Kevin Smith audibles - he's turning pro (1 Viewer)

[Knightro]

dammit

 

[EBF]

Smart moves as there's no way he would have improved his stock at all with another year in college. I don't think he's a first round talent, but he'll be in that 2nd-3rd round mix on draft day.

 

[[scooter]]

Will Jason Mewes be far behind?

 

[FavreCo]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.

Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

 

[awesomeness]

There seems to be a lot of RBs in the 2nd-3rd round mix. This upcoming draft is gonna be exciting

 

[EBF]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.But...Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett? I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL. In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

 

[gman8343]

Will Jason Mewes be far behind?

Thank you sir.

 

[nxmehta]

Will Jason Mewes be far behind?

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.But...Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett? I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL. In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

3-5 is a pretty lowball estimate. even the 2005 crop, which has yet to really shine, has produced 5 viable starting runningbacks. I daresay this class is deeper.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Will Jason Mewes be far behind?

What's the over/under on whether he'd pass Whizz-inator test?

 

[Brewzers]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.But...Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett? I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL. In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

Its interesting when you look at the various team RB situations, there are probably 7-10 RB jobs that will/should be open. I said it before, but this looks like a year when talent is going to meet opportunity.

 

[awesomeness]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.But...Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett? I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL. In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

Its interesting when you look at the various team RB situations, there are probably 7-10 RB jobs that will/should be open. I said it before, but this looks like a year when talent is going to meet opportunity.

the same can be said about my FF team

 

[broncofan13000]

wow, this draft is going to be stacked with rb's

 

[Incogneto]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

I was just thinking that as a Seahawk fan, I would love an O-Lineman in the 1st round, and K. Smith in the 2nd round.

 

[EBF]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.

Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.

There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.

But...

Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett?

I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL.

In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

3-5 is a pretty lowball estimate. even the 2005 crop, which has yet to really shine, has produced 5 viable starting runningbacks. I daresay this class is deeper.

Go back and look at some of the past draft classes and the prominent long-term RB starters that those classes produced:2003

Larry Johnson

Willis McGahee

Domanick Davis

2002

Clinton Portis

Deshaun Foster

Brian Westbrook

2001

LaDainian Tomlinson

Michael Bennett

Deuce McAllister

Anthony Thomas

LaMont Jordan

Travis Henry

Kevan Barlow

Rudi Johnson

2000

Jamal Lewis

Thomas Jones

Shaun Alexander

Mike Anderson

1999

Edgerrin James

Ricky Williams

1998

Fred Taylor

Ahman Green

I've been somewhat generous here including guys like Michael Bennett, A-Train, Mike Anderson, and Kevan Barlow since they showed enough flashes of talent to be valuable at one time in their career. But realistically, even the anomalous 2001 crop really only produced four guys with multiple 1,000 yard rushing seasons (Tomlinson, McAllister, Henry, Rudi).

It seems like the average NFL draft class produces 2-4 RBs with the talent to last as long-term starters in the league. It's important to keep this in mind when evaluating this year's rookies. Most of the guys in this "deep" class of talent just aren't good enough to last at the next level. And while I do think there are some intriguing 2nd-4th round guys this year, I'm not ready to buy the argument that this is going to be some monster class that will take over the league. In all likelihood, this crop will align with historical trends and there will only be 3-5 RBs worth owning when the dust settles.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.

Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.

There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.

But...

Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett?

I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL.

In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

3-5 is a pretty lowball estimate. even the 2005 crop, which has yet to really shine, has produced 5 viable starting runningbacks. I daresay this class is deeper.

Go back and look at some of the past draft classes and the prominent long-term RB starters that those classes produced:2003

Larry Johnson

Willis McGahee

Domanick Davis

2002

Clinton Portis

Deshaun Foster

Brian Westbrook

2001

LaDainian Tomlinson

Michael Bennett

Deuce McAllister

Anthony Thomas

LaMont Jordan

Travis Henry

Kevan Barlow

Rudi Johnson

2000

Jamal Lewis

Thomas Jones

Shaun Alexander

Mike Anderson

1999

Edgerrin James

Ricky Williams

1998

Fred Taylor

Ahman Green

I've been somewhat generous here including guys like Michael Bennett, A-Train, Mike Anderson, and Kevan Barlow since they showed enough flashes of talent to be valuable at one time in their career. But realistically, even the anomalous 2001 crop really only produced four guys with multiple 1,000 yard rushing seasons (Tomlinson, McAllister, Henry, Rudi).

It seems like the average NFL draft class produces 2-4 RBs with the talent to last as long-term starters in the league. It's important to keep this in mind when evaluating this year's rookies. Most of the guys in this "deep" class of talent just aren't good enough to last at the next level. And while I do think there are some intriguing 2nd-4th round guys this year, I'm not ready to buy the argument that this is going to be some monster class that will take over the league. In all likelihood, this crop will align with historical trends and there will only be 3-5 RBs worth owning when the dust settles.

I'll buy that. But i guess its a tale of different years. 2006's draft class already has some signficant stats to show for.

Reggie Bush--> 1000 rush+recieve (in both seasons)

Maroney--> 950 rush+recieve (and counting)

Addai--> 1400 rush+recieve (in both seasons)

MJD--> 1000 rush+recieve (in both seasons)

Lendale White--> 1200 rush+recieve (this year)

Thats 5 1000+ gainers, and 3 of them have repeated. Not to mention those on the cusp--> Norwood, Washington, Deangelo, etc.

I'm just saying a monster class is within the realm of possibility. Not saying that this class is more or less talented. But we're seeing results from this class as early as their sophmore campaign.

 

[coolnerd]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.But...Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett? I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL. In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

Its interesting when you look at the various team RB situations, there are probably 7-10 RB jobs that will/should be open. I said it before, but this looks like a year when talent is going to meet opportunity.

This is the part the generally falls apart, especaily when you look at the short term job opportunity. First, some of these teams are going to resolve the issue in FA or trade before the draft. Not everyone trusts that the draft will fall the way that they would like or that the rookie will come in a be of immediate impact. 2nd, there is a notable histroy of teams who don't need a running back drafting one. These guys can turn into Shaun Alexander or Duece Mcallister, but just as often turn into Ladell Betts or Mo Morris, career back-ups. 3rd, even the teams that need a RB, may get to a situation in the draft where a decision has to be made between the RB who will be perfect for our fantasy team or the OLT, CB or pass rushing DE that will be a better fit for their real NFL teams. 4th, some teams we think need RBs, don't think that they need one. The organization maybe wrong, but we are slaves to the guys who are decison-makers. 5th, one or two the guys, we currently think are good prospects, the pros are not as high on as their reputation would lead you to believe. There might be 8-10 Rbs taken in the first 3rd rounds, but those guys won't fall neatly into our need/opportunity matrix. I would guess that between 3-5 of the RBs are drafted will end up in less than ideal situations.

 

[EBF]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.

Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.

There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.

But...

Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett?

I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL.

In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

3-5 is a pretty lowball estimate. even the 2005 crop, which has yet to really shine, has produced 5 viable starting runningbacks. I daresay this class is deeper.

Go back and look at some of the past draft classes and the prominent long-term RB starters that those classes produced:2003

Larry Johnson

Willis McGahee

Domanick Davis

2002

Clinton Portis

Deshaun Foster

Brian Westbrook

2001

LaDainian Tomlinson

Michael Bennett

Deuce McAllister

Anthony Thomas

LaMont Jordan

Travis Henry

Kevan Barlow

Rudi Johnson

2000

Jamal Lewis

Thomas Jones

Shaun Alexander

Mike Anderson

1999

Edgerrin James

Ricky Williams

1998

Fred Taylor

Ahman Green

I've been somewhat generous here including guys like Michael Bennett, A-Train, Mike Anderson, and Kevan Barlow since they showed enough flashes of talent to be valuable at one time in their career. But realistically, even the anomalous 2001 crop really only produced four guys with multiple 1,000 yard rushing seasons (Tomlinson, McAllister, Henry, Rudi).

It seems like the average NFL draft class produces 2-4 RBs with the talent to last as long-term starters in the league. It's important to keep this in mind when evaluating this year's rookies. Most of the guys in this "deep" class of talent just aren't good enough to last at the next level. And while I do think there are some intriguing 2nd-4th round guys this year, I'm not ready to buy the argument that this is going to be some monster class that will take over the league. In all likelihood, this crop will align with historical trends and there will only be 3-5 RBs worth owning when the dust settles.

I'll buy that. But i guess its a tale of different years. 2006's draft class already has some signficant stats to show for.

Reggie Bush--> 1000 rush+recieve (in both seasons)

Maroney--> 950 rush+recieve (and counting)

Addai--> 1400 rush+recieve (in both seasons)

MJD--> 1000 rush+recieve (in both seasons)

Lendale White--> 1200 rush+recieve (this year)

Thats 5 1000+ gainers, and 3 of them have repeated. Not to mention those on the cusp--> Norwood, Washington, Deangelo, etc.

I'm just saying a monster class is within the realm of possibility. Not saying that this class is more or less talented. But we're seeing results from this class as early as their sophmore campaign.

The 2006 group looks like a pretty good one. Even so, you currently only have 5 guys with significant value. That fits pretty nicely into my 3-5 statement.

The depth in the 2008 class just isn't as studly as some are making it out to be. Most of the round 2-4 guys have serious warts and will fail to become impact runners in the NFL.

 

[EBF]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.But...Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett? I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL. In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

Its interesting when you look at the various team RB situations, there are probably 7-10 RB jobs that will/should be open. I said it before, but this looks like a year when talent is going to meet opportunity.

This is the part the generally falls apart, especaily when you look at the short term job opportunity. First, some of these teams are going to resolve the issue in FA or trade before the draft. Not everyone trusts that the draft will fall the way that they would like or that the rookie will come in a be of immediate impact. 2nd, there is a notable histroy of teams who don't need a running back drafting one. These guys can turn into Shaun Alexander or Duece Mcallister, but just as often turn into Ladell Betts or Mo Morris, career back-ups. 3rd, even the teams that need a RB, may get to a situation in the draft where a decision has to be made between the RB who will be perfect for our fantasy team or the OLT, CB or pass rushing DE that will be a better fit for their real NFL teams. 4th, some teams we think need RBs, don't think that they need one. The organization maybe wrong, but we are slaves to the guys who are decison-makers. 5th, one or two the guys, we currently think are good prospects, the pros are not as high on as their reputation would lead you to believe. There might be 8-10 Rbs taken in the first 3rd rounds, but those guys won't fall neatly into our need/opportunity matrix. I would guess that between 3-5 of the RBs are drafted will end up in less than ideal situations.

Yep. Recent history says there's a good chance that at least one of the 1st round backs will be drafted behind a veteran starter. It happened with McAllister, LJ, McGahee, Perry, Jackson, and DeAngelo. When you get into that 20-32 range on draft day, a lot of teams draft best player available. That player is often a running back. So things could get a little dicey for someone like Rashard Mendenhall if he goes to a team like the Chargers. And as you mentioned, some of the open spots are going to be filled by guys like Michael Turner. Then there are the second tier free agents like Musa Smith, Justin Fargas, and Mewelde Moore. Those guys don't excite a lot of FF owners, but they were each pretty early draft picks in their own right and are capable of fighting off a challenge from someone like James Davis or Tashard Choice. When opening day comes around there will probably only be 3 or 4 rookie RBs with a legitimate shot at 1,000 yards in their first season.

 

[brobe4]

Well if 4 rookie rbs get a 1000 yds rushing this has been a pretty good class. Its very possible that 7 of these rbs could be starting by 2010 and putting up pretty good fantasy numbers.

 

[trader jake]

Well if 4 rookie rbs get a 1000 yds rushing this has been a pretty good class. Its very possible that 7 of these rbs could be starting by 2010 and putting up pretty good fantasy numbers.

Probably not. Seven starters putting up "pretty good fantasy numbers" would definitely be a statistical anomaly.

 

[Jersey35]

I could have sworn the sign said "Men's Room" when I walked in... I feel like I'm in the wrong thread...



Looking forward to more info on Kevin Smith!

 

[switz]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.

Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.

There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.

But...

Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett?

I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL.

In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

Yes, they are better. Maybe not starting caliber, but better backups than those guys.

 

[jonboltz]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.

Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.

There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.

But...

Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett?

I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL.

In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

Yes, they are better. Maybe not starting caliber, but better backups than those guys.

Fargas had over 1k this year at a 4.5 clip. Bennett has been to a pro-bowl. I'd be suprised if more than one of the 3 drafted ever hits 1k yards in a year.

 

[EBF]

A lot of veteran RBs are going to be pushed aside by this year's crop.

Shaun Alexander being at the top of the list.

Maybe. Maybe not.We always overrate the talent of the incoming players while forgeting about the dozens upon dozens of college superstars waiting to compete with them for playing time in the NFL.

There's a lot to like about guys like Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Jamaal Charles.

But...

Are those guys really any better than middling pro backs like Ryan Moats, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bennett?

I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it: it takes a very freakish talent to last as a starting RB in the NFL.

In the end, this crop will probably only produce 3-5 quality pro runners.

Yes, they are better. Maybe not starting caliber, but better backups than those guys.

Fargas had over 1k this year at a 4.5 clip. Bennett has been to a pro-bowl. I'd be suprised if more than one of the 3 drafted ever hits 1k yards in a year.

Exactly. People get carried away with the incoming class without realizing that lots of players with just as much talent and hype didn't tear up the NFL. That's why I maintain that in the end, this class will be like most others and yield 3-5 long-term starting caliber NFL backs.