Best Rookie Runningback to draft for impact? (1 Viewer)

[mijatra]

Does anyone else think that Kevin Smith may be the choice if you want to make a championship run THIS year? Im picking 3rd in a 10 team KEEPER league, but dont want to be an idiot and miss out on bigger talents in Steward or Mendenhall. Is Smith that big of a dropoff? Surely he will get more carries this year.

How do you all rank the top 10, factoring in long term potential and short term opportunity?

Please dont flame me.....I dont think this belongs in the AC forum. Its a legit question for ANYONE drafting a rookie early and wanting immediate performance.

 

[Franknbeans]

Ray Rice

McGahee's days are numbered

 

[meanjoegreen]

Ray RiceMcGahee's days are numbered

I think McGahee will do just fine this year. My pick is McFadden to make the biggest impact for a rookie RB this year.

 

[EBF]

I think you'll usually live to regret it if you draft for early impact. At the three spot I would take whoever falls out of Stewart/Mendenhall/McFadden. Even if you don't like those guys, chances are someone in your league does. You could easily make a deal for a top 15-20 RB.

Once the top 3 are gone, I'd choose between Ray Rice and Felix Jones. Chris Johnson warrants consideration in PPR leagues.

I think the deck is stacked against Matt Forte and Kevin Smith. I wouldn't take either of those guys at his current cost.

 

[Cookiemonster]

If you want bang-for-the-$, I'd trade any of the rookies this year for M.Turner. He'll get carries, goalline and should outscore all of the rooks this year. Redraft of course. If you want to make a run, now, in dynasty, you could probably get Turner + F.Taylor for one of the big 3, or Rudi, Perry + a #2 TE or more. You could take a hit in value, but put a more dynamic team on the field by trading away one of the bigger name guys. You won't get as much in trade for Smith.

 

[Blackjacks]

Ray RiceMcGahee's days are numbered

 

[Football Jones]

I don't believe McFadden will get near the amount of touches most FFers think he will have. I see Fargas & Bush getting enough touches that it relegates McFadden's value below that of Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, & maybe Kevin Smith. Same goes for Stewart & Mendenhall (as far as lowered value due to less touches than what's projected).

Ray Rice is the wildcard. If they dump/demote McGahee per the rumor, then Rice could be right there with Johnson & Forte. I believe the rumor is mostly bunk, tho. As high as I am on CJ, I think Forte will win ROY in a close vote (with CJ). Forte will have the most touches of any rookie RB, IMO.

 

[Football Jones]

In regards to my post above, I want to add that if Forte's OL is as bad as most people believe, then CJ will win ROY. I actually think their OL will be decent enough, but I admit it could go to hell in a handbasket with anymore injuries, etc.

 

[Chachi]

Ray Rice

McGahee's days are numbered

Did i miss something? I don't own McGahee but my impression is he's a top 10 back in redraft and dynasty, a workhorse, one of the few RBs not in a committee? What did I miss on McGahee and I'm not talking about PFT (National Enquirer) rumors, anything of any substance at all?

 

[Chachi]

I don't believe McFadden will get near the amount of touches most FFers think he will have. I see Fargas & Bush getting enough touches that it relegates McFadden's value below that of Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, & maybe Kevin Smith. Same goes for Stewart & Mendenhall (as far as lowered value due to less touches than what's projected).Ray Rice is the wildcard. If they dump/demote McGahee per the rumor, then Rice could be right there with Johnson & Forte. I believe the rumor is mostly bunk, tho. As high as I am on CJ, I think Forte will win ROY in a close vote (with CJ). Forte will have the most touches of any rookie RB, IMO.

I disagree with this post on every level. I disagree that Bush will get carries, I agree Fargas will at first. I would seriously be stunned if Forte/Johnson/Smith all finished ahead of Dmac, actually I'd be stunned if any of them finished ahead of Dmac. I'm not sure what you see in Forte to be ROY, all I see is a horrific O-line and a bad QB and bad WRs on that team and I don't think Forte is anywhere near the talent of Dmac/Stewart/Mendenhall.I am taking bets on ROY, I will take McFadden over anyone who wants to pick Forte, it just seems like stealing to me, I'll wager whatever you want.

 

[Chachi]

Ray Rice

McGahee's days are numbered

Did i miss something? I don't own McGahee but my impression is he's a top 10 back in redraft and dynasty, a workhorse, one of the few RBs not in a committee? What did I miss on McGahee and I'm not talking about PFT (National Enquirer) rumors, anything of any substance at all?

OOps, just seen the rumor was from a Baltimore beatwriter, just assumed something so foolish would come from PFT. I don't buy it still, McGahee signed a long term deal just last year, did everything the Ravens asked of him and possibly more than they had hoped for so I just don't see it. I also don't see Ronnie Brown getting moved and RW being the starter and future (He's like 31 i think). It's too bad there is such stupid speculation/rumors floating around out there when there actually is alot of real things to talk about this time of year.

 

[Franknbeans]

Ray Rice

McGahee's days are numbered

Did i miss something? I don't own McGahee but my impression is he's a top 10 back in redraft and dynasty, a workhorse, one of the few RBs not in a committee? What did I miss on McGahee and I'm not talking about PFT (National Enquirer) rumors, anything of any substance at all?

call it rumors if you wish but it certainly isn't positive...As I wrote on the PFW fantasy blog last week, it wouldn’t shock me if rookie Ray Rice stole Willis McGahee’s job, even if McGahee’s health isn’t an issue. And that was before Rice turned in a terrific preseason performance this past weekend against the Vikings, who boast one of the NFL’s best run defenses. The Ravens claim McGahee should be ready for the season opener after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last week, but he’s unlikely to shoulder a full workload so soon after that procedure, so Rice will get a chance to show what he can do in the regular season. McGahee doesn’t have a reputation of being a team player, and he made himself scarce while new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was installing his system in team minicamps. Rice is as diligent as McGahee is standoffish, and if the Ravens feel there isn’t a significant talent drop-off between the two players, they might just promote Rice, the model citizen. I’m dropping McGahee from No. 10 to No. 14 and avoiding him in my own drafts. I’m also giving Rice a slight bump. If you have the guts to take McGahee, you’d better handcuff him to Rice.

 

[sholditch]

I don't believe McFadden will get near the amount of touches most FFers think he will have. I see Fargas & Bush getting enough touches that it relegates McFadden's value below that of Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, & maybe Kevin Smith. Same goes for Stewart & Mendenhall (as far as lowered value due to less touches than what's projected).

Ray Rice is the wildcard. If they dump/demote McGahee per the rumor, then Rice could be right there with Johnson & Forte. I believe the rumor is mostly bunk, tho. As high as I am on CJ, I think Forte will win ROY in a close vote (with CJ). Forte will have the most touches of any rookie RB, IMO.

I disagree with this post on every level. I disagree that Bush will get carries, I agree Fargas will at first. I would seriously be stunned if Forte/Johnson/Smith all finished ahead of Dmac, actually I'd be stunned if any of them finished ahead of Dmac. I'm not sure what you see in Forte to be ROY, all I see is a horrific O-line and a bad QB and bad WRs on that team and I don't think Forte is anywhere near the talent of Dmac/Stewart/Mendenhall.I am taking bets on ROY, I will take McFadden over anyone who wants to pick Forte, it just seems like stealing to me, I'll wager whatever you want.

coming from a Bears fan

 

[prymetyme25]

If you want more bang for you buck I'd say Mike Hart. in redraft you can probably get him with your last pick. And in dynasty you can get him really late. He's gonna get carries and Addai seems to get knocked around alot. You never know.

 

[Franknbeans]

Not that McGahee's job, technically, is in jeopardy. John Harbaugh didn't hesitate to make that clear after the Ravens' 23-15 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings last night at M&T Bank Stadium. "Who's going to be the starter? It's Willis," he said. Of Rice, though, he added, "But he plays like a starter, if that's what you're asking."

 

[mijatra]

If you want more bang for you buck I'd say Mike Hart. in redraft you can probably get him with your last pick. And in dynasty you can get him really late. He's gonna get carries and Addai seems to get knocked around alot. You never know.

My particular league is a KEEPER, so I want somebody who will be good now, but good for the next 3 years too. Thats why I suggested K Smith originally. I cant dispute the arguement for Rice or Johnson...but they will split time this year. I dont think K Smith will split many carries this year.

 

[Dropkick Me J]

The cool and fashionable picks will be McFadden, Stewart, and the two Jones.

The shark pick, IMO, will be Forte. Only he and Kevin Jones (at this point anyway) are guaranteed to start from Day One. But only Forte has no real talent waiting in the wings to steal carries (and yes I know many don't feel Tatum Bell has talent, but I disagree).

And I understand the worry about Chicago's pathetic offense, but last year Benson and Peterson together did manage 7 scores and 1,184 yards. Forte is immensely more talented than either of those backs and will be a four-down guy.

Only McFadden has a chance of outscoring Forte this year in fantasy, IMHO.

(I haven't drafted yet, so I don't own any rookie yet.)

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Tough question and it really depends on how much weight you personally give to this year versus future years. If you give more weight to this year, I would probably go with McFadden or Rice. If you give more weight to future years, I would add Stewart, Mendenhall and Jones. If it's PPR, maybe consider CJ. But with the 3rd pick, you really should hope McFadden falls to you for some reason.

 

[mikel0254]

I'd go Stewart. IMO - By week 4 or 5 he will be producing at a middle of the road RB2 and will be the clear cut starter going into next year. I'm not too worried about the toe after the recent reports by his doctor and I can't see DWill holding him off longer than 4 weeks. He should be a borderline top 10 going into next year. This of course is all my opinion and I know it differs from most on this board

 

[Football Jones]

I don't believe McFadden will get near the amount of touches most FFers think he will have. I see Fargas & Bush getting enough touches that it relegates McFadden's value below that of Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, & maybe Kevin Smith. Same goes for Stewart & Mendenhall (as far as lowered value due to less touches than what's projected).

Ray Rice is the wildcard. If they dump/demote McGahee per the rumor, then Rice could be right there with Johnson & Forte. I believe the rumor is mostly bunk, tho. As high as I am on CJ, I think Forte will win ROY in a close vote (with CJ). Forte will have the most touches of any rookie RB, IMO.

I disagree with this post on every level. I disagree that Bush will get carries, I agree Fargas will at first. I would seriously be stunned if Forte/Johnson/Smith all finished ahead of Dmac, actually I'd be stunned if any of them finished ahead of Dmac. I'm not sure what you see in Forte to be ROY, all I see is a horrific O-line and a bad QB and bad WRs on that team and I don't think Forte is anywhere near the talent of Dmac/Stewart/Mendenhall.I am taking bets on ROY, I will take McFadden over anyone who wants to pick Forte, it just seems like stealing to me, I'll wager whatever you want.

Like I posted to previously, Forte's OL could ruin his ROY chances. If Chicago's OL can just manage to be decent, I really like his chances. I initially chose Forte to win ROY before the Chris Williams injury, but I'm going to officially stick to it since I had already picked him. That said, can't say I'd be willing to actually bet on Forte to win ROY considering the precarious state of his OL, LOL.I guess my safest bet would be Chris Johnson. I definitely think he'll finish ahead of McFadden in the ROY race (barring injury), & one reason is touches. That said, I'm not fool enough to discount McFadden's chances if he plays lights out (which he could), relegating Fargas/Bush to backup roles, thus, getting lots of touches. I don't believe he will (play lights out this season), but that remains to be seen.

Anyway, I'm not opposed to a small wager (McFadden vs CJ). PM me if you want some of that action (or something similar).

edited for grammar/spelling

 

[Chachi]

The shark pick, IMO, will be Forte.

I'm not a shark then, I see Forte as being talented, but talented as in the 7th most talented rookie RB. Like you mentioned he is playing on a pathetic offense. Larry Johnson didn't do to well last year playing on a pathetic offense and he has more talent in his toenail clippings than Forte has in his entire body. I'll take a RB in a pathetic offense with a good run blocking O-line anyday, but I won't touch a somewhat talented RB in a pathetic offense with a pathetic run blocking line ever.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Aside from McFadden, the answer is Chris Johnson.

 

[big0mar]

I drafted McFadden, Mendenhall, and Chris Johnson

i'm highest on McFadden and Johnson. Both are running behind great O Lines. Johnson is the most explosive player on an offense that lacks speed. McFadden has outperformed Fargas so far.

In regards to Forte, I dont see any RB putting up big numbers behind that Chicago O-line. Add that to the fact that their QB is Kyle Orton, and their #1 WR is Devin Hester. I see a long year for the Chicago offense.

 

[gotmooch]

Chris Johnson, especially in PPR leagues.

Lendale is still FAT and his YPC leaves much to be desired. It is funny watching a fat guy try to catch a dump off pass, they make it look so difficult.

Johnson is the playmaker that the Titans need. He will be drafted later than Stewart/McFadden, but I see him posting better numbers. All about value....

 

[meanjoegreen]

The shark pick, IMO, will be Forte. Only he and Kevin Jones (at this point anyway) are guaranteed to start from Day One. But only Forte has no real talent waiting in the wings to steal carries (and yes I know many don't feel Tatum Bell has talent, but I disagree).

I think you meant Kevin Smith up there in the bolded section. If Kevin Jones regains his full health, he can be a very productive running back, and can possibly steal some carries away from Forte. I read Jones is supposed to play a few snaps this weekend.

 

[Chachi]

Lendale is still FAT

The first FACT of the thread.

 

[Kit Fisto]

I drafted McFadden, Mendenhall, and Chris Johnsoni'm highest on McFadden and Johnson. Both are running behind great O Lines. Johnson is the most explosive player on an offense that lacks speed. McFadden has outperformed Fargas so far. In regards to Forte, I dont see any RB putting up big numbers behind that Chicago O-line. Add that to the fact that their QB is Kyle Orton, and their #1 WR is Devin Hester. I see a long year for the Chicago offense.

If Johnson has another big game Friday night, he becomes the #2 pick in dynasty. And the Titans run offense was Top 5 already.

 

[shader]

There are five rookies I see having a major impact this year.

Dmac

Mendenhall

K.Smith

C.Johnson

S.Slaton

Two rookies I think will struggle to see the field, but will start getting more looks mid-way through

J.Stewart

R.Rice

I know this isn't the popular consensus, but I think this is what you'll see.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Not that McGahee's job, technically, is in jeopardy. John Harbaugh didn't hesitate to make that clear after the Ravens' 23-15 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings last night at M&T Bank Stadium. "Who's going to be the starter? It's Willis," he said. Of Rice, though, he added, "But he plays like a starter, if that's what you're asking."

You left out the "When Willis is healthy " part of that quote.

"When Willis is healthy and ready to go, he’s our starter, but both those guys will play," Harbaugh said. There's been some thought all along that Rice would work his way into the picture and thereby affect McGahee's value. That remains a possibility, especially if the team brings McGahee back cautiously from his arthroscopic knee surgery.

 

[EBF]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

 

[Franknbeans]

Not that McGahee's job, technically, is in jeopardy. John Harbaugh didn't hesitate to make that clear after the Ravens' 23-15 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings last night at M&T Bank Stadium. "Who's going to be the starter? It's Willis," he said. Of Rice, though, he added, "But he plays like a starter, if that's what you're asking."

You left out the "When Willis is healthy " part of that quote.

"When Willis is healthy and ready to go, he’s our starter, but both those guys will play," Harbaugh said. There's been some thought all along that Rice would work his way into the picture and thereby affect McGahee's value. That remains a possibility, especially if the team brings McGahee back cautiously from his arthroscopic knee surgery.

different quote

 

[EBF]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Not that McGahee's job, technically, is in jeopardy. John Harbaugh didn't hesitate to make that clear after the Ravens' 23-15 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings last night at M&T Bank Stadium. "Who's going to be the starter? It's Willis," he said. Of Rice, though, he added, "But he plays like a starter, if that's what you're asking."

You left out the "When Willis is healthy " part of that quote.

"When Willis is healthy and ready to go, he’s our starter, but both those guys will play," Harbaugh said. There's been some thought all along that Rice would work his way into the picture and thereby affect McGahee's value. That remains a possibility, especially if the team brings McGahee back cautiously from his arthroscopic knee surgery.

different quote

Well, the one I quoted was more recent

 

[Bobcat10]

.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

Put MJD or Westbrook back into a dynasty pool and they go 2, 3 behind McFadden. Westbrook maybe even higher.Size matters not when talent you have.

 

[switz]

Love this thread...

 

[EBF]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

Put MJD or Westbrook back into a dynasty pool and they go 2, 3 behind McFadden. Westbrook maybe even higher.Size matters not when talent you have.

Westbrook and MJD aren't small. Chris Johnson is. There are very few small backs succeeding in FF.

 

[Franknbeans]

Not that McGahee's job, technically, is in jeopardy. John Harbaugh didn't hesitate to make that clear after the Ravens' 23-15 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings last night at M&T Bank Stadium. "Who's going to be the starter? It's Willis," he said. Of Rice, though, he added, "But he plays like a starter, if that's what you're asking."

You left out the "When Willis is healthy " part of that quote.

"When Willis is healthy and ready to go, he’s our starter, but both those guys will play," Harbaugh said. There's been some thought all along that Rice would work his way into the picture and thereby affect McGahee's value. That remains a possibility, especially if the team brings McGahee back cautiously from his arthroscopic knee surgery.

different quote

Well, the one I quoted was more recent

 

[Tanner9919]

I don't believe McFadden will get near the amount of touches most FFers think he will have. I see Fargas & Bush getting enough touches that it relegates McFadden's value below that of Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, & maybe Kevin Smith. Same goes for Stewart & Mendenhall (as far as lowered value due to less touches than what's projected).

Ray Rice is the wildcard. If they dump/demote McGahee per the rumor, then Rice could be right there with Johnson & Forte. I believe the rumor is mostly bunk, tho. As high as I am on CJ, I think Forte will win ROY in a close vote (with CJ). Forte will have the most touches of any rookie RB, IMO.

I disagree with this post on every level. I disagree that Bush will get carries, I agree Fargas will at first. I would seriously be stunned if Forte/Johnson/Smith all finished ahead of Dmac, actually I'd be stunned if any of them finished ahead of Dmac. I'm not sure what you see in Forte to be ROY, all I see is a horrific O-line and a bad QB and bad WRs on that team and I don't think Forte is anywhere near the talent of Dmac/Stewart/Mendenhall.I am taking bets on ROY, I will take McFadden over anyone who wants to pick Forte, it just seems like stealing to me, I'll wager whatever you want.

While it is just a matter of opinion, I do not think any rookie RB will come close to touching DMac's stats this season..Al Davis will make sure DMac is the Raiders' focal point on offense..he's an electrifying,dynamic player..he could actually

finish the season as the #1 RB, OVERALL..ahead of ADP, and LT2 et al..stranger things have happened. All of those people who really think Fargas can not only stay healthy ( a BIG IF!), but that he can,and will, beat out DMac for the starting gig, raise your hand..same with Michael Bush..

Dmac has superior talent over any of these other rookies rb's.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Love this thread...

Hey, I mentioned Jones for you.

 

[footballman_696969]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

Lendale and CJ will both see their fair share of touches this year. I think they will both represent value in redrafts.... well.... CJ did represent value before the preseason. His ADP has shot up since his first two preseason games.

 

[switz]

Love this thread...

Hey, I mentioned Jones for you.

No... please... don't mention him.

 

[ookook]

Does you keeper league penalize draft picks for who you keep based on draft position?

In general, I might suggest Mendenhall as a good value target based on where he is getting drafted. Usually inthe 10th to 12th round in keeper leagues.

Edited to add that Mendenhall is going more like the 8th round when I look at good example drafts.

 

[switz]

Only McFadden has a chance of outscoring Forte this year in fantasy, IMHO.

Are you expecting the rest of the rookie RBs to die??? Are they doing some group activity on a bus headed for a cliff?

 

[Kit Fisto]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

Put MJD or Westbrook back into a dynasty pool and they go 2, 3 behind McFadden. Westbrook maybe even higher.Size matters not when talent you have.

Westbrook and MJD aren't small. Chris Johnson is. There are very few small backs succeeding in FF.

Really? Johnson is taller than both of them, and only 3 or 8 pounds lighter. And his weight is before an NFL trainers gets his hands on him.32 MAURICE JONES-DREW, RB

Height/Weight: 5-7/208

36 BRIAN WESTBROOK, RB

Height/Weight: 5-10/203

28 CHRIS JOHNSON, RB

Height/Weight: 5-11/200

 

[switz]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

Put MJD or Westbrook back into a dynasty pool and they go 2, 3 behind McFadden. Westbrook maybe even higher.Size matters not when talent you have.

Westbrook and MJD aren't small. Chris Johnson is. There are very few small backs succeeding in FF.

Really? Johnson is taller than both of them, and only 3 or 8 pounds lighter. And his weight is before an NFL trainers gets his hands on him.32 MAURICE JONES-DREW, RB

Height/Weight: 5-7/208

36 BRIAN WESTBROOK, RB

Height/Weight: 5-10/203

28 CHRIS JOHNSON, RB

Height/Weight: 5-11/200

Wow.... when did CJ hit 200?Either way, Westbrook is the exception, not the rule, and MJD is not even "small" so doesn't belong in here for comparisons.

For every Westbrook, there are loads of "smaller" RBs that end up as KRs and 3rd down only RBs.

 

[GDogg]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

Put MJD or Westbrook back into a dynasty pool and they go 2, 3 behind McFadden. Westbrook maybe even higher.Size matters not when talent you have.

Westbrook and MJD aren't small. Chris Johnson is. There are very few small backs succeeding in FF.

Really? Johnson is taller than both of them, and only 3 or 8 pounds lighter. And his weight is before an NFL trainers gets his hands on him.32 MAURICE JONES-DREW, RB

Height/Weight: 5-7/208

36 BRIAN WESTBROOK, RB

Height/Weight: 5-10/203

28 CHRIS JOHNSON, RB

Height/Weight: 5-11/200

Do you really not see how Chris Johnson would be considered "smaller" than Maurice Drew? Drew is short, not small. He's 4 inches short than Johnson, yet outweighs him by 8 lbs. That's significant. I'd bet any amount of money that he's much stronger than Johnson, too.

 

[Franknbeans]

Sources indicate there was a pretty strong locker room backlash to Harbaugh's new code of conduct in the early months of his tenure, with several players challenging him on such detail-oriented edicts as no slouching in meetings, no feet up on chairs, no hats pulled low over the eyes, and the wearing of game jerseys at practice."

"More of a question mark at this point are Ravens veterans such as safety Ed Reed, cornerbacks Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle, and running back Willis McGahee. They haven't exactly been religious about attending the Ravens' off season workout program this spring, and Harbaugh is said to be hopeful they'll fully fall in line with the rest of the team's all-out commitment to change in what promises to be a grueling training camp."

"Former Ravens coach Brian Billick often had to pull Willis McGahee in the fourth quarter of games last year due to poor conditioning.

Poor conditioning won't fly under new coach Jim Harbaugh, whose off season program has already been more intense than anything Billick ran. Training camp will likely be much tougher under the ex-Eagles special teams coach."

 

[Burning Sensation]

Thomas Jones is a pretty good back and he didn't put up impressive stats in Chicago. I don't think Forte is as talented and I don't think the situation has improved. I'll be surprised if he cracks 1,000 rushing yards this season. He might be able to do it solely on the basis of a large workload, but I doubt it. I could easily see Kevin Jones getting 50% of the carries by midseason. This is just an ugly situation.

I'm not too excited about Kevin Smith either. Yes, he has the inside track to a starting job, but he's a third round talent on a team that has failed to produce a top FF RB in quite a while. I think his supporting cast is better than Forte's and his competition for touches is weaker, but he'll probably struggle.

I don't see Chris Johnson being the top rookie RB because he won't get enough carries. Unless he averages an insane yards/touch like MJD, it will be all but impossible for him to finish inside the top 15 in standard formats. LenDale will get 200-250 carries and the goal line work.

IMO McFadden, Stewart, Rice, and Mendenhall have the most upside this year. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on any of them as a RB2 in my redraft leagues. It's likely that at least one of these guys will break out this season, but it's difficult to predict who will do it.

You mean the reason isn't BMI?

In a roundabout way, it is. He won't be a featured back because he's too small. If he was bigger then he'd be a threat to completely supplant LenDale.

Put MJD or Westbrook back into a dynasty pool and they go 2, 3 behind McFadden. Westbrook maybe even higher.Size matters not when talent you have.

Westbrook and MJD aren't small. Chris Johnson is. There are very few small backs succeeding in FF.

Really? Johnson is taller than both of them, and only 3 or 8 pounds lighter. And his weight is before an NFL trainers gets his hands on him.32 MAURICE JONES-DREW, RB

Height/Weight: 5-7/208

36 BRIAN WESTBROOK, RB

Height/Weight: 5-10/203

28 CHRIS JOHNSON, RB

Height/Weight: 5-11/200

Do you really not see how Chris Johnson would be considered "smaller" than Maurice Drew? Drew is short, not small. He's 4 inches short than Johnson, yet outweighs him by 8 lbs. That's significant. I'd bet any amount of money that he's much stronger than Johnson, too.

I'll take that bet, $100, do you have a paypal account?