As fantasy football managers, we know that running backs are one the most important positions. Running backs made up 6 of the top 10 fantasy scorers from last year. The problem is that not everyone is lucky enough to get a top 3 draft pick to use on a high caliber running back like LT or LJ.
Here are some young running backs to be on the look out for next year.
Joseph Addai (Ind) (226 rush, 1081 yds, 7 td)
You don’t have to be an analyst to see this pick coming. Addai greatly out-preformed his competition, Dominic Rhodes. Addai is 4 years younger and he is a much more explosive runner. He will definitely see more carries in 2007 and his stats have nowhere to go but up.
Carnell Williams (TB) (225 rush, 798 yds, 1 td)
I know what you “Cadillac” owners are saying right now. You are saying “Williams? He had a terrible year! And worse yet, I wasted a high pick on him!” Don’t you worry sports fans; I am in the same boat with you. In one of my leagues I wasted a #10 pick on him.
You shouldn’t get down on Cadillac too soon. I am confident that his 1178 yd, 6 td performance was not a fluke. The kid has talent but is stuck in an offense with little to no passing game. Last year the Bucs had about as many QBs start games as there are ads during a super bowl commercial break. Their circus of a QB rotation averaged 174 yards a game and combined for a QB rating of 66.9.
On top of that they had some key injuries to their offensive line. So in other words, their running game was bound to suffer. If the Bucs buff up their line in the draft and possibly pick up a FA quarterback like Jeff Garcia, look for Williams to have a big year.
Laurence Maroney (NE) (175 rush, 745 yds, 6 td)
This young gun is creating lots of fantasy buzz for 2007. Although Corey Dillon is still considered the feature back in New England, Maroney showed some impressive numbers for a rookie. The truth is Dillon is 33 years old and is unlikely to receive the Patriots’ franchise tag. This opens the door for Maroney to possibly be the featured back or at the very least, see a dramatic increase in carries.
Split-Time Backs
Last year was a great year for young backs splitting playing time. Splitting time between two running backs was common practice for many coaches last season and it allowed many teams to showcase some of their young talent.
I predict that younger running backs (like Maurice Jones-Drew, Marion Barber III, and DeAngelo Williams), who found success in this coaching strategy, will see more playing time in 2007.
Giants New Featured Back
The biggest question on the minds of fantasy football managers for this next year is “who is going to be the next big RB for the New York Giants?” Most analysts are predicting that Brandon Jacobs will become the feature back in New York, replacing Tiki Barber. In my opinion, New York will probably seek out a new feature back through free agency and/or the draft.
The Giants have always had a “thunder and lightning” style run game. They always seem to have a flashy RB and a big RB for inside the 10. I am not saying don’t pick up Jacobs, he had 16 TDs in 134 carries and will undoubtedly see a few more carries next year. I am just telling you to be on the look out for possible FA or rookie talent jumping in that lead RB spot. Possible FA backs include: Marcel Shipp (AZ), Michael Turner (SD), Jamal Lewis (BAL) or possibly even Ladell Betts or Clinton Portis from Washington in a trade.
