wannabee
Footballguy
I wrote this for an ACF thread, but want to hear some discussion. I have seen a few threads for redraft with the rookie RBs. Here is my take:
We need to remember that it seems that atleast one prominent rookie RB that does not agree to a contract and get to camp on time. This puts the rookie RBs way behind. There are many seemingly small facets of the pro game that makes it a difficult transition on short notice. Many teams would prefer to go with a less talented veteran Rb for a time until the team is assured of the rookie's performance on these seemingly small areas. Us fantasy owners overrate the actual running of the football without regard to blocking, carrying out fakes, running the correct routes, knowing the terminology, etc.
Even without a holdout, it is difficult for a rookie to get into camp and be up to speed by the first couple of games. Even then, it is usually a few games in before the coach has complete confidence in the rookie RB. If a holdout, where the rookie misses individual attention by position coach, and with the entire team in scrimmages, etc, he is putting himself way behind the curve and gives the veteran, possibly much less talented, RB an advantage for several games.
Conclusion:
In redraft leagues, stay away from rookie RBs who holdout or report to camp really late. By the same token, look for the veteran incumbant in these situations ...he will be very underrated. The Thomas Jones/Cedric benson situaion of 2005 is not as rare as we would be led to believe.
We need to remember that it seems that atleast one prominent rookie RB that does not agree to a contract and get to camp on time. This puts the rookie RBs way behind. There are many seemingly small facets of the pro game that makes it a difficult transition on short notice. Many teams would prefer to go with a less talented veteran Rb for a time until the team is assured of the rookie's performance on these seemingly small areas. Us fantasy owners overrate the actual running of the football without regard to blocking, carrying out fakes, running the correct routes, knowing the terminology, etc.
Even without a holdout, it is difficult for a rookie to get into camp and be up to speed by the first couple of games. Even then, it is usually a few games in before the coach has complete confidence in the rookie RB. If a holdout, where the rookie misses individual attention by position coach, and with the entire team in scrimmages, etc, he is putting himself way behind the curve and gives the veteran, possibly much less talented, RB an advantage for several games.
Conclusion:
In redraft leagues, stay away from rookie RBs who holdout or report to camp really late. By the same token, look for the veteran incumbant in these situations ...he will be very underrated. The Thomas Jones/Cedric benson situaion of 2005 is not as rare as we would be led to believe.
