Top 50 Position Battles: Chiefs WR, backup RB
Herm is presiding over a youth movement
#21. Chiefs backup running backs – Michael Bennett vs. Kolby Smith vs. Marcus O’Keith vs. Derrick Ross
Tie goes to the young-uns, which means Smith could wind up being Larry Johnson’s backup. Even if Michael Bennett wins the job, he can't handle a full load. It wouldn't shock me if Herm Edwards decided to go really young and put Bennett on the waiver wire, along with Ross, who isn’t likely to make an impact after playing in NFL Europe.
Kolby Smith may prove to be a bust like another old Louisville bruser - Eric Shelton. But he's not going to cost as much in fantasy leagues, if anything, and has the opportunity to be a major force sooner than later. Watch this battle closely and pick up Smith in your dynasty league.
#20. Chiefs number two wideout: Dwayne Bowe vs. Jeff Webb vs. Chris Hannon vs. Samie Parker
Herm Edwards has made no secret that this is a rebuilding year in Kansas City and youth will rule. That’s why we may see Webb and Bowe starting over Eddie Kennison by the end of the year. Don’t assume this is Bowe’s job right away because of his draft stock. And don’t expect much fantasy value early from any receiver on the Chiefs if Brodie Croyle is starting. Edwards clearly regrets not playing Jerricho Cotchery enough in New York, and doesn't want to feel the same about Webb, the true sleeper of the group.
Bowe and Webb are fun players to own in dynasty leagues, but I wouldn't draft either in most redraft formats.
Comments
Man...it'll be tough to draft ANY Chiefs in a redraft league this year. LJ will go too high for my tastes, as will Gonzo. With Herm Edwards's "rebuilding" obsession, the Chiefs appear to be a fantasy wasteland until further notice. Agree?
Posted by: Josh | July 24, 2007 10:27 AM
josh... where do you think LJ should go?
i mean, much has been made about the amount of carries he had last year, and some question the durability... but with no passing game to speak of, how can you not think he's AT LEAST a top 3 rb?
you obv take LT before him and maybe jackson... but can you take gore before LJ? i don't think so. and please don't say alexander. where does that put LJ on your board?
not hatin... just want to discuss.
Posted by: Dibble | July 24, 2007 10:49 AM
Personally, I've got him at 5 behind LT, Jackson, Gore and Addai. Gore is in a similarly questionable offense where he's clearly the #1 option (and playing in the defensively-challegened NFC West) and Addai and the Colts figure to have to put up a ton of points this season.
Posted by: Jim | July 24, 2007 11:35 AM
In a league where passing TD's are worth 6 I have heard of some drafting Manning 4th or 5th any thoughts? Personally I'm ranking em LT, LJ, Jackson, Gore, Addai,Alexander and Manning. I just think there's too much risk of injury with Alexander.
Posted by: Dave | July 24, 2007 01:38 PM
Hey Dibble...to clarify, my league awards 6pts for passing TDs & is also PPR.
To me, I'd look at LT, SJax, Peyton, Gore etc. ahead of LJ.
I just don't like the idea of teams stacking to stop him...think back to the playoff game vs. the Colts last year. It was ugly. Could be uglier this year with Croyle at the helm.
LJ will go in the first round and put up stats...but he won't be on my team.
Posted by: Josh | July 24, 2007 02:09 PM
In response to Dave's post - in leagues where passing TDs are worth 6 pts. I think taking Manning high makes good sense. In that format (with -2 pts. for ints.) he was the #2 fantasy producer last season behind LT - far ahead of the second tier of QBs. If anything I expect his numbers to rise this season since the Colts figure to be in a few barnburners having lost some key components on D. Throw in the fact that he's never hurt and I could see how you might rank him above injury risks like Gore and LJ.
Posted by: Jim | July 24, 2007 02:55 PM
wow. i suddenly feel like LJ could be one of the better values in the draft.
i think people are making too much of him being an "injury risk." he has never had an injury, and i understand he had a big work load last year, but he spent his first few seasons riding the pine. he was ready for the workload.
and i think the chiefs now know, ok, after last year, it's time to slow him down a bit (which they've publicly stated) and we'll get more wear out of him.
gore and addai (addai especially) are still way to unproven to move them above superman. addai hasn't even carried the load for a full season yet.
Posted by: Dibble | July 24, 2007 04:46 PM