Rookie Running Backs (1 Viewer)

[digphish]

I know the top five running backs are:

Stewart

DMac

Mendenhall

forte

K. Smith

I have the first 3 picks in my rookie draft, and am trying to figure out who the top 3 are. I think Stewart and DMac are one and two (in that order in my opinion), but #3 is tough. Originally it was Mendenhall all the way. Being a Steeler fan, I thought I was sold. However he may not be starting this year, so I am tempted to move up Forte and Smith who both have starting gigs. I've been hearing many more positive things about these two guys than Mendenhall. I am been really liking the things I have been hearing about Smith. I read an article on another site (I won't mention which) that had Smith ranked the #1 rookie RB. Does anybody have any feedback on which RB is the #3?

 

[TLEF316]

since you have the first 3 picks, I'm assuming your team was not all that great last year. In that case, this theory rings even more true.......draft talent, not situation. If you think Mendenhall is the most talented player, you take him, no questions asked (especially if you have the first 3 picks, jeez)

There's a whole lot of JJ Arrington and Brandon Jackson drafters that will agree, i think. In a dynasty league, you have to think long term.

 

[Keys Myaths]

since you have the first 3 picks, I'm assuming your team was not all that great last year. In that case, this theory rings even more true.......draft talent, not situation. If you think Mendenhall is the most talented player, you take him, no questions asked (especially if you have the first 3 picks, jeez) There's a whole lot of JJ Arrington and Brandon Jackson drafters that will agree, i think. In a dynasty league, you have to think long term.

And there's a lot of Joseph Addai owners that will disagree with you.

 

[TLEF316]

since you have the first 3 picks, I'm assuming your team was not all that great last year. In that case, this theory rings even more true.......draft talent, not situation. If you think Mendenhall is the most talented player, you take him, no questions asked (especially if you have the first 3 picks, jeez) There's a whole lot of JJ Arrington and Brandon Jackson drafters that will agree, i think. In a dynasty league, you have to think long term.

And there's a lot of Joseph Addai owners that will disagree with you.

But Addai was still a first rounder and considered a very good talent. The only reason to consider Matt Forte over Rashard Mendenhall is because Forte has no other good RB's on his team. I don't think you'll find very many people that belive that Forte is a better long term play.Addai and the guys he was "competing" against in rookie drafts (DeAngelo Williams and Laurence Maroney) were all picked in the same range. While Addai's situation was a very big part of his attraction, he was still on a similar talent level.It's not quite an apples to apples comparison. (1st rounder vs 1st rounder as opposed to 1st rounder vs 2nd, 3rd or 4th rounder)

 

[digphish]

My team wasn't all that bad talent wise. They just showed up at the wrong time. I understand about drafting talent over situation for those examples you mentioned. I just didn't know who was better talent wise...

 

[TLEF316]

My team wasn't all that bad talent wise. They just showed up at the wrong time. I understand about drafting talent over situation for those examples you mentioned. I just didn't know who was better talent wise...

I haven't seen anyone suggest that Matt Forte or Kevin Smith are better than Mendenhall in terms of pure talent (maybe a few smith supporters). The only argument I've read for drafting those guys in the top 3-5 is their lack of competition.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

In a dynasty?

Mendenhall is the easy choice over Forte and Smith.

 

[Darker Knight]

Stewy

DMC

Mendy

Smith

Forte

Rice

 

[TheFanatic]

I had the 4th pick last weekend in a rookie/FA draft. McFadden went first. Stewart second. K. Smith went third. I was looking at RMend or Forte. My current RB's in that league are LT, MJD/Fred, and Chris Perry (took a flier on him for $600K of a $32 million cap). So I really need another starter. But I went with RMend. Mendenhall just seems like an NFL RB more than Forte. The good news with my lack of depth at RB is that my RB's have late bye (7 and 9 I think) which give Mendenhall time to take the starting job or at least increase his role in the O.

 

[Cookiemonster]

A lot of observers are speculating that M'hall looks dynamic enough to push for the starting role right out of the gate. Added to this, Parker still is not showing anything special (a la 2005) and his recovery may not be on track for 100% week one. Not fact, not quote from a beat reporter or coach, but go read the Steeler thread.

 

[TheFanatic]

A lot of observers are speculating that M'hall looks dynamic enough to push for the starting role right out of the gate. Added to this, Parker still is not showing anything special (a la 2005) and his recovery may not be on track for 100% week one. Not fact, not quote from a beat reporter or coach, but go read the Steeler thread.

This is interesting. If FWP is not 100%, can MHall keep him off the field when he is 100%?

 

[PranksterJD]

Stewy

DMC

Mendy

Smith

Forte

I agree completely with these rankings, but can we **please** not let these two nicknames stick?

 

[TheFanatic]

Stewy

DMC

Mendy

Smith

Forte

I agree completely with these rankings, but can we **please** not let these two nicknames stick?

I don't like Mendy, but Stewy works for me....

 

[LionsFan78]

Stewy

DMC

Mendy

Smith

Forte

I agree completely with these rankings, but can we **please** not let these two nicknames stick?

I don't like Mendy, but Stewy works for me.... :(

I'm just glad the 24K BS hasn't stuck

In response to the OP. It's Mendenhall for me.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'm not sure how the answer is anything other then McFadden, Stewart, and Mendenhall in a dynasty league.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

In a dynasty?Mendenhall is the easy choice over Forte and Smith.

I think the drop in talent is big after the top 3.

 

[EBF]

Mendenhall and Stewart are my top two. I rank McFadden third due to his pedigree and draft position. Ray Rice and Felix Jones are my next two.

Mendenhall is the guy I really like in dynasty leagues. Great situation and very solid overall skills. Could be top 10 for a long time.

 

[digphish]

Thank you guys for all of your input. I guess I've been getting swept up in the the talk of Smith and Forte having great situations. I think I will go with the original three of McFadden, Stewart, and Mendenhall. the question is which order do I draft them in???

 

[EBF]

Thank you guys for all of your input. I guess I've been getting swept up in the the talk of Smith and Forte having great situations. I think I will go with the original three of McFadden, Stewart, and Mendenhall. the question is which order do I draft them in???

You never really know how things will shake out, but Mendenhall is a pretty easy #1 for me right now. He is built like a rock and he landed in one of the top 3-5 teams possible. He has a chance to be an Edgerrin James or Joseph Addai type of performer. He's high on my overall dynasty RB list. I see some risk factors with Stewart and McFadden, but I would definitely take Stewart over DMC because I think he much more closely resembles the type of RB who becomes a stud in FF. I think he has the potential to make a Steven Jackson type of impact. That's a best case scenario though and he comes with some injury risk.

 

[moderated]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

 

[EBF]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

 

[moderated]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

CJ has a much higher chance of 0% to garner 15-18 touches a game, while that may not be a workhorse he'll get his. I don't care if he gets them running or catching, he's too good to not be one of the focal points of that offense.TJ would probably be decent on the Steelers, but a less talented version of him will have trouble no matter what team he's on.Unfortunately i watched a lot of illinois games this past season, and Mendy left me very unfulfilled. He reminds me of toast without any butter on it.

 

[TheFanatic]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

CJ has a much higher chance of 0% to garner 15-18 touches a game, while that may not be a workhorse he'll get his. I don't care if he gets them running or catching, he's too good to not be one of the focal points of that offense.TJ would probably be decent on the Steelers, but a less talented version of him will have trouble no matter what team he's on.

Unfortunately i watched a lot of illinois games this past season, and Mendy left me very unfulfilled. He reminds me of toast without any butter on it.

You would seem to be the only one. Most everyone in this thread seems to disagree as does the Steeler front office who drafted him while already having FWP on the roster...

 

[moderated]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

CJ has a much higher chance of 0% to garner 15-18 touches a game, while that may not be a workhorse he'll get his. I don't care if he gets them running or catching, he's too good to not be one of the focal points of that offense.TJ would probably be decent on the Steelers, but a less talented version of him will have trouble no matter what team he's on.

Unfortunately i watched a lot of illinois games this past season, and Mendy left me very unfulfilled. He reminds me of toast without any butter on it.

You would seem to be the only one. Most everyone in this thread seems to disagree as does the Steeler front office who drafted him while already having FWP on the roster...

Tons of other front offices passed on him and drafted other RB's. Heck, Dallas took the electric Felix Jones over him when everyone on this board thought Mendy would be the #2 RB drafted.This guy is a dumbed down version of Thomas Jones, and that's not a compliment.

He's does everything average and doesn't excel in any area. He'll likely get a shot to start sometime during his career, but i highly doubt he'll be able to keep a starting job for an extended period of time.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Thank you guys for all of your input. I guess I've been getting swept up in the the talk of Smith and Forte having great situations. I think I will go with the original three of McFadden, Stewart, and Mendenhall. the question is which order do I draft them in???

If you're in a PPR:McFaddenStewartMendenhallIf you're not:StewartMcFaddenMendenhall

 

[Cookiemonster]

A lot of observers are speculating that M'hall looks dynamic enough to push for the starting role right out of the gate. Added to this, Parker still is not showing anything special (a la 2005) and his recovery may not be on track for 100% week one. Not fact, not quote from a beat reporter or coach, but go read the Steeler thread.

This is interesting. If FWP is not 100%, can MHall keep him off the field when he is 100%?

I haven't thought Parker would hold off M'hall since draft day, but I admittedly have never been wowed by Parker as a Steeler fan. I've been wishing for his replacement since '05 and was a little miffed about the lack of PT for Bettis down the stretch and in the SB. I believe Parker is at his best when getting 10-12 touches a game and his burst hasn't looked the same since he started carrying more than that.From the opinions of fans watching practices, M'hall is only behind Holmes and Harrison as the best athelete on the field. A couple have also been wowed by his vision through traffic in finding cutback lanes that did not appear to be there from the stands. He made some mistakes in his blocking in one drill, then came back and did well the next time through. MeMo also looks good at the 3rd down role, but isn't the athelete that M'hall is looking like. There has been next to no mention of Parker except one who said he had better find his burst before the season starts 'cause M'hall looks like a 3 down bellcow.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Tons of other front offices passed on him and drafted other RB's. Heck, Dallas took the electric Felix Jones over him when everyone on this board thought Mendy would be the #2 RB drafted.This guy is a dumbed down version of Thomas Jones, and that's not a compliment.He's does everything average and doesn't excel in any area. He'll likely get a shot to start sometime during his career, but i highly doubt he'll be able to keep a starting job for an extended period of time.

The Dallas reference is a poor one since they took Jones to fill a specific role to complement Barber. Mendenhall wouldn't have filled that role.A lot of teams had needs other than RB. The fact that he was "passed over" by many of them doesn't mean much. Stephen Jackson was passed over too.

 

[Hue G]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

I agree, at that size you can't really do much in the NFL ala Dunn and Westbrook

 

[thecardiackid]

Unfortunately i watched a lot of illinois games this past season, and Mendy left me very unfulfilled. He reminds me of toast without any butter on it.

That sounds delicious. Sincerely,

Elwood Blues

I have the #4 pick in a dynasty rookie draft, and hope someone buys the Forte hype based on the opportunity in CHI, letting Mendy fall to #4. Otherwise, if I don't trade up, I'll probably take the shorter term hit and wait on Rice.

Talent + opp. in PIT w/ a very nice young core of players to compliment Big Ben for the next few years. My main concern there is the declining O line, but they can get that fixed.

I'd want NO part of the offenses in CHI or DET @ this point.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Tons of other front offices passed on him and drafted other RB's. Heck, Dallas took the electric Felix Jones over him when everyone on this board thought Mendy would be the #2 RB drafted.This guy is a dumbed down version of Thomas Jones, and that's not a compliment.He's does everything average and doesn't excel in any area. He'll likely get a shot to start sometime during his career, but i highly doubt he'll be able to keep a starting job for an extended period of time.

The Dallas reference is a poor one since they took Jones to fill a specific role to complement Barber. Mendenhall wouldn't have filled that role.A lot of teams had needs other than RB. The fact that he was "passed over" by many of them doesn't mean much. Stephen Jackson was passed over too.

The Steelers had other needs too and had labeled M'hall as one of the guys they "couldn't pass up," meaning they would not want to trade down if he were on the board.

 

[EBF]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

I agree, at that size you can't really do much in the NFL ala Dunn and Westbrook

Westbrook isn't similar to Johnson at all. He's about 3 inches shorter and 4 pounds heavier. That might not sound significant, but it's a huge difference in BMI. Westbrook is not undersized. He's just short. Johnson is undersized.Warrick Dunn is the lone successful sub 200 pound RB of the past decade. Even he was pretty much a lifelong RBBC type. I don't think either example lends much support to the idea that Johnson is going to be great.

 

[Hue G]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

I agree, at that size you can't really do much in the NFL ala Dunn and Westbrook

Westbrook isn't similar to Johnson at all. He's about 3 inches shorter and 4 pounds heavier. That might not sound significant, but it's a huge difference in BMI. Westbrook is not undersized. He's just short. Johnson is undersized.Warrick Dunn is the lone successful sub 200 pound RB of the past decade. Even he was pretty much a lifelong RBBC type. I don't think either example lends much support to the idea that Johnson is going to be great.

Brian Westbrook | #36 | RB. Philadelphia Eagles | Official Team Site. Height: 5-10 Weight: 203 Age: 28. Born: 9/2/1979 Washington , DC. College: Villanova ...I'm not saying he will be great just because these guys have been I'm just saying don't count him out because of his size, it's like the Reggie Bush syndrome makes anyone under 6' and under 210 only able to be a utility back and it's just not true.

 

[footballman_696969]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

I agree, at that size you can't really do much in the NFL ala Dunn and Westbrook

Westbrook isn't similar to Johnson at all. He's about 3 inches shorter and 4 pounds heavier. That might not sound significant, but it's a huge difference in BMI. Westbrook is not undersized. He's just short. Johnson is undersized.Warrick Dunn is the lone successful sub 200 pound RB of the past decade. Even he was pretty much a lifelong RBBC type. I don't think either example lends much support to the idea that Johnson is going to be great.

EBF,you must be sick of having to post that same argument over and over. It seems that every thread that you state CJ is too small to be a worsehorse, AT LEAST one person points out how Marshall Faulk, Brian Westbrook, and Warrick Dunn were all small backs.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Tons of other front offices passed on him and drafted other RB's. Heck, Dallas took the electric Felix Jones over him when everyone on this board thought Mendy would be the #2 RB drafted.This guy is a dumbed down version of Thomas Jones, and that's not a compliment.He's does everything average and doesn't excel in any area. He'll likely get a shot to start sometime during his career, but i highly doubt he'll be able to keep a starting job for an extended period of time.

The Dallas reference is a poor one since they took Jones to fill a specific role to complement Barber. Mendenhall wouldn't have filled that role.A lot of teams had needs other than RB. The fact that he was "passed over" by many of them doesn't mean much. Stephen Jackson was passed over too.

The Steelers had other needs too and had labeled M'hall as one of the guys they "couldn't pass up," meaning they would not want to trade down if he were on the board.

The only team that passed on him that probably shouldn't have is the Lions. But what else is new.

 

[EBF]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

I agree, at that size you can't really do much in the NFL ala Dunn and Westbrook

Westbrook isn't similar to Johnson at all. He's about 3 inches shorter and 4 pounds heavier. That might not sound significant, but it's a huge difference in BMI. Westbrook is not undersized. He's just short. Johnson is undersized.Warrick Dunn is the lone successful sub 200 pound RB of the past decade. Even he was pretty much a lifelong RBBC type.

I don't think either example lends much support to the idea that Johnson is going to be great.

Brian Westbrook | #36 | RB. Philadelphia Eagles | Official Team Site. Height: 5-10 Weight: 203 Age: 28. Born: 9/2/1979 Washington , DC. College: Villanova ...I'm not saying he will be great just because these guys have been I'm just saying don't count him out because of his size, it's like the Reggie Bush syndrome makes anyone under 6' and under 210 only able to be a utility back and it's just not true.

The listed height is meaningless. Brian Westbrook was 5'8.3" and 200 pounds at the NFL combine. That's good for a BMI of 30.1. http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=60144

Chris Johnson is 5'11" and 197 pounds for a BMI of 27.5. That means he's actually leaner than Reggie Bush (BMI 28.3).

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=32966

Counting him out because of his size is exactly what I'm doing. There have been virtually no successful NFL RBs with this body type in the past decade. To me this means the deck is stacked against Johnson. He flat out isn't built for the job of carrying the ball 250-300 times in a season.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Counting him out because of his size is exactly what I'm doing. There have been virtually no successful NFL RBs with this body type in the past decade. To me this means the deck is stacked against Johnson. He flat out isn't built for the job of carrying the ball 250-300 times in a season.

Nor will he be asked to.

 

[TheFanatic]

Mendenhall is a less talented version of Thomas Jones. Stay away.

If you put Thomas Jones on the Steelers he'd probably do pretty well.Even if Mendenhall is only an average NFL starter, he'll yield above average stats playing for the Steelers. Very similar to Addai in that regard.

Chris Johnson is the #3 back in this class. He's got no competition for work and is a much better between the tackles runner then people give him credit for.

5'11" and 197 pounds = zero chance of being a workhorse back.

CJ has a much higher chance of 0% to garner 15-18 touches a game, while that may not be a workhorse he'll get his. I don't care if he gets them running or catching, he's too good to not be one of the focal points of that offense.TJ would probably be decent on the Steelers, but a less talented version of him will have trouble no matter what team he's on.

Unfortunately i watched a lot of illinois games this past season, and Mendy left me very unfulfilled. He reminds me of toast without any butter on it.

You would seem to be the only one. Most everyone in this thread seems to disagree as does the Steeler front office who drafted him while already having FWP on the roster...

Tons of other front offices passed on him and drafted other RB's. Heck, Dallas took the electric Felix Jones over him when everyone on this board thought Mendy would be the #2 RB drafted.This guy is a dumbed down version of Thomas Jones, and that's not a compliment.

He's does everything average and doesn't excel in any area. He'll likely get a shot to start sometime during his career, but i highly doubt he'll be able to keep a starting job for an extended period of time.

Like I said, looks like you are in the minority. And come the start of the regular season you are either going to look like a major genius and outsmart everyone else here or we are going to bump this thread, point and laugh. Odds are the latter is more likely...

 

[PahtyTom]

Kevin Smith has so many things working against him that I'm a little mystified as to why so many people like him.

He had a ton of carries in college, including 450 last year. He's not as athletically gifted as probably 8 or more of RBs drafted in this years draft. The Lions O-line is not good. The Lions as a team are not good. The only things that he has going for him is that he has very little competition and will almost certainly be the GL back. But, with such little upside vs the other more talented options, that is not enough for me to take him anywhere near where he is being drafted.

 

[EBF]

EBF,you must be sick of having to post that same argument over and over. It seems that every thread that you state CJ is too small to be a worsehorse, AT LEAST one person points out how Marshall Faulk, Brian Westbrook, and Warrick Dunn were all small backs.

People don't understand how to gauge RB size. Marshall Faulk wasn't small. Brian Westbrook isn't small. Maurice Jones-Drew isn't small. I'll give you Warrick Dunn, but I'd venture to guess that if you measured his actual height and weight his BMI would come pretty close to the league average. A 5'9" back who weights 205 pounds is not small. A 6'2" back who weighs 210 pounds is small. BMI is the best indicator of RB size. If you look at BMI you'll realize that guys like Charles, McFadden, and Johnson are acutely undersized.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Counting him out because of his size is exactly what I'm doing. There have been virtually no successful NFL RBs with this body type in the past decade. To me this means the deck is stacked against Johnson. He flat out isn't built for the job of carrying the ball 250-300 times in a season.

Nor will he be asked to.

I would be surprised if he topped 200 carries in any year of his career, but I think you can safely expect 40+ catches per year and it could be as much as 80.

 

[TheFanatic]

EBF,you must be sick of having to post that same argument over and over. It seems that every thread that you state CJ is too small to be a worsehorse, AT LEAST one person points out how Marshall Faulk, Brian Westbrook, and Warrick Dunn were all small backs.

People don't understand how to gauge RB size. Marshall Faulk wasn't small. Brian Westbrook isn't small. Maurice Jones-Drew isn't small. I'll give you Warrick Dunn, but I'd venture to guess that if you measured his actual height and weight his BMI would come pretty close to the league average. A 5'9" back who weights 205 pounds is not small. A 6'2" back who weighs 210 pounds is small. BMI is the best indicator of RB size. If you look at BMI you'll realize that guys like Charles, McFadden, and Johnson are acutely undersized.

 

[Sweet Love]

Last time we had this conversation it was between Brown, Caddy and Benson...where would you be now if you selected all three of them???

I say you take Stewart and McFadden, approach the team you feel will do the worst this year and trade them a 2nd rounder this year and their 1st rounder in 2009 for the 1.03 pick in 2008 and some change...do you really want to put all of your eggs in the 2009 basket??

 

[mightyeskimo]

Dmac, Stewart, and Mendenhall. No further thought needed!

 

[PahtyTom]

Last time we had this conversation it was between Brown, Caddy and Benson...where would you be now if you selected all three of them???I say you take Stewart and McFadden, approach the team you feel will do the worst this year and trade them a 2nd rounder this year and their 1st rounder in 2009 for the 1.03 pick in 2008 and some change...do you really want to put all of your eggs in the 2009 basket??

I don't know, but it would be a pretty good basket to put them in. It's all coincidence what year a RB comes out. A good RB is a good RB is a good RB.

 

[footballman_696969]

EBF,you must be sick of having to post that same argument over and over. It seems that every thread that you state CJ is too small to be a worsehorse, AT LEAST one person points out how Marshall Faulk, Brian Westbrook, and Warrick Dunn were all small backs.

People don't understand how to gauge RB size. Marshall Faulk wasn't small. Brian Westbrook isn't small. Maurice Jones-Drew isn't small. I'll give you Warrick Dunn, but I'd venture to guess that if you measured his actual height and weight his BMI would come pretty close to the league average. A 5'9" back who weights 205 pounds is not small. A 6'2" back who weighs 210 pounds is small. BMI is the best indicator of RB size. If you look at BMI you'll realize that guys like Charles, McFadden, and Johnson are acutely undersized.

I agree completely with what you are saying....Although I also hink that CJ will not be asked to carry the ball 250-300 times. I do, however, think that he is too talented to not see the ball at least 8-12 total times a game. I would project around 8 carries/game and 2-4 catches/game.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Last time we had this conversation it was between Brown, Caddy and Benson...where would you be now if you selected all three of them???I say you take Stewart and McFadden, approach the team you feel will do the worst this year and trade them a 2nd rounder this year and their 1st rounder in 2009 for the 1.03 pick in 2008 and some change...do you really want to put all of your eggs in the 2009 basket??

I don't know, but it would be a pretty good basket to put them in. It's all coincidence what year a RB comes out. A good RB is a good RB is a good RB.

In one league, I got M'hall, Rice & CJIII (+Sweed & M.Kelly). In another, I got Stewart, M'hall, Rice & CJIII (+M.Kelly). I don't mind my basket being full of '08 easter eggs.

 

[TheFanatic]

Last time we had this conversation it was between Brown, Caddy and Benson...where would you be now if you selected all three of them???I say you take Stewart and McFadden, approach the team you feel will do the worst this year and trade them a 2nd rounder this year and their 1st rounder in 2009 for the 1.03 pick in 2008 and some change...do you really want to put all of your eggs in the 2009 basket??

I don't know, but it would be a pretty good basket to put them in. It's all coincidence what year a RB comes out. A good RB is a good RB is a good RB.

In one league, I got M'hall, Rice & CJIII (+Sweed & M.Kelly). In another, I got Stewart, M'hall, Rice & CJIII (+M.Kelly). I don't mind my basket being full of '08 easter eggs.

That's awesome. Keep us posted as your season goes on....

 

[Wildman]

It's true to look at talent first in a dynasty league. That said, I believe Kevin Smith is more talented than some suggest here. I think he has enough talent to be one of the best three backs from this class. High workloads for college backs is an overstated fear. It didn't impact backs such as Barry Sanders, Marcus Allen and several others of that ilk. I'm not sure why people think Smith lacks physical talent, either. He's a quick, smooth runner, with excellent shiftiness, vision, and decent speed. He's also a tough runner although he needs to do a little better job finishing his runs.

That said, Mendenhall appears to be a surer thing because of his skills as an inside runner, but he cannot pass protect very well. While I'm sure Cecil and Sigmund may have gotten a better inside scoop, the fact that Mendenhall was this prized talent who couldn't beat out Pierre Thomas and still had issues as a pass protector leaves me to wonder if his work ethic is all that great. Smith's work ethic is something the Lions are very happy with.

Still, I'd rather have Mendenhall because he's a more powerful runner with better pass catching skills at this point and Pittsburgh's philosophy on offense isn't likely to change. The organization is very stable. Can't say the same for the Lions. But I believe Smith isn't as far away on the talent scale as some think and he will have a nice impact in the Motor City this year.

 

[texasheat]

I believe Felix Jones will be in the top 5 of this class when all is said and done.

 

[texasheat]

Last time we had this conversation it was between Brown, Caddy and Benson...where would you be now if you selected all three of them???I say you take Stewart and McFadden, approach the team you feel will do the worst this year and trade them a 2nd rounder this year and their 1st rounder in 2009 for the 1.03 pick in 2008 and some change...do you really want to put all of your eggs in the 2009 basket??

I don't know, but it would be a pretty good basket to put them in. It's all coincidence what year a RB comes out. A good RB is a good RB is a good RB.

In one league, I got M'hall, Rice & CJIII (+Sweed & M.Kelly). In another, I got Stewart, M'hall, Rice & CJIII (+M.Kelly). I don't mind my basket being full of '08 easter eggs.

Cool! who else did you get???