Draft rankings preview: Running backs

INSIDE THE DRAFT

• Video: NFC team analysis | AFC
• Caplan: Grading every team
• Caplan: Draft's best and worst
• Pick-by-pick draft tracker
• Photos from the NFL draft

The paradigm has shifted in the past four or five seasons.

We used to run through the top 24 running backs or more before a bold soul would step forward to select a player from another position. The proliferation of running-back committees and specialists has altered the course of football in both the real and fantasy realms.

Just take a quick glimpse at the results of the 2011 NFL Draft. You saw Mark Ingram come off the board when he tearfully accepted his Saints jersey. Most other running backs sat and played the waiting game.

That will likely occur to some degree in fantasy drafts this summer. Quarterbacks and wide receivers will crash the party in the early rounds. Still, the pecking order at the top of the board hasn’t changed. Grab a workhorse back as an anchor for the unit.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota

Peterson logged a career-low 1,298 yards behind the struggling quarterback play of Brett Favre last season. That total was still good for sixth in the league, and Peterson recorded his fourth consecutive season with a double-digit touchdown count (12). He also caught 36 passes for 341 yards with a touchdown. Peterson finished all but two of the 15 games in which he appeared with at least 70 total yards.

I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the rough divisional work ahead for Peterson in 2012. The Bears ranked second against the run in 2010; Green Bay allowed only six rushing touchdowns; and the Lions added powerhouse Nick Fairley up the middle.

2. Arian Foster, Houston

Foster etched his name into the Fantasy Hall of Fame with his ridiculous production as a first-year starter. He started training camp in a crowded backfield, but injuries and his preseason productivity thrust him into the first chair. Foster never looked back.

Foster ran for 231 yards with three touchdowns against Indianapolis in the season opener. He generated seven additional 100-yard games and scored a total of 18 touchdowns. He finished the year with 2,220 total yards and was limited to fewer than 60 total yards only once.

I don’t anticipate that the Texans remain in shootout mode following the NFL Draft. The team did a fantastic job in filling gaping holes on the defensive side of things. The offense’s second-half charges and pinball-like numbers may not flow so easily.

3. Chris Johnson, Tennessee

Johnson set the bar high in 2010 by asserting that he wanted to obliterate the single-season rushing record. Instead, he produced a “disappointing” 1,364-yard campaign while adding 44 receptions for 245 yards. Johnson played through a ton of noise in Tennessee and scored a total of 12 touchdowns.

The Titans drafted Jake Locker to take over the quarterback duties for Mike Munchak. Munchak has reiterated that Vince Young will be playing elsewhere, and Kerry Collins may be the stop-gap solution in one of several cities. Locker may struggle to get the ball downfield as a rookie, but his two-step work to Johnson will be picture-perfect.

4. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City

What else is there to say? Charles is one of the more explosive runners that we’ve seen in some time. He produced 45 runs of at least 10 yards last season en route to a 1,467-yard campaign (10 games of at least 87 rushing yards). Charles also did some damage as a receiver, logging 45 receptions for 468 yards.

Charles will continue to split time with Thomas Jones (and maybe a healthy Dexter McCluster), but that’s no issue. He’s a home run threat on every touch, and improvements to the passing game should allow him to do damage at the second level more frequently.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville

Jones-Drew expects to be fully recovered from his offseason arthroscopic knee surgery prior to the opening of camp (whenever that is). The fantasy hero nearly matched his 2009 production in two fewer games last season, but the sputtering Jacksonville offense failed to give Jones-Drew ample goal-line opportunities. He averaged 94.6 rushing yards and 22.6 receiving yards per game with a total of seven touchdowns. Jones-Drew scored 15, nine, 14 and 16 in his previous four seasons.

The Jaguars face an interesting 2011 season. Jack Del Rio is in the final year of his deal; David Garrard comes to camp with rookie Blaine Gabbert behind him; and the wide receiving corps is a huge question mark. I don’t doubt Jones-Drew’s personal dominance. I’m just fearful that his red-zone touches won’t be abundant.

6. Frank Gore, San Francisco

Despite continued issues at the quarterback position, Gore posts huge numbers when healthy. That’s the double-underlined note when addressing Gore every summer. He positively dominated opponents behind a youthful offensive line through the first 10 games of the 2010 season and was on his way to another huge year when he was injured against Arizona. Gore averaged 125.3 total yards in those 10 starts (including four 100-yard rushing games and one 100-yard receiving effort).

The 49ers are still sorting out the quarterback position (Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick or a veteran to be named), but Gore is reportedly recovered from his hip injury. As such, we can reasonably expect him to remain an all-purpose powerhouse for the 12-14 games in which he’ll appear. Anthony Dixon will spell him, but he’s no threat to claim a large portion of the workload.

Gore has averaged 1,591.6 total yards per game during the past five seasons while scoring a total of 41 touchdowns. He’s also averaged 51 receptions per season in this period.

7. Michael Turner, Atlanta

I’m sure Turner smiled when the Falcons moved up to snag Julio Jones. Any move by the Falcons to spread the field and keep linebackers honest is a good thing. After all, the man’s nickname is “The Burner.” Turner produced 32 runs of at least 10 yards last season.

Turner tallied the highest number of carries in the NFL last season (334) and scored 12 touchdowns. He carried the ball at least 23 times in eight games last season and ripped off seven 100-yard games. In 43 games as a member of the Falcons, Turner has scored a total of 39 touchdowns.

Owners may be reticent to jump onboard, citing his high workload, but I’m onboard. Jacquizz Rodgers takes on the passing downs (Turner has caught 34 passes in his career). Turner piles up touches and dominates at the goal line.

8. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia

The Eagles drafted McCoy to supplant Brian Westbrook as the No. 1 option in the backfield. He played Westbrook-like football in 2010. McCoy rushed for 1,080 yards, adding 78 receptions for 592 yards while scoring a total of nine touchdowns. McCoy produced 28 runs of at least 10 yards last season.

In his 15 games, McCoy finished with fewer than 77 total yards only once. He rushed for more than 100 yards in three games and did so once as a receiver.

9. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh

Mendenhall took another step forward in his third NFL season. While his rushing average dipped markedly (declined 2/3 yard per carry), Mendenhall’s workload increased, and he dominated at the painted stripe. He touched the ball at least 15 times in every game during the 2010 season and scored in 11 games.
 

AFC NORTH OFFSEASON REVIEWS

• Cincinnati Bengals
• Baltimore Ravens
• Cleveland Browns
• Pittsburgh Steelers

10. Darren McFadden, Oakland

Following two injury-riddled seasons, McFadden posted a fantastic third season in Oakland. He still missed three games in their entirety, but the final stats are eye-popping. McFadden averaged 128 total yards per game in his 13 appearances. That includes shutdown efforts by the Steelers and Dolphins in Weeks 12 and 13 (he accrued a total of 95 total yards in those games).

There’s no denying the Raiders’ ability to run the ball. In the past several seasons, the running game has started to resemble that of the old Broncos. Plug someone in, and they’ll succeed. McFadden dominates. It’s just a matter of determining whether you’re receiving 12 or 14 games.

11. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

Bradshaw shook off any concerns about his myriad leg injuries and became an absolute terror in 2010. He established new career marks in rushing yardage (1,235), touchdowns (eight), receptions (47) and receiving yards (314). Unfortunately, Bradshaw also struggled with his ball control and lost six fumbles.

Forget about Bradshaw running as the No. 2 player with Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw is the true No. 1 runner here, averaging 20.2 touches per game (98 total yards per game). He logged at least 13 touches in every game last season.

12. Ray Rice, Baltimore

Rice remains the king of all-purpose yardage. However, fantasy owners would like to see him break off a few additional end zone dances. He’s amassed nearly 4,000 total yards in the past two seasons, but has scored only 14 touchdowns. Willis McGahee served as a vulture in the past, and rookie Anthony Allen is slated to replace him.

Still, it’s hard to argue with Rice’s weekly productivity and big-play potential. He ripped off 23 runs of at least 10 yards last season and accrued 92 or more total yards in 11 games.

13. Steven Jackson, St. Louis

He’s not flashy. He’s just consistent and durable. Jackson is our throwback runner, routinely logging a huge touch count to keep the chains moving. In 2010, Jackson carried the ball 330 times, his third season with at least 324 carries in seven NFL campaigns. He also remained a factor in the passing game, hauling down 46 receptions for 383 yards.

The knock on Jackson is that he doesn’t receive enough goal-line opportunities. In the past four seasons, Jackson has scored no more than eight touchdowns. There will be more offensive balance in Sam Bradford’s second season, and the growth of Rodger Saffold and Jason Brown on the line will create running lanes.

14. Peyton Hillis, Cleveland

The newly-crowned Madden cover boy was expected to serve as a receiver out of the backfield and part-time tailback behind Colt McCoy. Instead, Hillis rose to the top of an injury-riddled depth chart and dominated. He scored 13 touchdowns (11 rushing), and produced five 100-yard games.

Unfortunately, the powerhouse from Arkansas was held out of the end zone in five consecutive games to close out the season (had 82 total yards or less in four of the five games). Games against the Ravens and Steelers didn’t help things.

Hillis remains a dual-threat option out of the backfield, but I suspect that a healthy Montario Hardesty receives a chance in camp to earn a share of the workload. He’s a borderline RB1 coming into 2011.

15. Matt Forte, Chicago

Forte rebounded nicely from a subpar sophomore season to help lead the Bears to the NFC Championship Game. He amassed 1,616 total yards with nine touchdowns as a dual threat. Forte caught 51 passes for a career-high 547 receiving yards.

I’m optimistic that Forte can surpass that productivity in 2011. He obviously posted a huge game against the Detroit to open the season, but look at how he closed it. Forte logged at least 98 total yards in six of the final seven games of the season. Chicago fortified the offensive line by selecting Gabe Carimi in the first round of the NFL Draft, so Mike Tice’s unit should be able to build on a strong close to 2010.

16. Ryan Mathews, San Diego

Mathews was drafted 12th overall out of Fresno State last season. Fantasy owners clamored to draft him even earlier. He demonstrated jaw-dropping skills on occasion, but his ineffectiveness as a blocker and a recurring injury kept him from achieving dominance. Bulldozer Mike Tolbert leapt to the top of the pack and became a fantasy superhero.

Mathews ended the season with a bang, running roughshod on the Broncos for 120 yards and three touchdowns. He’d opened the season and whetted the appetites of fantasy owners with 78 rushing yards on 20 carries against the Chiefs. Mathews produced a run of at least 14 yards in nine different games.

He’ll continue to cede a portion of the workload to Tolbert, particularly in short-yardage situations, but Mathews’ home-run punch is certainly intriguing. Philip Rivers continues to stretch the field, thereby opening huge running lanes for the speedster to exploit.

17. Knowshon Moreno, Denver

Moreno experienced a fantastic run during the middle of the season, but his injury record is starting to become concerning. During the five-game period spanning Weeks 10 through 14, Moreno averaged 136.4 total yards. He averaged 58.6 total yards in his other eight appearances.

Moreno undoubtedly has star potential and the dual-threat ability to dominate the fantasy realm. However, his inability to stay healthy and shoulder a full load makes him a bit of a risk. I love the upside. I just don’t want to have to hold my breath.

John Fox liked the two-man game in Carolina. I believe we can reasonably expect Moreno to share to the workload this fall.

18. LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay

Blount made for the one of the best stories of the 2010 season. He went undrafted out of Oregon, signed with Tennessee and eventually became a fantasy hero for the Buccaneers. Blount logged only 10 carries and 30 rushing yards through the Buccaneers’ first five games before claiming the first chair. He then averaged 88.8 rushing yards per contest, an 11-game run that included four 100-yard games. Blount averaged 17.4 carries per game during this period, so the Buccaneers still worked others into the mix.

He’s ineffective in the passing game (five receptions in 2010) and will continue to cede touches to other backs. However, Blount’s abilities between the tackles cannot be understated, and he has an excellent burst at the second level. He recorded a run of at least 16 yards in each game of that 11-game stretch. The Buccaneers won’t surprise anybody this season, but the offensive balance should allow Blount to thrive.

19. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina

After two dominant years in tandem with DeAngelo Williams, Stewart amassed 770 yards on 178 carries in 14 games last season. Forget about the yardage total. Stewart only scored a total of three touchdowns (one receiving). He’d scored a total of 21 touchdowns in the previous two seasons. T

There were three larger issues that impacted his overall performance.

• The offensive line played without tackle Jeff Otah.
• The play of the quarterback position was downright pathetic for much of the season.
• Stewart lost four fumbles.

The Panthers must determine DeAngelo Williams’ fate in free agency once the lockout ends. At worst, Stewart returns to the second slot behind Williams while claiming the goal-line carries. At best, he’s the top option ahead of Mike Goodson with the goal-line touches, a healthy Otah on the line and better, more explosive quarterback play with Cam Newton.

20. Shonn Greene, New York Jets
 

Receive more fantasy football analysis at Yardbarker.

I sounded the trumpet loudly to announce the arrival of Greene as a fantasy powerhouse in 2010. I was left wanting, as Greene’s struggles on passing downs and ball security thrust LaDainian Tomlinson back into the lead role. Still, Greene averaged 13.4 touches per game and logged at least 64 rushing yards in four of his final seven appearances.

Now in his third year, the powerhouse from Iowa appears set to claim the top spot in New York. Tomlinson has spoken openly about the transition to a secondary role, and Greene has worked to improve in the passing game (Joe McKnight is the third man into the rotation). The New York running game ranked fourth in the NFL last season after leading the way in 2009 (ranked ninth in 2008).

21. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati

The Bengals did not address the running back position during the draft, but coach Marvin Lewis has spoken openly about his desire to bring Benson back. Lost in the discussion of Carson Palmer’s regression and his reality star wideouts was Benson’s solid follow-up to his 2009 brilliance.

I say “solid” because 37.6 percent of his yardage total was achieved in three games. Despite logging a huge weekly workload (with 20 or more carries on nine occasions), Benson amassed 60 or fewer rushing yards on nine occasions. With a new-look offense orchestrated by Andy Dalton on tap for 2011 (presumably), re-signing Benson is imperative.

22. Fred Jackson, Buffalo

Buffalo fans and fantasy owners anxiously awaited the huge breakout performance from C.J. Spiller. Instead, they watched Ryan Fitzpatrick fling the ball downfield and received steady production from Jackson once the backfield was thinned out by trading Marshawn Lynch.

Jackson averaged 70 rushing yards and 17.9 receiving yards in the Bills’ final 12 games. That average includes a disastrous performance in Week 9 against the Bears (36 total yards on 13 touches). Jackson earned three 100-yard games rushing (six games with at least 73 rushing yards), and helped shock the Steelers in Week 12 with his 65-yard touchdown reception (and 104 receiving yards).

Spiller stands to assume a larger workload this fall, though he shan’t overtake the versatile Jackson outright.

23. DeAngelo Williams, free agent

Williams posted a tepid opening to the 2011 season, averaging a meager 60 rushing yards per game (though he did average 4.1 yards per carry) prior to sustaining his season-ending injury. It should be noted that Carolina played without Otah on the offensive line last season, but the duo of Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson still flourished. The Panthers ranked 13th in the league at 115.4 rushing yards per contest.

Williams is one of several key free agents on the board for Carolina. Goodson’s aptitude as a receiver (40 receptions last season) may open the door for the former first-round pick to depart.

24. Ryan Grant, Green Bay

The two-time 1,200-yard rusher injured his ankle in the season opener and missed the Packers’ run to Super Bowl XLV. His status in Green Bay for 2011 is clouded by the team’s selection of Alex Green and the rise of playoff hero James Starks.

If Grant returns, then he will be in line to reach the heights of his 2009 brilliance behind an improved offensive line.

25. Jahvid Best, Detroit

Best started his rookie campaign with a bang, producing five touchdowns (including one receiving touchdown) in his first three games. He didn’t score again until his 53-yard reception in Week 16 against the Dolphins. Best averaged 15.2 touches and 69.5 total yards per game and played much of the second half of the season while affected by a toe injury.

Best will operate in a split backfield with rookie Mikel Leshoure. We saw Best perform at his best as a receiver in 2010, producing 58 receptions for 487 yards. He’ll cede the short-yardage and goal-line chances to Leshoure, but his home-run potential is astounding.

26. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England

The undrafted tailback out of Mississippi added another story for Bill Belichick’s “Super Genius” application when he rumbled for 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He owned the bulk of the workload (14.3 carries per game) and dominated in short-yardage situations (he did not fumble in his 241 touches).

Green-Ellis returns as the leader of a split backfield, with folk hero Danny Woodhead and rookie Shane Vereen working into the mix.

27. Daniel Thomas, Miami

The Dolphins turned the proverbial page in the backfield with the second-round selection of Thomas. The 6-foot, 230-pound powerhouse out of Kansas State immediately registers as the top option in Miami. He’ll ultimately be paired with Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams.

28. Mark Ingram, New Orleans

The Heisman Trophy winner had one of the more memorable draft moments from the first round. He’s a powerhouse between the tackles with a nose for the pylon. Ingram figures to assume a sizable workload immediately in the crowded New Orleans backfield.

Ingram’s follow-up to his Heisman season wasn’t eye-popping, but several factors contributed to the decline in production. The Crimson Tide backfield housed another dominant force in Trent Richardson (a 2011 Heisman front-runner), and Ingram missed a short period because of arthroscopic knee surgery.

29. Ryan Torain, Washington

Torain generated four games with at least 101 total yards last season, including three 100-yard rushing efforts (172 yards in Week 14 against the Buccaneers). He rushed for at least 61 yards in six of the 10 games in which he played a prominent role.

Torain certainly has talent, and Mike Shanahan made it a priority to bring him onboard after taking over in Washington. It’s just a question of whether Shanahan makes him the lone tailback or continues to torment the fantasy world with bits and pieces of Keiland Williams, Roy Helu and a player to be named later. Based on his ranking here, you can guess where I stand.

30. LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets

MORE ON THE SCHEDULE

• VIDEO: How should fans feel?
• Marvez: Big question looms
• Team-by-team listings | Weekly
• NFL on FOX broadcast schedule
• 2011's most intriguing matchups

Tomlinson appears set to hand the proverbial torch to third-year tailback Greene. That’s what the future Hall of Famer was stating at “Jets West” camp. Tomlinson amassed 271 touches in his first season in New York, including 52 receptions, a huge bump from his 20-reception final season in San Diego.

I don’t expect Tomlinson to disappear altogether. He’ll still be a force on passing downs and factor into short-yardage and goal-line situations. Tomlinson’s ability as a receiver cannot be matched by Greene, even if the former Hawkeye runs roughshod behind the Jets’ superior line.

31. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle

Lynch posted a solid, albeit unspectacular, regular season for the Seahawks after being acquired from Buffalo. He averaged 47 rushing yards per game and scored six touchdowns. However, Lynch’s season was defined by his 67-yard sprint to the end zone during the Seahawks’ win over New Orleans in the playoffs.

Lynch stands atop the Seattle depth chart for 2011. Justin Forsett (9.4 touches per game) and Leon Washington operate in secondary roles.

32. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis

Addai produced a fantastic season in 2009, prompting fantasy owners to edge him up a few spots in their 2010 rankings. Alas, he was available to the Colts for only eight games in 2010, an injury that was magnified by Donald Brown’s absence. The two-time 1,000-yard rusher still stands atop the depth chart, with Brown and rookie Delone Carter (plus Javarris James) in the mix. Addai performs well in the red zone when sound (with two double-digit touchdown seasons), but there’s inherent risk associated with his selection. Keep an eye on Carter once camp opens.

33. Ronnie Brown, Miami

Brown is currently unsigned and appears set to depart Miami following the selection of Daniel Thomas. Brown appeared in 16 games last season and averaged a dismal 45.9 rushing yards per game in his workload split with Ricky Williams. More importantly, the tepid Miami offense failed to produce many red-zone opportunities (five touchdowns).

The 29-year-old running back still has some tread on the tires, but he’s destined to join another platoon situation. If he does remain in Miami, Brown likely takes a back seat to Thomas. Miami brass needs to decide whether to retain Brown or Ricky Williams.

34. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants

Jacobs contends that he wishes to return to the Giants. The team has to determine whether to bring back the bruising tailback and backfield mate Bradshaw. Can the team afford to bring back both of them?

Jacobs was extremely productive in 2010 in tandem with Bradshaw. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry with nine touchdowns. In fact, he rushed for 12 fewer yards than he did in 2009 on 77 fewer carries. The selection of Da’Rel Scott in the seventh round out of Maryland may signal the end of this powerhouse’s run in New York.

35. Thomas Jones, Kansas City

Jamaal Charles brings the sizzle to the Kansas City backfield, but Jones remains a capable bulldozer in the No. 2 role. Jones amassed 896 rushing yards on 245 attempts (3.7 yards per carry) with six touchdowns. He posted four games with at least 80 rushing yards (including eight with at least 60) to remain a viable flex play.

The Chiefs improved their passing game during the draft, thereby opening more running lanes for Charles and Jones.

36. Chris “Beanie” Wells, Arizona

Wells appeared in 13 games for the Cardinals last season, but failed to build on a solid rookie campaign. He averaged 3.4 yards per carry and recorded more than 10 carries in just five games. Part of the production downturn could be attributed to his knee injury, but he was hardly effective when given a huge workload (2.8 yards per carry in a 50-carry sample between Weeks 5 and 8). The selection of Ryan Williams in the second round limits his upside.

37. Mikel Leshoure, Detroit

Those who have been tuned into my ramblings for a while have seen the references to Leshoure. He’s a powerhouse up the middle with great cutback moves in the open field and a perfect complement to speedster Best. The general consensus is that Leshoure and Best work in the classic “Thunder and Lightning” split backfield, with Leshoure receiving the glory touches at the goal line.

38. Pierre Thomas, New Orleans

I don’t know how else to put it. The New Orleans backfield is one huge mess coming out of the NFL Draft. It was already a crowded situation in 2010 with Reggie Bush, Christopher Ivory and Thomas. The addition of Ingram confuses things even more.

The Saints have spoken of retaining Bush, though his contract might be prohibitive. Thomas is under contract for the next several years (he just inked an extension) following his fantastic 2008 and 2009 contributions. While Thomas doesn’t match Bush’s abilities in the open field, he’s proven a capable receiver during his career. As such, I suspect that he and Ingram team to handle most of the workload. Ivory takes a back seat.

39. Mike Tolbert, San Diego

Powerful. That’s the first word used to describe Tolbert. The 5-foot-9, 240-pound fireplug obliterates defenders at the point of attack. With Mathews sidelined (and then struggling in pass protection), Tolbert amassed 735 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns in 15 games. In fact, Tolbert scored in 11 of the 15 games in which he appeared. He stands as the poster boy for goal-line vultures in 2011.

40. James Starks, Green Bay
 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Recap the best moments from Radio City Music Hall | NFL draft photos

Starks’ 2011 value is obviously tied directly to the rehabilitation efforts of Ryan Grant. He carried the ball only 29 times during the regular season, but assumed the workhorse role in the playoffs. Starks averaged 20 carries and 3.9 yards per carry during the Packers’ four-game run to the title.

With Grant healthy, Starks returns to a bystander and handcuff role.

41. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo

The fantasy world anticipated a huge contribution from Spiller in 2010. Even following the trade that shipped Lynch to Seattle, Spiller still played a minimal role behind versatile veteran Fred Jackson. Spiller produced only 440 total yards with one receiving touchdown on 98 touches in 14 games.

He likely forces a more equitable split of the workload this year, provided that he’s improved his pass-protection skills. Spiller is seemingly the perfect fit for Chan Gailey’s offense, but he’s not going to overtake the productive Jackson (1,142 total yards in 2010) altogether.

42. Danny Woodhead, New England

Woodhead became a fantasy legend and genuine folk hero in 2010. He accumulated 926 total yards on 131 touches (34 receptions) and scored a total of six touchdowns. Green-Ellis remains the workhorse of this crew, but Woodhead and rookie Shane Vereen will carve out a portion of the workload.

43. Tashard Choice, Dallas

The selection of DeMarco Murray likely signals the end of Marion Barber’s tenure in Dallas and affords more opportunities for Choice. Of course, Choice was expected to take on a larger share of the workload in 2010, only to finish the season with four more touches that he logged in 2009. I’m intrigued to watch how the three-way split plays out this fall.

It goes one of two ways for Choice in 2011. Choice may ascend to the role of vulture in Barber’s absence and become a fantasy force. Or, he’ll continue to languish on the sidelines, much to the chagrin of fantasy owners and Cowboys fans.

44. Michael Bush, Oakland

Bush rushed for 655 yards as the No. 2 option to McFadden, who finally produced a fantastic season. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry with eight touchdowns while adding 18 receptions for 194 yards. Bush is clearly the No. 2 option to McFadden and won’t amass much of a workload unless McFadden sustains an injury. Still, he’s likely to make an impact in short-yardage situations.

45. Donald Brown, Indianapolis

The former No. 1 selection has yet to make a big splash in Indianapolis. In two seasons, Brown has been inconsistent while battling myriad injuries. Most importantly, he’s been a liability in pass protection and has amassed only 31 receptions. Brown is still the No. 2 option for the time being, but I suspect that Delone Carter may push him down the pecking order.

46. Bernard Scott, Cincinnati

Scott performed well in his limited role for the Bengals last season (4.9 yards per carry on 61 attempts). However, Benson is the top priority after the lockout lifts (ahead of Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer), according to coach Marvin Lewis. The situation was magnified when the Bengals neglected to select a tailback early in the draft. For now, Scott is merely a handcuff option.

47. Ben Tate, Houston

Foster produced a fantasy season for the ages in 2010. Tate was expected to challenge for a huge role, but the former Auburn powerhouse sustained a preseason ankle injury. He’ll be back in the mix when camp opens to challenge for the No. 2 slot behind Foster. Tate is a handcuff option for 2011.

48. Ryan Williams, Arizona

Williams joins a crowded backfield, but has the potential to unseat both the underperforming Wells and fumble-prone Tim Hightower as the primary option in Arizona. He has the speed and power to make an immediate impact for Ken Whisenhunt. If a quarterback comes onboard to open up the offense, then look out!

49. Montario Hardesty, Cleveland

Hillis is literally a cover boy and will lead the Cleveland ground game in support of Colt McCoy this fall. Hardesty tore his left ACL during the Browns’ final preseason game, thereby opening the door for Hillis’ run to fantasy dominance.

The second-round selection from 2010 is a potential powerhouse, but his history of knee histories is concerning. The team’s decision to trade Jerome Harrison in 2010 leaves Hardesty as the clear-cut No. 2 option.

50. Roy Helu, Washington

It’s always a dangerous thing to wade into the murky waters of a Shanahan backfield. The “hot hand” seemingly changes on a dime. Helu, Jr. enters a crowded situation, with both Torain and Keiland Williams in his path to fantasy glory. However, the fact that the Redskins traded up to add Helu piques my interest.

Given the past success of their system (Torain and Williams combined to run for 1,000 yards with Clinton Portis adding another 227 yards last season), Helu, Jr. represents an intriguing option should he command a substantial fraction of the workload. He rushed for more than 1,100 yards in back-to-back seasons for the Cornhuskers and tallied 20 touchdowns.