Donald Brown - Dynasty Outlook (1 Viewer)

[THE FANTASY KING]

Donald Brown is someone that is currently puzzling me. I do not know if Brown is a buy-low or a sell-for-whatever-you-can-get. When he was drafted in the first round by the Colts, most assumed that he would quickly ascend over the supposedly mediocre Joseph Addai and inherit the #1 running back position on one of the most explosive offenses in the National Football League.

Instead, he has been toiling in obscurity, proving to be almost as injury prone as the running back in front of him. Not only has he not seized the role, but he has failed to show much in the opportunities he has received. Additionally, he does not seem to have distinguished himself much from Michael Hart.

For pros, Brown is still on a great team, is obviously still quite young, and has an excellent reputation as a diligent worker.

I do not like watching the Colts play as I am a little too old school for them, and as a result, I have not seen a lot of Donald Brown. I would be very interested in hearing from those who have to know if he passes the “eye test” and if Brown is simply someone who has not had everything align right yet or if he is on his way to being a bust.

If we can arrive at some kind of decision, either way, Brown could represent value in dynasty leagues since there’s an equal change, in my opinion, that the Brown owner in your leagues is either hopeful or very worried.

Thank you much for your time.

Regards,

THE FANTASY KING

 

[az_prof]

Donald Brown is someone that is currently puzzling me. I do not know if Brown is a buy-low or a sell-for-whatever-you-can-get. When he was drafted in the first round by the Colts, most assumed that he would quickly ascend over the supposedly mediocre Joseph Addai and inherit the #1 running back position on one of the most explosive offenses in the National Football League.Instead, he has been toiling in obscurity, proving to be almost as injury prone as the running back in front of him. Not only has he not seized the role, but he has failed to show much in the opportunities he has received. Additionally, he does not seem to have distinguished himself much from Michael Hart.For pros, Brown is still on a great team, is obviously still quite young, and has an excellent reputation as a diligent worker.I do not like watching the Colts play as I am a little too old school for them, and as a result, I have not seen a lot of Donald Brown. I would be very interested in hearing from those who have to know if he passes the “eye test” and if Brown is simply someone who has not had everything align right yet or if he is on his way to being a bust.If we can arrive at some kind of decision, either way, Brown could represent value in dynasty leagues since there’s an equal change, in my opinion, that the Brown owner in your leagues is either hopeful or very worried.Thank you much for your time.Regards,THE FANTASY KING

Last year didn't concern me; I expected Addai to continue to be lead dog. But his injuries this year do concern me. On the other hand, they aren't serious injuries. They aren't career damaging injuries. And in college he had a ton of carries and was the picture of health. So, it is odd.I think at this time he is a HOLD. You won't be able to get good value for him. And, he does still hold high upside potential. Addai's contract ends this season and there hasn't been talk of renewal yet. The blocking is a red herring; he can block just fine. He can run well too. But can he stay healthy?

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

I was excited at him possibly emerging this season, but I am losing confidence in that happening. Either way, no one is going to give you anything worth while for him.

 

[Zaphod]

Guy has been nicked up just about every week and goes down at the first sign of a tackle.

He is seriously going to have to toughen up and learn how to fight through arm tackles if he is ever going to make a significant impact in either fantasy or actual football.

 

[Babu Bhatt2]

It's highly likely that the Colts re-sign Addai to a two or three year deal at season's end, or whenever the lockout ends. There is virtually no reason not to, since Addai won't command a huge asking price. I expect the colts to go into next year with the same three running backs, in the same respective positions on the depth chart.

I view Brown as one of the better backups in the league, given Addai's injury proneness. He has a similar dynasty value to Tim Hightower.

 

[az_prof]

It's highly likely that the Colts re-sign Addai to a two or three year deal at season's end, or whenever the lockout ends. There is virtually no reason not to, since Addai won't command a huge asking price. I expect the colts to go into next year with the same three running backs, in the same respective positions on the depth chart.I view Brown as one of the better backups in the league, given Addai's injury proneness. He has a similar dynasty value to Tim Hightower.

You may be right. I think if Brown had been healthy and then stepped up when Addai had gotten hurt, maybe they wouldn't. But you need multiple backs in this league anyway. I guess it will be a question of dollars, but again, I agree, Addai won't command too much competition. He WOULD look pretty good in Chicago's offense, though. But that is probably more my imagination than anything that will happen.

 

[THE FANTASY KING]

It's highly likely that the Colts re-sign Addai to a two or three year deal at season's end, or whenever the lockout ends. There is virtually no reason not to, since Addai won't command a huge asking price. I expect the colts to go into next year with the same three running backs, in the same respective positions on the depth chart.I view Brown as one of the better backups in the league, given Addai's injury proneness. He has a similar dynasty value to Tim Hightower.

You may be right. I think if Brown had been healthy and then stepped up when Addai had gotten hurt, maybe they wouldn't. But you need multiple backs in this league anyway. I guess it will be a question of dollars, but again, I agree, Addai won't command too much competition. He WOULD look pretty good in Chicago's offense, though. But that is probably more my imagination than anything that will happen.

Were the season to end today, I cannot envision the Colts would be comfortable going into 2011 with Donald Brown at the top of the depth chart with Hart and some other "guy" they bring in behind them. That is a far cry from what I thought when they took him in the 1st round, which is why I am starting to lean on the side of get-what-you-can.I would disagree with someone's comment earlier about nobody being willing to give up anything for him - every year there are dynasty teams that become "rebuilding projects." Donald Brown seems like a very good asset to acquire if you are one of these teams - or at least, that is what other owners might think. Every week that passes that Brown does very little, his value will decline for rebuilding teams, so if this is where people think he may be headed, it would be best do send him to one of these teams, if you can, as soon as possible.Regards,THE FANTASY KING

 

[cstu]

He doesn't look very good to me when I've seen him and I liked him coming out of college. He was an all around good RB who didn't seem to do anything really special. I thought he'd be good enough to out-play Addai, but I haven't seen anything that leads me to believe that he's the Colts future starter.

 

[switz]

Brown is more injury prone than Addai.

Brown hasn't picked up the offense as quickly as Addai did.

Brown hasn't performed well when healthy.

I was of the opinion Addai would be allowed to walk after this season, but it sounds like the Colts are interested in bringing him back at the right price. And even if Addai walks, it doesn't sound like they feel Brown could be the full time back, but is more complementary, backup type.

 

[Dawg Pound 69]

Wasn't impressed with his college highlights. Attributed his success to the strong O-line at Connecticut. Hard to judge him in the pros due to limited carries, and a Colts O-line which has always been subpar at run blocking. His value is completely dependent on whether Indy keeps Addai. If they do, Brown only has value for Addai owners. And I doubt Addai owners would give more than a 2nd rounder to acquire him. If you own them both, best case scenario is Addai leaves and then you have 2 starters on your roster.

 

[az_prof]

Brown is more injury prone than Addai.Brown hasn't picked up the offense as quickly as Addai did.Brown hasn't performed well when healthy.I was of the opinion Addai would be allowed to walk after this season, but it sounds like the Colts are interested in bringing him back at the right price. And even if Addai walks, it doesn't sound like they feel Brown could be the full time back, but is more complementary, backup type.

Switz, when you exaggerate, you lose credibility.I agree that Brown hasn't done enough to earn the team's trust. But...You are right that so far he has been more injury prone than Addai. Of course, Addai is pretty injury prone too and is much older. It's true that Brown hasn't picked up the offense as quickly as Addai, but that may be because he has been hurt more than Addai was his first year. And, in the end, it doesn't matter how quickly one learns it as long as they learn it; do you know he hasn't learned it yet? Brown HAS performed well when healthy. Unfortunately, that hasn't been often. Bottom line: Colts have reason to be concerned with his injuries. But we really don't know how good he is yet. He is a Hold. Because most fantasy owners are like Switz, and if a guy isn't a stud right away they think he sucks, you won't get any value for him in trade. So Sell is not an option. You have to Hold because he will get more opportunities. And Addai is still unsigned for 2011. If the team believes Addai is their future and Brown is a failure, wouldn't they resign Addai now?

 

[Hedgehog]

Drafted him in Dynasty thinking I was locking in the Colts RB by 2011 - now he is looking like a complete bust.

 

[packersfan]

He doesn't look very good to me when I've seen him and I liked him coming out of college. He was an all around good RB who didn't seem to do anything really special. I thought he'd be good enough to out-play Addai, but I haven't seen anything that leads me to believe that he's the Colts future starter.

That's my take too. I also thought he would do well given how bad Addai was in 2008 but he's generally been unimpressive and he's been very brittle. Addai has looked much improved this season and last and I think the Colts should re-sign him rather than turning the backfield over to Brown next season.

 

[todisco1]

I am waiting (somewhat patiently). Injuries are becoming a concern with him, but I really want to see him with extended action. The guy is a very hard worker so I do think he has a shot at being a very good RB. We just need to see him on the field. He's had moments where he's looked very good and moments when he's looked quite poor, but he hasn't played enough for a real assessment from my point of view.

 

[switz]

Brown is more injury prone than Addai.

Brown hasn't picked up the offense as quickly as Addai did.

Brown hasn't performed well when healthy.

I was of the opinion Addai would be allowed to walk after this season, but it sounds like the Colts are interested in bringing him back at the right price. And even if Addai walks, it doesn't sound like they feel Brown could be the full time back, but is more complementary, backup type.

Switz, when you exaggerate, you lose credibility.I agree that Brown hasn't done enough to earn the team's trust. But...

You are right that so far he has been more injury prone than Addai. Of course, Addai is pretty injury prone too and is much older.

It's true that Brown hasn't picked up the offense as quickly as Addai, but that may be because he has been hurt more than Addai was his first year. And, in the end, it doesn't matter how quickly one learns it as long as they learn it; do you know he hasn't learned it yet?

Brown HAS performed well when healthy. Unfortunately, that hasn't been often.

Bottom line: Colts have reason to be concerned with his injuries. But we really don't know how good he is yet. He is a Hold. Because most fantasy owners are like Switz, and if a guy isn't a stud right away they think he sucks, you won't get any value for him in trade. So Sell is not an option. You have to Hold because he will get more opportunities. And Addai is still unsigned for 2011. If the team believes Addai is their future and Brown is a failure, wouldn't they resign Addai now?

Funny you say I exaggerated, but then you go on to say everything I said was true, even if you defend Brown's underperformance on his injuries.As for your last question - there's no reason to think that. That's not the way the Colts do things with RBs. They even let Rhodes go, and then brought him back. They'll wait until the last minute to resign Addai, and they probably want to know what his market value is before signing him.

I agree Brown is a HOLD, I never said he was a SELL. And I do NOT believe if a guy is not a stud right away that he's a definite bust either. I just don't agree that if I felt a guy wasn't that good, and he hasn't been good, that I should be eternally patient with him expecting him to develop into a stud either.

 

[az_prof]

I am waiting (somewhat patiently). Injuries are becoming a concern with him, but I really want to see him with extended action. The guy is a very hard worker so I do think he has a shot at being a very good RB. We just need to see him on the field. He's had moments where he's looked very good and moments when he's looked quite poor, but he hasn't played enough for a real assessment from my point of view.

We need to see him playing more before we can really assess. I still think he will be a good player if he can stay healthy.

 

[Ariakis]

I just traded for him in a dynasty ... giving up my backup QB Orton (behind Brady, Cassel, and got Kolb back) ... also gave MB3 and Jacobs, getting Hardesty and DBrown. It could backfire and I get no RB next year for the pair but I think Brown will get his shot eventually.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

I know a massive Indy and consult him on all things Colts when in need. Big Polian guy. I discussed the Brown situation with him lately since I'm an owner as well.

He squarely remains in the corner believing Indy will say thank you very much to Addai at the end of the year, and send him on his way. They drafted Donald Brown in the first round as a successor to Addai, and have not moved from that. Brown is a very bright kid who can do all the same things Addai can, plus he offers more big play potential than Addai. Addai will want a contract at the end of this year but Indy will not pony up the cash. They have Brown for the next 3 years for cheap and he will become the man, with other lesser guys like Hart being signed for backups.

That's what the guy said and I firmly believe him. He knows the ins and outs of that organization.

 

[THE FANTASY KING]

Interesting development this past week with Addai, yet again, getting banged up. I am not sure if it was more his shoulder or the shot he took to the head - I have read reports on both being an issue. Obviously Brown was not there to take advantage for his fantasy owners because of a hamstring ailment, but if Addai has any kind of serious injury that will keep him out beyond the Week 7 bye the Colts have, we could be at another point where Donald Brown can step up. I was considering putting Brown in a few offers this week, but obviously it seems like a little more patience is called for now.

Just a thought I had watching the game.

Regards,

THE FANTASY KING

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

As a homer, at one time I wanted to rush Addai out of the lineup and put Brown in. I'll be honest with you, as much as I wanted to see Brown as a future stud it just isn't there. He doesn't seem to run with any vision (even though his scouting report says his vision is excellent). Yes, he runs hard, but so do a lot of other also rans. IMO he's no better talent than Addai and probably a lot worse. I'm down on Brown not because he's hurt, but because he doesn't show the talent I thought he had. I may change my mind later, I don't know.

Regards,

Hoss....oh, nevermind.

 

[az_prof]

As a homer, at one time I wanted to rush Addai out of the lineup and put Brown in. I'll be honest with you, as much as I wanted to see Brown as a future stud it just isn't there. He doesn't seem to run with any vision (even though his scouting report says his vision is excellent). Yes, he runs hard, but so do a lot of other also rans. IMO he's no better talent than Addai and probably a lot worse. I'm down on Brown not because he's hurt, but because he doesn't show the talent I thought he had. I may change my mind later, I don't know.Regards,Hoss....oh, nevermind.

You could be right, but it is important to keep in perspective how little we have seen Brown. He has 101 carries in 14 games so far. He hasn't done great in those 101 carries--362 yards, which is only 3.6ypc and 4 TDs. He has done better as a receiver--averaging 13.9 yards/catch on his 12 receptions.Here is an interesting comparison. This back in his first year in the league ran it 112 times--a few more times than Brown has so far in his career. This back averaged worse than Brown--he had only a 3.3 ypc in his first season and only 2 TDs. His ypc on receptions was 6.9, barely half of Brown's. He continued to be just as bad for the next two years. Then this back went to Tampa, finally stayed healthy, and became a star who is still a starting back in the NFL in his 11th season. Who is this back? Thomas Jones. Can't prove that Brown will have a career close to as good as Jones--but after 100 carries I am not prepared to say that I know he sucks, especially since he hasn't been healthy most of this time. It's not good that he hasn't been healthy but he hasn't suffered anything serious that would undermine his long term career. I am still waiting and if you can an impatient owner to unload him for a late first round pick or a WR3 or something like that, do it.

 

[switz]

Here is an interesting comparison. This back in his first year in the league ran it 112 times--a few more times than Brown has so far in his career. This back averaged worse than Brown--he had only a 3.3 ypc in his first season and only 2 TDs. His ypc on receptions was 6.9, barely half of Brown's. He continued to be just as bad for the next two years. Then this back went to Tampa, finally stayed healthy, and became a star who is still a starting back in the NFL in his 11th season. Who is this back? Thomas Jones.

This is the third RB today I have seen compared to Jones. Too funny.

 

[az_prof]

Here is an interesting comparison. This back in his first year in the league ran it 112 times--a few more times than Brown has so far in his career. This back averaged worse than Brown--he had only a 3.3 ypc in his first season and only 2 TDs. His ypc on receptions was 6.9, barely half of Brown's. He continued to be just as bad for the next two years. Then this back went to Tampa, finally stayed healthy, and became a star who is still a starting back in the NFL in his 11th season. Who is this back? Thomas Jones.

This is the third RB today I have seen compared to Jones. Too funny.

I am not saying that they run similar. Jones is a great reminder that you need to beware writing a player off when a) you really haven't seen him play much and/or b) he hasn't had the best situation for his skill set. He is young and will still get plenty of opportunities to prove himself.

 

[Jerry Lawler]

I don't know what's going on with Donald Brown, but I consider him a hold in dynasty leagues. My impressions so far:

1) I'm nervous when he's in the game. He just doesn't have Addai's versatility to be split out wide, power and ability to dodge defenders in the backfield, and pass blocking skill.

2) The "injury prone" label is a debate for another thread, but I think it's a mistake to take a RB's health over his first year and a half, and project that over his entire career, then sell low on him.

3) He seems like he's pressing when he's in the game. Coaches and fans often criticize young RB's for "dancing in the backfield" too much, and Brown seems to do the opposite: pick a direction, put his head down, and bowl forward with as much speed and power as he can. I remember watching Cedric Benson make the same mistake early in his career. Brown has shown good agility in the open field, and my hope is that once the game slows down for him, he will be able to use his vision and agility more effectively. I still think he turns into a reliable RB for the Colts. Someday.

Brown will probably never be the player Addai is, but if you want to sell, now isn't the time. Unless Addai becomes the rare RB who never gets hurt, Brown will have his sell high moment.

 

[flc735]

i don't see anyway browns current price is not worth the potential reward he can bring.

1) indy has built a superbowl team through the draft, they don't dabble too much in free agency. peyton, faulk, dallas, wayne, edge, addai, collie, garcon, freeny, mathis, bob sanders, ryan deim + the many good i have missed, all drafted by indy. also, rb was not a huge need when brown was picks, so ill put a lot more stock into their rookies than i normally would.

2) indys past tells us that addai will most likely not be resigned next year. faulk and edge were both let go in the 27-28 year old range, where addai is at now

3) brown has at least shown he can play in the nfl. injuries are a concern but as long as its nothing serious, i'm not too worried

im talking about browns potential value entering next year, not what he will do on the field. since brown has shown me he can play, i don't really need to know any more after that. i dont think 'brown the top 10 rb' vs 'brown the top 20 rb' is a big factor with indys decision. if addai leaves, brown becomes the clear #1 in indy and thats at least a 2nd round apd. imo, its a 75% chance this happens.

if you look at it like a bet...

you give a 2011 late first (or two 2nds or whatever his price is) now for a 75% chance at a 8-12 valued rb next year. even if you think its down to a 50% chance addai leaves, i think thats still a great move

again, i am talking about browns potential value entering next year. if you don't think he'll produce, you still make this move and sell for a top 10-15 rb before next season.

 

[Babu Bhatt2]

As a homer, at one time I wanted to rush Addai out of the lineup and put Brown in. I'll be honest with you, as much as I wanted to see Brown as a future stud it just isn't there. He doesn't seem to run with any vision (even though his scouting report says his vision is excellent). Yes, he runs hard, but so do a lot of other also rans. IMO he's no better talent than Addai and probably a lot worse. I'm down on Brown not because he's hurt, but because he doesn't show the talent I thought he had. I may change my mind later, I don't know.Regards,Hoss....oh, nevermind.

You could be right, but it is important to keep in perspective how little we have seen Brown. He has 101 carries in 14 games so far. He hasn't done great in those 101 carries--362 yards, which is only 3.6ypc and 4 TDs. He has done better as a receiver--averaging 13.9 yards/catch on his 12 receptions.Here is an interesting comparison. This back in his first year in the league ran it 112 times--a few more times than Brown has so far in his career. This back averaged worse than Brown--he had only a 3.3 ypc in his first season and only 2 TDs. His ypc on receptions was 6.9, barely half of Brown's. He continued to be just as bad for the next two years. Then this back went to Tampa, finally stayed healthy, and became a star who is still a starting back in the NFL in his 11th season. Who is this back? Thomas Jones. Can't prove that Brown will have a career close to as good as Jones--but after 100 carries I am not prepared to say that I know he sucks, especially since he hasn't been healthy most of this time. It's not good that he hasn't been healthy but he hasn't suffered anything serious that would undermine his long term career. I am still waiting and if you can an impatient owner to unload him for a late first round pick or a WR3 or something like that, do it.

This is an imperfect comparison for at least two reasons.First, Thomas Jones is an exception, not the rule. Many backs have had similar stats as Jones/Brown and flamed out of the league soon thereafter.Second, Jones was not injured. He was playing in Arizona behind a guy named Michael Pittman and couldn't see the field. Brown, on the other hand, as repeatedly gotten injured in part-time action.I don't know whether Brown is a sell or a hold. I think he falls into the "sell if you can get a guppy to pay value based on his reputation" category. It's not even clear that he is the best backup RB on his own team, for christ's sake. Mike Hart may be the guy to own within a few weeks. He could drop the injury habit and start at some point, or he could fade into obscurity.

 

[az_prof]

As a homer, at one time I wanted to rush Addai out of the lineup and put Brown in. I'll be honest with you, as much as I wanted to see Brown as a future stud it just isn't there. He doesn't seem to run with any vision (even though his scouting report says his vision is excellent). Yes, he runs hard, but so do a lot of other also rans. IMO he's no better talent than Addai and probably a lot worse. I'm down on Brown not because he's hurt, but because he doesn't show the talent I thought he had. I may change my mind later, I don't know.Regards,Hoss....oh, nevermind.

You could be right, but it is important to keep in perspective how little we have seen Brown. He has 101 carries in 14 games so far. He hasn't done great in those 101 carries--362 yards, which is only 3.6ypc and 4 TDs. He has done better as a receiver--averaging 13.9 yards/catch on his 12 receptions.Here is an interesting comparison. This back in his first year in the league ran it 112 times--a few more times than Brown has so far in his career. This back averaged worse than Brown--he had only a 3.3 ypc in his first season and only 2 TDs. His ypc on receptions was 6.9, barely half of Brown's. He continued to be just as bad for the next two years. Then this back went to Tampa, finally stayed healthy, and became a star who is still a starting back in the NFL in his 11th season. Who is this back? Thomas Jones. Can't prove that Brown will have a career close to as good as Jones--but after 100 carries I am not prepared to say that I know he sucks, especially since he hasn't been healthy most of this time. It's not good that he hasn't been healthy but he hasn't suffered anything serious that would undermine his long term career. I am still waiting and if you can an impatient owner to unload him for a late first round pick or a WR3 or something like that, do it.

This is an imperfect comparison for at least two reasons.First, Thomas Jones is an exception, not the rule. Many backs have had similar stats as Jones/Brown and flamed out of the league soon thereafter.Second, Jones was not injured. He was playing in Arizona behind a guy named Michael Pittman and couldn't see the field. Brown, on the other hand, as repeatedly gotten injured in part-time action.I don't know whether Brown is a sell or a hold. I think he falls into the "sell if you can get a guppy to pay value based on his reputation" category. It's not even clear that he is the best backup RB on his own team, for christ's sake. Mike Hart may be the guy to own within a few weeks. He could drop the injury habit and start at some point, or he could fade into obscurity.

You obviously didn't watch Thomas Jones' early career--I did as I was stuck in AZ viewing area. The claim that he "didn't see the field" playing "behind a guy named Michael Pittman" is only partially true. Much more so than Addai and DBrown, the Cards kept trying to give the starting job to Jones. Only he really sucked. Pittman was better. And Jones "saw the field" more than D. Brown has in terms of carries.The point of the comparison is that you can't always judge a RB early in their career. Benson is another example. And on the other hand, there are plenty of guys who had great rookie years who quickly burned out: Slaton; Kevin Jones; Anthony Thomas.

 

[Babu Bhatt2]

As a homer, at one time I wanted to rush Addai out of the lineup and put Brown in. I'll be honest with you, as much as I wanted to see Brown as a future stud it just isn't there. He doesn't seem to run with any vision (even though his scouting report says his vision is excellent). Yes, he runs hard, but so do a lot of other also rans. IMO he's no better talent than Addai and probably a lot worse. I'm down on Brown not because he's hurt, but because he doesn't show the talent I thought he had. I may change my mind later, I don't know.Regards,Hoss....oh, nevermind.

You could be right, but it is important to keep in perspective how little we have seen Brown. He has 101 carries in 14 games so far. He hasn't done great in those 101 carries--362 yards, which is only 3.6ypc and 4 TDs. He has done better as a receiver--averaging 13.9 yards/catch on his 12 receptions.Here is an interesting comparison. This back in his first year in the league ran it 112 times--a few more times than Brown has so far in his career. This back averaged worse than Brown--he had only a 3.3 ypc in his first season and only 2 TDs. His ypc on receptions was 6.9, barely half of Brown's. He continued to be just as bad for the next two years. Then this back went to Tampa, finally stayed healthy, and became a star who is still a starting back in the NFL in his 11th season. Who is this back? Thomas Jones. Can't prove that Brown will have a career close to as good as Jones--but after 100 carries I am not prepared to say that I know he sucks, especially since he hasn't been healthy most of this time. It's not good that he hasn't been healthy but he hasn't suffered anything serious that would undermine his long term career. I am still waiting and if you can an impatient owner to unload him for a late first round pick or a WR3 or something like that, do it.

This is an imperfect comparison for at least two reasons.First, Thomas Jones is an exception, not the rule. Many backs have had similar stats as Jones/Brown and flamed out of the league soon thereafter.Second, Jones was not injured. He was playing in Arizona behind a guy named Michael Pittman and couldn't see the field. Brown, on the other hand, as repeatedly gotten injured in part-time action.I don't know whether Brown is a sell or a hold. I think he falls into the "sell if you can get a guppy to pay value based on his reputation" category. It's not even clear that he is the best backup RB on his own team, for christ's sake. Mike Hart may be the guy to own within a few weeks. He could drop the injury habit and start at some point, or he could fade into obscurity.

You obviously didn't watch Thomas Jones' early career--I did as I was stuck in AZ viewing area. The claim that he "didn't see the field" playing "behind a guy named Michael Pittman" is only partially true. Much more so than Addai and DBrown, the Cards kept trying to give the starting job to Jones. Only he really sucked. Pittman was better. And Jones "saw the field" more than D. Brown has in terms of carries.The point of the comparison is that you can't always judge a RB early in their career. Benson is another example. And on the other hand, there are plenty of guys who had great rookie years who quickly burned out: Slaton; Kevin Jones; Anthony Thomas.

I understand the point you're trying to make, but I don't think the Jones comparison work. IIRC, the Cardinals couldn't block for either RB. Pittman did better, but neither fared too well. I don't really see what information you can take from that other than that Pittman was a better fit for that system.Brown is in a completely different situation. He has produced about as well as Addai when he has played, perhaps a bit worse, but he can't see the field because of injuries. If you want to make a proper comparison, you need to find a highly-drafted RB who played sparingly during his first two years due to injuries and then came back and produced. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone who has done that.

 

[THE FANTASY KING]

Regards,

THE FANTASY KING

 

[Instinctive]

I don't remember Thomas Jones ever being a star in Tampa Bay...Chicago and New York perhaps...but not Tampa. He didn't even start there did he?

 

[todisco1]

I don't remember Thomas Jones ever being a star in Tampa Bay...Chicago and New York perhaps...but not Tampa. He didn't even start there did he?

TB was an audition for him after failing in Zona. He looked very good there and ended up signing with Chicago based on his production in Tampa Bay. He wasn't a workhorse in Tampa Bay, but he showed he had game.

 

[THE FANTASY KING]

I am not able to watch this game live, anyone who is and has the time feel free to check in about how Brown looks.

Regards,

THE FANTASY KING

 

[az_prof]

Couldn't see the game either; curious to know how he looked in pass protection. Did he give up sacks that were his fault?

 

[Irish Chaos]

Im not really that great with analysis, but his runs seemed kind of hesistant and didnt seem that impressive but his receptions in space were much better. As for the blocking, I had redzone on as the games wound down so I didnt see too much of that..

 

[Richard_the_Vampire]

Blocking was mediocre. There was one sack on Peyton Manning where Ernie Sims blitzed up the middle, the Guard got a piece of him, Brown tried to block but got blasted back by Sims and Manning was sacked. Brown had the assignment right but was just too small to block the hard-charging Sims. I think Hart might have made the block. Certainly a guy like Portis or Addai would have made that block.

Overall, Brown's play was solid but unspectacular. He was pulled at the goal line for Javarris James, who is a bigger back.

If he is to get extensive playing time he has to be more explosive.

 

[jojoh07]

BIG FAT MEH , don't like what I see . He is mediocore at best in every aspect

 

[cvnpoka]

i thought he looked fine. his value is diminished bc it seems that indy is intent on not giving him gl and rz touches.

 

[livingfire]

i thought he looked fine. his value is diminished bc it seems that indy is intent on not giving him gl and rz touches.

UGH why did James get both rz carries.....

 

[bill bates hits hard]

Looked way better this week. He is coming off of injury. I'm sure each week his burst will improve.

 

[cvnpoka]

i thought he looked fine. his value is diminished bc it seems that indy is intent on not giving him gl and rz touches.

UGH why did James get both rz carries.....

no idea, but he showed good hands and ability to find the open space on passes and forthrightness when he had the ball. he didnt dance and was quick to take what was available. he is not chris johnson, nor is he brandon jackson. hes addai 2.0.

 

[Traders2001]

Brown looks terrible , i dont see any future as a starter . Maybe as a third down back but thats it...

 

[ffball-novice]

i thought he looked fine. his value is diminished bc it seems that indy is intent on not giving him gl and rz touches.

UGH why did James get both rz carries.....

As an Indy resident my outlook is..Colt's Offensive line stinks particularly in GL situations. Brown has shown no ability to get through the non-existent holes that will be down close to Goal. James is much better at that. Addai is better at that. Hart is bettter at the tough yards situation. So I would rank the Colts inside the 10 depth chart asAddaiHart JamesBrown but we'll throw it anyway.Although I've never drafted Addai I would be comfortable with him knowing he will get a fair share of Goal line looks for Colts when healthy. Brown has more burst but in all other aspects of measuring a RB Addai is better. Unless Colts fix OL the RB situation will never be a good YPC average. This year OL took a huge step back.

 

[az_prof]

i thought he looked fine. his value is diminished bc it seems that indy is intent on not giving him gl and rz touches.

UGH why did James get both rz carries.....

As an Indy resident my outlook is..Colt's Offensive line stinks particularly in GL situations. Brown has shown no ability to get through the non-existent holes that will be down close to Goal. James is much better at that. Addai is better at that. Hart is bettter at the tough yards situation. So I would rank the Colts inside the 10 depth chart asAddaiHart JamesBrown but we'll throw it anyway.Although I've never drafted Addai I would be comfortable with him knowing he will get a fair share of Goal line looks for Colts when healthy. Brown has more burst but in all other aspects of measuring a RB Addai is better. Unless Colts fix OL the RB situation will never be a good YPC average. This year OL took a huge step back.

I agree with the part about the offensive line and I would add the offensive strategy. This team has been designed so much for the pass that it really has trouble consistently establishing the run no matter who the RB is. Addai is better in this system than any of the others but even he has not exactly been a great producer as a runner the past three years. It seems clear to me that Brown is not a good fit in this offense. I am not convinced he can't be a starting RB in a more conventional offense running behind a FB, but if you still have him, you are going to have to hang onto him for a few more years or else jettison him quickly. If Addai is not re-signed and I doubt he will (when a veteran is in a team's long term plans they usually sign them before the existing contract expires and that hasn't happened), that will be the time to sell Brown for what you can get--maybe a late first round pick or an early second round pick. Otherwise, you will have to wait a while to see what he can do when he hopefully leaves the team in a couple of years himself.

 

[Hoosier16]

i thought he looked fine. his value is diminished bc it seems that indy is intent on not giving him gl and rz touches.

UGH why did James get both rz carries.....

As an Indy resident my outlook is..Colt's Offensive line stinks particularly in GL situations. Brown has shown no ability to get through the non-existent holes that will be down close to Goal. James is much better at that. Addai is better at that. Hart is bettter at the tough yards situation. So I would rank the Colts inside the 10 depth chart asAddaiHart JamesBrown but we'll throw it anyway.Although I've never drafted Addai I would be comfortable with him knowing he will get a fair share of Goal line looks for Colts when healthy. Brown has more burst but in all other aspects of measuring a RB Addai is better. Unless Colts fix OL the RB situation will never be a good YPC average. This year OL took a huge step back.

I agree with the part about the offensive line and I would add the offensive strategy. This team has been designed so much for the pass that it really has trouble consistently establishing the run no matter who the RB is. Addai is better in this system than any of the others but even he has not exactly been a great producer as a runner the past three years. It seems clear to me that Brown is not a good fit in this offense. I am not convinced he can't be a starting RB in a more conventional offense running behind a FB, but if you still have him, you are going to have to hang onto him for a few more years or else jettison him quickly. If Addai is not re-signed and I doubt he will (when a veteran is in a team's long term plans they usually sign them before the existing contract expires and that hasn't happened), that will be the time to sell Brown for what you can get--maybe a late first round pick or an early second round pick. Otherwise, you will have to wait a while to see what he can do when he hopefully leaves the team in a couple of years himself.

I don't see why he can't be successful in this offense. I agree the OL is terrible at giving him a hole, but he has looked good as a receiver and looks good once he gets space. Maybe, if their OL improves next year, he will look better if given a hole to run through.One thing people have to remember is that Addai had the benefit of everyone being healthy. Having Collie and Clark in the lineup likely opens up the running game just a little.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

Outlook for Brown

Magic 8 ball says

outcome not so good.

I must say I agree with the ball 100%

What can Brown do for you?

Not much.

 

[finito]

I would trade him for a 2nd round pick.

 

[Hoosier16]

I would trade him for a 2nd round pick.

I would definitely give up a 2nd for him. Guys drafted in the 2nd the last 2 years in our league:A. BrownJ. DavisR. JenningsT. GerhartJ. DwyerBrown's path to the starting job, while not great, is much easier than those guys.

 

[gotexansgo]

I would trade him for a 2nd round pick.

no chance I trade him for a 2nd, thats just crazy imo.

 

[jackdubl]

I would trade him for a 2nd round pick.

no chance I trade him for a 2nd, thats just crazy imo.

Donald Brown for a second rd pick? I'd dump him in a hearbeat for that. I drafted him this year as a potential keeper for next year, given that Addai would probably not be back. Figured I might have the Colts starting RB for the next few years for a bargain basement price. But the guy just isn't very good. And the Colts are a team where a lessor RB can still put up good fantasy numbers, just look at Addai. But Brown can't even take the lead in a backfield of no-names and scrubs. I dropped him after a few weeks to see him picked up by my rival, who dropped him a few weeks after that, and the waiver wire has been his home ever since. He's a bust for the Colts and will never have real fantasy value, IMHO.