Rookie RB's to keep an eye on

By: Sachie

There are quite a few rookie runners who could make a big impact this season. Here is a list (in no specific order) of rookie running backs you should at least keep an eye on.

Jonathan Stewart (Panthers): I think Stewart will have the most impact of any rookie runner this year (Sorry Darren McFadden). He can catch the ball and is an explosive runner. Even if he gets as many carries as DeShaun Foster did in 2007 (247), Stewart will be worth a pick in the 4th or 5th round. If he is named the starter, he is a legit number 2 back and could be taken in the 3rd round. Look for him to challenge for offensive rookie of the year.

Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers): Mendenhall will come into the forefront during the preseason as fans get a look at what a monster he is. His nickname is “The Undertaker” because of his punishing running style. How can a guy nicknamed “The Undertaker” NOT get goal line carries?! He will. I see Mendenhall touching the ball about 8-10 times a game and getting the scoring chances. He may play a role similar to what Jerome Bettis did in 2005 when he had 9 tds on only 110 carries. Keep in mind that Mike Tomlin is not Bill Cowher and the Steelers will throw to guys like Heath Miller inside the 5 yard line as well. Still, I see Mendenhall scoring 7-8 times this season. He would be a really nice pickup in the 6th or 7th round in a touchdown league.

Darren McFadden (Raiders): McFadden is coming into 2008 with all the hype. The only problem is he plays for the Raiders. The team is a conundrum. They have 3 running backs who can contribute this season in McFadden, Fargis, and…Michael Bush (forget about him?). Hey, is Lamont Jordan still alive? If JaMarcus Russell struggles, teams will put 8 men in the box and with a suspect o-line to begin with, McFadden may struggle a bit. Someone will jump on him too early in your draft. Let them. If McFadden is there is in the 4th or 5th round he may be worth a shot but do not take him too high.

Matt Forte (Bears): I was really high on Forte until the Bears picked up Kevin Jones. What once looked like an unquestioned feature back might now lose 5-10 carries a game to Jones. Pay attention to the Bears intentions with Forte. If he is named the unquestioned starter, he is worth a pick in the 4th round or so and could be your # 2 back. If not, think of him more of a number 3 back with upside.

Felix Jones (Cowboys): Felix Jones will be like Julius Jones ultra light in terms of playing time. He will get some carries between the 20’s but unless he breaks one (which is possible considering an 8.7 YPC in college last year) he will not score much. The Cowboys didn’t pay Barber big bucks to not feature him. On the flip side, they didn’t draft Jones in the 1st round to sit and Barber’s running style does make him a possible injury risk. Take Jones very late in your drafts as a # 4 back as he may get you some yardage during a bye week. In a touchdown league he may be useless.

Kevin Smith (Detroit): Tatum Bell has been a disappointment in Detroit and Kevin Jones is making things difficult for fantasy players in Chicago. Smith could be a workhorse type back for the Lions. If he is the starter going into the season (and I suspect he will be) he will be worth a pick in the 7th or 8th as your # 3 back.

Ryan Torain (Broncos): Does anything surprise you with the Broncos when it comes to running backs? Torain could be irrelevant or rush for 1,500 yards with Mike Shanahan making the decisions. If I had to guess, at 6-1 and 220lbs, he could get some goal line carries. Depending on what you see in the preseason, he could be worth a pick toward the end of your draft. If not, keep an eye on him on the waiver wire.

Chris Johnson (Titans): The rumors on Johnson is that the Titans plan to use him a lot like the Saints use Reggie Bush. They will try and get him the ball in space. Depending on the health of Lendale White’s knee, Johnson could be a huge sleeper. He’s worth a late round selection in the 8th or 9th round. He could have a lot of upside.

Ray Rice (Ravens): Willis McGahee is the unquestioned starter but word out of Baltimore is that the Ravens LOVE Ray Rice. Rutger’s all time rushing leader will get some carries in 2008. The team does not have much in the passing department so you could see a nice little 1-2 punch with Rice and McGahee. McGahee has a tendency to get beat up during the season so Rice may be a nice handcuff pick late if you have taken McGahee in the 1st or 2nd round. If McGahee goes down for a long period of time and Rice is on the waiver wire, jump all over him.

Steve Slaton (Texans): At various points in the season last year, the Texans featured Ron Dayne, Ahman Green, and Darious Walker. They spent a 3rd round pick on Slaton whose speed can change a game in a hurry. Gary Kubiak runs the same zone blocking system that the Broncos do so Slaton could end up being a big time sleeper. Keep an eye on how the Texans use him the preseason. It could be worth a shot taking a flyer on him. If not, keep an eye on him on the waiver wire.

Tim Hightower (Cardinals): Hightower has good size but I’m not sure how good of an overall runner he is. He ran a 4.6 40 which means he’s not breaking many runs. He won’t get drafted.

Jamaal Charles (Chiefs): Herm Edwards has already said he plans to take some of the work load off of Larry Johnson. Those carries could go to Charles who the Chiefs took in the 3rd round. He has no initial fantasy value unless LJ goes down.