Cortesty of Rotoworld.comESPN's John Clayton revealed Monday that Henry was cut largely because he didn't react well to being demoted behind Young. (Henry simply stopped showing up to work after learning the news). While the Mastermind may have ulterior motives, Young's early starter status is a sign that his 2008 ceiling was underestimated.
Shanahan created a stir early in February by saying Young was a 10-15 touch-per-game back; a complementary player. Young's injury history and skill set partly supports the claim, and fantasy leaguers swallowed the quote whole as gospel. Looking back, perhaps Shanahan was attempting to motivate Young to prove him wrong.
Young entered minicamp season breathing fire, saying his goal was to top 2,000 yards this season. While that number is unattainable, Henry's release allows Young a chance to be an every-week fantasy starter.
He's hardly without talent. Young finished fifth in the NFL in yards-per-carry with a 5.2 average as a rookie. He excels as a receiver, but runs through tacklers with great power for his size. Young must prove he has the staying power of a workhorse back, but the opportunity is there.
Since unpredictability can still be expected in Denver, we wouldn't draft Young before the fifth round. He's unlikely to start 16 games, but I'd bet on him putting up quality fantasy starter numbers for a portion of the year. He's an intriguing boom-or-bust early RB3 pick.
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