RB preview: Tomlinson, Westbrook, Peterson rank 1-2-3
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Analysis:
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QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST - Strategy tips (Rotter):
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QB | RB | WR | TE-K-D/ST - NFL Draft (Rotter): Round 1 | 2 | 3-7
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AFC: East | North | South | West
NFC: East | North | South | West - Free agency: Movers | RB | WR | TE
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego: After recording an unbelievable 2006 MVP season, Tomlinson raced to the top of the charts for the second straight year. He totaled nearly 2,000 yards and led all running backs with 18 touchdowns. What is just as impressive is that he's missed only one game in seven seasons despite totaling nearly 3,000 touches (2,823) in his career. Despite becoming injured in last year's playoffs, his durability in the regular season keeps him the top fantasy pick. He's also working with a powerful offensive line, a strong passing attack and a proven system that highlight his talents. In addition, Tomlinson's schedule becomes easier. The AFC East (Dolphins, Jets) and NFC South (Falcons, Saints) replace the tougher run defenses of the AFC South and NFC North.
Backups: Jacob Hester, Marcus Thomas, Darren Sproles
2. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia: This superb all-around star was the only player to total at least 2,000 yards (2,104) by running for 1,333 yards and gaining 771 receiving yards. Displaying his receiving prowess, Westbrook led all running backs with 90 receptions. He's always been one of the league's most talented backs, but injuries and limited carries derailed his fantasy standing. Now he's only missed two games in the past two seasons and withstood one of the league's heaviest loads last year. He had the league's third-most touches (368) while clinching a career-high 278 rushing attempts. He ran 200 times for just the second time, accomplishing this in consecutive seasons. He also reached double-digit touchdowns for the third time in the last five years, scoring a career-high 12 times despite Philly's offensive struggles. Significantly, Westbrook was a weekly consistent high achiever, combining for at least 90 yards in all 15 games and totaling 12 100-yard contests.
Backups: Correll Buckhalter, Tony Hunt, Ryan Moats, Lorenzo Booker
3. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota: The second coming of Eric Dickerson wowed the fantasy world by running for an NFL single-game record of 296 yards with four touchdowns as a rookie. He also produced a 224-yard, three-touchdown game. What keeps him from the top perch is his history of injuries in college and rookie year. He missed two games with a knee injury and was inconsistent when he returned for the last five games, reaching 100 rushing yards just once during that span. As a big target, his upright running style makes him susceptible to injuries. To his benefit, one of the league's top offensive lines, anchored by a powerful left side of tackle Bryant McKinnie, guard Steve Hutchinson and center Matt Birk, paves big holes for him. If he stays healthy, he could be fantasy's top back, but his penchant for injuries makes him risky for the top pick.
Backups: Chester Taylor, Maurice Hicks
4. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis: He's registered 1,000-yard seasons in his first two seasons, but more importantly, Addai increased his touchdowns by eight to total 15 scores. Promoted to Indy's sole featured back, Addai capitalized on the numerous scoring chances provided by Peyton Manning's explosive offense. Addai has generated similar yardage outputs in both seasons, averaging 1,177 rushing yards and 345 receiving yards. He also was durable, missing only one game last year.
Backups: Dominic Rhodes, Mike Hart, Kenton Keith
5. Steven Jackson, St. Louis: Despite missing a quarter of the season with a groin injury, Jackson reached 1,000 rushing yards for the third straight season. Combining his 271 receiving yards, he had the league's sixth-best total yards by game (106.1). Working in his favor, St. Louis' new offensive coordinator Al Saunders has generated top fantasy production from his running backs (See Priest Holmes and Clinton Portis) in his runner-friendly system. A full season of health will ensure that Jackson returns to the top echelon of running backs.
Backups: Brian Leonard, Antonio Pittman, Travis Minor
6. Clinton Portis, Washington: After having his 2006 season end shortly after only eight games, Portis rebounded to play all 16 games. He achieved the league's sixth-most rushing yards (1,262) and third-most rushing touchdowns (11). He also caught 47 passes for 389 yards to finish with the third-most total yards (1,651). New coach Jim Zorn still plans to utilize Portis in the passing game, keeping him heavily involved in the offense.
Backups: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
7. Ryan Grant, Green Bay: Once he was promoted to the featured back, Grant ran for nearly 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns in just 10 games. Projected over 16 games, he would have rushed for 1,475 yards and 13 scores. That would have made him the NFL's leading rusher and placed him second in rushing scores. Even if Brett Favre's departs, Grant still has a strong offensive line blocking for him and plays with talented wideouts to keep the offense balanced. He also has receiving capability, catching 30 passes for 145 yards. Look for Green Bay to rely on Grant more extensively, as it slowly integrates projected new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers into the offense in his first season of starting.
Backups: Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn, Vernand Morency, Noah Herron
8. Larry Johnson, Kansas City: After compiling an NFL record 416 rushing attempts in 2006, Johnson missed the last eight games of 2007 season with a foot injury. Given his training camp holdout, a previous heavy workload, a rebuilding offensive line and a new inexperienced starter at quarterback, Johnson was doomed to post a subpar season. In his favor, he's only had two seasons of a full workload, so at age 28 he still has the potential to post an excellent season once again. He may not reach 2,000 total yards like he did in '05 and '06, but he can still be a productive top-10 running back. In addition, Johnson's schedule is much easier after facing the tough run defenses of the AFC South and NFC North last season. This year, he meets the softer defenses of the Miami's and Jets' of the AFC East and the Atlanta's and New Orleans' of the NFC South.
Backups: Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith
9. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo: Though he missed three games with injuries, Lynch showed he's a top-10 back when healthy. Buffalo features the running back extensively in its conservative offense, so Lynch has the potential for an outstanding season if he can stay healthy. He ran for 1,115 yards and seven scores in 13 games and that projects to 1,372 yards and nine touchdowns for a full season. If Buffalo's passing game becomes untracked, Lynch will score in the double digits. However, he needs to become more involved as a receiver; he only caught 18 passes last year.
Backups: Fred Jackson, Dwayne Wright
10. Marion Barber III, Dallas: He averaged a robust 4.8 yards per carry for the second straight season and scored 12 touchdowns last year after registering 16 in 2006. Barber played in all 16 games and received 200 handoffs for the first time in his three-year career. A dominant offensive line and excellent passing attack will ensure Barber compiles significant total yardage and receives many scoring chances. He's become an integral part of the Cowboys' offense. Despite his physical play, Barber has been durable, playing in every game for the past two seasons.
Backups: Felix Jones, Tashard Choice
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| Playing with a strong offensive line, Jamal Lewis is a proven runner in Cleveland's high-powered offense. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images) |
11. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland: This tough, proven runner will only be 28 entering the season, and he'll be compiling his third straight 1,000-yard season with a strong offensive line if he remains healthy. Despite his punishing style, Lewis has missed only two games in the past three seasons. The Browns' offense is one of the most well-balanced with a high-powered passing attack and consistent running game. Manning the left side, tackle Joe Thomas and guard Eric Steinbach ensure Lewis will maintain his solid 4.4 average from last season. Though he lacks the breakaway speed, Lewis has a penchant for producing big yardage games; he owns 10 games of 150 rushing yards or more and three games with at least 200 rushing yards.
Backups: Jason Wright, Jerome Harrison
12. Willis McGahee, Baltimore: Despite playing for one of the league's worst passing attacks (10th-fewest yards and third-fewest touchdowns), he still managed to rush for the NFL's eighth-most yards and score eight touchdowns. Impressively, McGahee was one of fantasy's most consistent backs, compiling at least 100 total yards or a touchdown in the first 12 games and 13 of 15 contests. If Baltimore can improve its passing game, look for McGahee to score in the double digits. He's also proven to be durable, missing only three games in four seasons. He's been given no fewer than 259 handoffs in four seasons, so he's shown he can handle the featured back role despite enduring career-threatening knee injuries in his last college game. The Ravens will continue to be a conservative, defensive-oriented squad, so expect McGahee to continue to be the centerpiece of the offense. In his favor, Baltimore has invested heavily in rebuilding its offensive line with recent high draft picks.
Backups: Ray Rice, Cory Ross
13. Frank Gore, San Francisco: He disappointed last year after becoming only one of four running backs to total at least 2,000 yards in 2006. As San Francisco's offense sputtered and struggled greatly to pass, Gore ran for only 1,102 yards and five touchdowns. Questions still remain about the effectiveness of the 49ers' offensive line, starting quarterback and receivers. In addition, the offense must adjust quickly to a complicated new system of new coordinator Mike Martz. While Gore has shown to be durable by missing only one game in two seasons, he'll need more scoring chances to become a top-10 fantasy back again.
Backups: DeShaun Foster, Michael Robinson
14. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville: Though he shares carries with Fred Taylor and has yet to rush for 1,000 yards, Jones-Drew has been extremely effective rushing and receiving. He averaged an impressive 4.6 yards per carry and caught 40 passes for 407 yards to total 1,175 yards and nine touchdowns last year. For two straight seasons, Jones-Drew has shown he can be a strong fantasy player sharing time in Jacksonville's run-oriented offense. The maturation of David Garrard at quarterback ensures the Jaguars will continue to be an effective offense and produce enough scoring chances for Jones-Drew to reach double digits.
Backups: Fred Taylor, Greg Jones, Chauncey Washington
15. Ronnie Brown, Miami: After becoming one of fantasy's most productive backs in the first 6 1/2 games, Brown had a season-ending ACL knee injury. He had compiled an impressive 991 total yards, five touchdowns and 39 receptions to start the season despite playing for the league's worst team. If he returns successfully and plays every game, Brown has a chance to be one of fantasy's top-10 backs with his explosiveness and all-around skills. But the Dolphins are rebuilding, so his scoring chances may be few and far next season.
Backups: Ricky Williams, Patrick Cobbs
16. Darren McFadden, Oakland: Similar in ability to last year's top rookie running back Adrian Peterson, McFadden also generated a remarkable college career like Peterson. However, Oakland's coach Lane Kiffin plans to use McFadden in varied roles like he accomplished with Reggie Bush at USC. McFadden will be both running and receiving to give him the best chance to break a big play. He may not be the proficient inside runner like Peterson, but he offers better receiving skills. He's also more imposing than Bush and has similar excellent receiving skills. In addition, Oakland's rush offense was effective last season, even with poor quarterback play. Impressively, McFadden ran for 206 yards and three scores against No. 1 LSU late last season, in addition to rushing for 321 yards against South Carolina earlier in the year. He finished with the SEC's second-most career rushing yards (4,589) behind only Herschel Walker and ran for 41 career touchdowns. Unlike Peterson, McFadden played in every game for all three seasons, though he largely shared carries compared to Peterson's featured role. McFadden also showed he's one of the fastest backs in the NFL, recording the combine's second-fastest time of 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. Owning breakaway speed and super running skills, he's the wildcard of this year's fantasy drafts.
Backups: Justin Fargas, Michael Bush
17. Felix Jones, Dallas: He's one of the best athletes in the rookie class, clinching top-10s in five events at the combine. Finishing second in the 20-yard shuttle and eighth in the 40-yard dash (4.47) highlight his combine achievements. On the college gridiron, Jones was only one of four running backs in college football history to average more than 7.0 yards per carry with a minimum of 350 attempts. In fact, he recorded the second-highest mark with a 7.7 average. Jones was drafted in an ideal situation with Dallas as he'll be the speedy complement to bruising back Marion Barber. The dynamic Jones and his big-play ability are a direct contrast to former Dallas running back underachiever Julius Jones and his lowly 3.6 average. Despite Julius Jones' struggles, Barber still managed to average 4.8 yards per carry last season, indicating a big-play back will flourish in the system. Defenses will be focusing much attention on thwarting the Cowboys' explosive passing attack led by Tony Romo, Terrell Owens and Jason Witten and stopping Barber's physical running. Consequently, running lanes will open for Jones to produce big plays as he'll need only 10-12 touches to produce a solid fantasy day.
Backups: Tashard Choice, Alonzo Coleman
18. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh: When Parker finished fifth in rushing yards (1,494) and third in touchdowns (13) in 2006, he was playing with a dominant, physical offensive line and a team geared to play at full capacity for an entire season. In 2007, the Steelers fizzled down the stretch with injuries and inconsistency. Parker was still productive as a rusher, leading the NFL in rushing yards (1,316) before suffering a season-ending broken fibula at the beginning of Week 16, missing nearly all of the last two games. What is disconcerting is that he only scored two touchdowns last season. Pittsburgh elected to pass for touchdowns inside the red zone, rather than using Parker (who was the goal-line back in 2006) for short rushing scores. Now the Steelers are rebuilding the offensive line after the loss of All-Pro guard Alan Faneca. In addition, the drafting of first-rounder Rashard Mendenhall means Parker will likely be sharing duties with the rookie. Questions on the offensive line, a change in red-zone philosophy and a reduced role downgrade Parker's value.
Backups: Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore
19. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina: He immediately fulfills Carolina's desire to showcase a power back and control the time of possession. Stewart owns an excellent combination of size (5-11 and 230 pounds), strength (was third in bench press at combine) and speed (4.48), making him a promising inside runner who can handle the featured back role. He's also a superb athlete, ranking in the top-five for vertical jump and broad jump, and rating among the top-10 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Stewart also had an impressive junior season and showed great productivity, rushing for 1,722 yards and 11 touchdowns to average 6.2 yards in the tough Pac-10 conference. He displayed receiving skills as well, catching 22 passes for 145 yards and two scores. However, injuries are a concern as he underwent off-season surgery to repair a turf toe and battled ankle injuries in his first two seasons at Oregon. Still, his impressive package of power and speed bodes well as an NFL featured back in Carolina's physical offense.
Backups: DeAngelo Williams, Nick Goings, LaBrandon Toefield
20. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants: He has the talent to be a dominant fantasy back with his combination of great size (6-4, 264 pounds) and speed. However, Jacobs has yet to show he can stay healthy for an entire season as the featured back. He missed five games last season with leg injuries (knee and hamstring). In addition, the Giants like to integrate quicker all-around runners into the gameplan, reducing Jacobs' carries at times. Still, Jacobs averaged a superb 5.5 yards per carry and recorded five 100-yard rushing days, accounting for nearly half of his 11 games played. In three others, he still managed to total at least 100 yards, using his surprising receiving skills to gain extra yardage.
Backups: Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw Reuben Droughns
21. Laurence Maroney, New England: This former first-round pick in 2006 has been more impressive in the NFL playoffs than the regular season. Maroney ran for 122 yards in each of the first two playoff games and scored in all three postseason games last year. During the regular season, Maroney only managed three 100-yard rushing games and scored just six touchdowns. In fact, he reached the century rushing mark twice in the last three regular-season games and scored four of his touchdowns during that span. Whether because of injuries or gameplanning, New England has chosen to reduce Maroney's workload and share the running back duties in the first three-quarters of the season, reducing his fantasy value significantly. Only until he becomes the featured back for the entire season, Maroney will then become a strong fantasy starter.
Backups: Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris
22. Reggie Bush, New Orleans: Though he averaged 7.3 rushing yards and produced weekly big plays in his college career, Bush has produced only a 3.7 average and infrequent big plays in the pros. The No. 2 pick in the 2006 draft, Bush has only totaled three runs of 20 or more yards in his first two seasons. In fact, he compiled all three last year, and that was fewer than 30 players. He's had zero runs of 40 or more yards for his pro career as well. Despite disappointing as a runner, Bush has shown proficiency as a receiver. He's combined for 161 receptions in his first two seasons, though his production fell dramatically last year. He averaged just 5.7 yards per catch compared to 8.4 yards in his first season. In addition, he scored just six touchdowns after compiling eight as a rookie. Consequently, Bush has yet to show he can be a productive featured back and works better in a committee sharing time largely as a receiver. His impressive number of receptions increases his value in reception leagues.
Backups: Deuce McAllister, Aaron Stecker, Pierre Thomas
23. Lendale White, Tennessee: He flourished as the Titans' featured rusher despite a crowded backfield. He was only one of six running backs to record at least 300 carries last season. White finished with his first 1,000-yard season (1,110) and scored six touchdowns. Boding well for his future, he withstood the heavy load and started every game. A big, physical and formidable offensive line ensures that Tennessee employs an effective run-first, ball-control offense. In addition, this strong line ensures that the running game will be consistent and favors an inside runner like White. Though he registered five 100-yard rushing games, White could improve his 3.7 average with better conditioning. If Vince Young improves, he will help create more scoring chances for White and give him a chance at double-digit scores. White just needs to make sure he holds onto the featured back role from competition like Chris Henry.
Backups: Chris Johnson, Chris Henry, Ahmard Hall
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| The Jets' Thomas Jones is aiming to rebound with a rebuilt offensive line. (Al Bello / Getty Images) |
24. Thomas Jones, New York Jets: Though he recorded his third straight 1,000-yard season, Jones only scored twice in his first season with the Jets. He also averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per carry after recording four straight seasons of 4.0 yards or more. Yet there's hope on the horizon for Jones to improve his rushing and scoring totals. More powerful, stern blocking from the free-agent additions of All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, fullback Tony Richardson and tight end Bubba Franks promise to bolster the Jets' rushing attack and improve short-yardage runs. Expect more touchdowns for Jones, making him an excellent value on draft day.
Backups: Leon Washington, Jesse Chatman
25. Michael Turner, Atlanta: Possessing excellent size (5-10 and 237 pounds) and breakaway speed, Turner owns a superb career 5.5 rushing yards per carry. He joins Atlanta as a free agent and will be looking to be the featured back. In his favor, Turner has little mileage in his first four seasons as San Diego's backup but has shown excellent potential with long touchdown runs and effective inside running. However, speedster Jerious Norwood is expected to complement him and be used as the receiving back in the rotation. In addition, Atlanta is rebuilding with young players from draft picks, especially with its offensive line. Also, rookie Matt Ryan will have growing pains at quarterback, putting more pressure on the running game to perform. These factors will hurt Turner's productivity as a featured running back.
Backups: Jerious Norwood, Jason Snelling
26. Edgerrin James, Arizona: Though he's only missed one game in the past four seasons, James has declined as a top runner, compiling mediocre averages of 3.4 and 3.8 in the past two seasons. While he's also rushed for 1,000 yards in five straight years, he's no longer a threat to produce big plays. He's totaled just four rushes of 20-plus yards and zero runs of 40-plus yards in the past two seasons with Arizona. He's also just totaled 13 touchdowns after scoring that many in 2005 with Indianapolis. While he continues to regress, James remains a fantasy No. 2 running back for his consistency in achieving 1,000-yard seasons and as long as he continues to be the featured back.
Backups: Marcel Shipp, J.J. Arrington, Tim Hightower
27. Selvin Young, Denver: Young becomes a strong candidate to be Denver's featured runner after the release of Travis Henry. An undrafted rookie, Young produced Denver's best rushing average at running back with a stellar 5.2 yards per carry, compared to Henry's 4.1. When Henry missed Week 8 with a knee injury, Young impressed in his first start by totaling 120 yards. He also totaled 129 yards against the Chiefs in Week 10 and ran for a career-high 156 yards vs. Kansas City in Week 14. He's shown elusiveness, speed and all-around skills to become a featured back. Working in his favor, Denver's system lends itself to having a top fantasy back. However, he needs to prove he can handle the featured back role without injuries that affected him in college. He'll likely be competing with veteran Michael Pittman, second-year back Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain for the starting spot.
Backups: Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Ryan Torain
28. Kevin Jones, Chicago: Watch for Chicago's new talented tandem of recently signed Kevin Jones and rookie Matt Forte to become a stronger re-enactment of its successful 2006 running back duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. Kevin Jones' quickness and explosion mirrors the flashy Thomas Jones, while Forte's rugged physcial style resembles the tough running of Benson at his best. Kevin Jones will likely be the primary ballcarrier at first as Forte gradually assimilates the pro game. Expect them to be interchangeable and difficult for defenses to determine if the Bears will run or pass, unlike the one-dimensional Benson who was unable to serve as a legitimate receiving threat. Kevin Jones has been beset by injuries previously (missing seven contests in the past two seasons), so Forte would likely assume a larger role as the season progresses to help Jones stay injury-free. While it's unlikely that both will achieve 1,000-yard rushing seasons, each could produce 1,000 total yards. In an offense that lacks proven wide receivers returning from last season and a star quarterback, Chicago will likely elect to feature its all-around running backs extensively rushing and receiving. This would allow greater time of possession by using runs and screens, helping better support the Bears' talented defense and protect leads effectively. When Thomas Jones and Benson shared time in '06, Jones ran for 1,210 yards and six scores with 296 attempts while catching 36 passes for 154 yards. Benson carried 157 times for 674 yards and six scores while having eight receptions for 54 yards. Look for both Kevin Jones and Forte to have closer matched stats by end of season and serve as solid No. 3 fantasy backs.
29. Kevin Smith, Detroit: Picked by the Lions with the first pick in the third round, Smith (6-1, 212 pounds) had superb college production at Central Florida. He was only 61 yards away from tying Barry Sanders' Division-I rushing record of 2,628 yards. Smith displayed excellent quickness at the combine, placing second (6.74) among all running backs in the 3-cone drill. Combining his impressive rushing skills and physical tools, Smith is the most talented running back on Detroit's roster. With coach Rod Marinelli's move to a more conservative game plan, Smith will have ample opportunities to average 20-plus carries and be Detroit's featured running back.
Backups: Tatum Bell, Brian Calhoun
30. Matt Forte, Chicago: Though some draft reports regarded him as slow, Forte blazed to the combine's seventh-fastest 40-yard dash (4.46) among running backs. That was faster than the more highly touted Felix Jones and Jonathan Stewart. He also showed he has great quickness by compiling the fourth-fastest time in the 3-cone drill (6.84) and the sixth-quickest time (4.23) in the 20-yard shuttle. Impressively, Forte, who is an imposing runner at 6-2, 222 pounds, combines excellent size, speed and quickness. Not only does Forte possess the physical qualities that make him a potential top-flight back, but he owns great college production, reflecting his excellent rushing skills. He became just the 11th player in NCAA Division I history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, finishing with 2,127 yards and 23 touchdowns. However, expect Kevin Jones to vie to be Chicago's featured back as he offers the experience and big-play ability, in addition to his strong rushing and receiving skillks. But compared to the other runners on the roster, Forte simply offers more breakaway speed in combination with his ability to run inside the tackles, a staple of Chicago's hard-nosed running attack. This big back also caught 103 passes in his four-year career, indicating he has the receiving skills to be an everydown back. With the signing of Jones, Forte will be competing for Chicago's No. 1 running back. Even if he doesn't win the role, he'll still be used frequently to spell an injury-prone Jones and serve as a solid No. 3 fantasy back.
Backups: Adrian Peterson, Garrett Wolfe
31. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh: This rookie owns the NFL size (5-11 and 225 pounds), speed (ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash at combine), strength (had third-most reps in bench press at combine) and the athleticism (was 8th in vertical jump and first in 20-yard shuttle at combine) to be a top fantasy back. In his first season as the full-time back as a junior at Illinois, he ran for a school record 1,681 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He also showed receiving proficiency by catching 34 passes for 318 yards and two scores. He played in all 13 games, showing the ability to handle the featured back role in a top football conference like the Big 10. Though Mendenhall was drafted by a team that already has a featured running back in Willie Parker, he has the potential to be a very productive runner in Pittsburgh's system if he's given many of the carries. However, he can still contribute in his rookie season. Look for Mendenhall to possibly be involved as a goal-line runner like Jerome Bettis in recent seasons. Keep in mind Parker has shown he's injury prone, evident by his broken leg last year in Week 16. An injury to Parker would pave the way for Mendenhall to be a starting fantasy back as early as his first season.
Backups: Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, Carey Davis
32. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville: Most running backs decline significantly once they reach 30, but Taylor has become better. He recorded his second straight season of at least 5.0 yards per carry after turning 30 in 2006. In fact, Taylor had his highest average of his career by posting a 5.4 average, second highest for backs with at least 200 carries last year. Just as impressive, Taylor has only missed two games in the past two seasons after missing 24 contests in his first four seasons. He's been able to extend his career by sharing carries in a committee and still receive 200-plus handoffs. Entering his 11th season, Taylor can still contribute to fantasy teams as a part-time runner and No. 3 fantasy back.
Backups: Maurice Jones-Drew, Greg Jones, Chauncey Washington
33. Chris Johnson, Tennessee: He recorded the fastest 40-yard dash (4.24) at the NFL combine since electronic timing began in 1999. Not only is Johnson fast, but he showed excellent athleticism in his other combine drills. He finished fourth in the vertical jump and third in the broad jump. In addition, Johnson was extremely productive in his senior year at East Carolina. He ran for 1,423 yards and 17 scores, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He also caught 37 passes for 528 yards and six touchdowns, and had 36 kickoff returns for 1,009 yards and a score. Impressively, Johnson ran for a Hawaii Bowl-record 223 yards and a touchdown against Boise State to finish his career. However, he'll be used as part of a committee with LenDale White, serving as the speed back to White's physical style. Johnson's biggest issue will be staying injury free as he stands only 5-11 and 195 pounds. Johnson had neck surgery in the spring of 2007, followed by a foot injury that season. Still, he's a promising quick back who can rotate with a power one like White in a dual role, reducing his risk for injury.
Backups: Chris Henry, Ahmard Hall
34. Julius Jones, Seattle: The release of Shaun Alexander puts Jones in the driver's seat to be Seattle's No. 1 running back. However, it's likely that the Seahawks will use a committee of Jones, Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett. Jones would be the first- and second-down back, Morris would be the receiving/third-down back and Duckett would be used for goal-line carries. Using this trio would negate each of their fantasy values, but Jones would have the most value of the three as he would receive the most touches and the occasional score. Disconcerting is that Jones faltered last season by averaging only 3.6 yards compared to former teammate Barber's 4.8 average. However, he was effective in 2006 when he ran for a career-high 1,084 yards by averaging a solid 4.1 yards with 267 carries. A change of scenery and a fresh start may help Jones rebound from last season.
Backups: Maurice Morris, T.J. Duckett
Quick tip: Schedules matter: AFC East (vs. AFC & NFC West) and AFC West (vs. AFC East & NFC South) face defenses that were poor against fantasy running backs last season.
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