2011 NFL Draft Fantasy Football Implications – RBs
By DeCon
In the second edition of the series, I wanted to have a look at the RBs drafted and how they might help your fantasy squad this year. If you missed my QB edition, have a look here. RBs can be tricky and as Bears fans we have seen our fair share of 1st round RB busts. For those voyer, non-Bears fans out there reading this, Ryan Matthews much??? Only 1 RB was drafted in the first round this year and by my estimation that was about right. Based on my personal experience with the aforementioned Ryan Matthews by drafting him WAAAAYYY too early, I personally would be gun shy to draft a rookie RB very high. Even the more reasonably drafted, Jahvid Best, cooled off last year during his rookie campaign. So, will any rookie RBs help you this year? Find out after the jump…
- Mark Ingram – Saints – I think the Saints did a great job of working trades to be in a position to get Ingram. Ingram is definitely the best RB of the class this year. He will join a crowded backfield that already includes Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory, so the biggest issue I have with him is touches. If he gets the touches, he could be a workhorse, but I remember saying even nicer things about Ryan Matthews last year…
- Ryan Williams – Cardinals – Beanie “Bust” Wells may likely be on the way out with this pick, but that don’t necessarily rush to draft Williams. He is joining a BAD Cards offense right now. Of course that could change if they bring in a veteran QB. With Tim Hightower already entrenched, assuming he has cured his fumble problems, Williams could have limited chances. Not to mention, Williams has had his own challenges with fumbling. Nice pick for the Cards, not so sure how it will work out for fantasy football this year though.
- Shane Vereen – Patriots – I will NEVER endorse a Pats RB, no matter what…Belacheat uses more RBs than Mike Shanahan and you can never trust that for your fantasy team. Vereen did set the high mark for 225lbs bench press reps (31) at the Combine, but that isn’t gonna win you any fantasy football championships.
- Mikel Leshoure – Lions – I will admit, I was secretly hoping Leshoure could some how end up with the Beloved. Partially because he played for the Illini, but mostly because I think he will make a very good pro. He will likely be the Thunder if the Lions use a Thunder and Lightning approach with he and Jahvid Best. The kid runs really hard and could make an impact right away. If Matthew Stafford stays healthy, I think the Lions are poised for a playoff run…I cannot believe I just typed that.
- Daniel Thomas – Dolphins – This kid is a 230lb wrecking ball and with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams likely being put out to pasture, Thomas could get the best chance at touches this year. The QB situation isn’t great in Miami, but if they can get that reasonably under control and Thomas wins the starting job (or close to it) out of camp, he could be poised for a big season. He would definitely be worth a flyer in the later rounds of your fantasy draft, which could change based on how he looks before the season.
CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!?!?!
The DeCon has spoken, so let it be written, so let it be done…