Mid-Tier RB's (1 Viewer)

[Banger]

I posted in the D. Williams thread about how his breakthrough last year really got me to think about how I could have missed such a stud so badly. I didn't even have him on any of my lists and wanted no part of him, in large part because even though he was talented he didn't get the job and then they draft a potential stud in the 1st so he was crossed off my list. What a mistake but also a blessing because it really got me to rethink my strategy a bit going into this season.

The FF industry is pretty well commoditized by this point and while there are some slight differences between top 20 lists most places have a decent idea of where guys should be drafted. I felt the real value (and I guess this isn't earth shattering) is in the mid rounds but for the 1st time I really targetted a certain few guys and spent the most time researching their situations and sometimes even grabbed them a round early of where they were ordinarily being drafted. This year I looked a lot harder at those mid-tier RB's, guys ranked 30-50, that have been in the league for a year or few years that are very talented but haven't broken through yet due to injuries, the depth chart (being behind another starter) or coaching decisions but have the ability to make a big leap up if the stars align.

The guys I really focussed on and targetted were Rice, L. Washington, F. Jones and A. Bradshaw. While Rice looked like a good play early on his value has gone through the roof in every draft I've been apart of he's going around RB20-25 so I didn't land him in any drafts. The next guy on my list was Washington and I was able to get him in every draft and nearly every time I heard audible sighs and curses. After looking at the sitautions, the offenses, lines, talent and rumored/likely increased opportunity I felt all these guys were/are poised for a big jump in production.

Who are the RBs you guys targetting in the mid-rounds as a guy that can break through is everything falls into place?

 

[LHUCKS]

The guys I really focussed on and targetted were Rice, L. Washington, F. Jones and A. Bradshaw.

Same guys I listed in my RB strategy/ADP thread.

 

[bolldpt]

PPR or not? makes a big difference. I love Rice's chances but you are right his zooming up. Leon could be a great in PPR and persoanally i assume Bradshaw will fill in Wards role. Felix might not rush a ton but i see him with better upside in PPR leagues. i am targeting Dave Brown but its just cuz i dont have much faith in Addai. He could be a good RB 3 and a great RB4.

 

[Easy Money]

in ppr L. Washington will have the greatest jump of all. think he will have a Bush like season minus the getting hurt part.

 

[fozzy fosbourne]

I'm starting to wonder how valuable these guys are as we get closer to the season and their hype is overflowing. Seems like last season left a big impression on people, and in my mocks lately it seems like people grab these guys in spots where they need to be money in the bank rather than a boom/bust type of pick. Seeing Rice go in the 4th when Westbrook/Jacobs/etc slid to the third has me starting to wonder about the value here.

Probably depends though, guys doing internet mock drafts are going to be way more aware of the hype than average joe drafter, so maybe these guys slip further in different leagues.

 

[Black]

I like those four. Under the category of guys with talent and opportunity with a young-un breathing down their neck...where the vet might just carry the load: Addai, Hightower. Both are sliding in drafts.

 

[TobiasFunke]

in ppr L. Washington will have the greatest jump of all. think he will have a Bush like season minus the getting hurt part.

Drew Brees in fourth year >>>>> Mark Sanchez in rookie year.Horn and Colston >>>> Cotchery and nothing.Seriously- I don't get the Leon Washington hype. Sure, he's late value, but that offense was average at best last year (9th in scoring thanks to the Arizona turnover-fest, but only 16th in yards). and I see no reason to think they'll be close to that this year. Am I missing something? Or is Washington just seen as a huge-upside if Jones gets hurt or if he otherwise loses his carries? Seriously, I feel like I'm missing something here and would love to hear more about the guy.

 

[Banger]

The guys I really focussed on and targetted were Rice, L. Washington, F. Jones and A. Bradshaw.

Same guys I listed in my RB strategy/ADP thread.

and I think I wrote in the thread that I agreed with most of your picks

 

[LHUCKS]

Seriously- I don't get the Leon Washington hype. Sure, he's late value, but that offense was average at best last year (9th in scoring thanks to the Arizona turnover-fest, but only 16th in yards). and I see no reason to think they'll be close to that this year.

If Rex wants to win more, he'll find a way to involve his best RB (Washington) more...IMHO.

 

[Banger]

in ppr L. Washington will have the greatest jump of all. think he will have a Bush like season minus the getting hurt part.

Drew Brees in fourth year >>>>> Mark Sanchez in rookie year.Horn and Colston >>>> Cotchery and nothing.Seriously- I don't get the Leon Washington hype. Sure, he's late value, but that offense was average at best last year (9th in scoring thanks to the Arizona turnover-fest, but only 16th in yards). and I see no reason to think they'll be close to that this year. Am I missing something? Or is Washington just seen as a huge-upside if Jones gets hurt or if he otherwise loses his carries? Seriously, I feel like I'm missing something here and would love to hear more about the guy.

Regardless if the offense was average, the line is great, T. Jones was a top 5 back and Washington was RB30. His ADP is mid-30's and he's going to have an increased role and Jones will likely have a decreased role as he's out of town next year.I don't know if you watch him a lot but if you do you'll see. I live in the NY area and although I'm not a "Jet fan" I do watch them and hear a lot about them. The guy just seems to get 7 yards per play regardless of the situation. His biggest problem has been opportunity, not injuries, not ability. Now in comes a new coaching staff and Rex apparently loves the guy, the Jets have a $5+ mill multi-year deal on the table that he's yet to sign and he's stated that he will get Washington the ball more. Am I predicting that he'll be a stud? No. Would I be surprised if he ended up being one? No.

 

[Breesisdaman]

in ppr L. Washington will have the greatest jump of all. think he will have a Bush like season minus the getting hurt part.

Drew Brees in fourth year >>>>> Mark Sanchez in rookie year.Horn and Colston >>>> Cotchery and nothing.Seriously- I don't get the Leon Washington hype. Sure, he's late value, but that offense was average at best last year (9th in scoring thanks to the Arizona turnover-fest, but only 16th in yards). and I see no reason to think they'll be close to that this year. Am I missing something? Or is Washington just seen as a huge-upside if Jones gets hurt or if he otherwise loses his carries? Seriously, I feel like I'm missing something here and would love to hear more about the guy.

Horn and Colston???? try Colston and Moore ,Henderson and Shockey. Joe Horn has been off the team a couple years now.

 

[bengalbuck]

I personally like Beanie Wells and Cedric Benson. If I'm drafting a RB in a league that only starts 2 (no flex), then I want a guy that has a realistic scenario where he is very good (preferably w/o injury). With Benson, you have a full-time #1 back who will get all the goal line carries. You just need the Bengals offense to be good. Not a guarantee, but not a huge longshot either. They put together 4 straight top 10 offensive seasons not too long ago.

With Wells, you know he is on a strong offense. The two questions are whether he beats out Hightower and whether the Cards use the RB a bit more. I think he's just the most talented guy and I believe Whisenhunt would run more if he had a guy he believed in. To me, his upside is worth the risk.

I like these 2 better than all the guys you listed with the possible exception of Ray Rice. They have much clearer paths to being true #1 backs on a good offense.

 

[jon_mx]

I don't like too many of the middle tier guys. Addai has the best chance for huge season. Rice could also do quite well. Leon will rack up solid combined yardage, but 6 TD's is about it. Hightower will be inconsistent but will have some good games.

 

[mbuehner]

Nothing worse than having a bench full of guys that never end up starting, and then some dark horse ends up the breakout guy. I prefer to handcuff backfields. That way you don't have any true lumber laying around.