Mock Review: Running back fliers
Let's wrapup my June-induced drawn out review of a recent Mock Draft by looking at some running back flier picks.
10.10: Ahmad Bradshaw: One of my favorite undervalued RB4s. Has a higher upside than people think.
10.12: Selvin Young: This was probably too low, even before the Henry news.
12.08: Sammy Morris: Don’t forget about him.
14.01. Warrick Dunn: Unexciting, but probably will get a lot of touches for this draft slot.
14.03. Kevin Jones: Because you never know
14.07: Aaron Stecker: Weak pick because he’s fourth in line and the Saints will probably sign someone before giving him a big workload again.
14.09: Darren Sproles: Wasted pick. Hester is the handcuff for LT2.
15.04. Lorenzo Booker: Might be a better handcuff for Westbrook than Buckhalter.
16.04. Chris Taylor: I doubt he’ll get drafted often, but there is potential.
Comments
The pick I like best of these fliers is Bradshaw. Considering he shares a back field with Jacobs and Ward who both can't stay healthy, he should see significant carries in '08. Madison Hedgecock as a lead blocker has to help his numbers as well. Selvin Young obviously won't drop this far after Henry's release. Morris is a good guy to remember because the Pats will surely utilize their ground game more next season. Kevin Jones will also probably land somewhere after his workout later this month, so should be a good flier as well.
Posted by: CdnFan | June 3, 2008 03:50 PM
My late round RB pick recommendation: Pierre Thomas.
Posted by: theendzoneview | June 3, 2008 04:09 PM
Agree with both of the above posts, though I love Thomas as a flier. Bradshaw is basically dependent on injury to have a significant role, Thomas could have one regardless.
I am very curious to see where Kevin Jones lands. Depending on the spot, I might be very interested in him as well (he did alright for me drafting him in the 13th last season with an uncertain future).
Since you mentioned him, CdnFan, why the HELL did the Rams ever cut Madison Hedgecock? From what I've seen, he's one of the best lead blockers in the league, and still young - can't imagine why the Rams thought they were better off without him.
Posted by: The Dox | June 3, 2008 06:56 PM
Kevin Jones has that speed that isn't quite fast or slow, and has that strength that isn't too strong or too weak...he's a nice balanced guy who can shrug off a tackle and outrun a LB. However, he's in a situation that is becoming more and more of a pass attack (Kitna, C.Johnson, R.Williams, bad run blocking). He's got the talent and the age, he just needs the oppurtunity...and I think that will come with an injury, a boycott, or an all out failure.
JONES WINS IT
Posted by: Hoobsher | June 3, 2008 07:02 PM
I'd think that Jones will end up in New England as a third down back.
It would be a smart career move for him to sign there for a year and get his value up before re-entering the market.
Posted by: JR | June 3, 2008 08:48 PM
I want to second the love for Pierre Thomas in New Orleans. Although he'll have to see his way out of a crowded backfield, the Saints had a legit ground game in the second half of the year no matter who was back there (see Aaron Stecker). As much as we'd all love to see McAllister make a triumphant comeback, it seems unlikely he'll put in anywhere near a full season again. Take a 9th or 10th round flier on Thomas (you may get him even later). He could be this year's Ryan Grant.
Posted by: Fantasy Phil | June 3, 2008 11:12 PM
Love Bradshaw and Pierre... in fact, Pierre should occupy the Stecker spot.
I think Michael Bush is worth mentioning here as a flier b/c I see a fair chance of him becoming a solid TD vulture on McFadden/Fargas.
Posted by: Chad F. | June 3, 2008 11:57 PM