This is the list I'm working with thus far... and it's a work in progress (I'm sure I'll be shuffling it around as I research more):
Ingram- I don’t think he’ll be force fed the ball, but he’ll be the lead back in a RBBC for a high-powered offense. And with teams so focused on Brees and the air attach, I really like Ingram’s odds of being very productive his rookie year and forward.
R Williams- I like his skill set. The situation in ARI is murky with Wells and Hightower still there. Williams is going to have to play really well to earn a big role in the offense or at least take advantage of any Wells injury that could occur. Long term, I like Williams pretty well, for this year, he might have some trouble getting a ton of work. I think with some patience, owners of Williams will be nicely rewarded, eventually.
D Thomas- Not the hugest fan from a purely talent standpoint, but for now, it looks like he landed in an ideal spot to play a lot and early. That said, there is still a chance that MIA brings in a RB to share time with the rookie. So, while his odds are good to get a lot of touches this season, I wouldn’t consider it a lock that he will be seeing 20+ touches per game at this point. Still a lot needs to shake out in NFL free agency.
M Leshoure- I like him as the power runner in the DET RBBC. I’m a big Best fan, but think there is a definite place for Leshoure in the DET running attack. My guess is a Best sees a few more touches per game, but that Leshoure gets plenty of action his rookie year and forward. Plus, I believe ball security is one of Leshoure’s strong attributes, so with that in mind and his size, I’m guessing he is the goal line and short yardage RB day 1. And if Best has trouble staying healthy, Leshoure’s value will obviously increase.
Helu Jr.- Torrain is still there in WAS and Royster was drafted a couple rounds after Helu. However, I still think Helu is eventually going to be the primary back in the WAS ground game or at least get a real crack at it. I don’t know his game too well, admittedly, but from what I understand he should be a solid fit in the one cut and go system in WAS. If you are not a believer in Torrain long term, Helu seems a good option to draft, but a case could be made that Royster is the value play if he can be had way later in drafts.
J Rodgers- He won’t be the primary ball carrier in ATL any time soon, barring a Turner injury, but I think he can be the 3rd down back right out of the gate and has a real shot to eventually work his way into a bigger role in some sort of RBBC as Turner is phased out in a couple years.
S Vareen- The NE backfield seems destined for full on RBBC for years to come, but Vareen is very likely to have a nice role somewhere in that mix.
D Carter- Indy’s backfield isn’t an area of strength. Carter could work his way into some real playing time with a strong camp and preseason.
T Jones- OAK has proven they can run the ball and McFadden has had some minimal trouble getting dinged up. Jones is fast (shocking OAK drafted speed) and could carve himself a role in that offense. Seems like a good upside player, but a bit of a long shot to get significant carries anytime soon.
K Hunter
A Green
B Powell
D Murray
D Lewis
J Todman
J White
