Lets look at the running back situations next season (1 Viewer)

[kevthegrad]

So I only included teams that *I* think may be in flux here. There are other teams that have just completed this process (Reggie Bush/Deuce to Pierre Thomas....or Ced Benson establishing himself in Cincy) and I've left them off the list. But I welcome all thoughts, debate, and missed points here.....

NYJ

Thomas Jones to Shonn Greene

Chances of it happening by my estimation: 50%

Interesting season on the ground with the Jets. Jones has a fantastic steason at this point in his career? Wow. Impressive numbers. There's a great thread on this topic (Greene) this morning so I won't go too in depth here, just think in my minds eye the Jets can't put Jones out to pasture just yet. If Jones is "ok" being in a job share where he splits carries, I see him coming back, helping negate the full potential value he and Greene each hold on their own. I do not see a real changing of the guard here nextt season. But Greene is 'the guy' in 2011 for sure.

Philly

Brian Westbrook to LeSean McCoy

Chances of it happening by my estimation: 80%

I can't seen Westbrook with the salary and concussion issues coming back here and being "the guy" next year. He's talented as hell but just gets dinged up and has missed a lot of time. McCoy looks good to go as the starter if you ask me, but I also think of games the 2nd half of the season when the gameplan robbed McCoy of fantasy value and get nervous. Lots of question marks here too....who is QB next season?

Dallas

Marion Barber to Felix Jones

Chances of it happening by my estimation: 25%

Felix Jones looks like an impact player who can change the game when he touches the ball. This is less about a changing of the guard and more about a different distribution of the ball. Barber is clearly talented and needs to play a part here. But does it make more sense to have the split in carries about 50/50 and Jones in the game for lots of passes to the RB? I think so. I still stay away from this situation. As much as Felix is clearly on the rise, and he has the backing of the owner, I just think having Barber there (not to mention Choice!) make Felix difficult to really invest in as a starter on your team.

NY Giants

Brandon Jacobs to Ahmad Bradshaw

Chances of it happening by my estimation: 65%

If you'd asked me this three weeks ago, I'd have told you hands down that Bradshaw should and will be starter there next season. He soundly outplayed Jacobs ALL season, did so with injuries and missing practice all year. Then word comes the day after the Giants season ended that Jacobs played with a bad knee all year and might be the reason for his poor YPC average.

So I figure the injury news to Jacobs means he gets a chance to keep the starter job. I will say this though, if Bradshaw can get and stay healthy, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the guard change here next season. I think Jacobs excels as the 3rd down back or change of pace guy who gets 10 carries a game and pounds the D that is already worn down. Bradshaw seems to be a threat on passing downs, he can block, and as Peter King wrote mid-season, everytime Bradshaw touches the ball, you hold your breath for a second. He's explosive, plays angry, and I think is the better back.

Arizona

Tim Hightower to Beanie Wells

Chances of it happening: 80%

This is a weird one. I feel like Wells is already the starter. He kind of established himself as the better "running back" option the 2nd half of the season. But so much is up in the air here. Who will QB be? Will that mean more running (if Warner retires, I'd say yes)? Hightower seems to be such a threat on passing downs, I'm not sure he gets phased out here. He's young. He's a good blocker. So Beanie will always share this job to some degree with Hightower I think. Beanie needs to improve as a receiver....and blocker....to really take over the gig. But he might....

Seattle

Julias Jones to Justin Forsett

Chances of it happening: 20%

Forsett clearly looked better here MOST of the season. But he's 5'8. I just don't think he's an every down back. I know Jones isn't the option here, and with Pete Carroll coming in who knows what happens. I think it's more likely they bring in a free agent or add in the draft. This rb scene is a mess right now.

San Diego

LT to .... somebody?

Chances of it happening: 90%

I said somebody because Sproles just hasn't looked like he has 'it' so far. He's great as change of pace and explosive as hell. But when he's used consistently as a runner he gets stuffed and just doesn't have the size.

What's clear is LT is done. His YPC...his productivity...his getting stuffed on the goal line. He's not anywhere near what he once was and he's gone one expensive price tag associated with him. He won't be 'ok' being in a job share. So I figure he's done and moves on and finishes his career with a lackluster year or two somewhere else. Kind of like Emmitt Smith.

Washington

Clinton Portis to ... Somebody

Chances of it happening: 20%

An awful lot of press lately about Portis and his commitment. His work ethic. His lock room attitude. But look who his new coach is. I figure his past relationship gets him one last chance as 'the guy' in Washington, but he'll be on his way out of town if he continues the way this year went. I know one thing we saw....the host of back ups behind Portis right now are not ready to take his job. None of them looked good when they filled in as starters. None of them. Not Cartright. Mason. Nobody. Maybe that means the line or lack of respect for the QB from opposing teams is the issue. Not sure. I just don't see Portis passing the torch under Coach Mike S without one more season to be 'the guy'. I do wonder if there are hard feelings since Shanahan must have been part of the decision making to send Portis out of Denver inthe 1st place though. Do hard feelings exist?

Cleveland

Jamal Lewis to Jerome Harrison or somebody

Chances of it happening: I think it already did

Lewis is done. He's been done for awhile now, but nobody bothered to tell him or his coaches. Harrison looked pretty good all year but for some reason that I can't articulate nor back up with solid points...I just don't know that he's 'the guy'. I figure they bring in somebody to challenge Harrison (James Davis will be back and healthy?) but this smells like RBBC next season to me.

New England

Um...somebody to somebody?

Chances of it happening: I'm too confused at this backfield to even associate a percentage of it happening.

I think Laurence Maroney is 'supposed' to be the guy. But he underwhelms me. He fumbles. He is stuffed at the goal line. He looks good sometimes. And sometimes horrible.

Sammy Morris is a real favourite of the coaching staff but has health issues.

Fred Taylor is 150 years old and an injury concern but still talented.

Kevin Faulk is a lifer and seems to mind meld with Brady.

I don't know what the hell to say about this backfield other than "stay away".

Houston

Steve Slaton to....um.....?

Chances of it happening: 50%

Call me goofy, but I think Slaton's issues this year were a slump and growing pains. He probably learned a lot from it and watching Moats and Brown get his carries. When he looks good, he looks good....and I think Slaton takes the job back and keeps it next year. Just a gutt feeling.

Indy

Joseph Addai to Donald Brown

Chances of it happening: 40%

If you'd asked me this in pre-season I'd have told you this change of the guard would have happened by week 7 this past year. But it didn't. Addai stayed healthy. He stayed productive. And Brown did not stay healthy. I think Brown is really healthy and will be the guy here one day. But not next year. Addai played his best ball when he needed to most and will keep Brown on the bench one more year. 2011 ask me again....

Denver

RBBC to Knowshon Moreno

Chances of it happening: 90%

I hesitated to even put this on here since this list is places that could be or are in flux. I think everybody already thinks of Moreno as 'the guy' here. The problem is that pesky Correll Buckhalter just keeps on ticking. I love his story....the two bad knees and coming back and remaining productive. And he stayed healthy and productive all year. But at the end of the day, they let Moreno find his way this season with Buck helping him along. I figure next year Moreno is the unquestioned starter and Buck goes back to his role in Philly, the back up and change of pace guy.

KC

The ghost of Larry Johnson to Jamaal Charles

Chances of it happening: 100%

This one is done. Charles was consistent enough all season once LJ was gone to put his hands on the starting job. I think they'll bring somebody in who can back him up, maybe sombody with a little size. But this is Charles job I think. Should be interesting to see how it works under Weis. I think KC is very close to having a fantastic offense if they get that o-line fixed to open holes for Charles and to help protect poor Cassel.

Oakland

Fargas? to Bush or McFadden?

Chances of it happening: who knows, you can't count on anything on this team. Too disfunctional.

I don't even know what to say about this team. McFadden sure came with a lot of fanfare two years ago and as far as I'm concerned he's been outplayed by Michael Bush. Bush seems to shine when you don't expect it and when you expect it he underperforms. Huggy Bear Jr. Fargas won't go away but I don't think he's the starter. The QB play has clearly messed up the RB play here. The owner has clearly screwed up everything happening here. This franchise is just a big mess and I don't know what the hell they'll do. If it was any other team I'd say McFadden is 'the guy' with Bush lending a lot of support (thinking Tiki Barber & Brandon Jacobs of a couple years ago) but I just don't trust the owner or franchise to do the right thing. Do they ever?

Carolina

DeAngelo Williams to Jonathan Stewart

Chances of it happening: 35%

I hesitate putting this one here. I think Williams is too talented and the team is too happy having a great 1-2 punch at RB to mess with it. 12 months from now I think you find Williams moving along as a free agent and Stewart taking over. But for now, I see this staying as is. I'm a Stewart owner and nothing will make me happier. But I don't see it happening for next season.

Tampa Bay

Cadillac Williams to .... um ... Cadillac Williams?

Chances of it happening: I don't know, I've lost steam as I write this essay now.

So I wrote Williams off. I figured after the injuries and them having Earnest Graham and bringing in Ward, that he'd be done. I remember week 3 of pre-season I saw an interview witH Caddy and he was talking about he expects to be the guy, that they brought in Ward to 'help out' and that Graham was always around to help. I thought to myself "this young man is kidding himself.". Well, not so much....he was the starter all year, and I think soundly outplayed Ward and Graham. God was I wrong about Graham. A year or two ago when he played so much I really thought he'd be the guy here for some time to come. And Ward fell off the face of the earth after his productivity as the new Tiki Barber in NY. So I just don't know what to think here, I don't trust Caddy's health to last him....but a guy named Buckhalter up in Denver might be setting the example that Caddy follows.

 

[Kiddnets]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

 

[Txns8]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

Rex Ryan mentioned Leon Washington by name in his post game comments. I think that spells doom for TJ. He's still got talent to land elsewhere though.What about NO/Reggie Bush? If they don't want to pay him, perhaps he fills one of the ???'s in SD, NE, Hou, etc.

 

[eefflrat]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

Rex Ryan mentioned Leon Washington by name in his post game comments. I think that spells doom for TJ. He's still got talent to land elsewhere though.What about NO/Reggie Bush? If they don't want to pay him, perhaps he fills one of the ???'s in SD, NE, Hou, etc.

Yeah, i am wondering about the Bush/Thomas situation. It looked like Bush was creeping back into the picture after the cardinals game, but yesterday Pierre Thomas definitely got the love. I'm thinking Bush will be around again next year.

 

[shredhead]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

Rex Ryan mentioned Leon Washington by name in his post game comments. I think that spells doom for TJ. He's still got talent to land elsewhere though.What about NO/Reggie Bush? If they don't want to pay him, perhaps he fills one of the ???'s in SD, NE, Hou, etc.

What about Arian Foster in Hou? Can he be an every down back, or just a flash in the pan?

 

[Todem]

I agree about Slaton (yes a Slaton owner here). Kid will get his job back. When he is right he is a major talent.

He had some fumble problems and a coach who is a turd...but the kid is their best Rb on the roster and the nerve injury played a role in that fumble problem to some degree.

I think Stewart has a big chance to take more carries away from Demangelo then most think. He is a beast.

I think the Dallas situation has legs. Felix does look special when given the work. I see a 50/50 split easy.

Greene looked awfully good...and he looked very fresh so I don't know what to make of that. Jones did put up 1400 yards. And in the NFL you have to be damm good to do that. That will be played out pretty quick with his roster bonus.

I think McFadden will be the guy in Oakland next year and it will be boom or bust. He does have big time skills but he is stuck in a lousy situation.

Donald Brown IMO will be the lead guy next season in Indy. Better talent wins out there. He has huge potential to put up Thurman Thomas type numbers.

Will Jerome Harrison finally enter as the #1 in Cleveland? He sure deserves it. But why was he held back so long? Major questions with that.

I was not very impressed with McCoy. I do think if Westy is in Philly he is the guy. Time will tell.

Reggie Bush would flourish as a PPR FF RB on another team. Pierre Thomas blows up next season IMO.

The Jamal Charles era has begun.

LT2's reign will be officially over. One of the greats no doubt. But his wheels are falling off rapidly.

I think McGahee is a dark horse to land somewhere else and be the guy and put up some very gaudy numbers and serve as a very good RB2. He was in great shape this season and when he got the work he delievered. McGahee will be on another team and be a number 1 again IMO.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

I believe the Chargers will take one of Jonathan Dwyer, Anthony Dixon, Joe McKnight, or Ryan Mathews in the draft this year.

 

[kevthegrad]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

Rex Ryan mentioned Leon Washington by name in his post game comments. I think that spells doom for TJ. He's still got talent to land elsewhere though.What about NO/Reggie Bush? If they don't want to pay him, perhaps he fills one of the ???'s in SD, NE, Hou, etc.

I left New Orleans out of this because I believe that changing of the guard already happened. I think Reggie's going to settle into his 'role' as a situational player. Be it here or on another team. Pierre Thomas established himself this year....he's the guy there, and I can't see anybody making a viable argument that he's not.

 

[switz]

Donald Brown IMO will be the lead guy next season in Indy. Better talent wins out there. He has huge potential to put up Thurman Thomas type numbers.

FAIL. If you are going to base your argument on talent, then you have no basis, as Addai is more talented than Brown. Brown may end up taking over for Addai, due to Addai's contract expiring after next season. But it's not because Brown is more talented - he's not.

 

[Dragon1952]

Addai looked pretty darn good yesterday.

 

[coolnerd]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

Rex Ryan mentioned Leon Washington by name in his post game comments. I think that spells doom for TJ. He's still got talent to land elsewhere though.What about NO/Reggie Bush? If they don't want to pay him, perhaps he fills one of the ???'s in SD, NE, Hou, etc.

What about Arian Foster in Hou? Can he be an every down back, or just a flash in the pan?

My belief is that the Texans will add a RB in the draft (FA/trade maybe, but less probable). Not a "big" back per se, but someone project as a full-time starter/lead RBBC type. Guessing Foster gets a shot but how "fair" of one will be in relation to how high they draft the RB. Slaton is looking more like 3rd down/change of pace player at the moment.

 

[kevthegrad]

Addai looked pretty darn good yesterday.

Addai's situation perplexes me almost the most of all these scenarios. He clearly underwhelmed the coaching staff and team his first couple years. Always an injury concern. Never running with burst. I was 100% convinced they got Brown not to push him....but to push him out.....now if I'm the indy management, I don't know how you even consider handing the job to Brown next year. Addai looked amazing this year....just amazing.

 

[cr8f]

Addai looked pretty darn good yesterday.

Yes he has dispelled a lot of doubters this year. I like brown and wouldn't say Addai is more talented. I like Brown better as a pass rceiver but he missed a lot of time this year.As for Pierre he missed a lot of time too.

 

[switz]

Addai looked pretty darn good yesterday.

Addai's situation perplexes me almost the most of all these scenarios. He clearly underwhelmed the coaching staff and team his first couple years. Always an injury concern. Never running with burst. I was 100% convinced they got Brown not to push him....but to push him out.....now if I'm the indy management, I don't know how you even consider handing the job to Brown next year. Addai looked amazing this year....just amazing.

I take it you don't follow the Colts at all. Polian and Manning LOVE Addai, they love what he brings to the table, they love his attitude. Nothing about Addai "underwhelmed" the coaching staff and team.If you are making reference to drafting Donald Brown as your evidence, this is why Brown was drafted:

- Mike Hart was not recovering well from his knee surgery

- Chad Simpson was the only other viable RB on roster, and was viewed more as a ST player

- Addai had struggled with ankle injuries all '08, and had offseason surgery on it

There was a thought that the Colts might have opened the season with ONLY Chad Simpson healthy enough to play. There also was a question of Addai's ability to stay healthy after a season and a half of lingering injuries. Brown was drafted as insurance, not because Addai "underwhelmed" the coaches or team.

I doubt Brown gets the job next season, unless Addai struggles with injuries again, and the team decides not to renew him after the '10-11 season.

 

[switz]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

Rex Ryan mentioned Leon Washington by name in his post game comments. I think that spells doom for TJ. He's still got talent to land elsewhere though.What about NO/Reggie Bush? If they don't want to pay him, perhaps he fills one of the ???'s in SD, NE, Hou, etc.

I left New Orleans out of this because I believe that changing of the guard already happened. I think Reggie's going to settle into his 'role' as a situational player. Be it here or on another team. Pierre Thomas established himself this year....he's the guy there, and I can't see anybody making a viable argument that he's not.

New Orleans uses their backs differently week to week. Really hard to say anyone is the clear starter moving forward. :X

 

[FantasyMan]

Addai looked pretty darn good yesterday.

Addai's situation perplexes me almost the most of all these scenarios. He clearly underwhelmed the coaching staff and team his first couple years. Always an injury concern. Never running with burst. I was 100% convinced they got Brown not to push him....but to push him out.....now if I'm the indy management, I don't know how you even consider handing the job to Brown next year. Addai looked amazing this year....just amazing.

I take it you don't follow the Colts at all. Polian and Manning LOVE Addai, they love what he brings to the table, they love his attitude. Nothing about Addai "underwhelmed" the coaching staff and team.

Yes, the Colts are clearly happy with 219 carries for 828 yards and a 3.8ypc. Addai is terrible.

 

[rzrback77]

Addai looked pretty darn good yesterday.

Addai's situation perplexes me almost the most of all these scenarios. He clearly underwhelmed the coaching staff and team his first couple years. Always an injury concern. Never running with burst. I was 100% convinced they got Brown not to push him....but to push him out.....now if I'm the indy management, I don't know how you even consider handing the job to Brown next year. Addai looked amazing this year....just amazing.

I take it you don't follow the Colts at all. Polian and Manning LOVE Addai, they love what he brings to the table, they love his attitude. Nothing about Addai "underwhelmed" the coaching staff and team.

Yes, the Colts are clearly happy with 219 carries for 828 yards and a 3.8ypc. Addai is terrible.

D Brown 78 carries for 281 yards 3.60 ypc OL run block trouble?

 

[Romulan]

I believe the Chargers will take one of Jonathan Dwyer, Anthony Dixon, Joe McKnight, or Ryan Mathews in the draft this year.

If Dwyer goes to the Chargers I think that makes him a legitimate #1 in rookie fantasy draft lists for the most part.

 

[kevthegrad]

good stuff - TJ may be back in Green but he will definitely be takinga back seat to Greene....IMO it will be Greene with Leon as change of pace (assuming he comes back healthy) with TJ as asafety net.....TJ is owed a big offseason bonus so we will know sooner rather than later

Rex Ryan mentioned Leon Washington by name in his post game comments. I think that spells doom for TJ. He's still got talent to land elsewhere though.What about NO/Reggie Bush? If they don't want to pay him, perhaps he fills one of the ???'s in SD, NE, Hou, etc.

I left New Orleans out of this because I believe that changing of the guard already happened. I think Reggie's going to settle into his 'role' as a situational player. Be it here or on another team. Pierre Thomas established himself this year....he's the guy there, and I can't see anybody making a viable argument that he's not.

New Orleans uses their backs differently week to week. Really hard to say anyone is the clear starter moving forward.

Switz, I like reading your posts but I can't agree with you here, at all. Other than the start of the season when Thomas injured himself and Mike Bell gave Thomas owners a scare for 2 or 3 weeks, Thomas clearly asserted himself as the lead back here and go-to guy. Bell got a couple/few short yardage carries per game and frankly looked very underwhelming the entire 2nd half of the season. Reggie is Reggie, despite his impressive couple games where he actually ran between tackles and looked like a man twice his size. When healthy, which he was 11 or 12 out of 16 regular season games, Pierre Thomas is clearly "the guy" there now. (and I say this having traded him away so no vested interest in this opinion)

 

[Tanner9919]

Moreno - RBBC as far as the eye can see in Denver..it's McDaniels' style, eh will not get away from what he knows best,that is, RBBC.

Charles is the #1 in KC, but again,you see Charlie Weiss, does this mean RBBC now comes to KC as well?

it's entirely possible that a rookie will lead the Chargers in rushing this season..

Harrison *might* be fools gold, he may or may not hold down the RB1 slot.

I'm inclined to think that Cable lets Bush run wild next season, perhaps trading away McFadden or Fargas..

Greene has already taken over the #1 spot for the Jets.

I'm not so sure that B. Jacobs will even be in a Giants uniform come September..if there is no cap,there is no hit they'll take in dumping him..Bradshaw runs too hard to be an every-down RB..he's a lot like Marion Barber.

Felix Jones is loaded with talent, but cannot stay healthy...I doubt he ever moves into a role that awards him anything more than 150-180 carries/season..Barber might be traded and Choice moved up to RB2.

there's a reasonable chance a rookie RB will start in Detroit if Kevin Smith can't get out of his own way..

Seattle will draft a RB and probably sign Reggie Bush..Forsett will be a 3rd stringer if that happens.

 

[marklot]

What about Kevin Smith in Detroit? I could see the Lions looking for FA or picking up a RB in the draft.

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

What about Kevin Smith in Detroit? I could see the Lions looking for FA or picking up a RB in the draft.

As far as I am concerned, for fantasy purposes, Smith is done. Even if he does recover from basically destroying everything in his knee, he was never a special talent to begin with. I highly doubt he becomes a relevant player again.

 

[Matt's Eagles]

Cleveland----

Jamal Lewis to Jerome Harrison or somebody

Chances of it happening: I think it already did

Lewis is done. He's been done for awhile now, but nobody bothered to tell him or his coaches. Harrison looked pretty good all year but for some reason that I can't articulate nor back up with solid points...I just don't know that he's 'the guy'. I figure they bring in somebody to challenge Harrison (James Davis will be back and healthy?) but this smells like RBBC next season to me.

---------------------------------------------

This one is intriguing:

Lewis is done

Harrison played well 199 carries, 862 yards 4.4 ypc, 5 tds, 34 catches, 220 yards 2 tds

Jerome Harrison, Cleveland Browns (27) – Restricted FA (UFA-CBA)

Aside from a single 100 yard performance back in Week 4, there wasn’t anything impressive about Jerome Harrison’s year coming into the final three weeks of the season. He then broke off a 286 yard total against the Chiefs, nearly breaking the NFL record, then subsequently went on rush for 275 more yards over the next two weeks. Due somewhat to the revival of the running game, the Browns managed to reel off four consecutive victories, while Harrison will has earned the respect of Mike Holmgren, which will likely lead to a large paycheck.

Chris Jennings is there as well.

James Davis played well in preseason and got his shoulder hurt. Davis appeared to be the heir apparent behind Lewis before sustaining a controversial shoulder injury.

So they Harrison who will probably seeking some kind of payday or do they let him walk and role with Jennings/Davis

 

[karmarooster]

how about a list of the teams that might look to draft a RB in the first 3 to 5 rounds.

NYJ

Philly

Seattle

San Diego

Washington

Cleveland

NE

KC

Who else? and what sort of backs might these teams be looking for?

 

[UnknownCoach]

If Portis isnt cut, he might be the most overpaid RB in the league next year. Because of the wierd salary cap situation and an owner who isnt concerned with money, there's a good chance he'll be back but its less than 80 percent.

 

[kdt]

good post overall, thanks for the time to write that up. agree with most, other than an occasional % and such

 

[marklot]

how about a list of the teams that might look to draft a RB in the first 3 to 5 rounds. NYJPhillySeattleSan DiegoWashingtonClevelandNEKCWho else? and what sort of backs might these teams be looking for?

Detroit

 

[switz]

New Orleans uses their backs differently week to week. Really hard to say anyone is the clear starter moving forward.

Switz, I like reading your posts but I can't agree with you here, at all. Other than the start of the season when Thomas injured himself and Mike Bell gave Thomas owners a scare for 2 or 3 weeks, Thomas clearly asserted himself as the lead back here and go-to guy. Bell got a couple/few short yardage carries per game and frankly looked very underwhelming the entire 2nd half of the season. Reggie is Reggie, despite his impressive couple games where he actually ran between tackles and looked like a man twice his size. When healthy, which he was 11 or 12 out of 16 regular season games, Pierre Thomas is clearly "the guy" there now. (and I say this having traded him away so no vested interest in this opinion)

You may be right... it's been pretty difficult to ascertain, since rarely have all the backs been healthy at the same time this past season. Reggie came in after offseason knee surgery, and it was obvious he wasn't straight. Pierre had his own injury problems to deal with during the season. I don't think Bell is really the guy there unless one of the other two are injured. But I do think that given both Reggie and Pierre being healthy, the Saints will use their RBs differently each game. Who knows about next year though, as it's entirely possible Reggie isn't even a Saint.

 

[weasel3515]

I believe the Chargers will take one of Jonathan Dwyer, Anthony Dixon, Joe McKnight, or Ryan Mathews in the draft this year.

If Dwyer goes to the Chargers I think that makes him a legitimate #1 in rookie fantasy draft lists for the most part.

Did you watch the Orange Bowl? 14 rushes for only 49 yards, including a long of 15 yards. It showed that vs. a good run defense (he didn't play against any in the ACC) he is easy to bring down for minimal gain. I think he excelled more from the triple-option system than because of any great ability.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

What about Kevin Smith in Detroit? I could see the Lions looking for FA or picking up a RB in the draft.

As far as I am concerned, for fantasy purposes, Smith is done. Even if he does recover from basically destroying everything in his knee, he was never a special talent to begin with. I highly doubt he becomes a relevant player again.

Smith only tore his ACL. There was no other damage.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

I believe the Chargers will take one of Jonathan Dwyer, Anthony Dixon, Joe McKnight, or Ryan Mathews in the draft this year.

If Dwyer goes to the Chargers I think that makes him a legitimate #1 in rookie fantasy draft lists for the most part.

Did you watch the Orange Bowl? 14 rushes for only 49 yards, including a long of 15 yards. It showed that vs. a good run defense (he didn't play against any in the ACC) he is easy to bring down for minimal gain. I think he excelled more from the triple-option system than because of any great ability.

I think that game just showed that Paul Johnson's offense doesn't work against a good defense with a month to prepare. Dwyer did fine when he was Choice's backup in Chan Gailey's offense.

 

[editor47]

New Orleans uses their backs differently week to week. Really hard to say anyone is the clear starter moving forward.

Switz, I like reading your posts but I can't agree with you here, at all. Other than the start of the season when Thomas injured himself and Mike Bell gave Thomas owners a scare for 2 or 3 weeks, Thomas clearly asserted himself as the lead back here and go-to guy. Bell got a couple/few short yardage carries per game and frankly looked very underwhelming the entire 2nd half of the season. Reggie is Reggie, despite his impressive couple games where he actually ran between tackles and looked like a man twice his size. When healthy, which he was 11 or 12 out of 16 regular season games, Pierre Thomas is clearly "the guy" there now. (and I say this having traded him away so no vested interest in this opinion)

You may be right... it's been pretty difficult to ascertain, since rarely have all the backs been healthy at the same time this past season. Reggie came in after offseason knee surgery, and it was obvious he wasn't straight. Pierre had his own injury problems to deal with during the season. I don't think Bell is really the guy there unless one of the other two are injured. But I do think that given both Reggie and Pierre being healthy, the Saints will use their RBs differently each game. Who knows about next year though, as it's entirely possible Reggie isn't even a Saint.

if the world was perfect, you could expect big things from pierre thomas. it isn't. i learned that the hard way this year. finally traded him for a QB2 (alex smith) in a start 2 QB league and even if i don't keep smith for 2010, i am OK with being out of the PT business. i may regret it, but i don't think it will happen. i think NO will always have multiple options to use and will utilize them in different ways depending upon the opponent

 

[Rovers]

how about a list of the teams that might look to draft a RB in the first 3 to 5 rounds. NYJPhillySeattleSan DiegoWashingtonClevelandNEKCWho else? and what sort of backs might these teams be looking for?

If Jones returns, you can cross the Jets off that list. Even if Jones leaves, the earliest the Jets would go RB is the fifth, as they don't have a 3th or 4th. The Jets also picked up Chauncey Washington in mid season for depth after L Washington and Greene got hurt. They also have Woodhead hanging around. The Jets will draft need in the 1st and 2nd, then go BPA on day two. Needs are a CB, S, ILB, OLB/pass rusher.