash some quality skills. Not to mention Taiwan Jones, Delone Carter, Bilal Powell, D'Rel Scott, Locke, White, Cooper, Ridley, Royster, Devine, Alex Green, and even Bradford has shown some things to likeSo many backs, I think the average vets will have difficulty finding jobs if a lot of these guys get drafted

Take out an 84-yard run by RB Ryan Williams last year, and he averaged 3.57 yards per carry. I realize he was injured much of the year and you have to look at 2009 for his real production I guess but it's still concerning.

But so many of those other guys have something to offer. There are like 20 or so with a legitimate shot. I can only ever remember a handful to 10 tops. If you don't like Williams just drop him below a Kendall Hunter or someone like that

 

[coolnerd]

Wondering what the consensus is in the shark pool. In an argument with a league mate about whether this class is deep at RB. I think it is the deepest class I can remember and one of my comments was that there is nearly 20 RB's that are as good of prospect as Brandon Jackson was who was a consensus 1st round rookie pick and likely top 3 RB (depending on where you had Bush/Henry). He didn't have near the resume some of these guys do. I can concede that the sexy prospects aren't out there, but there are plenty of guys that can contribute on Sunday's.What do you guys think?

Past the top 3 guys there are plenty of guys with some kinda skill, trait, etc that is NFL worthy, but are flawed to be consistent NFL and/or FF. My guess if we get to 5 of these even having the Brandon Jackson type NFL career then this will be a good, above average draft class. In short, lots of dudes with stuff to bet on, but not many who are really good bets.

 

[Kleck]

Not sure which way I lean yet, somewhere between "average" and "plenty".

Overall I'm rather intrigued by this class. I think there could be a couple of mid/late round RBs, maybe even an undrafted one, that turn out being pretty decent and carry a #2/#3 RB type fantasy value if owners are patient.

 

[Go deep]

Not sure which way I lean yet, somewhere between "average" and "plenty". Overall I'm rather intrigued by this class. I think there could be a couple of mid/late round RBs, maybe even an undrafted one, that turn out being pretty decent and carry a #2/#3 RB type fantasy value if owners are patient.

Im sure this will happen, but its anyones guess who it might be. Thats why i dont like this class, there isnt anyone who i think is anything close to a safe bet after Ingram. Sure, it might be considered deep, but thats just because there is nobody who stands out up front.

 

[loose circuits]

Lots of potentially good situations for some rookie backs who could earn roles. Seems that value is very hard to gauge now and there is a chance it won't clear up after the draft if we don't have free agency or a new CBA. For those teams that draft in May things could be interesting

1 Indy (feature role could be open)

2 Miami (ditto)

3 Cincy

4 seattle

5 washington

6 Giants (feature duties somewhat open, Bradshaw could be FA)

(above could be 1st round rookie picks)

(below have a chance depending on how high of pick, dynasty team need, etc..)

7) Tampa (long term spot, high enough pick could compete for feature duties)

8 Denver (role could be open for RBBC)

9) Arizona (Wells value not high?, Hightower RFA?, spot somewhat up for grabs in short term, with long term upside)

(wild cards)

10 New England (high enough pick could compete for gig)

11 Det (Best has injury history, nobody behind him)

12 Phi (handcuff)

13 Chi (handcuff)

14 Balt (handcuff) Gerhart, Dixon, and others went early 2nd in some leagues

15 St Louis

16 Atlanta (Turner older, Snelling 4 year RFA)

17 Green Bay (would take high pick to compete with Grant/Starks)

Guys like Hunter, Carter, Thomas, Todman, Vareen, Rodgers, Lewis, Scott, Helu, Murray, Jones, Locke, and Devine all of them mixed in with a lot of those teams could be a very good prospect. There are also more guys I could add on to that list as well like Johnny White, Alex Green, Powell, Harper, Ridley, Royster, Evans, Bradford, Berry, and I could possibly go on...maybe a guy like Mid-Tenn (phillip tanner) that isn't even on anyone's radar but has some skills- they sneak by every year

 

[Kleck]

Not sure which way I lean yet, somewhere between "average" and "plenty". Overall I'm rather intrigued by this class. I think there could be a couple of mid/late round RBs, maybe even an undrafted one, that turn out being pretty decent and carry a #2/#3 RB type fantasy value if owners are patient.

Im sure this will happen, but its anyones guess who it might be. Thats why i dont like this class, there isnt anyone who i think is anything close to a safe bet after Ingram. Sure, it might be considered deep, but thats just because there is nobody who stands out up front.

I agree. This class is a lot easier to grade as a whole than as individuals. That's one reason why I'm so intrigued with it. In most of my leagues it probably be the dumb-luck guys that find them, but I'm anxious to further explore for those mid/late round gems.

 

[Primitive Radio Gods]

.

 

[eaglesfan7]

.

Do you have something to add to the conversation or are you just trolling?

 

[identikit]

.

Do you have something to add to the conversation or are you just trolling?

I'm thinking he's just bookmarking this thread for future reference.Maybe you should turn it down a notch.

 

[eaglesfan7]

How does putting a period in bookmark the thread?

 

[identikit]

How does putting a period in bookmark the thread?

 

[eaglesfan7]

Learn how to use the forums. There is a link at the top of the page called "watch this topic".

 

[loose circuits]

yeah, the periods are kinda of annoying cause you think there could be new info or discussion which is rare at this time with no free agency :(

Nobody had any comments on the potential for backs to get in good situations? Surprising...would think someone would agree or disagree with how I see the NFL RB situation

 

[eaglesfan7]

I never really liked brandon Jackson much so it's hard for me to compare this rookie class to the likes of him.

I do not like Ingram much. I think he's overrated coming from Alabama as Trent Richardson was the better back by the end of the season. I think he ends up in a bad situation in a committee.

I think LeShoure ends up being drafted as a starter and will have decent value even on a bad team.

 

[silentmark]

Learn how to use the forums. There is a link at the top of the page called "watch this topic".

Lighten up Francis ...

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Lots of potentially good situations for some rookie backs who could earn roles. Seems that value is very hard to gauge now and there is a chance it won't clear up after the draft if we don't have free agency or a new CBA. For those teams that draft in May things could be interesting1 Indy (feature role could be open)2 Miami (ditto)3 Cincy4 seattle5 washington6 Giants (feature duties somewhat open, Bradshaw could be FA)(above could be 1st round rookie picks)(below have a chance depending on how high of pick, dynasty team need, etc..)7) Tampa (long term spot, high enough pick could compete for feature duties)8 Denver (role could be open for RBBC)9) Arizona (Wells value not high?, Hightower RFA?, spot somewhat up for grabs in short term, with long term upside) (wild cards)10 New England (high enough pick could compete for gig)11 Det (Best has injury history, nobody behind him)12 Phi (handcuff)13 Chi (handcuff)14 Balt (handcuff) Gerhart, Dixon, and others went early 2nd in some leagues15 St Louis16 Atlanta (Turner older, Snelling 4 year RFA)17 Green Bay (would take high pick to compete with Grant/Starks) Guys like Hunter, Carter, Thomas, Todman, Vareen, Rodgers, Lewis, Scott, Helu, Murray, Jones, Locke, and Devine all of them mixed in with a lot of those teams could be a very good prospect. There are also more guys I could add on to that list as well like Johnny White, Alex Green, Powell, Harper, Ridley, Royster, Evans, Bradford, Berry, and I could possibly go on...maybe a guy like Mid-Tenn (phillip tanner) that isn't even on anyone's radar but has some skills- they sneak by every year

You have to figure the incumbents are going to re-sign in a couple of those spots (Indy, Cinncy, NY Gianst being the best bets), but agree there is certainly some opportunites for the rookis backs.I think New Englad will use one of their early picks on a back. As much as I like watching BJGE he is not really a special back and the offense could be truly scary with a complete back like Ingrim or Ryan Williams in the backfield with BJGE as depth and Woodhead in a Reggie Bush type role.Detroit would be intriguing for one of the power backs like Carter or Thomas to compliment Best and Tampa would be interesting for one of the "speed" backs as a compliment to Blount.All those handcuff roles could pay dividends as well should an injury strike. The NFL draft will really be a good indicator and help sort out the depth of this class.

 

[loose circuits]

the issue is going to be where do those free agents end up? While I agree that some incumbents will re-sign, I don't think all of them will as they could have before the league year ended. Some will certainly end up in different places. Going to be a crap shoot for rookie drafts because you won't know the true path to PT unless somehow things are opened up prior to the NFL draft. In addition, teams are starting to figure out you don't need to burn a high pick on a RB. Especially when there is a deep class and so many options to choose from I think supply & demand will win out and most of the backs will go later than they otherwise should. This should leave it confusing for many early rookie drafts. I think this is also where you can get bargains if you do your homework

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Top 4 rookie pick in the making?

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss now believes the Patriots will "work hard" to come out of the draft with a running back by the end of the second day.In the first three rounds, the Pats draft 17th, 28th, 33rd, 60th, 74th, and 92nd. They've already hosted a half-dozen running backs, including Illinois' Mikel Leshoure, Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams, Kentucky's Derrick Locke, and Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter. If Mark Ingram slips, he could be on Bill Belichick's radar as well. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is almost certain to lose carries in 2011.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

the issue is going to be where do those free agents end up? While I agree that some incumbents will re-sign, I don't think all of them will as they could have before the league year ended.

I think Bradshaw is a given - both sides want it and it's unlikely a rookie will/can replace his production from last season.Cedric Benson is probably a better than average shot to resign in Cinncy. They want him and I don't think he'll find much in the marketplace.Before the season ended I would have though Addai back in Indy was a lock, but I'm starting to thinks there's a better than average chance they draft a back mid-rounds to competer with Brown and Hart (and perhaps even Edge Jr.).I see no shot that Ronnie Brown is resigned in Miami - and frankly I'm not sure he gets a starting gig anywhere.Washington and Seattle are wildcards - can't say I have a good read either way. Both have decent nut unspectacular backs already on the roster.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Learn how to use the forums. There is a link at the top of the page called "watch this topic".

Lighten up Francis ...

Seriously though, the dot posts have to end.

 

[Go deep]

Learn how to use the forums. There is a link at the top of the page called "watch this topic".

Lighten up Francis ...

Seriously though, the dot posts have to end.

I have never done it, but whats the big deal?

 

[identikit]

out n

Learn how to use the forums. There is a link at the top of the page called "watch this topic".

Lighten up Francis ...

Seriously though, the dot posts have to end.

I have never done it, but whats the big deal?

Much ado about nothing IMO.

 

[loose circuits]

the issue is going to be where do those free agents end up? While I agree that some incumbents will re-sign, I don't think all of them will as they could have before the league year ended.

I think Bradshaw is a given - both sides want it and it's unlikely a rookie will/can replace his production from last season.Cedric Benson is probably a better than average shot to resign in Cinncy. They want him and I don't think he'll find much in the marketplace.Before the season ended I would have though Addai back in Indy was a lock, but I'm starting to thinks there's a better than average chance they draft a back mid-rounds to competer with Brown and Hart (and perhaps even Edge Jr.).I see no shot that Ronnie Brown is resigned in Miami - and frankly I'm not sure he gets a starting gig anywhere.Washington and Seattle are wildcards - can't say I have a good read either way. Both have decent nut unspectacular backs already on the roster.

I'm not assuming anything. Impossible to know for sure one way or the other. Agree that what you wrote is popular belief for the most part. I could see a guy like Benson having to sign for much less or hitting the bricks while somebody like Quizz Rodgers or Alex Green is drafted to compete with the guys they have in the stable in Scott, Pearman, and to an extent Leonard (4 year RFA). Would be a lot cheaper for teams to load up on backs from the later rounds than signing older veterans. Not going to try to guess how that works and it probably depends on how high they value some guys in the draft. It could be hard to tell as many people have already floated the idea that RB is so deep you just don't have to pay for them anymore. When guys like Arian Foster and Priest Holmes slip through the cracks as well as Pierre Thomas, and many more later picks it just isn't a premium position anyways. Especially since we are away from the 30 carry a game days. Once the league opens back up, it could be open season and teams are assuming such. Depending on how each teams draft goes, they have to assume 4 year RFA's are unrestricted while shopping accordingly. 17 potential jobs, and 20 some options means some needs are going to met somewhere. I've been betting on it as I invested in this draft pretty heavily and I usually trade my picks away (keeping a few in the later rounds)

 

[loose circuits]

Top 4 rookie pick in the making?

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss now believes the Patriots will "work hard" to come out of the draft with a running back by the end of the second day.In the first three rounds, the Pats draft 17th, 28th, 33rd, 60th, 74th, and 92nd. They've already hosted a half-dozen running backs, including Illinois' Mikel Leshoure, Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams, Kentucky's Derrick Locke, and Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter. If Mark Ingram slips, he could be on Bill Belichick's radar as well. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is almost certain to lose carries in 2011.

should be interesting. Say they draft Alex Green, Quizz Rodgers, or one of the guys mentioned with the 92nd pick. What pick would he be worth? BGE ran for 1000+ yds and 13 TD's at 4.4 ypc. I doubt he's going to roll over for any feature back duties. However, there is a spot on the depth chart open and decent long term value there. I'd say 6th or 7th pick in rookie drafts at least regardless of who it is. Hunter, Williams or Leshoure could be in the mix for much more

 

[Go deep]

the issue is going to be where do those free agents end up? While I agree that some incumbents will re-sign, I don't think all of them will as they could have before the league year ended.

I think Bradshaw is a given - both sides want it and it's unlikely a rookie will/can replace his production from last season.Cedric Benson is probably a better than average shot to resign in Cinncy. They want him and I don't think he'll find much in the marketplace.

Before the season ended I would have though Addai back in Indy was a lock, but I'm starting to thinks there's a better than average chance they draft a back mid-rounds to competer with Brown and Hart (and perhaps even Edge Jr.).

I see no shot that Ronnie Brown is resigned in Miami - and frankly I'm not sure he gets a starting gig anywhere.

Washington and Seattle are wildcards - can't say I have a good read either way. Both have decent nut unspectacular backs already on the roster.

I'm not assuming anything. Impossible to know for sure one way or the other. Agree that what you wrote is popular belief for the most part. I could see a guy like Benson having to sign for much less or hitting the bricks while somebody like Quizz Rodgers or Alex Green is drafted to compete with the guys they have in the stable in Scott, Pearman, and to an extent Leonard (4 year RFA). Would be a lot cheaper for teams to load up on backs from the later rounds than signing older veterans. Not going to try to guess how that works and it probably depends on how high they value some guys in the draft. It could be hard to tell as many people have already floated the idea that RB is so deep you just don't have to pay for them anymore. When guys like Arian Foster and Priest Holmes slip through the cracks as well as Pierre Thomas, and many more later picks it just isn't a premium position anyways. Especially since we are away from the 30 carry a game days. Once the league opens back up, it could be open season and teams are assuming such. Depending on how each teams draft goes, they have to assume 4 year RFA's are unrestricted while shopping accordingly. 17 potential jobs, and 20 some options means some needs are going to met somewhere. I've been betting on it as I invested in this draft pretty heavily and I usually trade my picks away (keeping a few in the later rounds)

Couldnt the same thing be said about every other position in the NFL? Kurt Warner and Tony Romo were undrafted, Tom Brady, Marc Bulger, and Matt Hasselbeck were all drafted in the 6th.

People also keep saying that because alot of teams are going to RBBC makes RB less important, but wouldnt the opposite be true since teams need more RB's?

 

[loose circuits]

the issue is going to be where do those free agents end up? While I agree that some incumbents will re-sign, I don't think all of them will as they could have before the league year ended.

I think Bradshaw is a given - both sides want it and it's unlikely a rookie will/can replace his production from last season.Cedric Benson is probably a better than average shot to resign in Cinncy. They want him and I don't think he'll find much in the marketplace.

Before the season ended I would have though Addai back in Indy was a lock, but I'm starting to thinks there's a better than average chance they draft a back mid-rounds to competer with Brown and Hart (and perhaps even Edge Jr.).

I see no shot that Ronnie Brown is resigned in Miami - and frankly I'm not sure he gets a starting gig anywhere.

Washington and Seattle are wildcards - can't say I have a good read either way. Both have decent nut unspectacular backs already on the roster.

I'm not assuming anything. Impossible to know for sure one way or the other. Agree that what you wrote is popular belief for the most part. I could see a guy like Benson having to sign for much less or hitting the bricks while somebody like Quizz Rodgers or Alex Green is drafted to compete with the guys they have in the stable in Scott, Pearman, and to an extent Leonard (4 year RFA). Would be a lot cheaper for teams to load up on backs from the later rounds than signing older veterans. Not going to try to guess how that works and it probably depends on how high they value some guys in the draft. It could be hard to tell as many people have already floated the idea that RB is so deep you just don't have to pay for them anymore. When guys like Arian Foster and Priest Holmes slip through the cracks as well as Pierre Thomas, and many more later picks it just isn't a premium position anyways. Especially since we are away from the 30 carry a game days. Once the league opens back up, it could be open season and teams are assuming such. Depending on how each teams draft goes, they have to assume 4 year RFA's are unrestricted while shopping accordingly. 17 potential jobs, and 20 some options means some needs are going to met somewhere. I've been betting on it as I invested in this draft pretty heavily and I usually trade my picks away (keeping a few in the later rounds)

Couldnt the same thing be said about every other position in the NFL? Kurt Warner and Tony Romo were undrafted, Tom Brady, Marc Bulger, and Matt Hasselbeck were all drafted in the 6th.

People also keep saying that because alot of teams are going to RBBC makes RB less important, but wouldnt the opposite be true since teams need more RB's?

i suppose it could, but from my perspective there is plenty of supply this year which should allow teams to wait and still get solid prospects. When guys like Karim, Dixon, Dwyer, and Starks go in the 6th it gives you an idea how teams draft RB's. McKnight was only RB drafted in 3, 4, or 5 last year. You had a few teams reach for RB's in 2nd and then a large wait as other teams are patient which has paid off

 

[Go deep]

the issue is going to be where do those free agents end up? While I agree that some incumbents will re-sign, I don't think all of them will as they could have before the league year ended.

I think Bradshaw is a given - both sides want it and it's unlikely a rookie will/can replace his production from last season.Cedric Benson is probably a better than average shot to resign in Cinncy. They want him and I don't think he'll find much in the marketplace.

Before the season ended I would have though Addai back in Indy was a lock, but I'm starting to thinks there's a better than average chance they draft a back mid-rounds to competer with Brown and Hart (and perhaps even Edge Jr.).

I see no shot that Ronnie Brown is resigned in Miami - and frankly I'm not sure he gets a starting gig anywhere.

Washington and Seattle are wildcards - can't say I have a good read either way. Both have decent nut unspectacular backs already on the roster.

I'm not assuming anything. Impossible to know for sure one way or the other. Agree that what you wrote is popular belief for the most part. I could see a guy like Benson having to sign for much less or hitting the bricks while somebody like Quizz Rodgers or Alex Green is drafted to compete with the guys they have in the stable in Scott, Pearman, and to an extent Leonard (4 year RFA). Would be a lot cheaper for teams to load up on backs from the later rounds than signing older veterans. Not going to try to guess how that works and it probably depends on how high they value some guys in the draft. It could be hard to tell as many people have already floated the idea that RB is so deep you just don't have to pay for them anymore. When guys like Arian Foster and Priest Holmes slip through the cracks as well as Pierre Thomas, and many more later picks it just isn't a premium position anyways. Especially since we are away from the 30 carry a game days. Once the league opens back up, it could be open season and teams are assuming such. Depending on how each teams draft goes, they have to assume 4 year RFA's are unrestricted while shopping accordingly. 17 potential jobs, and 20 some options means some needs are going to met somewhere. I've been betting on it as I invested in this draft pretty heavily and I usually trade my picks away (keeping a few in the later rounds)

Couldnt the same thing be said about every other position in the NFL? Kurt Warner and Tony Romo were undrafted, Tom Brady, Marc Bulger, and Matt Hasselbeck were all drafted in the 6th.

People also keep saying that because alot of teams are going to RBBC makes RB less important, but wouldnt the opposite be true since teams need more RB's?

i suppose it could, but from my perspective there is plenty of supply this year which should allow teams to wait and still get solid prospects. When guys like Karim, Dixon, Dwyer, and Starks go in the 6th it gives you an idea how teams draft RB's. McKnight was only RB drafted in 3, 4, or 5 last year. You had a few teams reach for RB's in 2nd and then a large wait as other teams are patient which has paid off

There was a reason those teams picked those players in the 2nd. Had Tate, Gerhart and Hardesty not been taken where they did some other teams would have taken them soon after. I dont think teams drafted any RB's in the middle rounds because there were not any RB's talented enough to be drafted there. Each draft is different though. This years draft seems to have only one RB thats worth a first round pick, then a bunch of guys who could be drafted in rounds 2-5. The 2008 class was top heavy and deep and now has half of everyones top 20 dyynasty RB's come from that class. Point being is i dont think teams are not drafting RB's early any more, its justy that there isnt any RB's worth being drafted high in this years class. Which of course is why people think this draft is deep....which is party true, it is deep...in average talent.