This list doesn't include Undrafted FA RBs such as Hall, Henderson, Moore, Howard... but those guys certainly could crack this list and move into the top 13 if your Rookie draft includes them
1. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Saints should run a similar offense to that of USC. I predict 15 touches a game for Bush as a Rookie, and that doesn't include Special Teams.
2. Laurence Maroney, New England Pats
This guy will be starting by Week 8. I'm not a big fan of force feeding young RBs. Coaches should also be wary of this tactic as Eddie George and maybe now Jamal Lewis seem to be getting banged up way too early in their careers. Maroney should vulture some TDs from Dillon, but Corey should bethe guy at the goaline assuming he's healthy.
3. Joseph Addai
Sure Rhodes went over 1,000 yards a couple years ago, but what have you done for us lately? Addai is a great fit, but will he have the confidence of the coaching staff to get consistent significant carries in the redzone? I'd give him 1,000 total yards and 4 TDs for '06 with the potential to become Edgerrin-lite down the road.
4. Lendale White
I for one like this guy and his situation in Tennessee. He may not be the immediate starter, but the coaching staff have not shown much faith or support for Brown or Henry. White and VY in the same backfield is a frightening thought. Could be the next Rudi Johnson.
5. DeAngelo Williams
Hate his situation. Yeah, Deshaun is fragile, but he should be a backup as long as Foster stays healthy. It's a curious pick and the transition tag makes you wonder how badly they wanted to keep Foster around. But owners could have to wait 3-4 years before he gets significant amounts of carries.
6. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons
Obviously the leading candidate to be Dunn's replacement. Wouldn't be surprised if both he and Duckett are gone in '07. Nobody else on the roster at this point will be higher on the depth chart.
7. Leon Washington, New York Jets
Don't sleep on this guy. Jets are building a solid foundation on the line, and the competition should be wide open once Martin retires (after '06 I predict).
8. Maurice Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Joins Greg Jones and Alvin Pearman as potential starters after Taylor retires. The best returner out of this group, but the cluttered backfield doesn't bode well.
9. Jerome Harrison, Cleveland Browns
Love his situation. Can spell Droughns right away. Suggs might be done in Cleveland soon. Harrison will have a chance to shine as a 3rd down back sooner than later. Droughns won't be a 30-carry-a-game RB in 2-3 years IMO.
10. Brian Calhoun, Detroit Lions
Will compete to be 3rd down back with Bryson and Pinner. Could be the next Marion Barber III, but that won't likely net him a starting gig unless Jones' career is sidetracked by injuries.
11. Wali Lundy, Houston Texans
Bush didn't go to the Texans for lots of reasons. But I'd be willing to bet that he didn't fit Kubiak's system as well as Kubiak would've liked. Question is, does Dom Davis? Kubiak, not Shannahan was the one who turned Gary, Davis, Anderson and Bell into 1,000 yd rushers. Is Lundy the guy if Dom Davis can't adjust to the system? Drop him down a notch if the Texans re-sign Wells.
12. Cedric Humes, Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers got a bruiser. If Parker doesn't prove he can carry the ball 25-30 times a game, Humes could see goaline looks by mid-season. Probably not the future, especially if the Steelers sign Duckett in '07 as rumors suggest.
13. Quinton Ganther, Tennessee Titans
Dropoff begins here as Ganther will be buried on the depth chart heading into '06. But would anyone be that surprised if Brown, Henry, Lendale didn't endear tehmselves to the coaching staff?
14. PJ Daniels, Baltimore Ravens
Provides some much needed depth in Baltimore. Jamal Lewis might be showing signs of breaking down, and Daniels might be the 'back of the future (Musa Smith still unsigned?)
15. Michael Robinson, San Francisco 49ers
I guess there is still a chance that Barlow gets traded. Gore still has durability concerns and Maurice Hicks is the only other RB on the team at this moment. Okay, he won't see much time this year, but could develop into a solid 3rd down back.
