Player Spotlight: DeAngelo Williams (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers

Player Page Link: DeAngelo Williams Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[Blackjacks]

I had to trade D-Will in the offseason and it pained me to. I was just alittle worried about him getting the ball enough to show his talents. If this guy gets the ball enough he could be a top 5 guy with his talent and the Carolina team put together. The new zone blocking is right up D-Willy's alley. This is a guy that people should jump on in the late third round or early fourth.

300 carries

1200 yards

8 td's

30 catches

250 yards

2 td's

Explosive and fun to watch. I hope he gets the chance

edited

 

[duaneok66]

Foster's still in town . . .

give him

175/700/5

and

43/344/1

 

[Block]

I had to trade D-Will in the offseason and it pained me to. I was just alittle worried about him getting the ball enough to show his talents. If this guy gets the ball enough he could be a top 5 guy with his talent and the Carolina team put together. The new zone blocking is right up D-Willy's alley. This is a guy that people should jump on in the late third round or early fourth.350 carries1250 yards8 td's48 catches250 yards2 td'sExplosive and fun to watch. I hope he gets the chance

You see him touching the ball 400 times with Foster still hanging around?

 

[The Man With No Name]

850 rushing

400 receiving

7 touchdowns

 

[Keith Lewis]

150/650/5

and

47/350/1

Foster is still there and DWill isn't even listed as the starter on the official depth charts. The Carolina line is really bad and with one injury to any part of that O-line they are bottom feeders. Luckily for me D. Williams will be overvalued and taken probaly 4 rounds too high in all drafts, he's a 8th round pick on my board and Foster is a 10th rounder. Looking forward to seeing D. Willy owners try and justify posting huge numbers here.

 

[Keith Lewis]

I had to trade D-Will in the offseason and it pained me to. I was just alittle worried about him getting the ball enough to show his talents. If this guy gets the ball enough he could be a top 5 guy with his talent and the Carolina team put together. The new zone blocking is right up D-Willy's alley. This is a guy that people should jump on in the late third round or early fourth.350 carries1250 yards8 td's48 catches250 yards2 td'sExplosive and fun to watch. I hope he gets the chance

Not a big fan of L.J. this year due to seeing him breakdown. I know you can't predict injuries but...well...I am.252 carries 896 yards4 td's12 catches 48 yards.I giving him the exact year Alexander had last year.

Seriously, wanna join my league?

 

[Blackjacks]

I don't have DWill so I'm not a homer and just really see him breaking out this year as long as Fox gives him the ball. Why post what I said about LJ? Do you always go off last years #'s? If you do, you want to join my league? Are you drafting Chester Taylor again cause he had a good year last year? Seriously people like yourself that never take a chance are the people that finish third every year. People that take chances walk around with big trophies.

 

[Blackjacks]

I had to trade D-Will in the offseason and it pained me to. I was just alittle worried about him getting the ball enough to show his talents. If this guy gets the ball enough he could be a top 5 guy with his talent and the Carolina team put together. The new zone blocking is right up D-Willy's alley. This is a guy that people should jump on in the late third round or early fourth.300 carries1200 yards8 td's30 catches250 yards2 td'sExplosive and fun to watch. I hope he gets the chance

You see him touching the ball 400 times with Foster still hanging around?

Maybe I went more with my heart than brain on those #'s considering only 3 backs had 400 touches last year.I edited my #'s to be reallistic, your right. I would love to see what he could do getting all the carries though.

 

[Jercules]

I don't have DWill so I'm not a homer and just really see him breaking out this year as long as Fox gives him the ball. Why post what I said about LJ? Do you always go off last years #'s? If you do, you want to join my league? Are you drafting Chester Taylor again cause he had a good year last year? Seriously people like yourself that never take a chance are the people that finish third every year. People that take chances walk around with big trophies.

It's D-Will or nobody as far as this running game is concerned. You take a chance and go for the guy that might explode, and give you the 1st-round-value-in-the-4th-round you need to build a top team, or you go somewhere else. Drafting Foster, unless you're absolutely starved for RBs, is completely pointless.

 

[BLOX]

DeAngelo Williams was the 2nd best back in last year's draft. It's too bad that he'll be sharing carries this year, but if Foster gets hurt (which is pretty likely for a couple of weeks anyway) he may solidify the starting spot. Plus, with Foster is due an 8 million dollar salary in '08 so he'll either have to restructure (doubtful) or be a cap casualty (likely) so they will like to see Williams take the position. This makes projecting Williams tough but I'll give it a shot...

225 carries 980 yards 6 TD

22 rec 190 yards 1TD

Not sure where that ranks him, but his ADP is too high yet for '07.

He'll be a guy to watch for next year for sure, or to trade for cheaply in a keeper for all you guys that have to give up LT or another stud after this season.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

All this talk about Foster is crazy to me. He has shown himself to be average AT BEST (he reminds me a lot of Kevin Barlow). Now that DWill has a year under his belt, he will take over the job and reduce Foster to a role player. In spot duty last year, Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?

Deangelo Williams is this year's Frank Gore.

315/1300/9

50/700/3

This is Andy D, reporting from out on the limb.

 

[msommer]

All this talk about Foster is crazy to me. He has shown himself to be average AT BEST (he reminds me a lot of Kevin Barlow). Now that DWill has a year under his belt, he will take over the job and reduce Foster to a role player. In spot duty last year, Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?

Deangelo Williams is this year's Frank Gore.

315/1300/9

50/700/3

This is Andy D, reporting from out on the limb.

14 ypc is going out on a big limb, only it is very thin...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

All this talk about Foster is crazy to me. He has shown himself to be average AT BEST (he reminds me a lot of Kevin Barlow). Now that DWill has a year under his belt, he will take over the job and reduce Foster to a role player. In spot duty last year, Williams caught 33 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?

Deangelo Williams is this year's Frank Gore.

315/1300/9

50/500/3

This is Andy D, reporting from out on the limb.

14 ypc is going out on a big limb, only it is very thin...

Whoops, that was supposed to be 500 yards.

 

[cscmtp]

All this talk about Foster is crazy to me. He has shown himself to be average AT BEST (he reminds me a lot of Kevin Barlow). Now that DWill has a year under his belt, he will take over the job and reduce Foster to a role player. In spot duty last year, Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?Deangelo Williams is this year's Frank Gore.315/1300/950/500/3This is Andy D, reporting from out on the limb.

 

[Ilov80s]

I don't know how anyone can be seriously concerned about Foster now. He had his chance last year and was very average. With Carolina installing a new running scheme to compliment Williams, it is clear that they are entrusting him to be the feature back.

266 carries

904 yards

5 TDs

40 rec

400 yards

2 TDs

++adjusted++

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?

Huh? Everywhere I'm looking shows him with half that number of receiving yards in '06...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?

Huh? Everywhere I'm looking shows him with half that number of receiving yards in '06...

My bad. When I was looking at his stats, I got his receiving yards and return yards mixed up. You're right, he only had 313 yards receiving.

 

[BigJim®]

All this talk about Foster is crazy to me. He has shown himself to be average AT BEST (he reminds me a lot of Kevin Barlow). Now that DWill has a year under his belt, he will take over the job and reduce Foster to a role player. In spot duty last year, Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?Deangelo Williams is this year's Frank Gore.315/1300/950/700/3This is Andy D, reporting from out on the limb.

1200 rushing400 receiving12 TDsS.O.D.Top 10 dynasty RB going forward. etc., etc., etc.

 

[Keith Lewis]

I don't have DWill so I'm not a homer and just really see him breaking out this year as long as Fox gives him the ball. Why post what I said about LJ? Do you always go off last years #'s? If you do, you want to join my league? Are you drafting Chester Taylor again cause he had a good year last year? Seriously people like yourself that never take a chance are the people that finish third every year. People that take chances walk around with big trophies.

LJ is a better player than Williams and it's not even close. Carolinas O-line is worse than KC's in my opinion and that's one of the huge knocks on LJ. Delhomme is garbage so all the stuff about LJ can be thrown onto the Carolina RBS. Williams is very overrated on the NFL level due to his college highlights.

 

[duaneok66]

I don't have DWill so I'm not a homer and just really see him breaking out this year as long as Fox gives him the ball. Why post what I said about LJ? Do you always go off last years #'s? If you do, you want to join my league? Are you drafting Chester Taylor again cause he had a good year last year? Seriously people like yourself that never take a chance are the people that finish third every year. People that take chances walk around with big trophies.

LJ is a better player than Williams and it's not even close. Carolinas O-line is worse than KC's in my opinion and that's one of the huge knocks on LJ. Delhomme is garbage so all the stuff about LJ can be thrown onto the Carolina RBS. Williams is very overrated on the NFL level due to his college highlights.

excellent posting . . .

 

[awesomeness]

DeAngelo Williams was the 2nd best back in last year's draft. It's too bad that he'll be sharing carries this year, but if Foster gets hurt (which is pretty likely for a couple of weeks anyway) he may solidify the starting spot. Plus, with Foster is due an 8 million dollar salary in '08 so he'll either have to restructure (doubtful) or be a cap casualty (likely) so they will like to see Williams take the position. This makes projecting Williams tough but I'll give it a shot...

225 carries 980 yards 4 TD

22 rec 190 yards 1TD

i like those projected stats, but i dont see him getting as many touchdowns as most of you guys are saying.

 

[SproutDaddy]

I don't have DWill so I'm not a homer and just really see him breaking out this year as long as Fox gives him the ball. Why post what I said about LJ? Do you always go off last years #'s? If you do, you want to join my league? Are you drafting Chester Taylor again cause he had a good year last year? Seriously people like yourself that never take a chance are the people that finish third every year. People that take chances walk around with big trophies.

LJ is a better player than Williams and it's not even close. Carolinas O-line is worse than KC's in my opinion and that's one of the huge knocks on LJ. Delhomme is garbage so all the stuff about LJ can be thrown onto the Carolina RBS. Williams is very overrated on the NFL level due to his college highlights.

excellent posting . . .

PPPPPPllllllleaaaaasssseeee!!!1500 yds rush + rcv

12 tds

 

[David Yudkin]

The Panthers over the past three seasons have averaged 19th in rushing attempts, 24th in rushing yards, 25th in ypc, and 20th in rushing TD. That alone IMO should temper the enthusiam on the rushing projections for the Panthers.

As of now, Williams has not be designated as the starter and Foster seems to have a leg up on that role. Fox has been very loyal to his RBs since he came to town. People have been SPECULATING that at some point Williams will beat out Foster. (Given Foster's injury history, his so-so track record, and aversion to getting in the end zone that certainly COULD happen.) Williams was not leaps and bounds better than Foster running the ball last year, and I still see this as a RBBC with marginal production to be had. IMO, Williams as a third round pick is a very risky pick this year.

 

[Big Score]

The Panthers over the past three seasons have averaged 19th in rushing attempts, 24th in rushing yards, 25th in ypc, and 20th in rushing TD. That alone IMO should temper the enthusiam on the rushing projections for the Panthers.

Of course, the above stats could point to why Fox fired his long time OC, Dan Henning.

As of now, Williams has not be designated as the starter and Foster seems to have a leg up on that role. Fox has been very loyal to his RBs since he came to town. People have been SPECULATING that at some point Williams will beat out Foster. (Given Foster's injury history, his so-so track record, and aversion to getting in the end zone that certainly COULD happen.) Williams was not leaps and bounds better than Foster running the ball last year, and I still see this as a RBBC with marginal production to be had. IMO, Williams as a third round pick is a very risky pick this year.

Hard to call what's going to transpire as of right now. I think TC & definitely Pre-Season, will give us a much clearer indication of how the whole Foster / Williams thing is going to shake out.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The Panthers over the past three seasons have averaged 19th in rushing attempts, 24th in rushing yards, 25th in ypc, and 20th in rushing TD. That alone IMO should temper the enthusiam on the rushing projections for the Panthers.

The Panthers rushing attack hasn't been all that great. Dividing an already small "pie" among multiple RBs doesn't look like a recipe for fantasy success to me. I think that Williams is more explosive than Foster, but Foster seems to be more powerful and well-rounded. Neither guy is going to be much of a fantasy difference maker this year unless the other one gets hurt.175 carries for 725 yards, 35 catches for 320 yards, 3 total TDs

 

[Chunky Soup]

The Panthers over the past three seasons have averaged 19th in rushing attempts, 24th in rushing yards, 25th in ypc, and 20th in rushing TD. That alone IMO should temper the enthusiam on the rushing projections for the Panthers.

Dave, I have seen this before around here a lot. As I've said in another thread, I think this is a misconception. With their injury history over the last 3 seasons (due to Foster) how could they have a successful running game?

2003 Stephen Davis rushed for 1448 in 14 games.

---David's 3 year mark starts here---

2004 Stephen Davis injured first game. Foster injured 4th game. Davis injury so bad many reports he would be out for 2005.

2005 Davis limps in unexpectedly, has his worst career year. Plays 13 games, career low 3.0 YPA. He splits time with Foster.

2006 Injuries again, Foster out 2 games, Williams out 3 games. Oline injuries, QB problems, split time.

Last 3 years the starter has been injured and in 2 the backup has been injured also for significant time. It is a pretty unfair way to judge the CAR running game, especially just one year before then they had a 1450 yard rusher. Not to mention, they have constantly claiming their committment to the run this offseason and trying new OL techniques. I do realize that Stephen Davis seemed forced into the lineup in '05 and that backs up your loyal-to-vets statement (next paragraph i argue against loyal-to-vets stuff more specifically). However, we have a legit sample size of ONE. And who knows, maybe Fox knew something about Foster that we didn't and he really felt Davis was his guy even though injured?

As of now, Williams has not be designated as the starter and Foster seems to have a leg up on that role. Fox has been very loyal to his RBs since he came to town. People have been SPECULATING that at some point Williams will beat out Foster. (Given Foster's injury history, his so-so track record, and aversion to getting in the end zone that certainly COULD happen.)

Are you going to only ONE other situation where Stephen Davis had the primary carries over Foster for two years? Couldn't it be just as likely that Fox felt Davis gave them the best chance to win at all times? Dwayne Jarrett is supposedly going to start, don't you think he would rather start a vet if this were true? Why wasn't Shelton higher on the depth chart than Williams last year, being that Williams was a rookie? What about a semi-proven-vet Goings?You, I or anyone else don't know what else was going through Fox's mind. Does Reid only start the season with black quarterbacks because they're black? Did Reid not play Moats because he doesn't like young RBs?

We have no earthly idea.

Williams was not leaps and bounds better than Foster running the ball last year.

While true, Williams was better in every statistical category. And, he was a rookie. He now has an entire offseason to go through as well. I can't see how he will get worse and I would only expect him to get better. A lot better. He showed some great stuff last year, especially on the rec. end of things. When in the open field, he showed that his skillz weren't just for the college game.

 

[shadyridr]

I fully believe DeAngelo Williams will be the fulltime back in 07. Whether its in G1 or G4 or even later remains to be seen. Plus I think he will be a monster catching the ball. Since I believe he is much more talented than DeShaun Foster (who I believe is a solid NFL RB) I will project Williams as the starter and hope to grab him as my RB3.

250 att, 1150 yds, 9 tds, 45 rec, 450 yds, 1 tds

These numbers put him as around a top RB2 which I think he will end up being this year.

 

[David Yudkin]

The Panthers over the past three seasons have averaged 19th in rushing attempts, 24th in rushing yards, 25th in ypc, and 20th in rushing TD. That alone IMO should temper the enthusiam on the rushing projections for the Panthers.

Dave, I have seen this before around here a lot. As I've said in another thread, I think this is a misconception. With their injury history over the last 3 seasons (due to Foster) how could they have a successful running game?

2003 Stephen Davis rushed for 1448 in 14 games.

---David's 3 year mark starts here---

2004 Stephen Davis injured first game. Foster injured 4th game. Davis injury so bad many reports he would be out for 2005.

2005 Davis limps in unexpectedly, has his worst career year. Plays 13 games, career low 3.0 YPA. He splits time with Foster.

2006 Injuries again, Foster out 2 games, Williams out 3 games. Oline injuries, QB problems, split time.

Last 3 years the starter has been injured and in 2 the backup has been injured also for significant time. It is a pretty unfair way to judge the CAR running game, especially just one year before then they had a 1450 yard rusher. Not to mention, they have constantly claiming their committment to the run this offseason and trying new OL techniques. I do realize that Stephen Davis seemed forced into the lineup in '05 and that backs up your loyal-to-vets statement (next paragraph i argue against loyal-to-vets stuff more specifically). However, we have a legit sample size of ONE. And who knows, maybe Fox knew something about Foster that we didn't and he really felt Davis was his guy even though injured?

As of now, Williams has not be designated as the starter and Foster seems to have a leg up on that role. Fox has been very loyal to his RBs since he came to town. People have been SPECULATING that at some point Williams will beat out Foster. (Given Foster's injury history, his so-so track record, and aversion to getting in the end zone that certainly COULD happen.)

Are you going to only ONE other situation where Stephen Davis had the primary carries over Foster for two years? Couldn't it be just as likely that Fox felt Davis gave them the best chance to win at all times? Dwayne Jarrett is supposedly going to start, don't you think he would rather start a vet if this were true? Why wasn't Shelton higher on the depth chart than Williams last year, being that Williams was a rookie? What about a semi-proven-vet Goings?You, I or anyone else don't know what else was going through Fox's mind. Does Reid only start the season with black quarterbacks because they're black? Did Reid not play Moats because he doesn't like young RBs?

We have no earthly idea.

Williams was not leaps and bounds better than Foster running the ball last year.

While true, Williams was better in every statistical category. And, he was a rookie. He now has an entire offseason to go through as well. I can't see how he will get worse and I would only expect him to get better. A lot better. He showed some great stuff last year, especially on the rec. end of things. When in the open field, he showed that his skillz weren't just for the college game.

Injuries happen in the NFL. The amount of time missed by RBs the past few years is not really that out of line with any other team. For comparison, the Patirots had a veteran that was banged up much of the year (Dillon) and a rookie that missed several games with injuries (Maroney). NE also had a hodge podge of receivers that certainly were light years away from Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson. Obviously they had Brady and the Panthers didn't, but . . .PATS 499-1969-3.95-20

PANTHERS 423-1659-3.92-7

As for what may or may not happen this year, I recently contacted the beat writer from the Carolina paper on this exact subject and his opinion was that heading into camp Foster would have the advantage and Williams would have to win the starting job. He felt that at some point during the season D-Will might prove to be a better option and that Williams might get a majority of carries at some point this year (although not sending Foster to the bench).

I read this as Foster 65/35% early in the season, 50/50% through mid season, and maybe Williams 60/40% later in the season. I see things working out pretty near even in terms of carries with Williams having more receptions and thus outranking Foster. I don't see either one getting the ball enough to be worth starting for fantasy purposes and while the running game may make some strides, I still don't see the Panthers having top of the league rushing totals.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Panthers over the past three seasons have averaged 19th in rushing attempts, 24th in rushing yards, 25th in ypc, and 20th in rushing TD. That alone IMO should temper the enthusiam on the rushing projections for the Panthers.

The Panthers rushing attack hasn't been all that great. Dividing an already small "pie" among multiple RBs doesn't look like a recipe for fantasy success to me. I think that Williams is more explosive than Foster, but Foster seems to be more powerful and well-rounded. Neither guy is going to be much of a fantasy difference maker this year unless the other one gets hurt.

175 carries for 725 yards, 35 catches for 320 yards, 3 total TDs

What you call powerful and well-rounded, I call slow and plodding.

 

[Wheelhouse]

All this talk about Foster is crazy to me. He has shown himself to be average AT BEST (he reminds me a lot of Kevin Barlow). Now that DWill has a year under his belt, he will take over the job and reduce Foster to a role player. In spot duty last year, Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?Deangelo Williams is this year's Frank Gore.315/1300/950/700/3This is Andy D, reporting from out on the limb.

AD, I love your enthusiasm for the young DeAngelo Williams and as a Panthers fan I hope you're right, but I think DeAngelo 07 = Lawrence Maroney 06. Both 06 Maroney and 07 Williams have a veteran RB in the backfield with them and I'm afraid there won't be a total changing of the guard at least until later in the season - kinda like Maroney last year. Granted Corey Dillon was more of a running back than DeShaun Foster is, so it's possible D'Will could have more of a breakout year as Carolina coaches realize just how special he is. I think 700-800 yards is his par for the season, but he could wind up with 1000 yards and 40 receptions, or metaphorically an "under par" season.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

All this talk about Foster is crazy to me. He has shown himself to be average AT BEST (he reminds me a lot of Kevin Barlow). Now that DWill has a year under his belt, he will take over the job and reduce Foster to a role player. In spot duty last year, Williams caught 32 balls for another 623 yards. How many will he get when he's a full time starter?Deangelo Williams is this year's Frank Gore.315/1300/950/700/3This is Andy D, reporting from out on the limb.

AD, I love your enthusiasm for the young DeAngelo Williams and as a Panthers fan I hope you're right, but I think DeAngelo 07 = Lawrence Maroney 06. Both 06 Maroney and 07 Williams have a veteran RB in the backfield with them and I'm afraid there won't be a total changing of the guard at least until later in the season - kinda like Maroney last year. Granted Corey Dillon was more of a running back than DeShaun Foster is, so it's possible D'Will could have more of a breakout year as Carolina coaches realize just how special he is. I think 700-800 yards is his par for the season, but he could wind up with 1000 yards and 40 receptions, or metaphorically an "under par" season.

Deshaun Foster has almost NOTHING in common with Corey Dillon. A better analogy is probably Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. Rhodes, like Foster, is a "nice" player , but is nothing special. He was there last year to allow Addai to ease in, but once he did, Dom was a role player. In Carolina, Williams isn't a rookie anymore and is poised to take the job over full time from day one.

 

[Ned]

The Panthers over the past three seasons have averaged 19th in rushing attempts, 24th in rushing yards, 25th in ypc, and 20th in rushing TD. That alone IMO should temper the enthusiam on the rushing projections for the Panthers.As of now, Williams has not be designated as the starter and Foster seems to have a leg up on that role. Fox has been very loyal to his RBs since he came to town. People have been SPECULATING that at some point Williams will beat out Foster. (Given Foster's injury history, his so-so track record, and aversion to getting in the end zone that certainly COULD happen.) Williams was not leaps and bounds better than Foster running the ball last year, and I still see this as a RBBC with marginal production to be had. IMO, Williams as a third round pick is a very risky pick this year.

finally, someone gets it.

 

[Jayrod]

I think too many people are looking at DWill and thinking of Maurice-Jones Drew.

MJD was an anomaly and he probably won't even have as good a season this year as he did last year. D. Will is a special player and should be a great pick for a dynasty league, but I don't expect MJD #s from him this year. In redraft leagues, his value just isn't going to be there this year. You can't draft him as your #2 because he is currently in a RBBC (and it's not like CAR is DEN or even NE). The numbers just won't be good enough for that, so you have to at least wait until your #3 back. But then it is a gamble. If he doesn't become the starter, then you are left with a very weak #3.

In order to justify taking DWill in a redraft, I'd think you'd want to either have a solid 1-2 RB at the top, or another good option as your #4. According to Antsports ADP in a 12-team, DWill is going around 4.02. That seems about right for a team that goes RB-RB-WR-RB or RB-WR-RB-RB. But then you are passing up on a top tier WR, another more proven RB or high quality QB for a player that could put up less than 1,000 total yards and 4 TD's.

I believe that in order to win a FF championship, you have to take risks. But I like to calculate the risk/reward, so I'm not taking unneccessary risks. If D-Will fell to me in the mid to late 4th round and I was very happy with my first two backs and the WR's still available after the turn, I'd take him. His upside is high enough that he could be the very reason teams win their league. His downside is low enough that for a fourth round pick, it could mean you finish middle of the pack.

I think he gets a few big games, but it will be impossible to tell when unless Foster gets hurt. Not worth it IMO as I think the RBBC is full blown for the entire year. My projections are closer to his floor than his ceiling:

205 carries for 775 yds 4 TD's

39 catches for 295 yds 2 TD's

 

[BigRed]

As I said in the Foster thread:

Wms becomes the man this year for sure, but Foster has enough talent that I still see him getting more than a few carries. Basically flip their stats around from last year and that's about how I think each will look this year, although Wms might crack 1000.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Further, the Panthers are running a zone blocking scheme rather than a power blocking one this year - which should play right into Williams' skills.

 

[Chunky Soup]

2003 Stephen Davis rushed for 1448 in 14 games.

---David's 3 year mark starts here---

2004 Stephen Davis injured first game. Foster injured 4th game. Davis injury so bad many reports he would be out for 2005.

2005 Davis limps in unexpectedly, has his worst career year. Plays 13 games, career low 3.0 YPA. He splits time with Foster.

2006 Injuries again, Foster out 2 games, Williams out 3 games. Oline injuries, QB problems, split time.

Injuries happen in the NFL. The amount of time missed by RBs the past few years is not really that out of line with any other team. For comparison, the Patirots had a veteran that was banged up much of the year (Dillon) and a rookie that missed several games with injuries (Maroney). NE also had a hodge podge of receivers that certainly were light years away from Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson. Obviously they had Brady and the Panthers didn't, but . . .PATS 499-1969-3.95-20

PANTHERS 423-1659-3.92-7

Calling the Panthers situation normal is a little strange here. A starter missing 17 games from 2005-2006 is in-line with NFL averages? What about a starter/backup combination missing a combined 26 games in 2004? How about last year when Foster and Williams had various injuries throughout the year, and although missed 5 games, they were playing injured plenty of games. Not to mention, also in 2006, they had OL and QB issues; DeAngelo Williams played QB for a game. Also, Steve Smith missed the first two games of 2006, and in an offense that was centered around him, they suffered.And dude, using the Pats as a comparison is night and day. You're using a team that is a benchmark of consistency, with Brady and Belichick.

So two questions:

(1) Do you really think the Carolina situation has been normally healthy?

(2) You don't think that injuries to RBs and other key components of the offense cause a teams # of rushes and the rush offense overall to suffer??

And, the year before the injuries and massive string of problems they had a 1450 yard rusher. Can you explain the sudden drop other than what I have above?

 

[David Yudkin]

2003 Stephen Davis rushed for 1448 in 14 games.

---David's 3 year mark starts here---

2004 Stephen Davis injured first game. Foster injured 4th game. Davis injury so bad many reports he would be out for 2005.

2005 Davis limps in unexpectedly, has his worst career year. Plays 13 games, career low 3.0 YPA. He splits time with Foster.

2006 Injuries again, Foster out 2 games, Williams out 3 games. Oline injuries, QB problems, split time.

Injuries happen in the NFL. The amount of time missed by RBs the past few years is not really that out of line with any other team. For comparison, the Patirots had a veteran that was banged up much of the year (Dillon) and a rookie that missed several games with injuries (Maroney). NE also had a hodge podge of receivers that certainly were light years away from Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson. Obviously they had Brady and the Panthers didn't, but . . .PATS 499-1969-3.95-20

PANTHERS 423-1659-3.92-7

Calling the Panthers situation normal is a little strange here. A starter missing 17 games from 2005-2006 is in-line with NFL averages? What about a starter/backup combination missing a combined 26 games in 2004? How about last year when Foster and Williams had various injuries throughout the year, and although missed 5 games, they were playing injured plenty of games. Not to mention, also in 2006, they had OL and QB issues; DeAngelo Williams played QB for a game. Also, Steve Smith missed the first two games of 2006, and in an offense that was centered around him, they suffered.And dude, using the Pats as a comparison is night and day. You're using a team that is a benchmark of consistency, with Brady and Belichick.

So two questions:

(1) Do you really think the Carolina situation has been normally healthy?

(2) You don't think that injuries to RBs and other key components of the offense cause a teams # of rushes and the rush offense overall to suffer??

And, the year before the injuries and massive string of problems they had a 1450 yard rusher. Can you explain the sudden drop other than what I have above?

I was referring to the 2006 Panthers as not out of line injury wise (one back missing 2 games and another missing 3 games). Ditto in 2005 when Davis missing 3 games and Foster 1. If there was an anomally it was in 2004 when Foster and Davis were both hurt for most of the year. And IMO Nick Goings the last 7 games of the year that year was the most productive RB per game than any other back they've had in the Fox era--even better than Davis.Sure, injuries play a part in any team's production. But the past two years the running backs have been banged up but in the lineup (which was where the analogy to the Patriots came in). And CERTAINLY a tandem of Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson was a better pairing than Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown as starting WRs.

So to answer the questions . . .

1) Yes, in 2005 and 2006 I believe that the offense on a whole was not abnormally unhealthy. The "unhelthy" year for RB was 2004.

2) Yes, I concur that injuries can impact a team's production but as I mentioned above, I don't think that the Panthers offense was exceedingly banged up.

Even if we look at the 2003 season with Davis putting up solid numbers, the team still only had 9 rushing TD and Davis ranked 12th. IMO, there is less production to go around these days and Williams will likely share a fair amount of the workload with Foster.

I suspect that Carolina will not have Foster in 2008 and Williams will see a lotmore action that year, but for now I still see RBBC with both parties getting the ball enough to make the other one not worth starting for fantasy purposes in normal sized leagues with regular starting requirements.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

-Foster was not good last year but he was not totally terrible either.

-Foster in 14 games last season had 1050 combined yards, caught 32 balls, averaged 4.0 ypc and had 3 TD's.

-Williams in 13 games last year had 814 yards, caught 33 balls and had a 4.1 ypc, with 2 TD's

For redraft I don't think anyone is even thinking about drafting either of these guys as an RB1. So the Carolina RB situation is looking like RB 2 material, but at this point I wouldn't feel comfortable with either of these guys as my RB 2 because no one knows how the running back load will pan out. So unless I can get Williams or Foster as an RB 3 I won't be owning a Panther RB this season in redraft.

In dynasty Williams holds more value, but Foster at 27 does have 3-4 years left of football and Carolina does have him on their roster for the next while. This situation is not a good one at this point.

 

[cscmtp]

most Panthers fans in NC think D-Will is definitely going to be the starter. Not sure if that's based on local papers, local radio shows, or what, but you poll 9 out of 10 people in NC, and the will tell you D-Will is the starter this year. I guess we'll all know in about 6-8 weeks!

 

[duaneok66]

most Panthers fans in NC think D-Will is definitely going to be the starter. Not sure if that's based on local papers, local radio shows, or what, but you poll 9 out of 10 people in NC, and they'll tell you D-Will is the starter this year. I guess we'll all know in about 6-8 weeks!

most people also thought that Williams would take over last year (at some point) . . .

 

[ImTheScientist]

most Panthers fans in NC think D-Will is definitely going to be the starter. Not sure if that's based on local papers, local radio shows, or what, but you poll 9 out of 10 people in NC, and they'll tell you D-Will is the starter this year. I guess we'll all know in about 6-8 weeks!

most people also thought that Williams would take over last year (at some point) . . .

Had he stayed healthy all year he may have. Is there anyone out there that believes Foster is the beter RB?

 

[duaneok66]

most Panthers fans in NC think D-Will is definitely going to be the starter. Not sure if that's based on local papers, local radio shows, or what, but you poll 9 out of 10 people in NC, and they'll tell you D-Will is the starter this year. I guess we'll all know in about 6-8 weeks!

most people also thought that Williams would take over last year (at some point) . . .

Had he stayed healthy all year he may have. Is there anyone out there that believes Foster is the beter RB?

he had plenty of chances to take over and he didn't do it . . . Foster even got his gig back after he came back from injury . . . Williams may take over this year, but please stop making excuses for what happened in 2006 . . .

 

[BigRed]

most Panthers fans in NC think D-Will is definitely going to be the starter. Not sure if that's based on local papers, local radio shows, or what, but you poll 9 out of 10 people in NC, and the will tell you D-Will is the starter this year. I guess we'll all know in about 6-8 weeks!

Pls tell me they don't actually call him "D-Will."Anyway even if he does start, again I think "D-Fos" will get his share - the good news is you should be able to get either fairly easily as a RB3 if you want to take a chance (and isn't that what most RB3s are about anyway...).

 

[Keith Lewis]

It cracks me up when people mention that the Panthers are moving to zone blocking and it's going to without a doubt help out Williams. Wake up people, why are they changing their scheme? It's because for the last few years their schemes have not produced the desired results, right? This is a test, a hope, maybe even a well thought out plan to change the scheme. In no way is there any guarentee that the new scheme will help with the results of their flat running game, they want it to but that doesn't mean it will. It may very well blow up in their face and the running game is even worse this year. The Panthers could have an injury or multiple injuries to their thin Offensive Line which would result in disaster. Keep hope alive D. Willy owners and be sure to take this kid high.

 

[Da Guru]

most Panthers fans in NC think D-Will is definitely going to be the starter. Not sure if that's based on local papers, local radio shows, or what, but you poll 9 out of 10 people in NC, and the will tell you D-Will is the starter this year. I guess we'll all know in about 6-8 weeks!

Pls tell me they don't actually call him "D-Will."Anyway even if he does start, again I think "D-Fos" will get his share - the good news is you should be able to get either fairly easily as a RB3 if you want to take a chance (and isn't that what most RB3s are about anyway...).

Actually D-Willy is his real nick name.

 

[Ned]

two things that seem to be overlooked by every deangello fan...

1 - zone blocking. can anyone point out a team that switched to the zone blocking that really did well with it the first year? it's not something they learn over night. everyone touting it as a key ingredient for deangello success needs to take the rose colored glasses off.

2 - foster. no, i don't think he's the better rb. he is good enough though to have a significant role in this offense whether you like it or not. i will be shocked if deangello gets 300 carries like many of you are predicting. i see it more of a 225/150 type split in carries (deangello getting 225).

 

[cscmtp]

If anyone has it on tape or tivo, go watch the Panthers vs Eagles game last year, when Foster was out. I think that game alone is why a lot of us D-Willy fans have high hopes for this year.

 

[David Yudkin]

If anyone has it on tape or tivo, go watch the Panthers vs Eagles game last year, when Foster was out. I think that game alone is why a lot of us D-Willy fans have high hopes for this year.

After that stellar performance, Williams proceeded to have weeks with 2 rushes for 2 yards and 2 carries for 1 yard.

 

[ImTheScientist]

two things that seem to be overlooked by every deangello fan...

1 - zone blocking. can anyone point out a team that switched to the zone blocking that really did well with it the first year? it's not something they learn over night. everyone touting it as a key ingredient for deangello success needs to take the rose colored glasses off.

2 - foster. no, i don't think he's the better rb. he is good enough though to have a significant role in this offense whether you like it or not. i will be shocked if deangello gets 300 carries like many of you are predicting. i see it more of a 225/150 type split in carries (deangello getting 225).

Can you point out teams that switched to the zone blocking scheme and did not do well the first year? I believe Atlanta did well the first year they switched over, not sure what year Alex Gibbs started there but if anyone can find when he arived I bet they did a lot better than the year before.