At no position is it easier for an NFL rookie to make a fantasy impact than at running back. Conversely, no position has a shorter NFL lifespan. And with more and more teams using the two-pronged backfield attack, even teams with established runners have moved quickly to acquire a second runner; just last year, all five backs selected in the first round went to teams (the Raiders, Panthers, Cowboys, Steelers, and Titans) that already had a lead dog.
Moreover, teams had success finding their primary back in rounds two (Matt Forte to the Bears) and three (Kevin Smith to the Lions, Steve Slaton to the Texans. And with the expiration date on backs like Jamal Lewis, LaDainian Tomlinson, and maybe even Brian Westbrook fast approaching, some of the better backs may wind up serving a Felix Jones-like apprenticeship before making their splash in fantasy circles—while some later picks may prosper given the right opportunity.
Day One Candidates
Much like the quarterback position, if not for the underclassmen we may have had a first day without a running back going off the board. In fact, it will be a mild upset if the first five backs selected aren’t underclassmen.
Heading most lists is Ohio State’s Chris “Beanie” Wells, who offers the rare size/speed combo platter as well as vision, burst, and innate running ability—but also comes with plenty of questions about his durability. No less an authority than two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin called Wells the best back in Buckeye history, but nagging injuries (foot, hamstring, concussion) cost him three full games and portions of several others during his abbreviated Ohio State career. Critics pound the durability issue and wonder if he’s soft, able to differentiate between playing with pain and a legitimate injury; Wells supports will point out that Adrian Peterson entered the league with similar concerns about his ability to stay healthy. At some point in the first round the potential reward will outweigh the risk.
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