A Quick Note on Updates

Blogger is apparently having some technical issues, which makes it impossible to go back and edit long posts such as the positional rankings. The coding is all screwy.

As a result, I am unable to update the rankings as of late Saturday night. I also have Part 2 of the Twinkilling.com Fantasy Football Q&A to post, but the formatting has been a nightmare on that one.

I will get the site updated as soon as Blogger works out their kinks. In the meantime, enjoy your holiday weekend. I know I will.

Players with obvious updates:

Chad Jackson
Dwayne Wright/Xavier Omon
Kregg Lumpkin
Steve Johnson
David Carr?
Michael Jenkins?

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Quote of the Day | August 31, 2008: You Think Nature Is Some Disney Movie?

With hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast, maybe we need a reminder that Mother Nature means business. From Northern Exposure, episode 5.14 "A Bolt from the Blue," 1994. Adam to Ed, on being struck by lightning:

Adam: "You want to know what it means? I'll tell you what it means: the universe is a hostile place Chigliak. You think Nature is some Disney movie? Nature is a killer. Nature is a bitch. It's feeding time out there 24 hours a day. Every step that you take is a gamble with death. If it isn't getting hit with lightning today, it's an earthquake tomorrow or some deer tick carrying Lime disease. Either way, you're ending up on the wrong end of the food chain."

Ed: "That's rather upsetting."

Adam: "Well, it's supposed to be upsetting, you moron! Check out the Declaration of Independence! You think it promises happiness? No, no, no -- it talks about the 'pursuit of happiness.' The pursuit! We've become a nation of wimps! We think we're entitled to everything; we want to legislate ourselves into some cozy little cocoon. Well, forget it, Nature Boy. There are no guarantees. Life is nasty, brutish, and short. Ecce Homo."

Chris: "Nature is a boogeyman. It's very 17th century Calvinist New England."

Tags: Northern Exposure, Nature

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"Scott from Cincinnati" (at the 6:30 mark in the video) -- remind me to slip you the promised $50.

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Quote of the Day | August 30, 2008: Redeemers vs. Non-redeemers

From this weekend's AP story on Bengals owner Mike Brown and his decision to accept Chris Henry back into the fold:

Back then, a player getting into trouble was considered a boys-will-be-boys moment. Rough-edged players were part of the league's attraction. Brown laughed as he told stories of their exploits.

"In the old days, if guys got into a fight, it was, 'Who won?'" Brown said, during a 2007 interview. "Now it's, 'Who's in jail?' It's just different."

He acknowledges that the game and society have changed - player arrests are no longer a laughing matter - but he still has a soft spot for troublemakers. When the Bengals had 10 players arrested in a 14-month span beginning in April 2006, Brown stuck to his stance that the public perception was bad, but the players were not. At the team's annual luncheon before the start of training camp last month, he discussed his philosophy in the most open way yet.

"I guess the world is divided up between redeemers and non-redeemers," Brown said, during an interview with a few reporters. "I happen to be a redeemer. I think people can be made better and right. If that's a fault, so be it. These guys misstepped, they made mistakes, they paid prices for it that have been verging on ruinous, but that doesn't mean I dislike them personally."

Tags: Mike Brown, Chris Henry

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Quote of the Day | August 29, 2008: Some Other Breed of Man Has Won Out

From Henry Miller's 1945 The Air-Conditioned Nightmare:

As to whether I have been deceived, disillusioned. . . . The answer is yes, I suppose. I had the misfortune to be nourished by the dreams and visions of great Americans -- the poets and the seers. Some other breed of man has won out. This world which is in the making fills me with dread. I have seen it germinate; I can read it like a blue-print. It is not a world I want to live in. It is a world suited for monomaniacs obsessed with the idea of progress -- but a false progress, a progress which stinks. It is a world cluttered with useless objects which men and women, in order to be exploited and degraded, are taught to regard as useful. The dreamer whose dreams are non-utilitarian has no place in this world. Whatever does not lend itself to being bought and sold, whether in the realm of things, ideas, principles, dreams or hopes, is debarred. In this world the poet is anathema, the thinker a fool, the artist an escapist, the man of vision a criminal.

Tags: Henry Miller, The Air-Conditioned Nightmare

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Fantasy Football Q & A with Twinkilling.com

With draft-day fast approaching for many leagues, my friend Brad Spieser over at twinkilling.com suggested doing a fantasy football Q & A. Brad is a bit a bit of a sports savant, so he's my go-to guy for all things Cincinnati Bengals and college football/basketball. We blindly sent each other a list of questions over the weekend, and here is the aftermath of my questions to Brad.


1. Sons of the Tundra: Who is a better bet for fantasy production in 2008: Ricky Williams or Ronnie Brown?

Twinkilling: I guess I'll say Ricky, although neither will be on any of my fantasy teams. The timeliness of Brown's injury (late October) combined with the shaky history of RBs having bounce-back years the following season is enough to keep me away. Plus, Ricky Williams is the strangest human alive, and it would somehow be fitting if he had a Curtis Martin-in-2004-type season. Ricky Williams will be one of the all-time what-ifs for me.


2. Sons of the Tundra: You're a diehard Bengals fan, so tell me how the backfield will play out this season betweeen Chris Perry, Rudi Johnson, and Kenny Watson.

Twinkilling: Chris Perry has been one of the few bright spots of Bengals camp, but I think Bengals fans are getting a little too excited. Sure, he's been running hard, and he's still light on his feet, but I'm not seeing an impressive burst. This isn't to say he won't have a solid season--his reception totals will make him valuable--but I'm a little more realistic about a guy who is perpetually injured.


3. Sons of the Tundra: Could Chris Johnson be the best of the rookie RBs?

Twinkilling: Might be. I'm on record as saying this could become the best RB class in NFL history. I love all the first round guys, and some of the second-rounders, as well. Matt Forte and Kevin Smith were placed in plum situations, but it doesn't mean they can't play - they can. I expect both to be solid contributors from day one. I would have no qualms about either being my RB2 in redraft leagues this year. As for Chris Johnson...he's a special athlete, and aside from Calvin Johnson, maybe the most fun to player to watch on NFL Network's game replays this month. Michael Bennett and Tatum Bell were both incredibly fast coming into the league, like Chris Johnson, but neither had the feet to be anything more than an occasional homerun hitter; if the seam wasn't there, you could forget about either making a big play. Chris Johnson has the sharp-cutting ability to lead the league in 50-yard+ runs (although I'm sure Adrian Peterson has a stranglehold on that category for the next three years or so.) It's safe to say I'm excited for the Chris Johnson era. If I had to pick the best, though, I'd probably go with Jonathan Stewart, with Johnson, McFadden, Mendenhall, etc., fighting for the No. 2 spot. And just so you don't think I'm backing off, I still love Felix Jones...he will make very big plays for the Cowboys before the end of the season.


4. Sons of the Tundra: How close is Calvin Johnson to becoming the new Randy Moss (as Roy Williams alluded to several days ago)? Can Detroit have a legitimately good passing offense with Kitna at the helm?

Twinkilling: I keep hearing Randy Moss/Calvin Johnson comparisons, but I have a better one: Calvin Johnson is a Randy Moss/Terrell Owens hybrid. He has the vertical leap of Moss with the power of Owens. Now, Moss is the greatest threat to ever play the position, so I won't suggest Calvin Johnson is in any way better, but he can do everything that Moss could as a young'n. The problem is that Moss had two strong-armed QBs, Cunningham and Culpepper, heaving the ball downfield, whereas Johnson has Kitna. Big difference. As for the Owens comparison, Johnson has better hands than Owens, but is nowhere near the threat after the catch. That might be the most underrated aspect of T.O.'s game: his ability to make an 80-yard touchdown out of a 2-yard catch. It's one thing if little guys like Steve Smith or Santana Moss make something out of nothing, but for a monster like Owens to attempt to score every time he touches the ball...that's pretty rare. (Note: Thanks to Borgs (circa '99) for pointing out that Owens tries to score every time he touches the ball)


5. Sons of the Tundra: How will the Derek Anderson / Brady Quinn situation play out by early 2009?

Twinkilling: I'm a Derek Anderson guy. He threw 29 TDs in his first year as a starter and led the Browns to a 10-6 record. Yeah, he was picked off 19 times, and yeah, he faded down the stretch. But, he's still a pretty good quarterback. However, I'm wondering if he might be a Jake Delhomme-type his whole career - a guy who makes you too nervous with his careless decisions in big moments...someone you can't completely trust. (Note: It should be mentioned that you did compare Anderson with Jeff Blake. It should also be mentioned that I wanted to hang myself for not thinking of it first.)

[Note from Sons of the Tundra: I also came up with the Delhomme / Derek Anderson comparison way back in last November or so . . . months before I changed it to Jeff Blake. I am now predicting his career to fall in line somewhere between Delhomme and Blake.]

As for Quinn, I think he's the guy in '09. He's someone who should be targeted in dynasty leagues yesterday. Worst case scenario involves Quinn being moved and immediately being named the starter. But I'm guessing he'll be the starter in Cleveland. He's proven not to be a bust (if you can do such a thing in seven preseason games and regular season mop-up duty), and he's far more polished than Quinn. He seems to be liked by his teammates, too (the anti-Charlie Frye, if you will). I always labeled him a choker at Notre Dame, but on second glance he wasn't surrounded with much talent (save for Samrdzija, who probably has a lot of sex, but anyway).


6. Sons of the Tundra: Three young quarterbacks who have yet to make "the leap" are Aaron Rodgers, Phil Rivers, and Matt Leinart. Who is your pick and why?

Twinkilling: This question was obviously sent before Leinart was moved to No. 2 on Arizona's depth chart, thus making it easier to answer. Rivers is a bit of a psycho, but he showed me a ton in the postseason. I wouldn't be surprised if he won a Super Bowl in his career (and maybe even without Tomlinson), BUT...I'm going with Rodgers, at least as a fantasy QB. He has good young weapons around him, and IF he can get off to a hot start, you're looking at a top ten fantasy QB right away. I'm not sure Rivers will ever crack that list.


7. Sons of the Tundra: Does Drew Stanton have a chance to be a legit starting QB in the NFL?

Twinkilling: The short answer is yes. But that's not what you're looking for. Drew Stanton doesn't know it, but he and I have had a rocky relationship. The first time I heard about him was when he was a freshman, covering punts for Michigan State - that's the kind of athlete he is. He came on like wildfire during his sophomore year and I pronounced the Spartans to be a big deal in college football over the next few years. To me, he was a can't miss superstar - a good thrower and a great runner. And then he never got better. I'm still baffled by it. He was so shaky at the end of his run at MSU that I wasn't so sure he'd be anything but a late round draft pick. But the Lions, and others, saw what I did a few years prior, and all of the sudden he was an early second round prospect. Clearly, he has the ability, but that's never enough with QBs. The guess here is that he never makes an impact, but it's not because of a lack of talent.


8. Sons of the Tundra: Is Joseph Addai an annual Top-5 dynasty RB stud, or is he a guy who will receive 300 touches per year max?

Twinkilling: Hard to say, for a couple of reasons. First, he plays for the scoring machine that is the Indianapolis Colts - that skews everything. Second, they've never really needed him to be a true workhorse, so it's kind of difficult to assess. Regardless, should he be taken higher than Peterson, Tomlinson or Stevie Jackson? Of course not? Gore, Jones-Drew or Westbrook? Probably not, but now you're dealing with preference. I'd put him in the class with Lynch and Barber, with some of the rookies on their way by the end of the season.


9. Sons of the Tundra: How will the Willis McGahee / Ray Rice situation play out in Baltimore?

Twinkilling: As you know, I'm not a big Ray Rice fan. But you can't argue with his preseason results or the praise coming out of Ravens camp. If McGahee is healthy, though, I can't see Rice getting more than about 120 carries this year. Not that I'm a McGahee guy, either...


10. Sons of the Tundra: How will Michael Turner do in Atlanta considering his poor O-Line, his conspicuous absence in the passing game, and the presence of Jerious Norwood?

Twinkilling: Before slurping Turner, let me axe you a question regarding Jerious Montreal Norwood? Why has he never been given a chance to handle a bigger workload? In two years he has 242 combined carries and receptions...and he's gained over 1,600 yards. Seems to me Norwood deserves more touches.

[Sons of the Tundra: This answer is easy -- because he's not a high workload running back. If you mean: why hasn't he gotten slightly more work in Atlanta considering old man Warrick Dunn was blocking his path, then I agree with you -- he should have gotten a bit more of Warrick Dunn's workload. If you mean: why hasn't he been given a shot to be "The Man," then the answer is completely different. It's because he can't be The Man. Falcons coaches have been unanimous in this sentiment, as have guys like Brian Baldinger and Tony Boselli who cover the Falcons games weekly: he doesn't have the build to hold up to those carries, he can't run inside, and he's not durable enough. And as I said his rookie year: he's the ideal change of pace back, but there's just no way he could sustain a rushing attack . . . and NFL offenses need a sustained rushing attack to win games.]

As for Turner, you're right, he doesn't catch the ball, but that could change, I suppose (Corey Dillon once had a 43-catch season). Regardless, he has the speed/power of a really good player. I see him in the 1,300 yards, 10 TD range. (By the way, I have an odd feeling the Falcons are going to be more competitive than expected.)


11. Sons of the Tundra: Tell me about Seahawks rookie RB Justin Forsett.

Twinkilling: Justin Forsett is good. Justin Forsett is capable of being a productive NFL back. The problem? He's not on a short list of mammals with "good" and "capable" on their resumes. I might be overstating this, who knows, but I believe their are around 75-100 people on this planet who could run for 1,100 yards and 8 TDs for an NFL team this fall. Look at what happened with Ryan Grant last year. He needed fifteen different breaks before being handed the keys. Look at Terrell Davis: He was mostly a fullback at Georgia before becoming the best back in the league. There are probably capable Division I graduates who never got out of the doghouse, and subsequently never got their chance to impress scouts. Think, do you remember Priest Holmes at Texas? Maybe, but probably not. He was incredibly lucky to land where he did, when he did. That's not to say that every RB drafted is capable of becoming a solid back, but the number is higher than you'd think. But Forsett? He's capable. He slipped to the seventh round for some reason, but that doesn't mean he can't play. He was really good from day one at Cal, and often ripped off long runs. Seattle was a great landing place for him and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he impresses when given the chance.


12. Sons of the Tundra: Considering Brandon Marshall's potential to go Chris Henry on us at a moment's notice, would you invest heavily in him in dynasty leagues?

Twinkilling: Heavily? No. But I'm the resident [former Reds, current Nationals GM] Jim Bowden, and when I see a five-tooler like Marshall available for fifty cents on the dollar, well, I just can't help myself.


13. Sons of the Tundra: T.J. Houshmandzadeh is a free agent after the season, and the Bengals are notoriously tight-fisted. Will Housh be a Bengal in 2009?

Twinkilling: Things are getting late-90's messy in Bengals World. And Houshmandzadeh is a bright guy. So he might just take the bigger payday (and the Alvin Harper/Peerless Price drop in production), but maybe not. Palmer targets him about 2,275 times per game--especially in the red zone--so that might be too much to pass up. If I had to place odds on the situation, I'd say it's 60/40 Houshmandzadeh stays in Cincinnati. And 100/0 he blows his brains out by 2012.


14. Sons of the Tundra: Can Roddy White repeat?

Twinkilling: I say yes. He's a former first round pick who was reeking of bust until early last year. The fact that he put it together tells me he wasn't content to cash his check and go through the motions. As previously stated, I like what's going on in Atlanta, and I see no reason why White can't remain a top 20 WR for the next half decade or more. Maybe I'll be wrong, but I think he's the anti-Germane Crowell (or is it the anti-Drew Bennett?).


15. Sons of the Tundra: What's up with the young Virginia Tech WRs and their ricidulous preseason production?

Twinkilling: This Eddie Royal thing baffles me. I saw him as a fast guy and nothing else. As for Morgan, I always liked him more, but I wasn't gaga over him. As Lee Evans can tell you, it's kind of important to have an accurate QB trowing to you. At Virginia Tech, there is no such thing.


16. Sons of the Tundra: Which second year WR do you like best: Robert Meachem, Ted Ginn Jr, Jacoby Jones, Laurent Robinson, or James Jones?

Twinilling: Robert Meachem. Every time I'm asked for a fantasy tip, which is often, I always tell people to target Meachem late in redraft leagues. He's talented, he dedicated himself this offseason to get in shape and he's in a great offense. He's a starter in New Orleans by year's end.


17. Sons of the Tundra: Which troublesome vet do you like best: Jerry Porter, Antonio Bryant, Javon Walker, Donte Stallworth, Deion Branch?

Twinkilling: Is that like asking someone would they rather be shot in the neck or eaten by a jaguar shark? I suppose Porter, based on my similarities to Jim Bowden. And I suppose Bryant's a decent late-round flier. Stay away from the other two.


18. Sons of the Tundra: What do you predict for San Fran's offense in '08?

Twinkilling: Sadly, Martz is no longer bullet proof. Far from it. Kitna threw for a billion yards last year and he was nobody you'd ever want to consistently start on your fantasy team. And while I'm pretty sure JT O'Sullivan is nothing special, you never know. Aside from kickers, quarterbacks often travel the strangest road to the starting lineup. So...although it doesn't look good that O'Sullivan has been a member of a million different franchises, it doesn't mean everything. If he has a couple decent games from the beginning, and if Frank Gore resemble his 2006 self, O'Sullivan has a shot to post respectable numbers. O'Sullivan might be terrible, but he hasn't proven it yet. We'll find out soon. My guess: All three QBs play and the 49ers struggle to win six games. And Frank Gore is a beast in spite of lousy QB play.


Tags: Fantasy Football Q & A, twinkilling

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Quote of the Day | August 28, 2008: The Too Much Fun Club

Originally from a 2001 ESPN.com column and later reprinted in Hunter S. Thompson's Hey Rube:

That is why Sportswriters are almost always the lowest paid people on Newspaper staffs. They are charter members of the Too Much Fun Club, and they like it that way.

"Why should I work for a living," they say, "if I can get paid doing something I love?"

And who will argue with them? Not me. I am a Natural born Sportswriter. I have a knack for it, a God-given talent. After I first learned that it was possible to sleep late and go to work at Two in the afternoon, and still get Paid for it, I never did anything else.

You bet. Some people call me lazy, but they are Wrong. If I am lazy, then so is Chris Berman of ESPN and Bob Costas of NBC. Both are members of the Too Much Fun Club, and they both learned their trade from former New York Yankees Hall of Fame shortstop Phil Rizzuto -- who went from Playing baseball for a living to talking about baseball for an even better living.

Tags: Hunter S. Thompson, Hey Rube, Sportswriting

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Quote of the Day | August 27, 2008: It Was Possible for Whole Summers to Be Kind of Crazy

From Richard Yates' 1961 Revolutionary Road:

The house looked very neat and white as it emerged through the green and yellow leaves; it wasn't such a bad house after all. It looked, as John Givings had once said, like a place where people lived -- a place where the difficult, intricate process of living could sometimes give rise to incredible harmonies of happiness and sometimes to near-tragic disorder, as well as to ludicrous minor interludes ("That's All, Folks!"); a place where it was possible for whole summers to be kind of crazy, where it was possible to feel lonely and confused in many ways and for things to look pretty bleak from time to time, but where everything, in the final analysis, was going to be all right.

Tags: Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

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Quarterback Rankings | August 26, 2008

QUARTERBACKS

TIER ONE

1. Peyton Manning, IND | Age: 32.5 | Value Score: 99
With Clark re-signed and Gonzalez ready to step up if Marvin doesn't snap back, Manning's consistency trumps Brady's career year.

2. #Tom Brady, NE | Age: 31.1 | Value Score: 96
Remains the NFL's best QB; Moss' return guarantees another great season, but Brady is not going to hit 50 TDs again.

3. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT | Age: 26.5 | Value Score: 95
Easily the 3rd best QB in the NFL and may bypass one of the Big Two in the next couple of years. And, yes, I said easily.

4. Tony Romo, DAL | Age: 28.4 | Value Score: 94
T.O.'s contract extension steadies value and maintains 30 TD expectations.

5. Drew Brees, NO | Age: 29.6 | Value Score: 92
Should be good for a consistent 4,000 yards and 25-30 TDs every year for the next few years; Shockey addition adds a nice red zone weapon and improves the overall explosiveness of the offense.

TIER TWO

6. Carson Palmer, CIN | Age: 28.7 | Value Score: 84
Can he bounce all the way back from an extremely disappointing season? Chad is back after bickering with his QB, but Henry is gone and Housh could be on his way out in '09.

7. Jay Cutler, DEN | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 82
Impressive YPA & completion numbers bode very well for future; additions of Clady plus D-Jax and 2nd rounder Eddie Royal help to steady value. Marshall's offseason shenanigans and obvious high knucklehead potential are slightly worrisome.

8. Donovan McNabb, PHI | Age: 31.7 | Value Score: 82
I've seen guys like Eli Manning & Phil Rivers ranked ahead of him, in which case McNabb is the ideal buy low candidate for dynasty leaguers.

TIER THREE

9. Matt Schaub, HOU | Age: 27.2 | Value Score: 67
He's going to have to stay healthy for all 16 games to shake the injury concerns, but there's a lot to like here. The YPA & completion percentage were very promising, so he just needs to find Johnson & Daniels in the end zone more often to take the next step to reliable #1 as opposed to an aspiring Bulger.

10. Aaron Rodgers, GB | Age: 24.8 | Value Score: 64
Favre's trade leaves Rodgers as the unquestioned starter, but that's going to be some spotlight he's occupying.

11. David Garrard, JAX | Age: 30.5 | Value Score: 63
A much better QB than commonly believed, but he's not likely to surpass last year's passing quality. If the running game slips from true dominance, does Garrard's production see an uptick from the increased attempts or do the passing lanes start to close with the defense no longer selling out against the run?

12. #Vince Young, TEN | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 62
Deserved a better fate last season after seeing a freakish number of TDs called back due to penalty, drops by a lousy receiving crew, or poor route running/miscommunication. Still has plenty of upside and the possibility of a true break-out season if the light flips on with improved weaponry.

13. Eli Manning, NYG | Age: 27.6 | Value Score: 62
The 64,000 Question: Did the epiphany occur in the last 6 weeks, or was it simply the flip-side of an inconsistent QB hitting a hot streak? I believe the latter, and I can't see how even a true believer can feel comfortable relying on a streaky, inconsistent Eli as a QB1 going forward.

14. Derek Anderson, CLE | Age: 25.2 | Value Score: 59
A window to make his mark as the Browns' franchise QB with the addition of Stallworth as a #3 weapon behind Edwards & Winslow; slightly worrisome is that Anderson's 2009 bonus could essentially make his new contract a one-year deal if he doesn't play up to expectations. I was getting a Jake Delhomme vibe from last season, but I'm starting to also pick up on a Jeff Blake similarity. I worry about his stability.

15. Philip Rivers, SD | Age: 26.8 | Value Score: 57
Good news and bad news: The good news is that Rivers finally delivered consistently under pressure once the playoffs started. The bad news is that he showed flashes of David Carr happy feet and lack of arm strength during the season. Even worse, the ACL injury he suffered happened later in the season than Daunte Culpepper's, Carson Palmer's, and Donovan McNabb's . . . all of whom were much better QBs and struggled considerably in their first season back from injury. Why would we expect Rivers to do anything but disappoint in '08?

16. Marc Bulger, STL | Age: 31.4 | Value Score: 56
Al Saunders and an improved O-Line could bring production back in line with career norms, but don't expect many TDs; deteriorating receiving crew is worrisome.

17. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA | Age: 33.0 | Value Score: 54
Who is he going to be throwing to this year? With the Seahawks making an effort to upgrade the running game, he can't count on abnormally high passing attempt numbers again; I'm staying far away from Hass this season.

TIER FOUR

18. Jason Campbell, WAS | Age: 26.7 | Value Score: 41
It would be foolish not to count on an adjustment period to the West Coast Offense and a new coaching staff; I think we've all seen him look very poised at times and extremely underwhelming at other times, so it will be interesting to watch his growth throughout '08. Remember the Losman/Grossman Effect: young QBs don't always get better.

19. Matt Ryan, ATL | Age: 23.3 | Value Score: 40
Early signing could be an indication the team wants him to start early in the season, but he'll be doing it behind a woeful offensive line.

20. Brady Quinn, CLE | Age: 23.9 | Value Score: 38
Derek Anderson's $5M bonus before next season basically makes the 2-QB system a one year experiment. Quinn could definitely exploit an opening if Anderson doesn't show himself to be the Browns franchise QB in '08. The future is uncertain, but one of the two Browns QBs is likely to be starting elsewhere next season.

21. Trent Edwards, BUF | Age: 24.9 | Value Score: 35
Positive marks for poise, smarts, and an ability to lead an offense, but he needs to take a major step forward in playmaking and consistency; addition of rookie Hardy should help put the ball in the end zone more often.

22. Kurt Warner, ARI | Age: 37.3 | Value Score: 35
Time to start the handcuffing strategy with Arizona QBs? Simply put, he needs Leinart to fall on his face in the pre-season. Warner threw up valuable fantasy numbers the last 12 games of '07 and can do it again if given the opportunity.

23. JaMarcus Russell, OAK | Age: 23.1 | Value Score: 34
Top of the line arm, perfect size, prodigious talent, but the footwork was an absolute mess and questions persist about his decision making; his career could go either way, and unfortunately, Oakland isn't exactly the ideal proving ground for a developing QB right now.

24. Brett Favre, NYJ | Age: 38.9 | Value Score: 33
Jay Glazier reports Favre to the Jets for a conditional pick. That's gotta be a two-year commitment for Favre, right? He could still climb a bit once details start to roll in.

25. Jon Kitna, DET | Age: 36.0 | Value Score: 32
Still has a window on '08 value with playmakers Calvin Johnson & Roy Williams, but his margin for
error is razor-thin with Stanton waiting in the wings . . . and Kitna is never a strong bet to defeat his margin of error.

26. Jake Delhomme, CAR | Age: 33.6 | Value Score: 32
Would make for the ideal throw-in on a larger deal if you believe he'll fully recover from Tommy John surgery; job security issues damage his long-term dynasty value, but he could recoup quite a bit of value in '08 with a more explosive offense featuring the always special Steve Smith plus the move to DeAngelo Williams at RB, and the additions of D.J. Hackett & Muhsin Muhammad.

27. Matt Leinart, ARI | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 29
High risk, high reward; after Warner's performance, there's going to be pressure to perform well right from the start. But if he does, he could easily see a 25 TD, 3700 yard season.

28. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN | Age: 25.4 | Value Score: 26
If---big IF---Tarvaris can put it together, Berrian and a more experienced Sidney Rice offer
some intriguing potential. I just can't get over the fact that he's the exact opposite of what the current Vikings franchise needs in a QB.

TIER FIVE

29. Chad Henne, MIA | Age: 23.2 | Value Score: 18

30. Joe Flacco, BAL | Age: 23.7 | Value Score: 18

31. #Drew Stanton, DET | Age: 24.4 | Value Score: 17
Jon Kitna will be on a much shorter leash, so expect Stanton to get a chance at some point in '08; if Calvin Johnson & Roy Williams remain in DET, Stanton makes for a very intriguing high upside pet project.

32. Kevin Kolb, PHI | Age: 24.0 | Value Score: 16
The new Matt Schaub? The new Aaron Rodgers? Either way, his value likely depends substantially on your league's roster size. He's a very nice stash as long as you realize he's a roster ornament for at least another year. Hope for one of the following: in-season injury to McNabb, a post-2008 McNabb trade, or Kolb becomes the new Schaub-like savior for a QB desperate franchise.

33. J.T. O'Sullivan, SF | Age: 29.0 | Value Score: 13
A legit chance to line up behind center in Week 1? The competition has been less than impressive. On the other hand, even with the starting job in a Martz offense, his crappy play will likely have the team looking for alternatives sooner rather than later.

TIER SIX

34. Brian Brohm, GB | Age: 22.9 | Value Score: 7

35. Colt Brennan, WAS | Age: 25.0 | Value Score: 6

36. J.P. Losman, BUF | Age: 27.5 | Value Score: 6
Free agent after 2008 season.

37. Sage Rosenfels, HOU | Age: 30.5 | Value Score: 5
The Practically Perfect Backup QB hits the free agent market in 2010.

38. Josh Johnson, TB | Age: 22.4 | Value Score: 4

39. Dennis Dixon, PIT | Age: 23.7 | Value Score: 4

40. Jeff Garcia, TB | Age: 38.5 | Value Score: 4
He's a better NFL than fantasy QB at this stage of his career and a poor bet at age 38 to stay as healthy and productive as last season.

41. Chad Pennington, MIA | Age: 32.2 | Value Score: 4
Any chance he could wind up in Minnesota now that the Jets will cut him? I've been saying for almost a year that it's the perfect landing spot for Pennington's unique package of strengths and weaknesses.

42. Matt Cassel, NE | Age: 26.3 | Value Score: 3

43. Byron Leftwich, PIT | Age: 28.6 | Value Score: 3
When asked why he thought Leftwich was out of football, Tomlin said, “Your guess is as good as mine, based on what I saw today.”

44. #Troy Smith, BAL | Age: 24.2 | Value Score: 3
Not ready yet to help an offense put up consistent points, but he has shown impressive field general abilities. Still raw, but may get a shot to sink or swim with McNair retiring.

45. Kellen Clemens, NYJ | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 3
Likely to drop even further . . . the initial reaction is: why carry him ?

46. Kyle Orton, CHI | Age: 25.8 | Value Score: 3
Plucky. That's it. That's the list. OK, neckbeard. That's on the list too. Woe are the Bears.

47. #Brodie Croyle, KC | Age: 25.5 | Value Score: 3
If Grossman is odious, then Croyle is, of course, appallingly bad. The Chiefs are seriously deluded if he starts week one.

48. #Alex Smith, SF | Age: 24.3 | Value Score: 3
Two of his three NFL seasons have produced historically bad performances. I don't think he beats Shaun Hill in a fair competition, but the 49ers have a lot invested here.

49. #Matt Moore, CAR | Age: 24.1 | Value Score: 3
Awful preseason lowers expectations about taking over for Delhomme anytime soon.

TIER SEVEN

50. *Michael Vick, ATL | Age: 28.2 | Value Score: 2
How large is your roster?

51. Seneca Wallace, SEA | Age: 28.1 | Value Score: 2
Could put up interesting fantasy numbers if ever given a shot at regular playing time

52. Kevin O'Connell, NE | Age: 23.5 | Value Score: 2

53. Damon Huard, KC | Age: 35.2 | Value Score: 2
He's no great shakes, but he's a hell of a lot better than Brodie Croyle; with the Chiefs far from contending mode, Huard is stuck in No Man's Land.

54. Chris Simms, UFA | Age: 28.0 | Value Score: 2

55. Luke McCown, TB | Age: 27.2 | Value Score: 2
The better of the Passing McCown Brothers has flashed some interesting ability in small doses. Would have to beat out Griese to get on the field this season, but this McCown could conceivably have a future as a starter down the road.

56. Kerry Collins, TEN | Age: 35.7 | Value Score: 2

57. Brett Ratliff, NYJ | Age: 23.1 | Value Score: 2

58. Brian Griese, TB | Age: 33.5 | Value Score: 2
Will battle Luke McCown to see who starts once Garcia gets injured.

59. Rex Grossman, CHI | Age: 28.0 | Value Score: 2
Come on. He's simply odious. Before last season, I called him a "turnover prone, inconsistent, inaccurate headcase." I was feeling nice that day.

60. Billy Volek, SD | Age: 32.4 | Value Score: 2
Fantasy leaguers keep insisting that he must be passing up better opportunities elsewhere; but what are the chances NFL GMs are as fond of his game as fantasy owners are?

61. Shaun Hill, SF | Age: 28.7 | Value Score: 2
More of a game-manager type than Martz' previous QBs, but he does offer athleticism, a quick release, and the ability to lead an offense. There's some upside here, and if he beats out Alex Smith for the starting job, the whole 49er offense should receive a boost in value.

62. Tyler Thigpen, KC | Age: 24.4 | Value Score: 2
Second on the depth chart means he just needs Croyle to play like Croyle in order to get a shot.

TIER EIGHT

63. John David Booty, MIN | Age: 24.2 | Value Score: 1
Was seen as one of the most NFL-ready QBs in the draft and may get a chance earlier than expected if Tarvaris Jackson can't put it together.

64. Charlie Whitehurst, SD | Age: 26.1 | Value Score: 1

65. Andre Woodson, NYG | Age: 24.4 | Value Score: 1

66. John Beck, MIA | Age: 27.1 | Value Score: 1
Captain Checkdown currently sandwiched between journeyman Josh McCown and Parcells/Sparano future starter Chad Henne.

67. Chris Redman, ATL | Age: 31.2 | Value Score: 1
Upside is band-aid for a year, but Ryan's quick signing could signal the team's willingness to throw him into the fire right from the get-go.

68. Trent Green, STL | Age: 38.2 | Value Score: 1
Decent shot at Kurt Warner-like startable value if Bulger goes down, but keep in mind any value would be of the fleeting variety.

69. Cleo Lemon, JAX | Age: 29.1 | Value Score: 1

70. Gus Frerotte, MIN | Age: 37.2 | Value Score: 1

71. Patrick Ramsey, DEN | Age: 29.5 | Value Score: 1

72. Josh McCown, CAR | Age: 29.2 | Value Score: 1

73. Andrew Walter, OAK | Age: 26.3 | Value Score: 1

74. Dan Orlovsky, DET | Age: 25.1 | Value Score: 1

75. D.J. Shockley, ATL | Age: 25.5 | Value Score: 1

76. David Carr, NYG | Age: 29.1 | Value Score: 1

77. Joey Harrington, UFA | Age: 29.9 | Value Score: 1

78. Caleb Hanie, CHI | Age: 23.0 | Value Score: 1

79. Quinn Gray, UFA | Age: 29.3 | Value Score: 1

80. Jared Lorenzen, UFA | Age: 26.3 | Value Score: 1

81. [#]Kyle Boller, BAL | Age: 27.3 | Value Score: 1

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Running Back Rankings | August 26, 2008

RUNNING BACKS

TIER ONE

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN | Age: 23.5 | Value Score: 100
Simply the most talented player on the field [click here].

2. Steven Jackson, STL | Age: 25.1 | Value Score: 98
I won't start worrying about the holdout until mid-August at the earliest.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD | Age: 29.2 | Value Score: 97
Have we seen the last of the truly dominant LT2? He may bounce back with a vengeance after all the flack he took for the Pats game, but it's tough to rank him higher at the crucial RB age of 29.

4. Frank Gore, SF | Age: 25.2 | Value Score: 94
Talented, well-rounded, great job security, and in line to haul in a ton of receptions in Martz' offense which saw Marshall Faulk take his game to the next level.

5. Brian Westbrook, PHI | Age: 29.0 | Value Score: 93
Money in PPR leagues and still underrated, but injuries are a constant concern; is this offseason the time to flip him for a younger talent before it's too late?

TIER TWO

6. Marshawn Lynch, BUF | Age: 22.4 | Value Score: 87
Hit-and-run incident shouldn't affect his '08 value.

7. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX | Age: 23.4 | Value Score: 86
One of the best players in the NFL and averages a TD per game even in limited touches; his time for Westbrook-like domination is coming like a freight train.

8. Joseph Addai, IND | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 86
Safe call in the Colts offense, but is 300 touches per year his limit?

9. #Marion Barber III, DAL | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 84
New contract gives him much-needed security, but he's still going to be sharing the load with Felix Jones. Expect the high TD, lower yardage totals to continue.

TIER THREE

10. Jonathan Stewart, CAR | Age: 21.5 | Value Score: 75
Hey, Adrian Peterson starting out returning kickoffs too. Stewart's draft spot and running style leave him as the obvious feature back, but it remains to be seen how annoying D-Willy's presence will be. Pro Football Prospectus believes Williams will be the starter, but the Panthers didn't draft Stewart twelfth overall and change to a smash-mouth attack just to leave him on the bench.


11. Chris Johnson, TEN | Age: 22.9 | Value Score: 74
See here for explanation of high ranking.

12. Reggie Bush, NO | Age: 23.5 | Value Score: 73
We have to accept the fact that he's not the dynamic homerun hitter he was hyped to be, but he's still gold in PPR leagues and was used at the goal-line while Deuce was injured.

13. Clinton Portis, WAS | Age: 27.0 | Value Score: 72
Something is askew here: his owners are constantly trying to deal him, but they also consider him an elite back. The problem is he's not quite the ideal RB1 that dynasty leaguers want to rely on, but it's increasingly difficult to trade him for an upgrade. Where is the burst?

14. Darren McFadden, OAK | Age: 21.0 | Value Score: 72
On one hand, you've got a RB with laughably skinny chicken legs to go with a worrisome BMI, a checkered off the field college history, and what Pro Football Prospectus calls questionable pass-catching ability. On the other hand, you have a tremendous athlete with a truly versatile skill-set, a prodigious college career, and a playmaker's explosiveness and blazing speed. He's not Adrian Peterson, but he certainly makes for an intriguing roll of the dice.

15. Ryan Grant, GB | Age: 25.7 | Value Score: 69
The Packers love his game, so there's no worry about job security any time soon; how will Favre's exit affect the production of the running game?

16. Larry Johnson, KC | Age: 28.8 | Value Score: 68
With the dwindling YPC, the 400+ carry season of '06, the foot injury, the perdition of what was once possibly the best O-Line in NFL history, and now a punchless Croyle-led offense, L.J. simply has too much going against him to return to '05-'06 form. Those days are gone.

17. Michael Turner, ATL | Age: 26.5 | Value Score: 67
Will be the Thunder to Norwood's Lightning in ATL, meaning Turner will get the early down and short-yardage work but will likely lose some value in the passing game. Will he find the end zone enough to make up for Norwood's production drain?

TIER FOUR

18. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT | Age: 21.2 | Value Score: 60
Goes to a rock-solid organization with an increasingly explosive offense, but how long until he takes a full load? How long until he's a confident weekly play in your fantasy lineup?

19. #Willis McGahee, BAL | Age: 26.9 | Value Score: 59
Drafting of Ray Rice could be more troublesome than McGahee owners want to admit. An awful O-Line and injury questions give further reason for concern.

20. Ronnie Brown, MIA | Age: 26.7 | Value Score: 58
Here's the crux of the problem: even with the advances of modern medical technology, no RB in history has returned as the same back immediately after ACL surgery. If Brown won't be truly himself again until '09, what's his dynasty value? Can he be counted on as a fantasy starter at all in '08? The answer to that last question is going to count for a lot in determining his value.

21. Laurence Maroney, NE | Age: 23.5 | Value Score: 56
It will be interesting to see if the Pats trust Maroney in short yardage after his success there late in the season; Maroney is a talented back in a great offense, but there are still legit concerns about his usage patterns in that offense.

22. Jamal Lewis, CLE | Age: 29.0 | Value Score: 54
Too many dynasty owners are writing off a talented back who is playing very well with fresh legs6 there aren't too many RBs around the league with this much job security and a guaranteed prominent role in a highly productive offense. Frankly, I probably have him too low as opposed to too high. Hamstring scare has early '08 value in peril.

23. Brandon Jacobs, NYG | Age: 26.2 | Value Score: 53
He will always face questions about staying healthy and being a bit of a novelty act, and now he has to contend with an Ahmad Bradshaw problem. Would a contract extension really clear anything up about his value?

TIER FIVE

24. Ray Rice, BAL | Age: 21.7 | Value Score: 45
Willis McGahee better stay healthy if he knows what's good for him. In the meantime, Rice will try to carve out a poor man's MJD role for himself in the Ravens offense.

25. Matt Forte, CHI | Age: 22.7 | Value Score: 44
Are you really worried about Cedric Benson? Well then, stop that. Forte has a plum opportunity with only Cedric to beat out. Update 7/17/08: I still believe Kevin Jones is likely to open the season on the PUP list.

26. Willie Parker, PIT | Age: 27.8 | Value Score: 43
When you lose goal-line carries & 3rd down work, you lose a hefty portion of your fantasy value; I like FWP, but I've always sensed that the Steelers don't trust him to be a true workhorse. Mendenhall's addition may leaves him virtually unstartable and certainly unreliable.

27. DeAngelo Williams, CAR | Age: 25.4 | Value Score: 42
A former first-round pick himself, he's obviously not ready to just hand the job to Jonathan Stewart.

28. Selvin Young, DEN | Age: 24.9 | Value Score: 41
Talented, explosive, and well-liked by his head coach, but how consistent will the carries be? Looks like the obvious starter in Denver now that Henry has been released.

29. Felix Jones, DAL | Age: 21.3 | Value Score: 40
Barber's contract extension and Jones' skill-set combine to leave him as a part-time back for the foreseeable future. He's going to have to catch a lot of passes and break quite a few big plays to have startable value any time soon.

30. Chris Perry, CIN | Age: 26.7 | Value Score: 38
As brittle as brittle can be, and likely lost more than a step by now, but there's a window of opportunity in Cincy's backfield.

31. Kevin Smith, DET | Age: 21.7 | Value Score: 36
arly favorite to nail down the starting job despite what you may hear about Brian Calhoun or Tatum Bell.

TIER SIX

32. Tim Hightower, ARI | Age: 22.3 | Value Score: 28
It remains to be seen how talented he is, but he's landed in a great spot for instant opportunity. Hightower must impress this season, or the Cards will address the position with a higher pick or free agent next offseason.

33. Pierre Thomas, NO | Age: 23.7 | Value Score: 28
Like Willie Parker a couple of years ago, Thomas could capitalize on a huge Week 17 game to carve out a prominent role in his team's offense especially if Deuce's microfracture right knee and ACL left knee hold him back.

34. Thomas Jones, NYJ | Age: 30.0 | Value Score: 27
Aging mediocrity could have a nice bounceback season with Favre on board and an improved O-Line, but don't go overboard paying for him.

35. Earnest Graham, TB | Age: 28.7 | Value Score: 27
Most of his value is going to be tied up in the 2008 season with the Bucs showing a definite interest in finding another reliable RB by hook or by crook; he can help you win now, but there's just not enough long-range value here . . . as evidenced by his meager contract extension.

36. Ricky Williams, MIA | Age: 31.3 | Value Score: 25
Could be a good story here if Brown is slow to return to full health; after a couple of seasons away from football, Ricky should have fresh legs and is one of the few backups who can carry a full load if needed.

37. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG | Age: 22.5 | Value Score: 24
I was eyeballing his game for weaknesses throughout the playoffs, but I didn't find any glaring ones; he may not be able to carry a full load, but the question is moot with Jacobs in front of him.

TIER SEVEN

38. Michael Bush, OAK | Age: 24.3 | Value Score: 17
Now that he's healthy, can he stay healthy? If so, carving out a role as the thunder to McFadden's lightning is a possibility.

39. #Ryan Torain, DEN | Age: 22.1 | Value Score: 16
RB with an injury-history is out 2-3 months with a fractured elbow and could be a candidate for I.R.

40. LenDale White, TEN | Age: 23.7 | Value Score: 16
Let's quit jerking around here: the seeping leak in LenDale's value this offseason has been gashed open by Chris Johnson since training camp started.

41. Steve Slaton, HOU | Age: 22.7 | Value Score: 15
Lo0oks like a third down back to me. He may be interesting as a Leon Washington type, but I don't see him ever taking the job in Houston and making it valuable.

42. Kevin Jones, CHI | Age: 26.0 | Value Score: 15
Won't be back by Week 1, will be less than 100% when he does play, will be injured quickly as soon as he does come back, and will likely be splitting carries wherever he winds up. What's the fantasy football equivalent of a "face for radio" or a "face only a mother could love"? A running back only an intractably twitterpated owner could love.

43. Edgerrin James, ARI | Age: 30.1 | Value Score: 15
The cliff is approaching fast; his goal-line & passing game production have already been taken away while his workload and injury work against him.

44. Julius Jones, SEA | Age: 27.0 | Value Score: 11
Seahawks announce intention to use a committee attack in the backfield; but Jones will have a chance to run with the job if he impresses early in the season.

45. Mike Hart, IND | Age: 22.4 | Value Score: 10
Major sleeper if he can get past Dominic Rhodes. Well-rounded runner could be one injury away from the Colts starting job.

46. #Maurice Morris, SEA | Age: 28.8 | Value Score: 10

47. Chester Taylor, MIN | Age: 29.0 | Value Score: 9
As valuable of a pure backup as any RB in the league, Taylor is still most valuable to Adrian Peterson owners; won't be a free agent until after the '09 season when he'll be almost 31-years-old.

48. Jerious Norwood, ATL | Age: 25.1 | Value Score: 9
As expected, Norwood won't be given an opportunity to shoulder the load in ATL; how valuable can be with limited touches?

TIER EIGHT

49. Brandon Jackson, GB | Age: 22.9 | Value Score: 7
Jackson owners who drafted him with a high rookie pick want to believe he could eventually win the job from Grant, but it's just not going to happen. Jackson is buried behind Grant, and he'll be lucky to get regular 3rd down duty.

50. Derrick Ward, NYG | Age: 28.1 | Value Score: 7
Looks like injury history scared off potential suitors, so he re-signs with Giants which dampens his value.

51. Leon Washington, NYJ | Age: 26.0 | Value Score: 7
A homerun hitter, but just not physical enough to ever be more than a part-timer; his only hope for value is to catch enough passes to be useful in PPR leagues.

52. Jamaal Charles, KC | Age: 21.7 | Value Score: 7
A kick returner and role player for as long as LJ stays healthy and productive.

53. Andre Hall, DEN | Age: 26.1 | Value Score: 6
Short-yardage back and No. 2 to Selvin Young.

54. LaMont Jordan, NE | Age: 29.8 | Value Score: 6
Mike Lombardi says go get LaMont Jordan because the Patriots are going to use him.

55. Sammy Morris, NE | Age: 31.5 | Value Score: 6
Was a good fit in New England's offense, but Maroney stepped up when Morris was out with his sternum/clavicle injury; will he keep the short-yardage/goal-line work?

56. Fred Taylor, JAX | Age: 32.6 | Value Score: 6
Has as much value as a 32-year-old, part-timer without goal-line and passing game opportunities can possibly have.

57. Justin Fargas, OAK | Age: 28.6 | Value Score: 6
No longer startable except as a flex, and it only gets worse from there.

58. Ahman Green, HOU | Age: 31.5 | Value Score: 6
Mistakenly regarded as washed up when he should more accurately be portrayed as a RB who can still play and play well but can't stay healthy under a full workload at this stage of his career.

59. Rudi Johnson, DET | Age: 28.9 | Value Score: 6
Looking more and more like he'll have his job back full-time to open the season, but this could be more of a committee approach than previous seasons. Nagging hamstring is cause for concern.

60. Chris Taylor, HOU | Age: 24.8 | Value Score: 6
Longshot, but the coaching staff seems high on him.

61. Ladell Betts, WAS | Age: 29.0 | Value Score: 5
Now more insurance for Portis as opposed to a backfield complement; startable in the event of a Portis injury but valueless in the meantime.

62. Lorenzo Booker, PHI | Age: 24.3 | Value Score: 5
Only hope for value is as a flex player in PPR leagues. Can he catch enough passes to make himself relevant?

63. Kenny Watson, CIN | Age: 30.6 | Value Score: 5
Too pedestrian to grab hold of the starting RB job and run with it, but a repeat of his effective '07 season is possible if no other RB steps up for the Bengals.

TIER NINE

64. Fred Jackson, BUF | Age: 27.6 | Value Score: 4
Coaching staff is high on him, but he's more of a change of pace/pure backup as opposed to a guy with an opportunity.

65. Jalen Parmele, MIA | Age: 22.7 | Value Score: 4
Talented rookie has only an injury-prone starter and flaky backup in front him.

66. [#]Cadillac Williams, TB | Age: 26.4 | Value Score: 3
We've heard everything from "career's over" to "suiting up by week one." The most like scenario is that he'll start the season on the PUP list and will be a shadow of his former self once he does return . . . and truth be told his former self wasn't all that hot to begin with.

67. Tashard Choice, DAL | Age: 23.8 | Value Score: 3
Barber's new long-term deal renders Choice to roster fodder for a couple of years.

68. Justin Forsett, SEA | Age: 22.8 | Value Score: 3

69. #Deuce McAllister, NO | Age: 29.7 | Value Score: 3
Wait, ACL surgery on his left knee and microfracture surgery on his formerly reconstructed right knee? Now that's a horse of a different color for a 30-year-old RB. Why weren't we informed of this microfracture surgery? I can't envision a scenario where Deuce is not washed up at this point.

TIER TEN

70. Jacob Hester, SD | Age: 23.3 | Value Score: 2

71. Darren Sproles, SD | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 2
Explosive. Could find fantasy value as a receiving weapon out of the backfield if the Chargers made it a point to get the ball to him, but his slight build will likely keep him from handling the ball enough to make a sizable fantasy impact.

72. Xavier Omon, BUF | Age: 23.6 | Value Score: 2

73. Antonio Pittman, STL | Age: 22.7 | Value Score: 2
More of a pure backup than Brian Leonard at this point.

74. Jerome Harrison, CLE | Age: 25.5 | Value Score: 2

75. Gary Russell, PIT | Age: 22.0 | Value Score: 2

76. Kolby Smith, KC | Age: 23.8 | Value Score: 2
Was decent in a 5-game trial at the end of the season, but he's limited to backup duty going forward.

77. Dominic Rhodes, IND | Age: 29.6 | Value Score: 2
Back in Indy, but will he get the benefit of the doubt over rookie Hart?

78. *Jesse Chatman, NYJ | Age: 29.0 | Value Score: 2

79. DeShaun Foster, SF | Age: 28.7 | Value Score: 2
Signed a meager contract to head West as Frank Gore's backup; don't look for a heavy role in the offense unless Gore gets injured.

80. Adrian Peterson, CHI | Age: 29.2 | Value Score: 2
ight now he's the most effective RB in Chicago, but will likely go back to his former role when new talent is added in the draft.

81. Kregg Lumpkin, GB | Age: 24.3 | Value Score: 2

TIER ELEVEN

82. Cedric Benson, UFA | Age: 25.7 | Value Score: 1
Benson will be expensive to cut, but his latest drunk driving charge gives GM Angelo a convenient out that allows him to save face on Benson's missing talent.

83. Michael Bennett, TB | Age: 30.0 | Value Score: 1

84. [#]Chris Brown, HOU | Age: 27.4 | Value Score: 1
Picked a good situation with Texans' zone blocking scheme and no dominant RB in front of him, but Brown just can't be relied on as more than a committee back.

85. Warrick Dunn, TB | Age: 33.7 | Value Score: 1
Ill-suited to 3rd down work at this point in his career, but that's where he's going to play.

86. Michael Pittman, DEN | Age: 33.1 | Value Score: 1

87. J.J. Arrington, ARI | Age: 25.6 | Value Score: 1
Appears the Cardinals don't see him as anything more than a 3rd down back

88. Mewelde Moore, PIT | Age: 26.1 | Value Score: 1
A weapon in the passing game and likely to take over punt-return duties; has a track record of impressive performance in small doses but gets nicked up easily.

89. Marcus Thomas, DET | Age: 24.3 | Value Score: 1

90. Michael Robinson, SF | Age: 25.5 | Value Score: 1

91. Aaron Stecker, NO | Age: 32.8 | Value Score: 1

92. Correll Buckhalter, PHI | Age: 29.9 | Value Score: 1

93. Danny Ware, NYG | Age: 23.6 | Value Score: 1

94. Chauncy Washington, JAX | Age: 23.4 | Value Score: 1

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