Pre-Camp Analysis - NFC East RB's

AFC East:http://endzoneview.blogspot.com/2008/04/pre-draft-analysis-running-backs.html

NFC East: today

AFC West: 05/14

NFC West: 05/21

AFC South: 05/28

NFC South: 06/04

AFC North: 06/11

NFC North: 06/18

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Depth Chart: (1)Marion Barber (2)Felix Jones (3) Tashard Choice (4) Alonzo Coleman

The Cowboys will boast the youngest triumvirate of running backs in the league this season, with Marion Barber at age 25 leading the way. Barber set a career mark in carries of over 200 and missed a thousand yard season by 15 yards while scoring 12 total touchdowns in 2008. One of the biggest stories in this years draft was Jerry Jones decision to stick with his plan of drafting Felix Jones while Rashard Mendenhall (a more touted running back) was still on the board. Jerry Jones was obviously looking for some lightning for Marion Barber’s thunder and that’s what Felix Jones should provide. Felix will immediately fill the shoes of departed Julius Jones and will provide the Cowboys with much more flexibility with their play-calling. How much Felix cuts into Barber’s production will be argued all off-season on fantasy sites. Much was ballyhooed in regards to Jerry Jones selection of Tashard Choice. Most viewed this selection as an insurance policy in case the Cowboys are unable to sign Marion Barber long term. While this may have played a role in the pick, the lack of depth was probably a more of a reason for this addition. The addition of Felix Jones makes Barber’s draft position trickier to rank but at the moment he would be a solid RB2 and borderline RB1. Felix Jones will fall into the RB3 category and Tashard Choice looks like a dynasty stash.


New York Giants

Depth Chart: (1)Brandon Jacobs (2)Ahmad Bradshaw (3)Derrick Ward (4)Reuben Droughns (5)Danny Ware

Brandon Jacobs will be the most valuable back for the Giants and despite missing 5 games last season; he broke the 200 carry mark and rushed for over 1,000 yards. However, he only scored 4 rushing TD’s which was a big disappointment after scoring 9 the year before. Jacobs will again be designated as a goal line back but will most likely see a reduction in carries in an effort to keep him healthy. This move should bode well for second year back Ahmad Bradshaw who came on strong at the end of the year and in the playoffs. He should have the upper hand on backup duties with re-signed Derrick Ward who himself had trouble staying healthy missing the second half of the season. Toward the bottom of the depth chart it would appear that Reuben Droughns days in New York are over as the Giants don’t seem likely to pay his salary for a 4th string running back. Former practice squad Danny Ware should claim the last running back roster spot in camp. In fantasy circles, Jacobs appear most likely to be overrated and counted on as a RB2 while Bradshaw should enjoy sleeper status in the later mid rounds.


Philadelphia Eagles

Depth Chart: (1)Brian Westbrook (2)Correll Buckhalter (3)Tony Hunt (4)Lorenzo Booker (5)Ryan Moats

At age 28, Brian Westbrook set career highs in rushes, yards, catches, and touchdowns across the board. While the Eagles have recently expressed a desire to lighten his load, expect Westbrook to yet again be the focal point for the Eagles in 2008 and be a consensus top 6 fantasy pick. Perennial backup Correll Buckhalter enters his last season under contract and at age 30, most likely his last season with the Eagles. The battle to be Westbrook’s next backup and eventual successor will begin in camp this year with last year’s third round pick Tony Hunt battling newly obtained Lorenzo Booker for the role. Barring injury to any of the above, Ryan Moats would appear to be looking from the outside in.


Washington Redskins

Depth Chart: (1)Clinton Portis (2)Ladell Betts (3)Rock Cartwright (4)Marcus Mason (5)Eric Shelton

After an injury plagued 2006, Clinton Portis bounced back in a big way with 325 carries and 1200 yards despite not breaking the 100 yard mark until week 9 and only doing it three times after that. He also developed into a larger receiving threat setting career marks for receptions and yards. A still young 26, Portis will enjoy mid 1st round status in all drafts this season. The running back by committee that was threatening his value in 2007 never materiliazed as Ladell Betts was reduced to just a backup role as Portis became a red-zone monster scoring 11 times compared to Betts’ 1. New head coach Jim Zorn has declared that the offense will lean on Portis again in 2008 while Jason Campbell and the wide receivers get used to the new offense. Rock Cartwright re-signs despite efforts to find more playing time elsewhere and will regain his 3rd string and special team duties. Practice squad member Marcus Mason and former star in waiting Eric Shelton will battle for the last roster spot.

Shaun Alexander, RB, FA

I still can't get over how weird it is to see former MVP running back Shaun Alexander listed in my dynasty league as team: FA. Usually you see that following names like William Green, Lee Suggs, or any other pre-Jamal Lewis Browns running back. Now it adorns the once great Shaun Alexander. How long those two letters remain however, is the next question.

Immediately upon finding out he was going to be a former-Seahawk, on his way out the door Shaun told some people in the clubhouse that the Colts and Patriots were on his short list. Well guess what, they were on the short list for every running back looking for a team. With the hustle and bustle of the draft, interest in Alexander was understandably quiet, but with the days since that silence could be telling.

Shaun's first stop is reportedly a visit to his hometown team, the Cincinatti Bengals who unfortunately for Alexander, already have an aging power-back coming off an injury plagued season. While his agents admits this is just a preliminary meeting (aka an effort to get the mediea to talk about him again), not too many expect Alexander to dawn the orange and black striped helmet this season.

The obvious signs point to Detroit whose current stable of runners are better left not mentioned here, especially if you just ate. If the Lions don't agree to a meet and greet, the list isn't that long with other options. Jon Gruden may come calling if Earnest Graham holds out and perhaps John Fox could give him a look if he doesn't feel comfortable going into the season with a rookie and DeAngelo Williams.

It will be interesting to see what teams, if any, come calling once Alexander leaves Cincinatti and how soon they call.

Pre Camp Analysis - AFC East RB's

The first in an eight part series.

AFC East: today
NFC East: 05/07
AFC West: 05/14
NFC West: 05/21
AFC South: 05/28
NFC South: 06/04
AFC North: 06/11
NFC North: 06/18


AFC East

New England Patriots

Depth Chart: (1)Laurence Maroney (2)Sammy Morris (3)Kevin Faulk

Laurence Maroney is the most talented of the group and has the tools to be a RB1 but Bill Belichick doesn’t care about your fantasy team and he seems to pull Maroney off the field for long stretches at a time on a whim. The move does keep Maroney fresh toward the end of the season and into the playoffs, but the lack of definitive playing time does nothing but frustrate fantasy owners. Maroney’s has had his fair share of nagging injuries which makes Sammy Morris all that more valuable. Belichicks plan to rest Maroney early probably had just as much to do with his injury as it did Sammy Morris’ strong play at the outset of 2007. If Morris can stay healthy, he’ll once again cut into Maroney’s numbers in 2008. Kevin Faulk is the relied upon 3rd down back and he doesn’t look to be relinquishing that role anytime soon even though he’ll be 32 this year. Take all the above in for a second, then add Belichicks penchant for handing the ball off to his two fullbacks at the goal line (Eckel and Evans), and you have the makings of a very congested backfield.


New York Jets

Depth Chart: (1)Thomas Jones (2) Jesse Chatman (3) Leon Washington

Thomas Jones avoided a hit on his value this upcoming season when the Jets opted not to make a move for Darren McFadden. Not only did the Jets not make a move for McFadden, they didn’t even draft a running back which is an obvious vote of confidence for the 30 year old back. Jones will have ample opportunity to utilize the newly bolstered offensive line, in hopes of improving on his 1,000 yard season and lone touchdown. Jesse Chatman was brought in for insurance giving the Jets two viable veterans to lean on. Leon Washington will continue his knack for sparking big plays and will continue to flourish as a change of pace back. Although the Jets signed Thomas Jones last season to a four year deal, they’ll have a strong eye on the collegiate running backs available in the 2009 draft which makes his dynasty value low. He’ll fare better in redrafts especially since most will deem him a “sleeper”.


Buffalo Bills

Depth Chart: (1)Marshawn Lynch (2)Fred Jackson (3) Dwayne Wright

After the release of veteran Anthony Thomas, the Bills find themselves with a very inexperienced backfield. The integral focus of the Bills backfield is second year breakout star Marshawn Lynch who despite missing three games, put up over 1100 yards and scored 7 TD’s. With second year Trent Edwards at quarterback, head coach Dick Jauron is giving every indication that this will be a run first, run often team which will bode extremely well for Lynch’s anticipated production in 2008. Handling backup duties will be journeyman Fred Jackson who had a couple of nice games late last year and fellow second year running back Dwayne Wright who will be groomed to be Lynch’s long term backup. Neither Jackson or Wright are suited to be third down players, so expect Lynch to continue to be an every down back and a for sure 1st round selection in redrafts, not to mention a top commodity in dynasty formats.


Miami Dolphins

Depth Chart: (1)Ronnie Brown (2)Ricky Williams (3) Jalen Parmele (4) Patrick Cobbs

All eyes will be on Ronnie Brown and his recovery from a torn ACL. News so far this off-season has been overall positive that he’ll be ready to go by training camp. After two sub-par starts to 2007, Ronnie Brown broke loose the next four games and seemed destined for a breakout year. As long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks this off-season, he should be able to pick up right where he left off. Ricky Williams seems to be rejuvenated by the addition of Bill Parcells and so far all signs point to him being a big part of the offense in 2008. An off-season of conditioning will hopefully offset any injury concerns of the 31 year old back. He’ll be pushed for the primary backup role in by 2008 draftee Jalen Parmele, who the Dolphins have high hopes for especially since they deemed last year’s third round draft pick, Lorenzo Booker expendable, shipping him to Philly for a fourth round pick. Ronnie Brown will be hyped as a RB1 but keep a close eye on training camp to see how he responds to contact as well as the battle to be his handcuff.

Phins Reel In Top Pick: Jake Long

The drama of the first pick is now over. The Dolphins have signed OL Jake Long making him the top selection of the 2008 NFL Draft. The conspiracy theorists were off base on this one assuming the Dolphins were negotiating with Long in an effort to lowball the player they truly coveted. As it turns out, that player was Jake Long all along.

The Dolphins made the safest move taking a player who should end up being a 10 year starter and an immediate anchor to an offensive line that has been in shambles ever since Richmond Webb called it a career in Miami. Bill Parcells and the Dolphins didn't have to look very far to see how much of an impact a solid left tackle can have on a team looking to rebound from a disappointing year. The Cleveland Browns did last year by selecting Joe Thomas, who was an essential cog in the breakout season enjoyed by QB Derek Anderson. Of course, the Dolphins don't have the receiving options the Browns had, but Jake Long can have a similiar effect on the offensive line to give second year QB John Beck a fair shot to show what he can do.

So the Rams are now on the clock. Their options include DT Glenn Dorsey, DE Chris Long and the propsect of trading down to either the Saints (presumably looking to nab Dorsey) or the Jets (presumably looking to nab McFadden). Let the drama begin again.

The Rush To Be Number One

If history is any indication, the Dolphins should have a contract in place with their first pick any day now.  Before Friday, everyone from NFL.com to footballjabber.com will have multiple sources claiming a deal is done.  ESPNews will have a flash of red on the bottom of the screen decrying "BREAKING NEWS" and regardless of who reported it elsewhere, it will be "Chris Mortenson has learned", or "insert any other ESPN employee here has learned" the Dolphins have agreed to a contract with their number one selection.

As soon as this info is credible enough to report, the talking heads at every network and the knucklehead bloggers alike (yours truly) will immediately toss out hypothesis of how this pick will directly impact the top 10 selections and how.  Mel Kiper's brow will glisten has he dismantles his mock draft 7.0 or whatever number it's up to.

All we are waiting on is for the Tuna to finalize a contract that works for the Dolphins so we can all breathe a collective sigh, then jump on the Rams bandwagon.  As it stands now, the top pick looks to be offensive lineman Jake Long, probably the safest of the top 5 options Parcells could have gone with.  

Of course, this is Parcells so everyone must wonder if all this contract talk is just a ruse to flush out the rest of the flock currently hiding in the bushes.   Defensive End/Linebacker Vernon Gholston is getting much of the left over press as the most likely to benefit from Long's agents inability or unwillingness to make a deal.  But highly touted and much described "Parcells guy" Chris Long is curiously absent from any links as is equally impactable Glenn Dorsey and top rated quarterback Matt Ryan.  

It's never as easy as it seems when your gambling with the number one pick and your dealing with Parcells who usually has an ace up is sleeve.

Draft Day Trades: Drama Ensues

While teams will try their best to move up or down in the draft, especially at the top of the first round, there is no short of rumors plaguing star players as the suspense builds this last week leading up to the draft. Here is a list of the biggest names and the odds they'll find new homes next weekend or before:



Chad Johnson, Bengals
The campaign to exile himself from Cincinnati kicked off shortly after the Super Bowl and has been picking up steam ever since. The media blitz is now in full force as Chad is determined to convince anyone who will listen that he does not plan on showing up for any team activities or training camp for the Bengals this season. While there is a history of not bending to the demands of belligerent stars in Cincinnati, if Mike Brown and the Bengals were presented with an above average offer, a trade on draft day would seem likely. But what will it take for a team to sway the Bengals to rid themselves of the mouthy but talented receiver? Time will tell.

Possible Suitors: Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys and Redskins* (*by law any blogger must include the Redskins as a potential trade partner for any high profile athlete)
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 2:1


Jared Allen, Chiefs
The Chiefs have relented to the fact that they won’t be able to sign DE Jared Allen long term after this season, so a week before the draft they wisely began exploring their trade options. The Bucs and Vikings were quick to set up visits and begin negotiations with the all pro defensive standout. The Minnesota Vikings seem to have the inside track with a presumed offer of a 2008 first rounder and a 2009 second rounder. Should a deal be consummated prior to the draft, the Chiefs will most likely turn their attention to defensive end at the 5 spot.

Possible Suitors: Vikings, Bucs
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 1:2


Jeremy Shockey, Giants
Much has been made this off-season regarding the correlation of Shockey’s injury and subsequent absence and the emergence and improved confidence of quarterback Eli Manning. While trade rumors were quickly diffused early on, talks have heated up this week leading up to the draft. Shockey has even said he would welcome a trade out of New York. The writing seems to be on the wall that Shockey’s days in Gotham are numbered, but only if the Giants receive the right offer. A 2nd rounder and a starting safety from the Saints was reportedly not enough to for GM Jerry Reese to pull the trigger

Possible Suitors: so far, just the Saints
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 3:1

Roy Williams, Lions
Rumors of trade proposals have been hypothesized by every beat writer in Detroit and Dallas this entire off-season. The Lions have steadfastly denied there is any chance of trading their star wide receiver despite the obvious fact that he will be a free agent next season. The absolute denials have done little to subside the trade talk. If the Lions don’t consummate a trade on draft day, signing Roy Williams’s long term should be objective number one.

Possible Suitors: Cowboys, Eagles
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 4:1


Lito Sheppard, Eagles
Despite numerous reports to the contrary, the Eagles never spoke on the possibility of trading the outstanding corner until this week when Eagles President Joe Banner revealed the level of interest of teams inquiring was high. Whether that was said to drum up interest in other teams or improve the offers from current teams in talks, remains to be seen. While a trade seems logical, the Eagles may hold Lito’s value higher than any offer they might receive.

Possible Suitors: dad been Rams and Cardinals but not much has leaked as to who Banner was referring to
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 5:2


Sage Rosenfels, Texans
The Texans and Vikings were seemingly a lock to complete a trade, reportedly being only one round away on compensation (the Texans were holding firm for a 2nd rounder while the Vikes wouldn’t budge from offering just a 3rd). With the Vikings signing Gus Ferrotte the Vikings are no longer interested and Rosenfels appears to be set as the backup of Schaub in Houston. With the retirement of Steve McNair, there is a possibility the Ravens could make an overture for the veteran on draft day unless they land Matt Ryan at 8.

Possible Suitors: Ravens
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 50:1


Donovan McNabb, Eagles
No one really believes a trade will happen involving McNabb as Philly seem more confident than ever to have him has their starting quarterback for the 2008 season, but we’ll list him here just on the off chance that former Eagles assistant Jim Harbaugh makes an over the top push to obtain Donovan in the wake of Steve McNair’s retirement.

Possible Suitors: Ravens
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 250:1

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