if we're talking redraft league, i think you take Pierre over Ronnie B or Kev Smith. Being a solid member of the best O in football makes him a safe bet for fantasy points.

If we're talking keeper/dynasty league, I'd feel safer with Ronnie B or Kev Smith. While Pierre dodged a bullet in this year's draft, the Saints could easily add someone later this year (LJ?) or in next year's draft. Ronnie B is probably the most talented of these 3, and extra benefits if we're talking PPR. Both Ronnie B and Kev are likely to have bigger roles than Pierre on worse offenses -- for that reason, Pierre is safer in redraft, but I'd rather have "larger role" guys in keeper/dynasty leagues, as you never know from year to year what "situation" will look better -- for instance, i'm pretty sure i remember gregg saying that Turner's value took a hit when he signed with Atlanta, but now no one would see Atlanta as being a bad RB situation for Turner. Detroit or Miami could be the next Atlanta. That will still be less than the Saints, but could make Ronnie or Kevin worth more than Pierre. Put differently, go with talent over situation in keeper/dynasty leagues.

P.S. Count me as a francoskeptic. Even more than with DeAngelo, look for some significant regression to the mean with Pierre. The guy sat on my bench for many many weeks last year.

I Pierre will probably finish in the area of the 15-25 range of the running backs which would have him on either end of an RB2 in most leagues.

Last year the team had a total of 398 rushing plays. 129 of those went to PT over the course of 15 games, 106 of those went to Bush over the course of 10 games. Because of New Orleans' pass heavy offense both backs also received a total of 109 targets as well (73 to Bush). I think it is fair to say if both backs are healthy for the whole season, PT should lead in carries and Bush should lead in receptions.

Last year PT had 12 TD's (3 receiving) and in my estimation, those reception TD's will likely see a decline. But over the course of the season one would think he will meet or exceed that 9 TD rushing pace (with increased carries from those 129 from last year) as the Saint offense seems to remain successful.

I think this leaves him right about where he finished last year. About an RB20 total with upside should Bush continue to show a fragile body that can't take NFL hits. The wildcard in this situation will be the Saints sieve like defense that should keep the offense needing a lot of points to remain in games.

I Pierre will probably finish in the area of the 15-25 range of the running backs which would have him on either end of an RB2 in most leagues.

Last year the team had a total of 398 rushing plays. 129 of those went to PT over the course of 15 games, 106 of those went to Bush over the course of 10 games. Because of New Orleans' pass heavy offense both backs also received a total of 109 targets as well (73 to Bush). I think it is fair to say if both backs are healthy for the whole season, PT should lead in carries and Bush should lead in receptions.

Last year PT had 12 TD's (3 receiving) and in my estimation, those reception TD's will likely see a decline. But over the course of the season one would think he will meet or exceed that 9 TD rushing pace (with increased carries from those 129 from last year) as the Saint offense seems to remain successful.

I think this leaves him right about where he finished last year. About an RB20 total with upside should Bush continue to show a fragile body that can't take NFL hits. All we can do at this point is analyze what we know the situation is, and that is a situation with two backs (one a receiver and one a runner). The wildcard in this situation will be the Saints sieve like defense that should keep the offense needing a lot of points to remain in games.

Even if he is a lead back, he's the lead back on the Saints...they are a pass first team with running as an afterthought. Its like being the leading wide receiver for the Jaguars or Raiders - who cares! He's a good back, but stats are unpredictable week to week and that is the kiss of death for a fantasy team. Round 5 is probably a safe place, but some overzealous person will take him in late 2 early 3.

Barring no signing, I feel Bush will break down again at some point. In that offense points will be scored, I think with no signing he is poised for a good, maybe great year. I picked him up as my third running back behind MJD and Gore, meaning he wasn't drafted in our 8 team league til late. K Smith is still out there in our league, and I was torn, the draft was a big decider. I rank Thomas, Smith, and Brown mid to late teens in that order. I am surprised to see rookie running backs ranked higher than these three in some rankings on the net.

I think you hit it right on the head with where to rank him. I would put him right below Ronnie Brown, and right above Kevin Smith.

In a recent draft I was in that exact position withour Brown OTB, and I took P. Thomas over K. Smith just because I do believe he will lead the Saints in carries this year. And should add to his numbers from last year.

Here's why I wouldn't draft Thomas unless he fell to me in round 7 or so: I don't trust Sean Payton. I think most of us here agree Thomas is a player, but I don't feel that Thomas has his coach's confidence. I want Frank Gore confidence. I want Adrian Peterson confidence. Heck, I'd even take LenDale White confidence. But I don't think Payton likes Thomas. Don't ask me why he doesn't, I just don't think he does. That's why I wouldn't take him until at least round 7.