Best Young or Backup RBs (1 Viewer)

[austinball]

Wondering what the experts think about some of the young talent at RB right now. I'm trying to find an RB4-5 in a keeper league. So production this year would be great, but longer term potential has value.

These guys happen to be on my wire, but I'm sure there are others worth mentioning:

Ciatrick Fason, MIN -- 2nd year out of Florida, good size and fast, now second to Chester Taylor in the lineup

Michael Robinson, SF -- great athlete, good size, smart, flashed potential last week and landed on some radars, but against SD scrubs

Jerome Harrison, CLE -- current backup to Droughns, rookie from WSU, not sure about long term potential

Ladell Betts, WAS -- might start next week, but won't see much time when Portis returns; 5th year out of Iowa

JJ Arrington, ARI -- Not a great year last year (yikes), but says he's learned alot in the offseason

I'd probably lean more towards longer term potential in how I value these guys, and with that said am inclined to go:

Robinson

Fason

Harrison

Arrington

Dodds has them ranked:

Harrison

Arrington

Fason

Robinson (NR)

Thoughts? Any others on your wires that might be on mine?

Thanks!!

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

What about Michael Turner and Brandon Jacobs?

Both of these guys are young and both are very talented. Turner probably won't play that much unless LT gets injured, but it is almost certain he will be very productive if he gets the chance.

Jacobs was the Giants' goal line back last season and may reprise that role this year. He also may get worked into the regular rotation a bit, in order to keep mileage off of Tiki. If Tiki gets hurt, Jacobs should also be very productive.

I would rank both of these guys above everybody else on your list.

Of course, most other people would as well, so they might not be quite the deep value plays you are looking for.

 

[Chaka]

What about Michael Turner and Brandon Jacobs?Both of these guys are young and both are very talented. Turner probably won't play that much unless LT gets injured, but it is almost certain he will be very productive if he gets the chance.Jacobs was the Giants' goal line back last season and may reprise that role this year. He also may get worked into the regular rotation a bit, in order to keep mileage off of Tiki. If Tiki gets hurt, Jacobs should also be very productive.I would rank both of these guys above everybody else on your list. Of course, most other people would as well, so they might not be quite the deep value plays you are looking for.

Jacobs isn't a late round flier.I imagine Turner is rostered in most leagues too.

 

[Dolfan]

I think Lee Suggs is really being overlooked on these lists..

I think he sees a few carries a game right away [read Thursday night], and may a few targets...

If anything were to happen to Ronnie Brown this year, I don't see anyway Travis Minor or Sammy Morris [after the 4-game suspension] pose a threat to Suggs to take the full-time starting gig...

With an improving offensive line and a far superior passing game than he ever had in Cleveland, I could see Suggs performing very well as the full-time guy in Miami....

 

[austinball]

Good suggestions...but Turner and Jacobs are already on rosters.

Suggs is an interesting idea though. Is he healthy given his failed physical?

No love for rookie Robinson at SF? Does he have a future at RB?

Thanks for the thoughts.

I just joined this board last week and it has been very helpful trying to move from losing my a** each fantasy season to at least breaking even...

 

[Dolfan]

Good suggestions...but Turner and Jacobs are already on rosters.Suggs is an interesting idea though. Is he healthy given his failed physical?

Suggs passed his physical with Miami...Speculation is that the Jets just got cold feet on the trade and failed him in the physical to get out of it..

 

[zamboni]

I just joined this board last week and it has been very helpful trying to move from losing my a** each fantasy season to at least breaking even...

Welcome

 

[austinball]

Thank you Zam...In reading other info, I am seeing more talk the past 2 days for Dayne in Houston.

So Dayne and Betts offer potential points this week. While I won't be playing them, they might then be trade bait.

Robinson and Fason still represent the longer term keeper potential.I'm leaning toward Robinson. Seems like he might be a sucker pick, but he looked very good last week. Could be a breaktrhough player in the next few years. Also, I really like guys who make it happen when given the opportunity, even if they're playing scrubs.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Musa Smith and J. Norwood

 

[wannabee]

Verron Haynes, Chris Perry, and Betts are the ones I have been looking at lately.

Perry offers a ton of upside late in the season if he can get healthy. Betts and Haynes are fliers like the rest on your list.

 

[austinball]

I've read about Verron and realize he's FWP's backup, but I've never seen him play. Just a little picture and his stats. So it's hard to get excited about him. What have you seen of him?

Betts is interesting for sure as is Musa Smith. I read another article that listed Musa as one of the writer's best picks for waiver wire RB sleepers.

 

[StraightCash]

I've read about Verron and realize he's FWP's backup, but I've never seen him play. Just a little picture and his stats. So it's hard to get excited about him. What have you seen of him?

Betts is interesting for sure as is Musa Smith. I read another article that listed Musa as one of the writer's best picks for waiver wire RB sleepers.

I think you are referring to Waiver Wired on Rotoworld.comLINK

Musa Smith, Ravens

Musa Smith is the team’s “running back of the future” according to Ravens coach Brian Billick. Perhaps this is just more bluster from a coach who could power a blimp with hot air. Or perhaps Billick is stating the obvious for anyone who watched the preseason. Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson can no longer break the kind of big plays that Smith, all 232 pounds of him, did throughout August.

I suspect Smith would start over Anderson if Lewis gets hurt this season. It’s also possible that Lewis could lose his job to his performance, just like in 2005. Billick is on the hot seat and seems less likely to cave to his players’ egos at the cost of winning games. Smith might be the best option on his roster and is worth stashing in 12-team leagues to find out.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Oh, and I forgot to mention my super sleeper (aka "wasted draft pick") Maurice Drew. Or Maurice Jones-Drew, if you only got to know him recently.

I think he is the best talent behind Fragile Fred Taylor. He could get some play in passing situations even with Taylor healthy, could take back a kick for a TD (if he is on the return squad, don't know) and would likely be productive if (or when) Taylor got injured.

 

[nightshift]

Verron Haynes, Chris Perry, and Betts are the ones I have been looking at lately.Perry offers a ton of upside late in the season if he can get healthy. Betts and Haynes are fliers like the rest on your list.

Haynes is not a feature back. 3rd downs, change of pace.Perry can't stay healthy long enough to learn the game.Betts is a back-up RB.

 

[wannabee]

Verron Haynes, Chris Perry, and Betts are the ones I have been looking at lately.Perry offers a ton of upside late in the season if he can get healthy. Betts and Haynes are fliers like the rest on your list.

Haynes is not a feature back. 3rd downs, change of pace.Perry can't stay healthy long enough to learn the game.Betts is a back-up RB.

I realize this, but the original poster was asking about late round fliers on RB4/5 players. This is why I suggested those three, which are in addition to those mentioned above.

 

[Bears_Man2]

I'm not high on keeping injury prone RB's, but Perry's potential value is an exception I'm willing to wait on. I don't think someone like Chester Taylor is in Perry's league as far as talent goes and he was given a starting job. Granted an ideal opportunity popped up for Taylor at the right time (and that's something you have to consider).

I always scratch my head when people call Perry a bust. What's Julius Jones really done? Kevin Jones? None of them would have Rudi off the field. The credit needs to be given to Rudi and not to discredit Perry.

Half of the battle is patience in dynasty leagues.

If I were taking current backup RB's in the league, I'd go: (Note: Dynasty values in my eyes)

1) Maroney

2) Benson

3) Turner

4) Perry

5) D.Williams

6) Norwood

7) Bell/Mcallister

Right now, I'd be going after Benson, Perry & Turner. Their values will never be lower & I believe you're looking at least 2 of them getting starting RB gigs. And the least likely of the 3 right now (Perry) is the one that I believe has the most upside.

 

[taz]

Good suggestions...but Turner and Jacobs are already on rosters.

Jacobs was just dropped in my 14-team money league.Harrison could be worth a flier in PPR leagues.

 

[Jedimaster21]

I'm not high on keeping injury prone RB's, but Perry's potential value is an exception I'm willing to wait on. I don't think someone like Chester Taylor is in Perry's league as far as talent goes and he was given a starting job. Granted an ideal opportunity popped up for Taylor at the right time (and that's something you have to consider).I always scratch my head when people call Perry a bust. What's Julius Jones really done? Kevin Jones? None of them would have Rudi off the field. The credit needs to be given to Rudi and not to discredit Perry.Half of the battle is patience in dynasty leagues. If I were taking current backup RB's in the league, I'd go: (Note: Dynasty values in my eyes)1) Maroney2) Benson3) Turner4) Perry5) D.Williams6) Norwood 7) Bell/McallisterRight now, I'd be going after Benson, Perry & Turner. Their values will never be lower & I believe you're looking at least 2 of them getting starting RB gigs. And the least likely of the 3 right now (Perry) is the one that I believe has the most upside.

Perry has more upside than almost any backup RB. Imagine if Rudi actually caught the ball in their offense...Perry will get a job somewhere eventually, and definitely has the talent to be a top notch RB. His injury history is starting to worry me a little, but he was a workhorse in college. I think a few injuries were misdiagnosed, and he has had some bad luck. I will continue to sit on him...

 

[zamboni]

I'm not high on keeping injury prone RB's, but Perry's potential value is an exception I'm willing to wait on. I don't think someone like Chester Taylor is in Perry's league as far as talent goes and he was given a starting job. Granted an ideal opportunity popped up for Taylor at the right time (and that's something you have to consider).I always scratch my head when people call Perry a bust. What's Julius Jones really done? Kevin Jones? None of them would have Rudi off the field. The credit needs to be given to Rudi and not to discredit Perry.Half of the battle is patience in dynasty leagues. If I were taking current backup RB's in the league, I'd go: (Note: Dynasty values in my eyes)1) Maroney2) Benson3) Turner4) Perry5) D.Williams6) Norwood 7) Bell/McallisterRight now, I'd be going after Benson, Perry & Turner. Their values will never be lower & I believe you're looking at least 2 of them getting starting RB gigs. And the least likely of the 3 right now (Perry) is the one that I believe has the most upside.

Perry has more upside than almost any backup RB. Imagine if Rudi actually caught the ball in their offense...Perry will get a job somewhere eventually, and definitely has the talent to be a top notch RB. His injury history is starting to worry me a little, but he was a workhorse in college. I think a few injuries were misdiagnosed, and he has had some bad luck. I will continue to sit on him...

Perry may be talented, but I don't see him getting much of an opportunity anytime soon given his inability to get on (much less stay) on the field.

 

[cr8f]

Musa Smith and J. Norwood

+1. Musa should be a FA in many leagues.

Verron Haynes, Chris Perry, and Betts are the ones I have been looking at lately.Perry offers a ton of upside late in the season if he can get healthy. Betts and Haynes are fliers like the rest on your list.

Rudi had torn cartiledge and stayed on the field. He's a rock. Jamal has a better chance of going down. Herron s now backing up Ahman not Gado.

 

[nygiants56]

Thank you Zam...In reading other info, I am seeing more talk the past 2 days for Dayne in Houston.

So Dayne and Betts offer potential points this week. While I won't be playing them, they might then be trade bait.

Robinson and Fason still represent the longer term keeper potential.I'm leaning toward Robinson. Seems like he might be a sucker pick, but he looked very good last week. Could be a breaktrhough player in the next few years. Also, I really like guys who make it happen when given the opportunity, even if they're playing scrubs.

not another Dayne follower! ..I don't get it, he's the same RB he was when he left NY: big, fat,slow.I'm not sure that going to Houston gives him any more added value..he's useless, imo.

 

[CrossEyed]

I'm not high on keeping injury prone RB's, but Perry's potential value is an exception I'm willing to wait on. I don't think someone like Chester Taylor is in Perry's league as far as talent goes and he was given a starting job. Granted an ideal opportunity popped up for Taylor at the right time (and that's something you have to consider).I always scratch my head when people call Perry a bust. What's Julius Jones really done? Kevin Jones? None of them would have Rudi off the field. The credit needs to be given to Rudi and not to discredit Perry.Half of the battle is patience in dynasty leagues. If I were taking current backup RB's in the league, I'd go: (Note: Dynasty values in my eyes)1) Maroney2) Benson3) Turner4) Perry5) D.Williams6) Norwood 7) Bell/McallisterRight now, I'd be going after Benson, Perry & Turner. Their values will never be lower & I believe you're looking at least 2 of them getting starting RB gigs. And the least likely of the 3 right now (Perry) is the one that I believe has the most upside.

I seriously doubt that Maroney, Benson, Turner, Williams, Bell or McAllister are available in most leagues. Perry might be since he's on the PUP list.

 

[NatronIsMean]

The Giants fan could be right, but from what I remember Dayne has shown flashes of life over the past year with Denver. He had some good carries last year that had me (as a Mike Anderson owner) sweating a little. He was the starting RB for a moment in Denver before turf toe and other's performances replaced him.

Now he's in Houston with a couple of rookies - the starter being a 6th round pick. It's like that saying about running from a bear: Dayne may not be far above average, but all he NEEDS to be is above the other two rookie RBs on that team. It's worth a waiver wire pickup in 12 team leagues, IMO.

 

[bb7278]

I am a complete FF crackhead and sitting on my bench are the III, Tatum, Norwwod, Musa, not to mention Rivers and Jennings on my bench too............. ........... ..........

 

[WarRedbirds]

Michael Bennett, KC, I believe is being overlooked. I got him stashed.

 

[CrossEyed]

I have to admit that I'm one of those guys who likes to stash young RBs in the hopes that they blow up. In my keeper league I have Portis and Parker as my starters, with Chris Brown as my RB3. Behind them I have:

Lundy

Benson

MRobinson

Musa