Earnest Graham (1 Viewer)

[Bender]

He's 27, he'll be 28 by the 2008 season.

Yet he doesn't have a lot of mileage on the tires, so he plays a little bit younger than his age.

He looks like a stronger runner, and has shown some pass catching ability out of the backfield.

The Tampa backfield is crowded with everyone healthy, but Cadillac is a now a big injury risk and a potential bust if he loses some of his speed to this knee injury, and Pittman and Bennett can't be counted on as more than 3rd down backs at this point.

Is this Ernie's job to win for the foreseeable future over the next few weeks, or are we looking at a situation where Tampa is almost a lock to either look through the draft or free agency for another RB to take that job.

Or I'm missing something completely and it's still Cadillac's job when he comes back?

 

[EBF]

Trade him while you can.

Mediocrity is death in the NFL.

 

[EdwardCat]

He's 27, he'll be 28 by the 2008 season. Yet he doesn't have a lot of mileage on the tires, so he plays a little bit younger than his age. He looks like a stronger runner, and has shown some pass catching ability out of the backfield. The Tampa backfield is crowded with everyone healthy, but Cadillac is a now a big injury risk and a potential bust if he loses some of his speed to this knee injury, and Pittman and Bennett can't be counted on as more than 3rd down backs at this point. Is this Ernie's job to win for the foreseeable future over the next few weeks, or are we looking at a situation where Tampa is almost a lock to either look through the draft or free agency for another RB to take that job. Or I'm missing something completely and it's still Cadillac's job when he comes back?

According to some, Graham won't even keep the job once Pittmann comes back. Apparently, Graham isn't a very good back. That makes a lot of sense since he had nearly 200 total yards 2 weeks ago, around a 100 last week and 135 this week. He's clearly ineffective.

 

[Bender]

According to some, Graham won't even keep the job once Pittmann comes back. Apparently, Graham isn't a very good back. That makes a lot of sense since he had nearly 200 total yards 2 weeks ago, around a 100 last week and 135 this week. He's clearly ineffective.

Well, that would be your standard "I have to support my guy" post....people clinging to Pittman for this season are probably going to be sorely disappointed. I really can't see anyone on their current roster supplanting Graham next season...the question is whether he's showing enough where Gruden will give him the reigns next season. As of now, I'd kind of think yes. He doesn't really have ball control problems, and he's versatile out of the backfield. Maybe you bring in a solid 3rd down back as insurance next season, but unless he regresses towards the end of this season, I'd say he looks like a fixture, at least going into next season. Although, I'm not sure, which is why I throw the question out there.

 

[AllVolUT]

According to some, Graham won't even keep the job once Pittmann comes back. Apparently, Graham isn't a very good back. That makes a lot of sense since he had nearly 200 total yards 2 weeks ago, around a 100 last week and 135 this week. He's clearly ineffective.

Well, that would be your standard "I have to support my guy" post....people clinging to Pittman for this season are probably going to be sorely disappointed. I really can't see anyone on their current roster supplanting Graham next season...the question is whether he's showing enough where Gruden will give him the reigns next season. As of now, I'd kind of think yes. He doesn't really have ball control problems, and he's versatile out of the backfield. Maybe you bring in a solid 3rd down back as insurance next season, but unless he regresses towards the end of this season, I'd say he looks like a fixture, at least going into next season. Although, I'm not sure, which is why I throw the question out there.

Not a 100% sure, but I believe I sensed a hint of sarcasm in the initial reply.

 

[One]

As long as he is the starter for fantasy playoffs ...I'm a happy man

@HOU, ATL, @SF

 

[Bender]

According to some, Graham won't even keep the job once Pittmann comes back. Apparently, Graham isn't a very good back. That makes a lot of sense since he had nearly 200 total yards 2 weeks ago, around a 100 last week and 135 this week. He's clearly ineffective.

Well, that would be your standard "I have to support my guy" post....people clinging to Pittman for this season are probably going to be sorely disappointed. I really can't see anyone on their current roster supplanting Graham next season...the question is whether he's showing enough where Gruden will give him the reigns next season. As of now, I'd kind of think yes. He doesn't really have ball control problems, and he's versatile out of the backfield. Maybe you bring in a solid 3rd down back as insurance next season, but unless he regresses towards the end of this season, I'd say he looks like a fixture, at least going into next season. Although, I'm not sure, which is why I throw the question out there.

Not a 100% sure, but I believe I sensed a hint of sarcasm in the initial reply.

Oh, I got it...I was hijacking the comment to get back to my original question, though. EDIT: Guess I didn't get it...

 

[joffer]

the guy runs really hard, nice receiver too.

 

[EBF]

According to some, Graham won't even keep the job once Pittmann comes back. Apparently, Graham isn't a very good back. That makes a lot of sense since he had nearly 200 total yards 2 weeks ago, around a 100 last week and 135 this week. He's clearly ineffective.

Well, that would be your standard "I have to support my guy" post....people clinging to Pittman for this season are probably going to be sorely disappointed. I really can't see anyone on their current roster supplanting Graham next season...the question is whether he's showing enough where Gruden will give him the reigns next season. As of now, I'd kind of think yes. He doesn't really have ball control problems, and he's versatile out of the backfield. Maybe you bring in a solid 3rd down back as insurance next season, but unless he regresses towards the end of this season, I'd say he looks like a fixture, at least going into next season. Although, I'm not sure, which is why I throw the question out there.

Not a 100% sure, but I believe I sensed a hint of sarcasm in the initial reply.

Actually, I was being honest.It takes an incredible talent to hold down a starting RB job in the NFL. The guys who are anything less than great simply don't last. That's why I'd advocate dumping Graham if you don't need him and you can find a buyer. He's a decent player, but I've seen no signs to indicate that he has the kind of talent needed to become a long-term starter in the league.

 

[Capella]

Who knows what they do this off-season, but he has been impressive. Doesn't really have the ability to break the big play, but that's a bit overrated anyways. Great between the tackles, runs hard, runs through guys...he looks good.

Caddy won't be ready for the beginning of next year anyways. I think there's around a 50-60% shot Graham is the guy next year.

 

[Cabby]

Ok, so do you guys think Graham will lose his starting job once Pittman returns? I personally don't think he will. Just asking because the trade deadline is approaching soon and I am wondering if I should try to deal him. TB has a good schedule down the stretch and I hope he is still starting.

 

[Bender]

Ok, so do you guys think Graham will lose his starting job once Pittman returns? I personally don't think he will. Just asking because the trade deadline is approaching soon and I am wondering if I should try to deal him. TB has a good schedule down the stretch and I hope he is still starting.

Not likely...Pittman should get some touches, but Graham's value for the rest of the season should be secure unless he gets hurt.

 

[packersfan]

I don't see any way he loses his starting job when Pittman returns. Graham has done everything asked of him and it would be shocking if Gruden replaced him. That said, I do think Pittman resumes his role as the third-down, receiving RB. He excels in that role and it would be foolish of Gruden not to utilize Pittman there if he's healthy. But I think Graham has earned the right to get 15-20 carries a game with Pittman spelling him and being the third-down RB. As a former Graham owner, I've been very impressed with him. And to the current Graham owners you can thank me for trading him as part of a trade to get Harrison this week. That guaranteed Graham would go off. So you're welcome.

 

[Picklepete]

Ok, so do you guys think Graham will lose his starting job once Pittman returns? I personally don't think he will. Just asking because the trade deadline is approaching soon and I am wondering if I should try to deal him. TB has a good schedule down the stretch and I hope he is still starting.

Where you been ? !!Trade deadline was weeks ago..or do you mean YOUR league deadline ?

 

[Cabby]

Ok, so do you guys think Graham will lose his starting job once Pittman returns? I personally don't think he will. Just asking because the trade deadline is approaching soon and I am wondering if I should try to deal him. TB has a good schedule down the stretch and I hope he is still starting.

Where you been ? !!Trade deadline was weeks ago..or do you mean YOUR league deadline ?

Sorry, I didn't clarify but I meant my fantasy league trade deadline

 

[TheFanatic]

Ok, so do you guys think Graham will lose his starting job once Pittman returns? I personally don't think he will. Just asking because the trade deadline is approaching soon and I am wondering if I should try to deal him. TB has a good schedule down the stretch and I hope he is still starting.

I don't think he loses the job to Pittman and I do think he will be the opening day starter in Tampa. But I don't think he finishes the season as the starter. It will take Caddy a year to get healthy. The injury happened during the season so I doubt he sees the field till maybe mid season next year. Graham has some value for this year and part of next year but that's about it....

 

[az_prof]

Right now I don't see him losing his job to Pittman this year, but next year, well, let's just say there is a lot of football between now and then. At a minimum, I would expect that they draft someone to come in an compete. He won't be handed the job. Then there is the eventual return of Caddy at some point next year. In dynasty I would trade him now when his value is high; in redraft, play him to the bitter end.

 

[Tanner9919]

After the way he looked on Sunday, he's TB's starting RB from here on out,the remainder of 2007, and will probably be the opening day start in 2008!

He's looking like the real deal !

 

[Towlie]

Not impossible but less than 10%.

 

[Calvitron Johnson]

Trade him while you can. Mediocrity is death in the NFL.

Except at the QB position where you can be assured that you will pick up that weekly paycheck. Garrard, Jackson, Carr, Losman, Culpepper, Smith, McNair/Boller, Lemon (unreal), etc.It just gets worse every year.

 

[Andrew]

I would guess that the most likely scenario for next year is some sort of a RBBC between Graham and Pittman, with Graham getting most of the short yardage work and Pittman getting most of the 3rd down work. Graham is a pretty good receiver and blocker (13 catches a couple of weeks ago and he has been a fullback in previous years as well) but Pittman is great in his route-running, hands, and pass protection.

Things can certainly change, though. If he lights it up through the end of the season, Graham could certainly take hold of the feature back spot. I don't think there is much likelihood that Pittman or Bennett take over a featured role. As for Cadillac, I can't see him being healthy early enough to prove that he deserves the full load.

We know Gruden is not afraid to bring in free agents, though. Look at Garcia this year, with Caddy playing the role of Chris Simms and Graham playing the role of Bruce Gradkowski. (Okay, a bit of a stretch with that analogy, but I think you see my point.)

Rough percentages off the top of my head...

5% - Graham goes nuts and is featured 3-down back + goalline work next year

5% - Graham does really well and gets most of the carries, all the goalline work, and half of the 3rd down work

40% - Roughly equal split (maybe 60/40) between Graham and Pittman

30% - 3 way monster between Graham, Cadillac, and Pittman

20% - Free agent or 1st day draft pick brought in to win the job