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Ray Rice touches per game (1 Viewer)

Assuming McGahee stays healthy, my guess is 5-6 touches a game, 80-95 for the season. There will be less than a handful of odd weeks where he gets low double digit touches, likewise a few weeks where he gets a goose egg. I'd guess he fills a role like this.

 
I think he'll play more than expected. I see him getting something like 100-150 touches. I'm a little worried about his low weight, but he's one of my favorite players in the draft. His skills should translate seamlessly to the NFL level and I won't be surprised if he's one of the top 2-3 backs from this draft when the dust settles.

 
Rice got drafted in the 2nd round inspite of other needs by the team. Harbaugh was ravin about Rice on the post-conference saying he's their type of player. Again in OTA's, more good reviews from the coaching staff. I heard WIllis ypc in the 2nd half of last 2 years has been below 4.0, so he has worn down at the end.

I'm expecting 120-150 touches, with quite a few third down work.

 
Rice got drafted in the 2nd round inspite of other needs by the team. Harbaugh was ravin about Rice on the post-conference saying he's their type of player. Again in OTA's, more good reviews from the coaching staff. I heard WIllis ypc in the 2nd half of last 2 years has been below 4.0, so he has worn down at the end.I'm expecting 120-150 touches, with quite a few third down work.
I see him as the Kenny Irons of last year, someone they want at least in the mix to take pressure off the starter and put some more pressure on the defense.Yet....this hasnt been Cam's style unless you count some games with Michael Turner. Cam claimed that he likes RBBC last summer with Miami, but that was all talk.
 
McGahee will be what he always has been...steady but unspectacular. Ray Rice is a really, really good player. I think it is clear that the new coaching staff feels Rice is the eventual replacement for McGahee, but there is no need to rush the process. He should get about 120 carries and 25 or so catches.

Next year he should compete for a lot more (possibly 50%), and in 2010 he should be the starter.

 
Adam Caplan thinks it's a Thomas Jones/Cedric Benson situation, meaning he thinks the Ravens might ship McGahee off to the highest bidder this offseason if they're satisfied with Rice. Take that for whatever it's worth.

 
I liked Rice all year long but right before the draft I started to question his acceleration and general explosiveness. Anyone else worried about that, or am I over thinking it?

 
I think he'll play more than expected. I see him getting something like 100-150 touches. I'm a little worried about his low weight, but he's one of my favorite players in the draft. His skills should translate seamlessly to the NFL level and I won't be surprised if he's one of the top 2-3 backs from this draft when the dust settles.
I like him too, but how long do we have to wait? I passed on him in rookie draft because our league only lets you sign players to three year contracts, and we have very tight roster limits. Barring injury to Willis, I don't see him being a reliable fantasy starter until year three.
 
I think he'll play more than expected. I see him getting something like 100-150 touches. I'm a little worried about his low weight, but he's one of my favorite players in the draft. His skills should translate seamlessly to the NFL level and I won't be surprised if he's one of the top 2-3 backs from this draft when the dust settles.
I like him too, but how long do we have to wait? I passed on him in rookie draft because our league only lets you sign players to three year contracts, and we have very tight roster limits. Barring injury to Willis, I don't see him being a reliable fantasy starter until year three.
I passed on him for Felix Jones in two leagues because they were PPR and I needed immediate impact, so I understand why you might look elsewhere in your drafts. I still think Rice is a good prospect and a very nice value at his dynasty/rookie ADP.
 
I liked Rice all year long but right before the draft I started to question his acceleration and general explosiveness. Anyone else worried about that, or am I over thinking it?
One of the great epiphanies I had this offseason was the importance of leg drive towards success at the RB position. IMO the only difference between MJD and Reggie Bush is that MJD is much better at breaking tackles, which gives him second chance yards that Bush doesn't get. Otherwise Reggie is just as fast, just as quick, and just as athletic.If you look at the successful RB's in the NFL, the one thing almost all of them have in common is a strong base and a powerful lower body. These traits have allowed guys like Rudi Johnson, Marion Barber, and Frank Gore to dramatically exceed expectations. I think Rice has the same kind of stout build and running strength. Can he have the same success? I think it's possible. The only issue is his size. Rice is more of a power back than a speed back. He has an ideal BMI and good lower body thickness, but he's still a bit light on account of his small stature. So I view him as an experiment that will answer the question: does BMI trump weight at the RB position? If he was 5'10" 220 I'd call him a can't miss prospect. At 5'8" 200, he presents a puzzling prospect. I'm not overly worried about his lack of pure burst. You're right that his speed and explosiveness aren't elite, yet he has good acceleration, great hip swivel, and good cutting skills. I think the only way he'll fail to become a successful featured back in the NFL is if it turns out that his 200 pound weight is just too low to overcome. Otherwise he's as close to flawless as any runner in this draft class.
 
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EBF said:
I think he'll play more than expected. I see him getting something like 100-150 touches. I'm a little worried about his low weight, but he's one of my favorite players in the draft. His skills should translate seamlessly to the NFL level and I won't be surprised if he's one of the top 2-3 backs from this draft when the dust settles.
Agree. He is the most efficient runner in the class.
 
EBF said:
I think he'll play more than expected. I see him getting something like 100-150 touches. I'm a little worried about his low weight, but he's one of my favorite players in the draft. His skills should translate seamlessly to the NFL level and I won't be surprised if he's one of the top 2-3 backs from this draft when the dust settles.
I agree EBF and if you are a owner of the MG you might want to consider getting value now. I think mid season the writing will be on the wall, Rice is the superior RB.
 
gregjcross said:
RoyDubb said:
Rice got drafted in the 2nd round inspite of other needs by the team. Harbaugh was ravin about Rice on the post-conference saying he's their type of player. Again in OTA's, more good reviews from the coaching staff. I heard WIllis ypc in the 2nd half of last 2 years has been below 4.0, so he has worn down at the end.I'm expecting 120-150 touches, with quite a few third down work.
I see him as the Kenny Irons of last year, someone they want at least in the mix to take pressure off the starter and put some more pressure on the defense.Yet....this hasnt been Cam's style unless you count some games with Michael Turner. Cam claimed that he likes RBBC last summer with Miami, but that was all talk.
I understand your point, but putting Irons and Rice in the same sentence or even the same paragraph is doing Rice a huge injustice. There is no comparison between Rice and Irons. Rice is going to be a super stud. Irons may end up like the Perry.
 
ConstruxBoy said:
I liked Rice all year long but right before the draft I started to question his acceleration and general explosiveness. Anyone else worried about that, or am I over thinking it?
i think his footwork and vision will overcome his lack of burst. His highlight video is loaded with his footwork getting him in positions to get by tacklers. Hopefully he can continue to break tackles in the NFL, that'll be key
 
The Ravens will run McGahee into the ground for the duration of his contract, until the production doesn't justify the contract (cap) number....as most teams do. Willis is still young, strong, and productive enough to be the feature RB in Balt for at least 3 more years, when Rice could potentially take over. Easing his workload over the next few years could potentially extend Willis a few more years ala what MJD has done for Fred Taylor.

In fact, Willis is sort of similar to Fred Taylor, and will probably have a similar legacy when it's all said and done.......not appreciated by most of the fantasy geeks, but highly respected amongst his peers and other RBs, past and present, as one of the better RBs in the league......

 
The Ravens will run McGahee into the ground for the duration of his contract, until the production doesn't justify the contract (cap) number....as most teams do. Willis is still young, strong, and productive enough to be the feature RB in Balt for at least 3 more years, when Rice could potentially take over. Easing his workload over the next few years could potentially extend Willis a few more years ala what MJD has done for Fred Taylor. In fact, Willis is sort of similar to Fred Taylor, and will probably have a similar legacy when it's all said and done.......not appreciated by most of the fantasy geeks, but highly respected amongst his peers and other RBs, past and present, as one of the better RBs in the league......
you also have to remember the knee injury that he has overcome to get to the point that hes at. most of the players who sustained a knee injury like the one he did in the NC game, wouldnt/couldnt have come back, and still be as productive as he has been. mcgahee is a great running back, while he may not be spectacular, hes a grinder, and a hard worker, everything the ravens stand for (falcons fan btw)
 
EBF said:
ConstruxBoy said:
I liked Rice all year long but right before the draft I started to question his acceleration and general explosiveness. Anyone else worried about that, or am I over thinking it?
One of the great epiphanies I had this offseason was the importance of leg drive towards success at the RB position. IMO the only difference between MJD and Reggie Bush is that MJD is much better at breaking tackles, which gives him second chance yards that Bush doesn't get. Otherwise Reggie is just as fast, just as quick, and just as athletic.If you look at the successful RB's in the NFL, the one thing almost all of them have in common is a strong base and a powerful lower body. These traits have allowed guys like Rudi Johnson, Marion Barber, and Frank Gore to dramatically exceed expectations. I think Rice has the same kind of stout build and running strength. Can he have the same success? I think it's possible. The only issue is his size. Rice is more of a power back than a speed back. He has an ideal BMI and good lower body thickness, but he's still a bit light on account of his small stature. So I view him as an experiment that will answer the question: does BMI trump weight at the RB position? If he was 5'10" 220 I'd call him a can't miss prospect. At 5'8" 200, he presents a puzzling prospect. I'm not overly worried about his lack of pure burst. You're right that his speed and explosiveness aren't elite, yet he has good acceleration, great hip swivel, and good cutting skills. I think the only way he'll fail to become a successful featured back in the NFL is if it turns out that his 200 pound weight is just too low to overcome. Otherwise he's as close to flawless as any runner in this draft class.
Some good points as always from you. Ironically it was the bowl game, in which his stats look fantastic, that worried me. But you're correct that he probably does have the leg drive to succeed, assuming he keeps breaking tackles. My thought was that he would/should/could be more explosive to avoid more of the contact since he is on the smaller/lighter size. That would make me more comfortable with him being successful, instead of counting on his leg drive being as effective in the NFL as it was in college.
 
The Ravens will run McGahee into the ground for the duration of his contract, until the production doesn't justify the contract (cap) number....as most teams do. Willis is still young, strong, and productive enough to be the feature RB in Balt for at least 3 more years, when Rice could potentially take over. Easing his workload over the next few years could potentially extend Willis a few more years ala what MJD has done for Fred Taylor. In fact, Willis is sort of similar to Fred Taylor, and will probably have a similar legacy when it's all said and done.......not appreciated by most of the fantasy geeks, but highly respected amongst his peers and other RBs, past and present, as one of the better RBs in the league......
I agree with this. I think people are selling McGahee a little bit short, esp since I don't think that Rice is so much better than him that he would force McGahee to the sideline.
 
ConstruxBoy said:
I liked Rice all year long but right before the draft I started to question his acceleration and general explosiveness. Anyone else worried about that, or am I over thinking it?
I believe his long speed can be questioned but at both the college and NFL level many of his peers have stated that Rice is the quickest player they have ever seen. He has been my #1 target in dynasty drafts this year. I agree his playing weight at 200lbs is a concern but he is built solid and a proven workhorse RB. I'll roll the dice with him, as one scout has stated the NFL is all about inside running and Rice is the best inside runner in this draft.
 
Lots of good info in this thread.

Have to admit I am not that high on Rice. The guy's game is predicated on power but he's not very big. I just don't think he's a strong enough guy to be a dominant NFL player. I could be wrong, and I like what I'm reading on him in this thread; very informative stuff.

I also think McGahee is a better RB than Rice. I don't think it'll be a RBBC for the next few years - McGahee is the workhorse with Rice spelling/some 3rd down work. In three years who knows, but that is a long time to wait IMO.

 
I don't think Rice will get more than a few carries a game but you never know in the NFL. Things change very fast and for those of you predicting Rice to wait in the wings for 3 years to take over I just don't see it. 3 years in the NFL is an eternity...look at the FBG RB rank for '06 just two years ago..

LJ

LT

SA

Rudi

Ronnie Brown

SJax

Willie Parker

Jordan

Caddy

Willis

Of those backs from 2 years ago 1/2 have lost their jobs or are in the process. Either Rice will end up being a player or he won't, if he's a player he'll see the field sooner than later regardless of McGahee's contract. I can't even really think of a situation where a guy that was drafted relatively high waited in the wings for 3 years for his shot.

 
I can't even really think of a situation where a guy that was drafted relatively high waited in the wings for 3 years for his shot.
Lamont Jordan comes to mind, not that I'm comparing CMart to McGahee...
True but it's fairly uncommon that a guy waits in the wings for years and does anything relevant beyond that. If they truly are players they get their shot due to injury, better play, etc..
 
I can't even really think of a situation where a guy that was drafted relatively high waited in the wings for 3 years for his shot.
Lamont Jordan comes to mind, not that I'm comparing CMart to McGahee...
True but it's fairly uncommon that a guy waits in the wings for years and does anything relevant beyond that. If they truly are players they get their shot due to injury, better play, etc..
Yup, I see your point. Gonna be interesting to see how it plays out. I think McGahee is a better RB but as you say things change in a hurry in this league. Might actually be a good time to try and trade FOR McGahee in dynasty leagues -- owners may be a bit down on his long term prospects with Rice waiting in the wings...
 
Just did the spotlight on McGahee and I'm a big fan of Ray Rice from his RU days.

McGahee had 294 of 404 carries last year - leaving 100+ carries for someone else. Musa Smith is not Ray Rice, so look for Rice to do more with his 100 or so carries this year. He is more explosive than McGahee, and I think the FTaylor / MJD analogy is a good one.

Some have already said (Balt. staff) that Rice will be used like MJD this year. That extended FTaylor's value and career, and McGahee should benefit as well. As long as the Ravens stay in games and keep the ground game intact, both Rice and McGahee will have good value. Rice will also try for some KR duties.

To answer the question - about 100 carries and maybe 20-30 targets.

The other bonus is he's a later pick and a true handcuff for McGahee (as opposed to other RB10-15 guys where the handcuff may not be very clear or overpriced).

 

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