Raheem Morris takes a baseball bat to Derrick Ward's value
The most interesting news of the day (sorry, Ernest Wilford), is that Cadillac Williams will start the Bucs’ third preseason game.
Yes, that Cadillac Williams. The one with the Frankenstein knees. The one that wasn’t supposed to be a factor this season. The one that no one in their right mind has drafted.
But coach Raheem Morris wasn’t done with surprises today. He also talked about his plans for a 2-2-1 system in the regular system. And he wasn’t talking about Rick Pitino’s zone press scheme. He said that he wants the starting running back to play two series, the No. 2 back to play two series and the third back to take the fifth series. Then the rotation will start over. There will be no designated “goal-line back.”
Well, Raheem, thanks for totally sapping the value out of any of your backs. Why pay Derrick Ward $17 million over four years to touch the ball a few times a quarter?
Anyway, expect Ward to be the “No. 1 guy” when the season starts. Earnest Graham will be No. 2, and his value shouldn’t change too much. Assume Williams will be the No. 3 back and he should only be taken in the deepest of leagues.
The biggest ADP shakeup should instantly come on Ward.
Right now, Ward’s ADP according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com is 47 overall. We had him ranked as the No. 21 overall running back. Scrap those numbers, we’ll be updating our rankings as soon as we get more information.
But just at first glance, I’d move Ward below Ryan Grant, Donald Brown, Joseph Addai, Chris Wells, Reggie Bush and Thomas Jones. Heck I’d probably rather have Larry Johnson and Lendale White over Ward. And considering the latest news that Ray Rice might be a goal-line back, I’d definitely take Rice long before Ward even popped into my head.
Maybe I’m being a little harsh; but I know Ward won’t be on any of my teams unless his ADP sinks to the 9th round level. The NFL’s new backfield-by-committee style has struck again.
Comments
I don't buy it. Ward will still get the bulk of the carries. He's their most talent RB. Any coach knows you play your best players or you might not get another chance to make any decisions. I'd expext more of a raven (circa 2008) style of rotation. he might try the 2-2-1 early on in the season, but I think its probably more of a motivational thing. Talent always finds its way to the top. ward is by far their most talented player on offense. (yes even more than one knee winslow)
Posted by: mark in mi | August 25, 2009 04:36 PM
Exactly Mark. Lots of coaches say they want to run the ball more, use rotations, get all the guys involved; its the preseason. Morris is also the guy who can't choose a QB. When push comes to shove, the best player at QB and RB will be in the game. I think we all knew there would be some timesharing, but Adam is overreacting.
Posted by: Duckrace | August 25, 2009 04:54 PM
yes, definitely an overreaction. cadillac's chances of success after all his injuries are pretty slim, so unless he's a miracle of modern science, he will exit stage left soon enough.
having said that, i posted long ago that just because Ward is paid the most doesn't mean he will necessarily be the lead dog, and of course was chastised for such comment.....
Posted by: veggieb | August 25, 2009 04:59 PM
Any chance the Bucs are showcasing Caddy for a possible trade? Trot him out there show everybody he's healthy and still has some moves. Then trade him for a draft pick.
Posted by: CdnFan | August 25, 2009 05:41 PM
this seems a little overreactive. i mean, wasnt it earlier this year when c.cameron stated that "mclain is very much a part of the rb rotation" only to see him purely block this preseason. i wouldnt go overboard on this news either.
yes, D.Ward could still be placed in a three headed monster, but wasnt he last year? and isnt this team expected to run the air out of the ball this season anyway. if anything this news will make him more of a value in drafts from those scared by this news. when i comes to these kinds of situations, u gotta go with talent. if Ward is talented enough in ur mind to be worth a mid round pick, and able enough to carve out 1000 yds, 30-40 recs this year, than draft him. I still think he will, and come gametime, im sure he will get his 15-20 touches per game. thats good enough for me.
Patients is a virtue here.
ps. no way in hell am i ever gonna draft L.Johnson. not in this lifetime. put bakesale on that list too. thank you very much.
Posted by: scott c | August 25, 2009 06:15 PM
Cadillac Williams should be traded in for the Cash for Clunkers deal, that's his only value. He'll play a few games and won't finish the season. Don't waste a roster spot.
Posted by: GQ1NYC | August 25, 2009 08:11 PM
Yes- lets not go over board here Adam. If Morris wants to keep his job he needs to win. and Ward gives him that chance- plus lets not forget Ward will be the clear third down back out of these guys. This is coach speak and by week 3 'at the latest' this is out the window.
Posted by: scott l. | August 25, 2009 09:37 PM