Michigan Dave NFL Preview II: Ranking the RBs

[Michigan Dave]

http://michiganagainsttheworld.blogs...nking-rbs.html
The second installment of our NFL preview features the running backs. I've chosen to rank 32 RBs, but not necessarily one from each team. Also, this is not a fantasy football ranking. Fantasy football sucks, and I'm ranking guys based more on pure statistics.

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings: Peterson is the total package. A world-class athlete with the strength to power through the line and break tackles as well as breakaway speed. Peterson set the NFL single-game rushing record...in only his eighth professional game. Yeah, he's special. AD needs to work on staying healthy and pass blocking (so that he can be a true third-down threat) but will go down as one of the best ever.

2. Brian Westbrook, Eagles: Westbrook is a true dual-threat in the mold of Marshall Faulk with his pass-catching abilities. Last year he set career highs running the ball (1333 yards) and receiving (90 catches for 711 yards.) Not to mention his heads-up, unselfish play in the upset win over Dallas, where he dove to the ground at the one yard line and the Eagles ahead and just over two minutes to go. He sacrificed the touchdown and personal statistics so the team could kneel down and win the game (despite the technicality that an immediate Dallas penalty could've theoretically gotten them the ball back before the clock expired.)

3. LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers: January 14, 2007. The Patriots beat San Diego, ending the Chargers' dream season and crushing their Super Bowl hopes. LT steps up to the post-game microphone and calls out the Patriots for a (supposed) lack of class. Fast forward one year. The biggest game of his life. A chance for revenge. Tomlinson's Chargers are in Foxborough for the AFC title game and can end the Patriots' quest for perfection. Quoted as being "90%," LT has a change to write his legacy by playing hurt. Where is Tomlinson? On the bench, in his parka, wearing his Darth Vader helmet while Philip Rivers guts it out on a torn ACL. That's all you need to know about why LT is ranked #3.

4. Steven Jackson, Rams: Jackson is fast, strong and young (only 25.) He's a big play back with 4 runs over 40 yards last season. He didn't quite live up to his lofty pre-season expectations (many fantasy football gurus had him in the top 3) but he's still the best player on the Rams and a top back in the league. If he could improve on his blocking and receiving, he has the potential to be the best in the business.

5. Joseph Addai, Colts: A versatile back who doesn't fumble and has become one of Peyton Manning's go-to receivers, which is impressive for a third-year running back. Addai has a tendency to get banged up, but doesn't miss games. Addai works best out of single back sets, which suits Indianapolis's offense just fine. The (re)addition of Dominic Rhodes should take some wear and tear off of Addai.

6. Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Beaten up running behind a horrid offensive line, LJ looks to put a disappointing 07 season behind him and revert to the form of his 05 and 06 performances which saw him run up over 2000 total yards each season.

7. Willie Parker, Steelers: He's small and doesn't break a lot of tackles, but when he gets into space, watch out. Parker ran well last year in the Steeler offense, gaining over 1300 yards. The addition of rookie Rashard Mendenhall should only help make Parker more effective.

8. Marion Barber, Cowboys: Barber is a guy who will run right at the defense and is incredibly difficult to bring down. He's gotten better each year in the league and thrives in Dallas's two-back system. Rookie Felix Jones will spell Barber this year and should benefit from Barber's ability to wear a defense down with his physical running style.

9. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: A speedy back who isn't afraid of physical play. Jones-Drew can do everything. He's a great kick returner, can beat a defense with breakaway speed as well as lowering his shoulder and crushing a defender. Oh, he also takes blocking seriously, too. Ask Shawne Merriman.

10. Fred Taylor, Jaguars: The other half of Jacksonville's incredible 1-2 punch, and the Jags' #1 back, Taylor is an incredible physical talent. While most backs have a short lifespan in the league (coughSHAUNALEXANDERcough), Taylor is getting it done at age 32. He's in the perfect situation and should top 1000 yards this season for the 8th time in his career. He's also deceptively fast for a bigger, old guy.

11. Frank Gore, 49ers: Another guy who fantasy football owners had high hopes for last year, only to be disappointed. Gore was injured for the bulk of the 07 season, but still picked up 1100 yards. With Mike Martz in town, expect to see Gore as the centerpiece of the new 49er offense. The addition of DeShaun Foster should give Gore the chance to rest a bit and be more effective in 08.

12. Willis McGahee, Ravens: I sat in shock last December in M&T Bank Stadium as McGahee sliced and diced my undefeated team for 138 yards and a touchdown. McGahee probably never will be the pro he could've been barring a knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl in his last collegiate game. But, he's still a very good back and last year caught a career-high 43 passes and looks to improve this year with a new system in place.

13. Reggie Bush, Saints: While not quite the player everyone thought he would be coming out of USC, Bush is still a dynamic player. After missing the last 4 games of the season with a torn ligament in his knee, Bush looks to dispel the notion that he's not an every down back.

14. Jamal Lewis, Browns: Lewis proved that he wasn't done yet in 2007. 1300 yards later and he's now considered a key piece of a revamped Browns offense that looks to build off of last year's 10-6 season.

15. Laurence Maroney, Patriots: Maroney finished the season on a tear, and is expecting a 2008 season that can see him ascend into the top 5-10 guys in the league. I can't put him there yet, but the talent is there and he's shown that he can get it done. There won't be much pressure on him with Brady, Moss and co. stretching the field and Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk providing depth behind him. This should be Maroney's break out season.

16. Marshawn Lynch, Bills: The former Cal Bear is only 22 and ran for over 1100 yards as a rookie. Buffalo looks to be improved and is turning to Lynch for a dynamic sophomore season. A quick, shifty back, expect a lot of Lynch on SportsCenter in 08.

17. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins: When he tore his ACL in week 7, Brown was leading the NFL in total yards. There's no question he is good, the only question will be if he returns to form after the knee injury. A timid Brown and Miami could see more of Ricky Williams than anyone wants.

18. Brandon Jacobs, Giants: Jacobs is a bruising runner who may be a little too physical, because he exposes himself to contact more than he should and has a propensity for injury. Jacobs will be used to batter defenses and wear them down early. It's important for the Giants' defense of their title that he secure the ball better, fumbling 5 times last season.

19. Clinton Portis, Redskins: Portis is a workhorse, leading the league in carries and gaining more than 1600 yards. Jim Zorn's new west coast offense should mean Portis sees some running lanes that he hasn't seen since his days in Denver.

20. Michael Turner, Falcons: At any moment, Michael "the Burner" Turner, can be gone in a flash. A speedy back who can break the big play and catch the ball out of the backfield, Turner would probably be higher if Atlanta just wasn't so dreadful. Still, he should prove to be one of 2008's best acquisitions.

21. Ryan Grant, Packers: Grant came out of nowhere to be the feel-good story of 2007. There will be a lot of pressure on him in 2008 to duplicate the storybook 07 season. That is...if anyone in the media or in Wisconsin realizes that people not named "Favre" play for the Pack.

22. Justin Fargas, Raiders: Our old Michigan friend, Lil' Huggy had a great year in Oakland last season. Fargas broke 1000 yards, but with Darren McFadden coming in, should see a decrease in carries.

23. Deuce McAllister, Saints: Coming back from his second knee injury in three seasons, McAllister needs to show he can still turn the corner.

24. Thomas Jones, Jets: Jones appeared to half-ass it at times as the Jets struggled in 2007 coming off of a surprise playoff appearance in 2006. Jones relies on his line to open holes because he isn't good at creating his own play.

25. Edgerrin James, Cardinals: James can't get through the second level of defense anymore and isn't a big play guy that the Cardinals desire. But, he's still effective and can gain the tough yard.

26. Rudi Johnson, Bengals: Is Rudi done? His longest run the past two years is 22 yards, and many think he's gone the way of Shaun Alexander. Just three years ago, Johnson seemed to be the top back for an emerging AFC contender.

27. Chester Taylor, Vikings: Taylor is an all-purpose back. He is good at everything, not exceptional at one. Now that Turner is the #1 guy in Atlanta, Taylor is the best #2 back in the league (Jones-Drew and Taylor are really 1/1A backs.)

28. Julius Jones, Seahawks: With no Marion Barber to share the load, Jones will be Seattle's go-to guy. TJ Duckett isn't a threat to Jones, so Seattle is banking that he can be the same productive back he was in Dallas without being pushed.

29. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants: A steady runner who fumbles too much, but isn't afraid of contact. Bradshaw spelling Jacobs isn't a significant downgrade for New York.

30. Ernest Graham, Buccaneers: Tampa is hoping that Graham's recent contract extension doesn't make him content and kill his production. Warrick Dunn is around to push him, and Cadillac Williams may be back after his injury as well. Graham is a strong runner who lacks big play capability.

31. Jerius Norwood, Falcons: Norwood may be the fastest back in the league and has big play written all over him. He averages 6.2 yards a carry so far in his career.

32. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: Williams was one of my sleepers in the draft a couple years ago, but has been fairly disappointing. Carolina drafted Jonathon Stewart, who probably will become a stud. That leaves Williams in a backup role. He's fast and hits the hole very well, but falls down when touched.

[tommysgirl]

Ya might want to rethink Marshawn Lynch's season coming up. Just sayin

[P4E]

Westbrook is the best all round RB in the NFL!

**** LdT!

[no1jag]

Seems like a pretty fair assesment to me. I'll take two top tens anyday.

[tehmackdaddy]

Very good analysis, Dave. Thanks.

I think you're selling Maroney just a little short, though.


Edit: pay no attention to the post above mine. He's a Jags fan and cannot be taken lightly or seriously.

[Michigan Dave]

Originally Posted by tommysgirl

Ya might want to rethink Marshawn Lynch's season coming up. Just sayin

Once he's actually suspended, I will adjust.

[Michigan Dave]

Originally Posted by tmack

Very good analysis, Dave. Thanks.

I think you're selling Maroney just a little short, though.

Maroney's my guy. But I can't in good conscience rank him where I think he'll be at the end of the season quite yet.

[tehmackdaddy]

Originally Posted by Michigan Dave

Maroney's my guy. But I can't in good conscience rank him where I think he'll be at the end of the season quite yet.

You have a much better read on the situation regarding Maroney and Belichick, but entering his third season, I would think Maroney has fully submitted to Bill being the boss-man, and is ready to toe the company line. Bill's kind of beaten on him for two years to break him down, now it's time to build him back up.

Of course, if Brady is shooting for 60 TD's, you have a point.

[no1jag]

Originally Posted by tmack

Very good analysis, Dave. Thanks.

I think you're selling Maroney just a little short, though.


Edit: pay no attention to the post above mine. He's a Jags fan and cannot be taken lightly or seriously.

If your not taking me lightly then that would mean you are indeed taking me seriously, wouldn't it?

[tehmackdaddy]

Originally Posted by no1jag

If your not taking me lightly then that would mean you are indeed taking me seriously, wouldn't it?

If you are, as I believe, JDR himself posting on this MB, then that little phrase should leave you for the next...oh, I don't know...7 months?

[P4E]

Jags have teh best one two punch in the NFL..

Garrad is pretty damn good too!

Shame the WR group sucks balls!!!!!!

[tehmackdaddy]

Little known fact. Polian was set to select MJD with the 62nd selection of the 2006 NFL Draft, but Jacksonville took him at #60. I still cream myself thinking of Addai in the backfield with MJD spelling him and returning kicks.

[Michigan Dave]

Originally Posted by tmack

You have a much better read on the situation regarding Maroney and Belichick, but entering his third season, I would think Maroney has fully submitted to Bill being the boss-man, and is ready to toe the company line. Bill's kind of beaten on him for two years to break him down, now it's time to build him back up.

Of course, if Brady is shooting for 60 TD's, you have a point.

I think that Maroney's going to be all that and a slice of bread this year.

[P4E]

Originally Posted by tmack

Little known fact. Polian was set to select MJD with the 62nd selection of the 2006 NFL Draft, but Jacksonville took him at #60. I still cream myself thinking of Addai in the backfield with MJD spelling him and returning kicks.

Maroney, Faulk and morris make me cream my pants!

[no1jag]

Originally Posted by tmack

Little known fact. Polian was set to select MJD with the 62nd selection of the 2006 NFL Draft, but Jacksonville took him at #60. I still cream myself thinking of Addai in the backfield with MJD spelling him and returning kicks.

That would have really sucked if it turned out that way. MJD on the turf for 8 games at least. I cringe just thinking about that one. And yes I know that fact from the little known colts.com board.