Running Backs
August 19, 2005
Prior to the weekly rankings, here is the second in a series of pre-season rankings for the 2005 season. The schedule for the remaining positions would be:
Quarterbacks -- Thursday, Aug. 18
Running Backs -- Friday, Aug. 19
Wide Receivers -- Saturday, Aug. 20
Tight Ends -- Monday, Aug. 22
Kickers and Defenses -- Tuesday, Aug. 23
Individual Defensive Players -- Wednesday, Aug. 24
1 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD -- First pick.
2 Shaun Alexander, SEA -- Alexander can be counted on for 1,500 yards and 15 TDs. Must pick at No. 2
3 Edgerrin James, IND -- James was second in the league in total yards by a RB in 2004. A great receiving back, Manning doesn't seem to see him in the red zone. Nevertheless, you can't go wrong with James.
4 Priest Holmes, KC -- Holmes would be the No. 2 back but for injuries. He’s still a good value at No. 4. Even half a season of Holmes is worth having because he can win your week's match-up with a big game.
5 Deuce McAllister, NO -- McAllister is a safe pick with a lot of upside. He averaged 116 ypg the last three seasons, and he (and the Saints) would be better off if they ran the ball more. Nagging injuries kept his TD totals down, but he ran strong in the second half, so he should bounce back.
6 Willis McGahee, BUF -- Few players have had as much back-and-forth debate then McGahee. Most supporters simply convert his totals for 3/4 of a season and expect Alexander-like numbers. Maybe. There have been several players in recent seasons that posted great numbers over the latter parts of seasons that did not do significantly better over the course of a full season. To get those great numbers, he would have to carry a large workload and his injury history may not allow it. Also lost is his low yards-per-carry average, his lack of a 120-yard game last season, and he hasn't been used in the passing game. But the Bills have the pieces for an explosive offensive season and McGahee will be the focal point. Just don't expect 20 TDs from him.
7 Kevin Jones, DET -- Jones hasn't gotten the pub that McGahee has, but you could use the prorated stat argument for him as well. Plus, he doesn't have the injury history of McGahee. But, other than at QB, Buffalo has solid, veteran skill players around McGahee, while Jones has three unproven WRs and a QB that hasn't lived up to his potential. If Detroit can get the air game going, Jones will be lights out. But, even if the Lions don't get it going, Jones will be a solid mid-first-round pick because of how he performed in the second half without the weapons.
8 Clinton Portis, WAS -- Like all the other Redskins last season, Portis' numbers were paltry. He's not the first-round pick that he was in Denver (who is?), but with another year in the system, and with the acquisition of Santana Moss and David Patten to boost the air attack, he should bounce back some. Portis is still a solid back. If you can get him in the second round, you could have a potential steal on your hands. Just don't expect to have one.
9 Domanick Davis, HOU -- The Texans have finally committed to Davis as their feature back. But the Texans have the worst offensive line in the league, have had limited success through the air and Davis always misses a couple of games due to nagging injuries. With his inconsistency, there is no way that he is the top-five RB that some feel. You would be in great shape if Davis is your No. 2 RB, but but just in average shape with him as your No. 1.
10 Tiki Barber, NYG -- Barber's 2004 season was shocking to me -- not because he's not talented, but because he had never put together a solid season. He took advantage of being the team's only successful offensive weapon. The team plans on being a bit more diverse, but you should be able to count on 1,600 total yards, but less than 10 TDs due to the arrival of Brandon Jacobs stealing a few goal line TDs.
11 Corey Dillon, NE -- Dillon was very impressive in his first year with the Patriots. He averaged 79 ypg in 15 starts and scored at least one TD in nine of those games. But he is 31 and should not surpass his 2004 season. He's definitely a solid second-rounder with first-round possibilities if he can stay strong and healthy.
12 Julius Jones, DAL -- You can't prorate Jones' final numbers at all, because if you do he would have over 400 carries, an NFL record. He won't get that kind of workload for an entire season. But, if he can improve on his YPC, he should be a solid No. 2 back and maybe even a potential top-10 RB.
13 Jamal Lewis, BAL -- There is no way that Jamal Lewis can be drafted in the first round this season. If he can stay healthy, focused and free from jail, Lewis can approach his previous numbers. But to have those three factors fall into place will be difficult for him, so wait on him -- let someone else take him in the first round -- and make the value pick in the second.
14 Ahman Green, GB -- Green's elite days are over. He fell from being a top-five RB in 2003 to a No. 10-15 last year and could fall farther in 2005. The warning signs are there, as the once-durable back is starting to miss games. Add to this the porous GB defense, and the need for Favre to put the ball up to sustain leads instead of grinding it out on the ground, and Green is just another good, but average back.
15 Rudi Johnson, CIN -- Johnson gained a lot of his yardage against some of the best teams in the league last year. Add to the equation the fact that he has no real back-up to eat up carries, and the fact that the Bengals face an easier defensive schedule. If you get him this late, he'll be at a great value.
16 Steven Jackson, STL -- Jackson has the size, speed, and tools to play on every down, and, reportedly, will get the majority of the carries in St. Louis. That has yet to be seen, however, as no one knows how Marshall Faulk will be factored in. Add in the fact that the Rams ranked near the bottom in rushing attempts last season, and Jackson is a risky mid-second round pick. Hopefully, he'll be around in the third for you.
17 Curtis Martin, NYJ -- The switch of backups from Lamont Jordan to Derrick Blaylock won't have a negative impact on Martin's season. At his age, it would be tough to expect him to match or surpass last season, but he should still be a solid back this season.
18 Brian Westbrook, PHI -- With all the publicity that Terrell Owens is getting, it's Westbrook that stirs the drink. He can be used in so many different roles -- lining up out of the backfield, in the slot and out wide depending on the match up. If your league counts receptions, bump him up several spots.
19 Lamont Jordan, OAK -- Jordan finally gets his chance to start in the NFL. Behind an improving line, if Jordan can get 25 carries a game -- not a given with the Raiders' WR corps -- Jordan could be a top-12 or 15 RB.
20 Cadillac Williams, TB -- Williams' ability to run and catch the ball fits Gruden’s offense perfectly. Michael Pittman had a solid season last year and Williams is a far better back. A top pick in dynasty leagues, Williams would make a great No. 2 or 3 RB this season.
21 J.J. Arrington, ARI -- Arrington steps into a great situation in Arizona. The Cardinals' offensive line allowed the aged Emmitt Smith to have a fine final season, and that was without a decent QB. With Warner on board, and the starting job virtually a shoe-in, Arrington should have a fine rookie season and be a great No. 3 RB this year.
22 Warrick Dunn, ATL -- It pains me to put Dunn this high, because he just doesn't produce enough to be a No. 2 or even a good No. 3 RB. Vick steals yards from him and T. J. Duckett steals TDs. There's just a lot of trash between the 20s left for him. I would rather reach a little farther down and take a chance on someone more productive than Dunn. But he's here because of his talent, his consistency and the likelihood of an injury to Vick or Duckett, which would greatly increase his value.
23 Mike Anderson, DEN -- Anderson should see a lot of time, but whether it's as a starter, fullback or change-of-pace back, that isn't known yet.
24 Fred Taylor, JAX -- Taylor appears to be improving following off-season knee surgery, but one has to wonder how good of shape he's in after Jacksonville's fevered attempt to acquire Travis Henry in the off-season. In addition, Taylor hasn't scored double-digit TDs since the 2000 season, and only two TD last year.
25 Ronnie Brown, MIA -- Brown has the size, power and quickness needed to step into the starting lineup and stay there with his receiving and pass blocking skills. The drawbacks are the presence of Ricky Williams and the possibility of a RBBC, and an offensive line that produced a 3.49 YPC average last season. A great dynasty pick, but a very risky No. 2 RB pick. He will be a good No. 3 RB or backup for this season.
26 Chris Brown, TEN -- The presence of Travis Henry was a huge blow to Brown's value. Even with his injury history, Brown was considered a great No. 2 RB; now, taking him as a No. 2 is risky, and there are other RBs I would take as my No. 3
27 DeShaun Foster, CAR -- IF healthy, Foster has the natural talent to run well behind a very good run-blocking offensive line. With rookie Eric Shelton waiting in the wings, Foster is going to have to step it up in his contract season to keep his job. If Foster get hurt for very long, Shelton is good enough to keep Foster out of the starting lineup when he returns.
28 Kevan Barlow, SF -- Barlow's 2004 season was a disaster from a fantasy standpoint. And the arrival of Frank Gore looked as if it put Barlow with one foot out the door. But 2005 is a new slate for Barlow -- a new coach, new system, revamped offensive line -- and Barlow makes a safe No. 3 RB choice, maybe a No. 2 if things develop well for him.
29 Thomas Jones, CHI -- At worst, Jones will be a very productive third-down back. But the longer Benson holds out, the higher Jones' value rises, and with his current production in camp, he will be tough to knock out of the starting lineup. This is his big chance.
30 Michael Bennett, MIN -- Bennett is the highest profile, high-risk, high-reward RB in the draft. He doesn't have Onterrio Smith to worry about this season, so Melwelde Moore is his only competition. Bennett is the starter for now, and if he stays healthy and Minnesota follows through with its plan to run the ball more, Bennett would jump to Top-15 status. But the jury's still out as if whether that will happen.
31 Tatum Bell, DEN -- Bell is in the perfect system where a RB can shine, but Bell must remain healthy and hang onto the ball. While the system benefits Bell, it benefits the many RBs behind Bell in the depth chart as well, so any slip up and there are a number of guys ready to take over. If everything clicks for Bell, he could be a top-10 back. You should wait a while in the draft to get the right value for him, though.
32 Larry Johnson, KC -- Johnson proved that, when called upon, he could provide feature-back quality numbers. But he has to wait for Holmes to get hurt for that to happen.
33 Lee Suggs, CLE -- It looked like Suggs was going to be the strong favorite to be the starter in Cleveland, but the addition of Reuben Droughns has put that in doubt. The run-oriented attack will benefit the duo, so there will be plenty of carries to go around for the fantasy backup.
34 Travis Henry, TEN -- Henry owners are hoping for a RBBC situation, at a minimum. He's the stronger inside runner to Brown, and is in a better situation at Tennessee than in Buffalo. But Brown will get the first nod as starter.
35 Cedric Benson, CHI -- There's no doubting Benson's talent, but he picked the wrong situation to be a holdout. Unlike one of the other rookies, say, like J. J. Arrington who doesn't have a viable backup, Chicago has Thomas Jones ready to take the ball from the first snap. With the solid camp that Jones is having, Benson may not get the job when he does join the Bears.
36 Mewelde Moore, MIN -- Most people should remember Moore's productive three-game starting stint during the 2004 season come draft day. Bennett is going into the season as the starter, but Moore with get first bid on the job if Bennett falters..
37 Jerome Bettis, PIT -- Bettis has stated that he doesn't want the workload of a primary back. Then Staley gets hurt. Bettis thrived when the situation developed at mid-season last year, but going into the season as the starter may lead to him wearing down by mid-season. Bettis owners better hope Staley gets healthy to keep Bettis in top condition.
38 Duce Staley, PIT -- When healthy, Staley can produce some impressive numbers behind the Steelers' offensive line. Despite the presence of Jerome Bettis at the goal line, Staley would make a solid No. 3 RB. He's currently injured, and the early work for Bettis may wear him down. If Staley comes back healthy, he would be a great pickup for the second half.
39 T.J. Duckett, ATL -- Ignore Duckett's eight TDs from 2004 -- half of them came in one game. He has the talent to be an every-down back if he wanted to be, but that's not going to happen at Atlanta, being third in line behind Vick and Dunn.
40 Reuben Droughns, CLE -- Droughns has to prove that his not just another product of the Broncos' running game. He's thunder to Suggs lightening in the Browns' run-oriented attack. But fantasy-wise, he's just another part-time back.
41 Marshall Faulk, STL -- How Faulk will be used in his reduced role is a giant unknown going into the season. At best, he will split time with Jackson, but he should make up for that with increased receptions and work at the goal line.
42 Michael Pittman, TB -- Pittman had his best season of his career, and was rewarded with losing his job on draft day.
43 Ricky Williams, MIA -- Ah, yes. Ricky. Who knows which Ricky will show up on game day. But if Brown is ineffective or injured early on, the job will quickly become Williams' when he returns from his four-game suspension. But that a lot of ifs when dealing with Ricky.
44 Stephen Davis, CAR -- Davis has a long road ahead of him, having not played in 10 months, recovering from microfracture knee surgery; can't count on him as a primary back, but may be worth a very late pick in deep leagues just in case he makes it back.
45 Chester Taylor, BAL -- Taylor is a capable backup/change of pace back, totaling over 600 total yards in five starts last season.
46 Derrick Blaylock, NYJ -- If Martin gets injured, Blaylock is good enough to be a No. 2 RB in his place.
47 Frank Gore, SF -- You can't forget about Gore, not with the 2004 that Barlow had. Gore is injury-prone, so it's hard to tell how much time he'll take away from Barlow.
48 LaBrandon Toefield, JAX -- He will be ready to step in if Taylor isn't ready. While he is a similar runner to Taylor, he would be less productive as a receiver.
49 William Green, CLE-- With Suggs and Droughns struggling with injuries this preseason, Green has been the healthiest and most consistent RB in camp. He will start Week One and will probably be at least the No. 2 RB through most of the season.
50 Marcel Shipp, ARI-- Shipp has looked strong this preseason, coming off a lost season due to injury. Rookies always have stumbles during the season, so Shipp is in a good spot for a lot of action this season as Arrington's backup.
51 Willie Parker, PIT
52 Najeh Davenport, GB
53 Ryan Moats, PHI
54 Chris Perry, CIN
55 Brandon Jacobs, NYG
56 Ladell Betts, WAS
57 Anthony Thomas, DAL
58 Moe Williams, MIN
59 Kevin Faulk, NE
60 Dominic Rhodes, IND
61 Nick Goings, CAR
62 Vernand Morency, HOU
63 Mike Alstott, TB
64 Quentin Griffin, DEN
65 Zack Crockett, OAK
66 Michael Turner, SD
67 Shawn Bryson, DET
68 Tony Fisher, GB
69 Vernon Haynes, PIT
70 Antowain Smith, NO
71 Justin Fargas, OAK
72 Ciatrick Fason, MIN
73 Jonathan Wells, HOU
74 Artose Pinner, DET
75 Maurice Morris, SEA
76 Greg Jones, JAX
77 Charlie Garner, TB
78 Sammy Morris, MIA
79 Terry Jackson, SF
80 Alvin Pearman, JAX
Fantasy Football 
LT and Alexander going 1-2 was easy. Edge and Priest could gp either way on 3-4, but I personally would rank Priest ahead of James. Deuce at 5? I agree he is a safe pick, but I have a couple of guys I would rank ahead of Deuce. Like your next two, McGahee and K. Jones. Both of these guys are without a doubt in my mind ahead of Deuce. But now you're really reaching with D. Davis and Portis at 8, 9. Ahead of those two, I have J. Jones and Rudi Johnson. And at 10, it would be a toss up between J. Lewis and Dillon, but I personally would give the edge to Lewis. So my top 10 rounds off like this..........
1. LT
2. Alexander
3. Holmes
4. Edge
5. McGahee
6. K. Jones
7. Deuce
8. J. Jones
9. R. Johnson
10. J. Lewis
TRD -
There are several small tics up and down, but here are the bigger ones:
UP:
Tiki Barber, NYG -- The development of Brandon Jacobs takes some of the heavy workload off of Barber, which only makes him better; he even thinks that Jacobs can extend his career by not taking the goal line beatings.
Thomas Jones, CHI -- Benson still holding out; the longer Benson holds out, the longer Jones holds onto the starting job into the season and the more entrenched he is.
Mike Anderson, DEN -- Anderson is the starter, for now, and it's his job to lose; ran the ball five times for 39 yards against the Niners, including a 22-yard run, and caught a two-yard TD pass.
Marcel Shipp, ARI -- In his first game more than a year, Shipp had seven carries for 56 yards, including a 26-yard run, in the Cards' last game to secure the top backup role.
Ryan Moats, PHI -- Buckhalter is out for the year, so Moats gets a big boost in value; continues to impress in camp with good speed and deceptive power; against Baltimore, Moats gained 35 yards on four carries and caught a 16-yard pass.
Vernon Haynes, PIT -- Competing for time with Willie Parker as both the third-down back and as Bettis' early-season backup; carried nine times for 24 yards and had a one-yard TD run
Willie Parker, PIT -- Gaining on Haynes as the No. 2 guy going into the season; got most of the work against the Dolphins, gaining 58 yards on six carries, including a 38-yard run, and 20 yards on one reception; his speed gives the Steelers something none of the other backs do.
DOWN:
Tatum Bell, DEN -- Lost starting job, but still pusing hard; ran for 62 yards on 11 carries, including an 18-yarder, with a two-yard TD run against the Niners.
Michael Bennett, MIN -- Getting closer and closer to losing his starting job permanently; for now, he has a neck injury and will miss the season opener.
Cedric Benson, CHI -- Still holding out; with each passing day, his early-season worth is getting less and less.
Justin Fargas, OAK -- Was one of three players pointed out by Norv Turner for making questionable plays, namely, three failed blocking assignments; ran the ball 11 times for just 35 yards; bumped FB Zack Crockett ahead of Fargas.
Maurice Morris, SEA -- Kerry Carter is battling Morris for time; Morris just got one carry in the last game.
Maurice Clarett, DEN -- Might end up not making the team; he's dogging it, either because of his contract, or that he's not high on the depth charts, or has to play on special teams; whatever the reason, the Broncos aren't impressed.
Maurice Morris, SEA -- Kerry Carter is battling Morris for time; Morris just got one carry in the last game..
Morris always looked good to me when I have seen him play. Is this Carter guy out of no where amazing or what? If anyone knows the story please tell, because Alexander is due for a knee injury soon.
Jeff I know you did not make this up, but I am not buying this for a second. I think this is a tactic. I don't see Shanahan swallowing his pride and dropping him.
Maurice Morris, SEA -- Kerry Carter is battling Morris for time; Morris just got one carry in the last game..
Morris always looked good to me when I have seen him play. Is this Carter guy out of no where amazing or what? If anyone knows the story please tell, because Alexander is due for a knee injury soon.
I had never heard of him before this week. I went looking to find out why Morris only got one carry and it didn't seem to be (publically) that it was due to injury/precaution/week off. Just a couple of references to Carter battling for time.
I just now looked a little harder on Carter instead of Morris and found this from the Seattle Times a few days ago:
>Number that will make the team: Five.
>On the team: Shaun Alexander, Mack Strong, Maurice Morris, Kerry Carter.
>On the bubble: Leonard Weaver, Marquis Weeks.
>Outside looking in: Dante Brown, Tony Jackson, Jesse Lumsden.
>The lowdown: Weaver is leading the competition to be Strong's backup at fullback. Carter is versatile enough to be the featured runner, a fullback and a special-teams contributor.
So I guess it's his versatility that's earning him some time.
Jeff I know you did not make this up, but I am not buying this for a second. I think this is a tactic. I don't see Shanahan swallowing his pride and dropping him.
Nope, didn't make it up.
I read a long quote from Plummer where he spoke glowingly about Anderson and Bell, and I've seen some good words about Ron Dayne occasionally. Things on Griffin haven't been great, but no one seems to talk bad about him.
But I found this on a web site. They don't credit where it's from, but I would expect that it's from one of the Denver papers -- quotes from Champ Bailey and Shanahan on Clarett:
“If I get cut it won't be my first setback,” Clarett said, almost making it sound as if that’s his intention.
"Obviously, people get hurt, and once they miss their reps it hurts their chances of not only making the team, but getting any playing time," Shanahan said. "That's just the nature of this business. Hopefully he can get back here soon, if he does, then he's got a chance to compete. You can't compete, obviously, if you're not on the practice field."
The highlighted part is where I get that he may not make the team. Maybe it's a ploy to make him show up and work harder, but I don't think that's going to work with Clarett.
There ya go -- making a little more sense now.
There ya go -- making a little more sense now.
Thanks Jeff. Yeah this should be the man if Alexander goes down. If any RB in the league is due to have an injury, Alexander is that man. He has had a pretty good run thus far. Morris is a smaller guy, but he is also faster than Shaun. If you have an extra bench spot, own Alexander, and dont know who to pick up this is the guy. Or if you see Alexander go down on Sunday, jump on him ASAP. Solid back that might start elsewhere.
There are several small tics up and down, but here are the bigger ones:
UP:
Steven Jackson, STL -- Jackson continues to impress in the preseason; gained 108 yards on 14 carries, including a three-yard TD run last week.
Fred Taylor, JAX -- Looked good in limited action upon his return from his knee injury; four carries for 18 yards.
Mike Anderson, DEN -- Anderson has not only taken the starting job, he's flourishing; gained 159 yards on 13 carries with two TDs against an overmatched Colt defense.
Mewelde Moore, MIN -- Moore suffered a mildly sprained ankle, but it isn't considered serious at all -- maybe misses a couple of days of practice; still the starter for Week One; carried the ball six times for 21 yards and one catch for 11 yards in his last game before leaving with the injury.
Stephen Davis, CAR -- Returned to practice for the first time in 10 months; worked with the first team to rush his conditioning; looks fine so far.
William Green, CLE -- With Suggs out with an ankle injury and Droughns having just returned from a hamstring strain, Green is making a bid for the opening day starting job; it's not a done deal, though; ran seven times for 30 yards including a four-yard TD run while catching two passes for 5 yards against Carolina.
Ryan Moats, PHI -- Moats continues to impress and climb the list; ran eight times for 44 yards and caught two passes for 10 yards against Cincy.
Willie Parker, PIT -- With Bettis and Staley out for Week One and probably Week Two, Parker has beaten out Verron Haynes for the early starting job and is roaring up the list; he is the Steelers' leading rusher during the preseason with 112 yards on 11 carries; will continue to split carries with Haynes, though.
Ciatrick Fason, MIN -- Even though he hasn't seen a lot of time the last couple of weeks, the nick to Moore means he may get a bit more extra work during the year.
DOWN:
Jamal Lewis, BAL -- Has a bone spur in his left foot, to go with the recovery of his surgically-repaired right ankle; missed this week's game.
Michael Bennett, MIN -- Expected to miss Week One, Bennett continues his slide; Tice confirmed that Bennett will remain the starting running back when he’s able to return to action.
Tatum Bell, DEN -- Bell is flying down the list after he lost the starting job for the early games; still this high due expectations of improved playing time at mid-season.
Eric Shelton, CAR -- The coaches are excited with Shelton's play, but with Davis back, he will obviously see fewer touches.
Anthony Thomas, DAL -- The emergence of Tyson Thompson threatens the idea that Thomas will be the No. 2 RB in Dallas.
DROPPED OUT:
Charlie Garner, TB -- Garner hasn't returned to the playing field; may be put on the PUP list or possibly released.
There are several small tics up and down, but here are the bigger ones:
UP:
Mike Anderson, DEN -- Continues stronghold on starting job.
Stephen Davis, CAR -- With the loss of Eric Shelton for the season, Davis has little threat breathing down his neck; his biggest foe -- his health.
William Green, CLE -- Green is still listed behind Reuben Droughns, and Droughns looked very good in the last preseason game; Green started, but was limited to five carries for nine yards; Green should still see a lot of work.
Willie Parker, PIT -- Verron Haynes continues to look tenative in preseason, leaving the door open for Parker in the early-season starting bid.
Vernand Morency, HOU -- Morency has taken the backup job for the Texans; has averaged well over four yards a carry in preseason.
DOWN:
Vernon Haynes, PIT -- Has looked like he's running without confidence and continues to drop.
DROPPED OUT:
Eric Shelton, CAR -- Placed on IR, out for the season with a broken foot.