by Mike Harmon

Updated: May 26, 2008, 4:33 PM EST 44 comments

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The order may be shuffled each year depending on injury issues, shuffles on the O-Line or at quarterback and play-calling (Laurence Maroney owners, let me hear you!), but fantasy owners need that strong base from their running backs. New players emerge seemingly on a weekly basis as NFL teams look for an in-season sparkplug and fantasy owners try to plug the holes left by the latest ankle or knee issue.

We could hold a Master's class on managing the Mike Shanahan backfield. Generally, the best idea is to avoid it altogether, lest you use half your bench trying to decide which back will carry the ball on a given day. You literally need one of those mutant D&D die to figure things out some years. I'm still waiting for Sammy Winder's name to creep into another box score (turn back the clock).

In any event, I believe that we'll all come to an agreement as to the top three backs on the draft board. LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson and Brian Westbrook will be the first running backs to be selected. I have LT at the top of the heap, but the decision between Peterson and Westbrook was agonizing. Ultimately, I slipped Westbrook into the two hole.

Let's break down my top 20 running backs as of the first week of May.

20. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers fully expect this 1,300-yard rusher to be recovered from his broken leg before training camp, although the selection of Rashard Mendenhall does muddy the waters a bit. Parker will be back for the huge speed runs down the sideline, and it remains to be seen which of these backs will handle the goal-line work. Parker did the job himself last year, but might the team utilize its first-round rookie in the role? The Pittsburgh tailback situation is one we'll be digging around for any sniff of information, as the possibilities are huge. I look for Mendenhall to steal 8-10 carries per game at a minimum, so Parker's yardage total should take a hit. However, he stands to jump a few slots during draft season if its determined that he'll get to deliver the mail at the one. Ben Roethlisberger has the weapons to fling it around and spread the field, and that will open gaping holes for Parker to exploit. He enters draft season as a No. 2 with No. 1 upside.

19. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots

Fantasy owners celebrated many happy returns from players in Patriots jerseys during the regular season last year, but Maroney owners were left holding their heads in their hands. Maroney did not participate in the Patriots' veritable touchdown conga line until Week 11. He scored in five of the Patriots' seven games, but the playoff hopes of those owners who snagged him in the first round had long vanished. Maroney missed three games because of injury. Remember, a possible reason for some of the bountiful Tom Brady touchdown passes from short range was that Maroney was returning from off-season shoulder surgery. The Patriots leaned on him heavily in the final three weeks of the season, as he topped 100 yards twice and scored four touchdowns. He's healthy and ready to roll, and will likely play a larger role in play-calling around the goal-line this year (OK, behind Ben Watson and Mike Vrabel, of course.). Maroney is one player whom I'm sure to revisit often before draft season.

18. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

Turner finally gets a chance to make his mark as a full-time player in Atlanta. Obviously, fans, fantasy owners and pundits are enamored with the 5-foot-10 fireplug from Northern Illinois, who has shone brightly when spelling LT in San Diego. Turner has averaged 5.5 yards per carry as a part-time player and made his share of highlight reel-worthy plays with his sprints off-tackle or down the sideline on a screen pass. I expect Turner to produce strong numbers on the ground, but I'm intrigued to watch him dominate in the passing game. Remember, he caught 47 balls in 2006 and has the power and speed combination to make the big play. Given the quarterback situation in Atlanta, Turner will be called upon frequently to catch balls from Chris Redman or Matt Ryan to keep linebackers at bay and open opportunities downfield for 2007 breakout performer Roddy White.

17. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

Justin Fargas performed admirably for the Raiders last season, but Al Davis didn't send the name of McFadden down to the commissioner at the draft so he could collect dust or twiddle his thumbs. The two-time Heisman finalist is the perfect storm of power and speed and will run behind a Raiders offensive line that produced the sixth-best running game in the NFL last year at 130.4 yards per game (amazing, isn't it?). The Raiders are looking for vast improvement from JaMarcus Russell in his second year and hold out hope that Javon Walker can rediscover his past brilliance. Regardless of whether that occurs, I anticipate big things from McFadden in 2008, as he'll see a huge workload on the ground and in the passing game.

16. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

If Jacksonville's passing attack improves in 2008, Maurice Jones-Drew could see more scoring opportunities. (Sam Greenwood / Getty Images)

It's always tough to determine precisely where Jones-Drew should be placed on these preseason lists. He's off the charts in terms of heart, determination and his propensity to deliver a big hit (maybe he goes up another notch for turning the lights back on?). Fred Taylor's performance and health remain wild cards, so Jones-Drew may not offer huge numbers in the yardage category. However, Taylor isn't taking away carries from this "Pocket Hercules" (at 5-foot-7 myself, I say that with a proverbial doff of the cap) at the goal-line. Jones-Drew has piled up 24 rushing and receiving touchdowns in two years with the Jaguars, not to mention his spectacular special teams work. He's also averaged 43 receptions per year. The Jaguars have fortified the receiving corps this off-season, and there's absolutely no question that this squad belongs to David Garrard. As such, this offense could be vastly improved, and that means big things from Jones-Drew.

15. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens

Despite miserable quarterback play and injuries on the offensive line, McGahee turned in another fine performance for former coach Brian Billick. McGahee averaged 85.5 rushing yards in the 14 games he completed and produced touchdowns in seven straight games during the middle of the season (Weeks 6 to 13). He rushed for 97 or more yards on seven occasions (four 100-yard efforts) and established a new career mark with 43 receptions. Uncertainty remains on the offensive line, as the team hopes to get one more push from future Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden in support of Troy Smith or Joe Flacco (my early money is on Smith). Regardless of which player takes snaps, they can two-step it to McGahee and let him go. He's rushed for at least 1,100 yards in three of his four NFL seasons. He'll handle 20-plus carries per game and finish things at the goal-line while Ray Rice and Allen Patrick provide brief relief. It's his show as the Harbaugh era begins in Baltimore.

14. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants

The specter of injury forces Jacobs to slide on the list. His running style opens the door for Jacobs to miss time, but he does a fine job of punishing runners when on the field. Jacobs topped 1,000 rushing yards last year despite missing five games in their entirety. In the five-game stretch from Week 5 to Week 10 (the Giants had a bye in Week 9), Jacobs rushed for a minimum of 86 yards with three 100-yard efforts. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry during this period. The Super Bowl champs return a strong offensive line and receiving options (Jeremy Shockey should be healed and ready to contribute) with Eli Manning coming of age. Derrick Ward and/or playoff hero Ahmad Bradshaw will be in the mix to keep Jacobs fresh and healthy. They won't take any carries from Jacobs at the one, where he'll bulldoze any linebacker who tries to stop him.

13. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins

Brown started the season miserably, producing a total of just 65 rushing yards in his first two games. Right as fantasy owners began to hold fire sales akin to a Craigslist posting with Brown's image attached, Brown rattled off four straight 100-yard games in which he scored a total of five touchdowns. Alas, he tore his ACL and missed the final nine games of the Dolphins' horrific season. Brown will return to a much-improved situation in 2008, with Bill Parcells running the show and No. 1 pick Jake Long working to open holes and provide superior pass protection for John Beck/Chad Henne. We'll monitor his progress as camp rolls around, but for now, I'm high on a happy return.

12. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

The frenetic pace of Mike Martz's offense is stuff of legend, and the opportunities that his presence opens for Gore are mighty enticing. Expectations for Gore were huge coming into the summer of 2007, and he started the season with three touchdowns in his first two games. Alas, things crawled to a haul for the 49ers offense in a hurry. According to reports, Martz has Alex Smith looking sharp right now, and it's believed that he could reclaim the starting role from Shaun Hill. Smith will benefit from the arrivals of veterans Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson in the receiving corps, as will Gore. I fully expect Gore to catch a mountain of balls out of the backfield (he's averaged 57 receptions in the past two years). Gore just might be a draft-day steal if Martz can work his magic.

11. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins

Portis returned from his injury-shortened 2006 season determined to reclaim his place among the game's top backs. He accomplished the feat by scoring touchdowns in each of the first three games of the season, ultimately shuffling into the end zone on 11 occasions. Joe Gibbs gave the ball to Portis early and often against the sieve-like Jets run defense in Week 9 (36 carries) and he regularly ranked among the top of the "Touches" list thereafter. New coach Jim Zorn will continue to put the ball in Portis' hands as he tries to take Jason Campbell's game to the next level. The influx of receiving talent and a healthy O-Line will help make that so, and lest we forget, Portis caught 47 balls last year.

10. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers

Lost in the gallons of ink used to write the final pages of Brett Favre's storybook career is the fact that the Packers retain a number of spectacular offensive weapons. One of those expected to help ease the transition to Aaron Rodgers is Grant, who narrowly missed the 1,000-yard mark despite the fact that he's accrued six carries and 20 yards in the Packers' first six games. Grant scored in seven of the Packers' final eight games and lit up the stat sheet for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the playoff win over Seattle. The Green Bay O-line is strong, and the myriad of receiving options should help to keep defenses honest and out of the box. Once he's into the secondary, Grant has the speed to go the distance.

9. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns

He wasn't the sexiest pick in 2008 fantasy drafts as many expected more struggles from the Cleveland offense. I liked him for his expected workload and the addition of Joe Thomas. I couldn't have possibly imagined that he'd rank fifth in rushing yards (1,304), particularly after his miserable start to the year (the 216 yards against Cincinnati excepted) and an injury that could have derailed the second half of what became a storybook season in Cleveland. Lewis rushed for 64 or fewer yards in six of his first seven complete games in 2007. Derek Anderson's rapid ascent to star status helped free up the run game and Romeo Crennel stayed true to this former 2,000-yard rusher. Lewis produced four 100-yard games in his final six starts. Everyone's back for an encore, and Donte' Stallworth was added as a deep option and complement to Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, Jr. He'll post a few duds in the yardage category along the way, but Lewis has no competition at the goal-line and will be used as a battering ram to soften defenses for the fourth quarter.

8. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills

Peterson's electrifying rookie campaign overshadowed a tremendous effort by Lynch in Buffalo. Despite missing three games with an injury, Lynch still amassed 1,115 rushing yards with seven touchdowns. The Bills addressed the wide receiver position with the selection of ultra-productive James Hardy from Indiana. He offers a strong complement to deep threat Roscoe Parrish and fantasy stud Lee Evans. Hopefully, it'll speed the maturation process for Trent Edwards and afford the speedy Lynch more running room. I would also expect to see Lynch utilized more in the passing game. A young quarterback's best friends are his tight end and his tailback as a safety valve. I'm anticipating big things ahead as the Bills showcase him to their Canadian fans.

7. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys

Marion Barber (above) has prospered in a split backfield before. Even with Felix Jones coming on board, expect big things from Barber. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Yes, it's true Barber will once again work as part of a split backfield (this time alongside rookie Felix Jones). That hasn't stopped him from obliterating would-be tacklers at the goal-line in the past, has it? Barber has scored a total of 28 touchdowns in the past two years and has improved his pass receiving skills (44 receptions in 2007). He averaged a sizable 4.8 yards per carry and tallied 975 yards despite recording double-digit carries in only 10 games. Jones (the Arkansas one) will cut into his workload, but he's not stealing goal-line work from this fantasy hero. In this potent offense that returns a more experienced Tony Romo and a deep receiver corps, I'll expect another dozen or more plunges for paydirt.

6. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are hoping that the additions of fullback Mike Cox, running back Jamaal Charles and, most importantly, tackle Branden Albert in the draft will help advance the play of Brodie Croyle (or Tyler Thigpen, perhaps?) and make Johnson one of the top tailbacks in the game once again. LJ started the season slowly and was just starting to hit his stride when an ankle injury ended his season. He topped 100 rushing yards in three of the final five games he played before the injury and had scored in three straight games. Dwayne Bowe will command a ton of attention downfield and Tony Gonzalez remains one of the top tight end options in the game. Perhaps Devard Darling can provide the legs to stretch the field and open space for the running game. I expect a strong bounce-back season in Chan Gailey's offense.

5. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts

For a window of time during the 2007 season, Addai operated as the top back in the game. Addai averaged 101 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns in the first four weeks of the year. He then gave everyone a scare with an injury, missed a game and charged back to the good graces of fantasy owners in Week 7. Addai's yardage totals dropped precipitously down the stretch (he topped 70 rushing yards once in the final eight regular season games), but he still found the end zone with great regularity. He finished with 12 rushing touchdowns last year, and his role may be expanded in 2008 should this Marvin Harrison situation escalate.

4. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Owners who snagged Jackson with the second overall pick last year were left with a somewhat bitter taste in their mouths. By the time Jackson overcame his early-season groin and back injuries, they may have fallen from playoff contention. The fact that Jackson rushed for 85 or more yards in six straight games from Week 11 to Week 16 was overshadowed by his slow start. Jackson finished with 1,002 yards on 237 carries, adding 38 receptions for 271 yards despite missing nearly five full games. He'll welcome back a fully healthy Marc Bulger and the wizardry of new coordinator Al Saunders. IF this squad stays healthy, then a return to his 2006 brilliance is not out of the question.

3. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

I briefly debated sliding AP to the head of the pack in this year's rankings, but I just can't assume that some magical drop-off or injury is in the offing for Tomlinson and that Westbrook will be less effective with a healthy McNabb under center. As such, Peterson ranks third. He took the fantasy world by storm when he was finally named the "starter" in Minnesota. Peterson rushed for 1,341 yards on 238 carries (5.6 yards per carry) with 12 rushing touchdowns, 10 of which came in four superb games. Remember that Peterson actually missed two full games because of a knee injury and returned to the field much quicker than anticipated. The fact that he was held to 36 or fewer rushing yards in three of his final four games raises an eyebrow, but it's a glorious sight to see Peterson streaking to the end zone. In the end, Westbrook's consistency trumps Peterson's highlight reel runs.

So, as to not offend anyone's spiritual sensibilities, can we cook up another nickname for Peterson this season? Anyone want to chime in?

2. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles

He's yet to play a full season in the NFL, but the former third-round pick from Villanova remains one of the most versatile and productive backs when healthy. An injury to Donovan McNabb following a hot start forced Andy Reid to lean on Westbrook more than ever, and he established new career marks in carries (278) and receptions (90). Westbrook scored 12 total touchdowns, his second straight year with a double-digit touchdown tally. Taken further, he's averaged 75.25 receptions during the past four years. Let's call it what it is. Westbrook appears on the injury list with great regularity, but unless he's definitely ruled out, he generally straps it on and gives you a strong effort.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers

So, he didn't replicate his ridiculous 2006 season last year. So what?! The FOX Sports poster boy still tallied nearly 2,000 total yards (1,474 rushing and 475 receiving) with 18 total touchdowns. He scored in 12 of 16 games (including a crazy four-score, 198-yard effort against the Raiders). The Chargers are banking on the signing of L.J. Shelton to keep the offensive line clicking and LT dancing in the end zone. He's never scored fewer than 10 touchdowns in a season (his rookie year) and has rushed for at least 1,200 yards in each of his seven NFL seasons.

Next: Wide receivers 40-21