1. Shaun Alexander - He will stay with Seattle and is pretty much a lock for at least 1700 yards total and 17 TD's - and that's on the low end of the expectation. He just does it every year and hasn't had ( knock on wood ) a serious injury.
2. Larry Johnson - If he starts and gets all the carries IMO he would have to go #1 overall . Even if priest gets carries he is at least #3 if not 2 - so I split the difference here. Guy is the best Power runner in the game and runs behind a top 3 o line ( If Roaf and Shields return ). A gimme for 1500 yards and 15 TDs - again those are low projections.
3. Ladainian Tomlinson - Although he's at #3 on here the top 3 are pretty much up to preference as the #3 overall pick might be the greatest place to be next season as you do not choose - your choice is made for you and get a higher pick in round 2. LT2 is rock steady for 1500 and 15, Only reason i knocked him to 3 instead of 2 is recent years he's had injury issues.
4. Clinton Portis - Came on like fire to end 05 and won championships for quite a few people. Should be even better in 06 as he is getting 20 - 25 carries a game minimum and is still the GL back despite his smallish size ( compared to other backs NFL ). He's not quite a top 3 guy as he has a little bust potential ( see 04 ) but he's in an emerginf offense and should be either 4th or 5th pick in every draft at least at this point.
5. Edgerrin James - Yes he might be anywhere but the guy is just flat out talented and will shine no matter where he goes especially since he likley will only go to a contending team. He might lose a little or might even gain a little depending the system. if he lands ina great system he's bumped to #4.
6. Tiki barber - Age is a factor but he seems to be hitting his peak right now. I think he has 1 more great season in him. Last year the TD's weren't there but still had his share. he's a yardaage monster and will make up the difference especially in PPR leagues.
7. Rudi Johnson - Might be a little lower in PPR leagues but the guy is on a offensive juggernaut entering it's prime as is he. He stumbled alittle to start last year but came on strong late. Should again be a steady back and a solid late first round pick to build on - in NON PPR maybe as high as a mid first rounder.
8. Lamont Jordan - A PPR players dream as he gets at least b5 catches a game it seems. has a little injury worries but he's a grinder and is the main back for all downs in oakland. The teams offense wasn't great last year yet he was still a top 10 back in FF. Numbers should rise. What puts him below Rudi is Norv Turner's depature.
9. Steven Jackson - This guy could end up top 3 - he's got a huge upside but he lays alot of eggs too. great speed / power combo with moves and great catching out of backfield. faulk is no longer a threat and another coach might help workload. Great early 2nd round pick or even late first if a huge run on RB's.
10. Carnell Williams - I almost put McGahee and Duece here but Caddy has unreal potential if he plays to how he's capable of. It seems like jackson he takes some games off and lays an egg. When he is on he has the total package of speed , power, moves . With Alstott likley being less of a factor I think he starts to get all the carries as well.
thoughts
2. Larry Johnson - If he starts and gets all the carries IMO he would have to go #1 overall . Even if priest gets carries he is at least #3 if not 2 - so I split the difference here. Guy is the best Power runner in the game and runs behind a top 3 o line ( If Roaf and Shields return ). A gimme for 1500 yards and 15 TDs - again those are low projections.
3. Ladainian Tomlinson - Although he's at #3 on here the top 3 are pretty much up to preference as the #3 overall pick might be the greatest place to be next season as you do not choose - your choice is made for you and get a higher pick in round 2. LT2 is rock steady for 1500 and 15, Only reason i knocked him to 3 instead of 2 is recent years he's had injury issues.
4. Clinton Portis - Came on like fire to end 05 and won championships for quite a few people. Should be even better in 06 as he is getting 20 - 25 carries a game minimum and is still the GL back despite his smallish size ( compared to other backs NFL ). He's not quite a top 3 guy as he has a little bust potential ( see 04 ) but he's in an emerginf offense and should be either 4th or 5th pick in every draft at least at this point.
5. Edgerrin James - Yes he might be anywhere but the guy is just flat out talented and will shine no matter where he goes especially since he likley will only go to a contending team. He might lose a little or might even gain a little depending the system. if he lands ina great system he's bumped to #4.
6. Tiki barber - Age is a factor but he seems to be hitting his peak right now. I think he has 1 more great season in him. Last year the TD's weren't there but still had his share. he's a yardaage monster and will make up the difference especially in PPR leagues.
7. Rudi Johnson - Might be a little lower in PPR leagues but the guy is on a offensive juggernaut entering it's prime as is he. He stumbled alittle to start last year but came on strong late. Should again be a steady back and a solid late first round pick to build on - in NON PPR maybe as high as a mid first rounder.
8. Lamont Jordan - A PPR players dream as he gets at least b5 catches a game it seems. has a little injury worries but he's a grinder and is the main back for all downs in oakland. The teams offense wasn't great last year yet he was still a top 10 back in FF. Numbers should rise. What puts him below Rudi is Norv Turner's depature.
9. Steven Jackson - This guy could end up top 3 - he's got a huge upside but he lays alot of eggs too. great speed / power combo with moves and great catching out of backfield. faulk is no longer a threat and another coach might help workload. Great early 2nd round pick or even late first if a huge run on RB's.
10. Carnell Williams - I almost put McGahee and Duece here but Caddy has unreal potential if he plays to how he's capable of. It seems like jackson he takes some games off and lays an egg. When he is on he has the total package of speed , power, moves . With Alstott likley being less of a factor I think he starts to get all the carries as well.
thoughts
only in a PPR league would he crack the Top 10, IMO.
