Droughns (2 Viewers)

[Deuce'sWild]

Somebody please explain to me how he is going ahead of Dunn, C. Taylor, Bush and other guys in the 18-25 range. Is it just that he's not very exciting? I don't know, but I cannot bring myself to draft him in any of the mocks I'm doing. I have him projected at 300 carries for 1215 and 5 tds....277 and 1 td rec. Those projections put him above Dunn, C. Taylor, Bush and T. Bell, but every time my pick in the 3rd rd comes up, I take Dunn or Taylor.

Somebody give me some incentive to at least take a look at him in the 3rd. Some guys I just can't get myself to draft.

Is Dunn the better choice?

 

[Marc Levin]

Dunn is the better choice.Period.

That said, Droughns is a GREAT choice for a late RB2 - I would happily draft him as my RB2 if I went RB-WR to open the draft.

I expect he and Dunn will be my RB2 choices in many many leagues where I draft from the middle.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

I'm almost convinced I'm going RB, WR...with the #3 pick. Then looking at one of these guys, almost every time in the 3rd rd.

Ever have one of those guys you project higher than the others, but just can't get yourself to draft him?

 

[Meat]

Dunn is the better choice.Period.

That said, Droughns is a GREAT choice for a late RB2 - I would happily draft him as my RB2 if I went RB-WR to open the draft.

I expect he and Dunn will be my RB2 choices in many many leagues where I draft from the middle.

I'm 6th overall in a 14 teamer, I plan on going RB/WR/WR/RB, and if Droughns/Dunn is there in the 4th, i'll be absolutely ecstatic, but most likely I'll end up going with Dunn in the 2nd. Regardless, I think they're great late value as a 2nd RB.

 

[EBF]

I don't like him much either. He was awful down the stretch last year.

 

[red]

i've learned to simply not draft guys that i'm just not excited to have on my team....

there's nothing worse than drafting a player who you never really wanted to draft in the first place (eventhough he's the best player on your cheatsheet) and watch him bore you to death with mediocre play that you fully expected before you drafted him....don't just take the next best availble; tier and take the guy that you actually like....if droughns busts out, well, at least it wasn't because you were an idiot (i mean, afterall, dunn and droughns were essentially going around the same time); but if he bombs, then you were definitely an idiot for drafting that bum (which you knew was going to happen anyway) in the first place...you have to like your team in order to enjoy FF...sure winning helps, but if your 0.500 and have a bunch of players that don't excite you, it'll be a long and tiresome season...

 

[Winston Wolfe]

I was happy to take Parker and Droughns at 2.12 and 3.01 in No Money...er... I mean No Mercy and I was even happier with that same combo at 2.14 and 3.01 in ffWebmasters. Droughns doesn't seem like the sexy pick but you have him ranked higher than Dunn. Trust your rankings.

 

[Chaos Commish]

LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer should make a world of difference at the goal line and in short yardage. The TDs have nowhere to go but up, and they should/could go way up. Reuben is a solid short yardage runner despite the struggles last year with an inexperienced QB, no blocking and stacked defenses. He's a sleeper.

 

[Browns Rule!]

LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer should make a world of difference at the goal line and in short yardage. The TDs have nowhere to go but up, and they should/could go way up. Reuben is a solid short yardage runner despite the struggles last year with an inexperienced QB, no blocking and stacked defenses. He's a sleeper.

To add to this, Crenell wants to run, run, and run some more to keep the pressure off of Frye. This offensive line and team is build to run the ball.

 

[Marc Levin]

LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer should make a world of difference at the goal line and in short yardage. The TDs have nowhere to go but up, and they should/could go way up. Reuben is a solid short yardage runner despite the struggles last year with an inexperienced QB, no blocking and stacked defenses. He's a sleeper.

AWESOME hands and an extremely talented run and pass blocker - he has all the tool to be the guy on the field all three downs and to be pulled only when he needs a breather.He is what they thought they were getting in Willie Green plus he has some of the softest hands of any RB.

 

[MLBrandow]

LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer should make a world of difference at the goal line and in short yardage.  The TDs have nowhere to go but up, and they should/could go way up.  Reuben is a solid short yardage runner despite the struggles last year with an inexperienced QB, no blocking and stacked defenses.  He's a sleeper.

AWESOME hands and an extremely talented run and pass blocker - he has all the tool to be the guy on the field all three downs and to be pulled only when he needs a breather.He is what they thought they were getting in Willie Green plus he has some of the softest hands of any RB.

Lee Suggs

 

[Marc Levin]

LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer should make a world of difference at the goal line and in short yardage.  The TDs have nowhere to go but up, and they should/could go way up.  Reuben is a solid short yardage runner despite the struggles last year with an inexperienced QB, no blocking and stacked defenses.  He's a sleeper.

AWESOME hands and an extremely talented run and pass blocker - he has all the tool to be the guy on the field all three downs and to be pulled only when he needs a breather.He is what they thought they were getting in Willie Green plus he has some of the softest hands of any RB.

Lee Suggs

Suggs wishes he had a fraction of the hands or blocking ability that Droughns has. I won't dig it up from last year's preseason threads where I was pimping Droughns as the man to win the Browns' start over Suggs, but Droughns beats Suggs (handily) in every important receiving category - and he's a better blocker and better runner.He is not as "explosive" - fewer long runs - but Suggs has injured his explosiveness right out of his ability.

 

[MLBrandow]

Suggs wishes he had a fraction of the hands or blocking ability that Droughns has. I won't dig it up from last year's preseason threads where I was pimping Droughns as the man to win the Browns' start over Suggs, but Droughns beats Suggs (handily) in every important receiving category - and he's a better blocker and better runner.

He is not as "explosive" - fewer long runs - but Suggs has injured his explosiveness right out of his ability.

You don't have to. Suggs was hurt. I'd expect Droughns to out-perform a hobbled RB.I don't doubt Droughns is a much better blocker. He outweighs Suggs by about 20 lbs. That's why he was playing fullback.

As a runner, Suggs is a much better running back, and I also believe Suggs is the better receiver, but we can just agree to disagree.

Behind a real OL, I'll take Suggs > Droughns.

And while I think he's not a good bet to beat out Droughns in camp, I think he'll push him enough to RBBC for a while until eventually taking him the job over completely (or just injuring himself again).

Droughns is being drafted at his ceiling, and he has nowhere to go but down IMO. I don't consider his ADP to be good value, but Suggs is practically free, and well worth the late roster spot.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Wouldn't touch Droughns anywhere near where he is being drafted (30 ADP). As much as he has overachieved the past two seasons I think he is due for a downer. He has below average talent for a starting NFL RB and defenses will load up to stop him, making Frye and his young WRs beat them. Droughns stats with Frye at QB last year were absolutely atrocious. His O-line should be better but the Browns schedule is loaded with tough Ds and/or games where they'll likely be playing catch-up:

Pitt (twice)

Balt (twice)

Cincy (twice)

at Carolina

Denver

at San Diego

at Atlanta

KC

Tampa Bay

The only nice match-ups for Droughns appear to be:

Week 1 New Orleans

Week 4 at Oakland

Week 8 NY Jets

Week 17 Houston (most likely not even a FF game for most)

Pass.

 

[stanmarino13]

Since when did cincy or kc have a stout run defense?

 

[Buckna]

I've been slowly buying low on Droughns in a number of dynasty leagues. His value is quite low right now for a starting RB that should have his job locked up for at least 2-3 more seasons after his extension this off-season. I'm not particularily worried about his off-the-field issues as the information available on them portrays them as having been pretty minor incidents.

I still think the Browns are another season away from a productive offense. Winslow is essentially a rookie TE and no one expects Braylon to factor into much of this season. That being said, I have Droughns running for about 285 carries, 1100 yards and 30 rec's at about 275 yards. I expect TD's to be up around 5 or 6 from last year. A slightly less productive year, as I expect defenses to be playing 8 in the box most of the season. That would still make him about RB 16 based on last years results.

His ADP is RB19 right now, so I see him as slightly undervalued. I've seen him slide a lot more than that in some drafts though. He's definitely not a sexy pick. One thing I am worried about is Frye's play. I think the guy has the talent, but I'm not sure he has the tools this year. If he, Winslow & JJ can't get some semblance of a passing game going, it's going to be a rough year for Droughns and the rest of the Browns.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Since when did cincy or kc have a stout run defense?

but the Browns schedule is loaded with tough Ds and/or games where they'll likely be playing catch-up

Disagree?

 

[John Mamula]

Somebody please explain to me how he is going ahead of Dunn, C. Taylor, Bush and other guys in the 18-25 range. Is it just that he's not very exciting? I don't know, but I cannot bring myself to draft him in any of the mocks I'm doing. I have him projected at 300 carries for 1215 and 5 tds....277 and 1 td rec. Those projections put him above Dunn, C. Taylor, Bush and T. Bell, but every time my pick in the 3rd rd comes up, I take Dunn or Taylor.

Somebody give me some incentive to at least take a look at him in the 3rd. Some guys I just can't get myself to draft.

Is Dunn the better choice?

Droughns is the best choice out of the group.Dunn is on the wrong side of 30 and his receptions and receiving yards have declined over the past 3 years. I see his rushing stats reverting back to 2004 #s that make him the #20 RB in my book, but Droughns I have at 14.

People that are drafting Dunn so early are chasing last year's performance. Don't be one of those people.

Droughns is not a sexy pick. That's OK. He'll outperform Bush, Kevin Jones, Julius Jones, and a bunch of other overhyped RBs in fantasy drafts this year.

 

[stanmarino13]

Well he avg'd approx 80 yards combined in the two games against the Bengals last year, and they have only improved their offense so why wouldnt u expect better numbers this year?

 

[Marc Levin]

I don't doubt Droughns is a much better blocker. He outweighs Suggs by about 20 lbs. That's why he was playing fullback.

As a runner, Suggs is a much better running back, and I also believe Suggs is the better receiver, but we can just agree to disagree.

Behind a real OL, I'll take Suggs > Droughns.

were you involved in last year's thread? If so, you would not make the second assertion above - it is simply wrong, regardless of your belief. And the numbers bear that out - they bore it out last off-season, and they would only be STRONGER numbers for Droughns now. Since joining the Donkeys and the Browns, he has nearly a 75% catch percentage and an 8.8 yards per catch average. You are just straight up wrong on Droughns' receiving talent - he has some of the best hands in the entire league.As far as being a runner, Droughns has proved it behind a great line and behind a poor line - Suggs has proved it behind no line.

You are obviously entitled to your subjective opinion, but I'll take Droughns every time over Lee Sucks. Droughns KNOWS how to play NFL football - he's a football player. Suggs is still merely a semi-talented back learning how to play the NFL game.

Folks who like Suggs over Droughns as a runner simply haven't watched Droughns enough. He aint a "wow" back, but he's a very dependable guy, almost never is tackled for a loss, and KNOWS football - it reminds me of the smack regarding Tony Hollings versus Dom Davis.

Droughns = Davis.

Suggs = Hollings.

Davis is a better receiver than Hollings. Hollings showed flashes of being a better runner than Davis, but couldn't stay healthy enough to ever prove it. There were tons of Hollings supporters while I was touting Davis - there are tons of Lee Sucks supporters while I am touting Droughns

Suggs is never going to win the job over a true football player like Droughns - even when he gets healthy.

 

[Marc Levin]

He has below average talent for a starting NFL RB

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Well he avg'd approx 80 yards combined in the two games against the Bengals last year, and they have only improved their offense so why wouldnt u expect better numbers this year?

Droughns stats in the five games Frye started last year, 2 of these games were against "lesser" defenses (Cincy and Oakland):98 carries

291 yards

3.0 AVG

0 TD

8 receptions

69 yards

0 TD

 

[Marc Levin]

Wouldn't touch Droughns anywhere near where he is being drafted (30 ADP). As much as he has overachieved the past two seasons I think he is due for a downer. He has below average talent for a starting NFL RB and defenses will load up to stop him, making Frye and his young WRs beat them. Droughns stats with Frye at QB last year were absolutely atrocious. His O-line should be better but the Browns schedule is loaded with tough Ds and/or games where they'll likely be playing catch-up:

Pitt (twice)

Balt (twice)

Cincy (twice)

BTW, he averaged 78 total yards per game against the division, which has some ferocious run stoppers.

 

[Richard_Simmons]

You are not alone. I refuse to take Reuben Droughns. No way in hell I take him over Dunn/Taylor in any type of league.

 

[SDJohnny]

PPR league 1/10 he finished as the #14 RB. And Cleveland improved their line. If he is there in the third I would be thrilled.

 

[Marc Levin]

Dunn is on the wrong side of 30 and his receptions and receiving yards have declined over the past 3 years. I see his rushing stats reverting back to 2004 #s that make him the #20 RB in my book, but Droughns I have at 14.

People that are drafting Dunn so early are chasing last year's performance. Don't be one of those people.

means little for a back who was a part time ball carrier before coming to Atlantra.Also, Dunn jhas averaged 12 FPs per game every single year - and he consistently gets it - and the Falcons are committed to Dunn as their primary running back between the 20s.

Unless injured, Dunn gives you 12 FPs per game and will finish with a floor of RB15-20, depending on his TDs.

Droughns' floor is MUCH lower.

Also, Dunn's ceuiling is MUCH MUCH higher - he had only 4 TDs in 2005, yet was the Rb12 - even if his yardage falls off a bit, if his TDs jump back to historical levels, he could finish inthe top-12 for Rbs again - and he is a CONSISTENT FF scorer.

Dunn is both the sexy and intelligent pick - Droughns is the unsexy pick versus the other backs mentioned, but he is the best choice after Dunn.

 

[Marc Levin]

PPR league 1/10 he finished as the #14 RB. And Cleveland improved their line. If he is there in the third I would be thrilled.

and dunn finished higher, right?so dunn's still the pick.

Look, I like Droughns - just not over Dunn. I have met him, hung out with him, watched him play in Denver and followed his career to Cleveland, but for 2006, Dunn is the better FF choice, while Droughns will likely provide spottier FF play.

 

[Buckna]

Pitt (twice)

Balt (twice)

Cincy (twice)

So I take it you shy away from any RB in the AFC North?Edit: Sorry, meant "plays" the AFC North.

 

[SDJohnny]

Dunn finished a little higher, but doesn't Cleveland's improved line bump up Droughns a little. If you added 4-6 TD's he could be top ten.

Do you see Dunn getting more TD's next year?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Wouldn't touch Droughns anywhere near where he is being drafted (30 ADP).  As much as he has overachieved the past two seasons I think he is due for a downer.  He has below average talent for a starting NFL RB and defenses will load up to stop him, making Frye and his young WRs beat them.  Droughns stats with Frye at QB last year were absolutely atrocious.  His O-line should be better but the Browns schedule is loaded with tough Ds and/or games where they'll likely be playing catch-up:

Pitt (twice)

Balt (twice)

Cincy (twice)

BTW, he averaged 78 total yards per game against the division, which has some ferocious run stoppers.

Personally I'd be disappointed with 78 total YPG and .16 TD per game out of a 3rd round pick.

 

[radballs]

Marc,

I hear you but you're not really selling me on Droughns. At least you are admitting that you prefer Dunn to him, but I feel like a few others here are not really sold on him. Granted my focus is mostly in ppr leagues, but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben even though Droughns might be the safer play. We need some camp and preseason games to start helping all of us here. At this point of the year, I'm leaning toward guys with a bit more upside factoring in ADP and the appropriate scoring rules.

 

[Marc Levin]

Dunn finished a little higher, but doesn't Cleveland's improved line bump up Droughns a little. If you added 4-6 TD's he could be top ten.

Do you see Dunn getting more TD's next year?

more than 4? Yes.A year before he had 11 TDs and finished LOWER (as the RB15).

I don't think Droughns will significantly outperform his RB 19 ranking - but I could see Dunn as a top-12 RB again this year. Dunn is beginning to remind me of Tiki Barber from a few years ago - always vastly underrated and drafted in the third or fourth round, and always finishing as a top-15 RB.

 

[Marc Levin]

but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben

I'd like to see an argument for that one.Everything I've read out of camp sounds HORRIBLE for Chester Taylor - just b/c he's on the Vikes and was signed to a big contract doesn't mean he doesn't face a RBBC in Minn - Fason and MMoore will eat into his production - big time.

her's a HUGE risk with, IMO, only a twinge more upside.

To be honest, I would probably give in to my heart of hearts and take Reggie Bush over Droughns, but after Dunn.

Only because I am a happily admitted Bush crotch sniffer. Take that any way you want.

 

[MLBrandow]

but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben

I'd like to see an argument for that one.Everything I've read out of camp sounds HORRIBLE for Chester Taylor - just b/c he's on the Vikes and was signed to a big contract doesn't mean he doesn't face a RBBC in Minn - Fason and MMoore will eat into his production - big time.

her's a HUGE risk with, IMO, only a twinge more upside.

Despite out disagreements on Droughns, I'd still take him in a Droughns/Suggs split over CTaylor.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

He has below average talent for a starting NFL RB

The first 20 RBs that came to mind, guys that I'd prefer to have on my NFL team before Reuben Droughns. I'm sure there are plenty more.1- Tomlinson

2- Larry Johnson

3- Edgerrin James

4- Shaun Alexander

5- Tiki Barber

6- Clinton Portis

7- Steven Jackson

8- Rudi Johnson

9- Willis McGahee

10- Jamal Lewis

11- Cadillac Williams

12- Ronnie Brown

13- Brian Westbrook

14- Deuce McAllister

15- Reggie Bush

16- Corey Dillon

17- Warrick Dunn

18- Lamont Jordan

19- Kevin Jones

20- Thomas Jones

 

[Marc Levin]

but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben

I'd like to see an argument for that one.Everything I've read out of camp sounds HORRIBLE for Chester Taylor - just b/c he's on the Vikes and was signed to a big contract doesn't mean he doesn't face a RBBC in Minn - Fason and MMoore will eat into his production - big time.

her's a HUGE risk with, IMO, only a twinge more upside.

Despite out disagreements on Droughns, I'd still take him in a Droughns/Suggs split over CTaylor.

I give and then I take back since I am admitting I would probably take Bush over Droughns if given the chance - the chance of hitting a big home-run every time Bush touches the ball outweighs the slight, conservative DVBD/VBD/ATV/IRS/LSD/whatever of Droughns over Bush.

 

[MLBrandow]

I give and then I take back since I am admitting I would probably take Bush over Droughns if given the chance - the chance of hitting a big home-run every time Bush touches the ball outweighs the slight, conservative DVBD/VBD/ATV/IRS/LSD/whatever of Droughns over Bush.

I agree completely.... I see Bush possibly cracking 1000, but I also see him double digit TDs, and if Deuce's knee acts up some, I see those numbers going up even more.To me, drafting the guy with a similar stat line who's looking at a floor of about 1000/10 versus a RB who has a ceiling of 1200/7 would have me taking Bush.

That said, at said ADPs, Deuce, Green, White, DWill, CMart are all on the board and will outproduce or match both, so I just proceed to pick another WR .

 

[Buckna]

Marc,

I hear you but you're not really selling me on Droughns. At least you are admitting that you prefer Dunn to him, but I feel like a few others here are not really sold on him. Granted my focus is mostly in ppr leagues, but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben even though Droughns might be the safer play. We need some camp and preseason games to start helping all of us here. At this point of the year, I'm leaning toward guys with a bit more upside factoring in ADP and the appropriate scoring rules.

In a redraft, if I was picking early to mid, I would probably avoid Droughns myself. There's better value in top WR's and waiting to see what RB's slide in my opinion. Now, if I'm picking towards the tail end of a draft, Droughns is a great option. His ADP is 3.6 in a 12 team league right now. There's a very good chance he slides to you at the end of the 3rd or even the beginning of the 4th meaning he could be either your RB2 or 3 depending on how you draft. I'm expecting some rookie RB reaches this year, like Bush, White and possibly Williams allowing some veteran options to slide.This observation may create a firestorm against me, but in my experience, nearly every draft I've ever done only loosely follows ADP. It's a good tool, but guys slide and get reached on all the time hurting its effectiveness. I try to let the value come to me. Droughns is a very unsexy pick, so I expect to see him slide to a point where he becomes good value.

 

[radballs]

but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben

I'd like to see an argument for that one.Everything I've read out of camp sounds HORRIBLE for Chester Taylor - just b/c he's on the Vikes and was signed to a big contract doesn't mean he doesn't face a RBBC in Minn - Fason and MMoore will eat into his production - big time.

her's a HUGE risk with, IMO, only a twinge more upside.

To be honest, I would probably give in to my heart of hearts and take Reggie Bush over Droughns, but after Dunn.

Only because I am a happily admitted Bush crotch sniffer. Take that any way you want.

Well, Chester has the potential to be this year's Lamont Jordan (lite). I'm just making the point that in ppr leagues I might want to target certain RBs that have much more upside than RD. I personally don't want to have to make that decision in September in Vegas. I'm hoping to go with two WRs with my second and third round picks. As long as the top 8 are still there imo. Chambers is the beginning of a huge dropoff from the first set.

 

[Marc Levin]

To me, drafting the guy with a similar stat line who's looking at a floor of about 1000/10

??Bush has a floor of 600 total yards and 4 TDs. He might not see the end zone much. He has a floor WELL BELOW Droughns' floor.

He has a significantly higher CEILING, however.

 

[Marc Levin]

but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben

I'd like to see an argument for that one.Everything I've read out of camp sounds HORRIBLE for Chester Taylor - just b/c he's on the Vikes and was signed to a big contract doesn't mean he doesn't face a RBBC in Minn - Fason and MMoore will eat into his production - big time.

her's a HUGE risk with, IMO, only a twinge more upside.

To be honest, I would probably give in to my heart of hearts and take Reggie Bush over Droughns, but after Dunn.

Only because I am a happily admitted Bush crotch sniffer. Take that any way you want.

Well, Chester has the potential to be this year's Lamont Jordan (lite). I'm just making the point that in ppr leagues I might want to target certain RBs that have much more upside than RD.

Double ????I don't see it - I can say Droughns has the potential to be this year's Stephen Alexander but that does not make it true- what's the analogy?

Taylor is outta shape. Droughns is a better receiver. Droughns has almost nbo competition for the starting role. Taylor has two guys battling for time - with one of them (Moore) the significantly greater threat to steal receptions.

You are losing me, radballs.

 

[radballs]

but I'd rather take a chance on Chester than Reuben

I'd like to see an argument for that one.Everything I've read out of camp sounds HORRIBLE for Chester Taylor - just b/c he's on the Vikes and was signed to a big contract doesn't mean he doesn't face a RBBC in Minn - Fason and MMoore will eat into his production - big time.

her's a HUGE risk with, IMO, only a twinge more upside.

To be honest, I would probably give in to my heart of hearts and take Reggie Bush over Droughns, but after Dunn.

Only because I am a happily admitted Bush crotch sniffer. Take that any way you want.

Well, Chester has the potential to be this year's Lamont Jordan (lite). I'm just making the point that in ppr leagues I might want to target certain RBs that have much more upside than RD.

Double ????I don't see it - I can say Droughns has the potential to be this year's Stephen Alexander but that does not make it true- what's the analogy?

Taylor is outta shape. Droughns is a better receiver. Droughns has almost nbo competition for the starting role. Taylor has two guys battling for time - with one of them (Moore) the significantly greater threat to steal receptions.

You are losing me, radballs.

Maybe I'm losing myself. I just got back from the bar. Or at least the one where I serve drinks to myself in my own kitchen. My general point is that Droughns is a nice, safe bet but I don't see him getting as many receptions as he has in the past even though he should have a large increase in TDs. I'm obviously not as concerned as you are about Chester not weighing in at the presumed weight. Taylor could be a workhorse for the Vikes, but maybe I'd rather go with RD in non ppr leagues. In ppr leagues, I'll take C. Taylor over guys like Droughns and Dunn right now. This might change in three weeks.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Reasons to take Reuben Droughns:



Production:

1. 1600 all-purpose yards last season

2. He had 39 catches, pretty high for a RB (I believe tied for 10th in RBs, even higher for starters once you take out the Perrys and Faulks)

3. 4.0 YPC

4. 9.5 YPR

5. Good hands - caught over 2/3rds of his targets



Durability:

Some say that the key to being a top RB is staying healthy. OK, how about this:

1. He has missed zero games in two years

2. He missed 3 in the two prior years

3. Low miles - fewer than 750 career touches, yet he can produce 300+ carry seasons



Team:

1. He IS the running game for the Browns

2. The Browns improved their O-line and also their skill positions (KW2, Joe Jur), and Frye has a full year under his belt

3. There is no one pushing him for the job. Suggs? Green? Harrison? Doubtful.

The only reason to say that Rube isn't a Top 10 RB is because of the TD issue. In fact, to look at it the other way, Rube is the only RB in the Top 10, 20 or 30 with under three TDs last year. Can he NOT get TDs? Of course not - last year the Browns were terrible and the defenses stuffed the run. Droughns could not get in to score. This year, the Browns should be more balanced on offense and that should open up lanes for Rube.

Rube scored 8 TDs in Denver in 2004, so he knows how to put up points. Give Rube 7-8 TDs like in 2004 and he would have been the #9 RB last year.

 

[Marc Levin]

In ppr leagues, I'll take C. Taylor over guys like Droughns and Dunn right now. This might change in three weeks.

But what about Taylor's career 7.something YPC versus Mewelde Moore's 80% completion percentage and 9.2 YPC.Taylor might be the workhorse for the Vikes, but I see Moore pigeonholed as their receiving back.

I really worry about Taylor's touches - especiallyif he fails to impress in the preseason and in the first few games.

Since Droughns really has no competition, I like his chances to be an 1100-1200 rush yard, 300-400 receiving yard, better than Taylor's chances at 1500 total yards.

 

[radballs]

In ppr leagues, I'll take C. Taylor over guys like Droughns and Dunn right now. This might change in three weeks.

But what about Taylor's career 7.something YPC versus Mewelde Moore's 80% completion percentage and 9.2 YPC.Taylor might be the workhorse for the Vikes, but I see Moore pigeonholed as their receiving back.

I really worry about Taylor's touches - especiallyif he fails to impress in the preseason and in the first few games.

Since Droughns really has no competition, I like his chances to be an 1100-1200 rush yard, 300-400 receiving yard, better than Taylor's chances at 1500 total yards.

I'm not disagreeing necessarily with the way you are viewing the Minny running game. I also don't disagree with your assertion that Droughns is a safe play right now. What I'd like to know is why you feel that Chester is so much more of an injury concern compared to Droughns. Maybe I'm stretching that inference a bit but I think Taylor has a great opportunity for a huge ppr performance this year.

 

[Borat]

Droughns doesn't impress me much, nor does the Browns offense. I wouldn't be comfortable with Droughns any higher than my third RB.

 

[Leroy's Aces]

Part of the problem I see with Drougns is the general lack of punch in Cleveland's offense every single year. COuld this year be different? Yes. Will it be different? Probably not much. Frye is a below average QB, their WRs are fair, Winslow is a ? mark, and they have a tough schedule within their division.

It happens every year, you are sitting there watching a Browns/Steelers game and the final score ends up 9-7, and you have a guy like Droughns playing. Your opponent has 3 Rams, 2 Colts and 2 Chiefs playing in 35-28 games all weekend. It sucks to have to watch Droughns grind out his 12 points.

Chester Taylor has been a stud in limited duty in Baltimore, and 7 teams (7!) were knocking on his door when he became a free agent. Also, he got paid big bucks (feature back money) to sign in Minny. I think people are assuming a similar split in RB duties in Minny, when Tice (the idiot) is no longer there. Childress will not use guys like Moore on 3rd downs when Taylor is such a great receiving back. WIth Hutchinson on board, Taylor could surprise playing on the turf in Minny.

Dunn does not get goalline, and his receptions have fallen pretty drastically. So, while he consistantly does pretty well, he consistantly does not do "really" well, as in top 5-7 numbers, and he has almost no chance to be a Tiki Barber that gets 2000+ yards in 2006. Vick steals TDs, and cannot throw a 5 yards dumpoff without considering running first. Plus, their schedule is really tough if I remember correctly.

We need to see Bush play and get signed prior to slotting him in any draft. He could still go anywhere from the 2.04 to the 4.12 depending on preseason, Deuce, his contract and other factors.

There is a reason all of these running backs are there in the late 3rd round. Too many question marks. But there are not too many question marks with: Antonio Gates, Reggie Wayne, Roy Williams or Chambers in comparision. You can take one of them and be done with it.

Dave

Leroy's Aces

 

[Musesboy]

There are a few things to worry about if you take Droughns. The Browns have an inexperienced QB. If that wasn't bad enough, there is no veteran behind him. Jurevicius is totally new to the team and Winslow isn't far behind. It's a tough division and they will probably struggle to win four or five games all year. I don't like spending high picks on players that play on such a weak offense. Droughns was the guy last year but there is no guarantee he will be the guy all year this time around, although I agree that it is likely. I would take a lot of RBs before Droughns, and quite a few players at other positions.

 

[Biabreakable]

I don't see any reason to shy away from Rueben as idealy a Rb 3 but he should be servicable and somewhat consistent as a Rb 2 because even if the running game gets shut down he will contribute with receptions.

The Browns have improved thier OLine from last year so there is reason to think that Rueben will put up better numbers especialy TDs because of this.

I like him better than Dunn the Joneses Jamal Lewis and Willie Parker. Like Radballs though I like Taylors upside more than I like Rueben. Rueben is a solid safe player to take though imo. He just has limited upside.

I have been hearing many people say they plan to take Wrs in rounds 2 and 3 over Rbs this year. I can see the reasoning behind doing that. However if I am sitting there late in the 2nd round or the 3rd round and the elite Wrs are gone by then Rueben is one of the middle group Rbs I would not hesitate to take. He will out produce those Wrs in yardage and only needs some slight improvement to match or better thier TDs.

In a points for receptions league I like Rueben even more because the catches will make up for lack of TD production compared to Rbs that do not catch the ball much.

 

[Mr. Pink]

I see essentially the same issues besetting this offense as I did last year. Potentially inconsistent QB play to go along with WRs that are average at best.

The difference in this year's offense is the improvements to what was a pretty shoddy O-line. Despite these issues, Droughns amassed 1,600 yards of total offense and finished at RB16. Yards are usually much easier to predict than TDs. Having said that, it's not much of a stretch to predict that Droughns improves on his 2 TDs while at the very least, repeating, coming reasonably close to, or even surpassing his total yardage output of a year ago.

If you believe that, than Droughns is a solid RB2 and one that I will be happy to take in the middle third round to go along with a Tiki and a TO/CJ.