Last year at this time, there was much debate about who was the number
1 draft choice in fantasy football drafts. Three names who were being
debated for that honor were LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, and
Larry Johnson. Opinions varied wildy on the three and no two drafts
were alike with the top three selections. Upon looking back, we see how
ridiculous this "debate" was due to the fact Tomlinson had probably the
greatest fantasy season ever while Alexander sunk many teams with his
broken foot. Johnson had another great year but he wasn't even in LT's
ballpark.
Now as we enter 2007 drafting season, the debate is not over who to
take number 1. Anyone who doesn't draft LT number one should be barred
fron playing fantasy sports for life. The debate centers on who to take
number 2. There are a few differing opinions on this and so lets
examine the prime candidates and whether they are worthy of the
selection or not. SInce running backs dominate round 1 of drafts we
will specifically look at the top RB's who we feel deserve this draft
status.
1. Steven Jackson(Rams)-the St. Louis back has an incredible season
last year and despite being in his third year, you could say it was a
breakout. Jackson had always shown he was a tough runner but in 2006,
we showed how well he could carry the ball as he racked up a top
WR-type 90 catches. For those in points/reception leagues, he was even
more valuable. The addition's of WR Drew Bennett and TE Randy McMichael
may steal some of those catches but there is little doubt that Jackson
will have another all-around terrific year.
2. Frank Gore(49ers)-Gore had a truly out of the blue year in 2007 as
he piled up insane rushing yards week after week to finish with 1,600
plus on the ground. He also proved to be adept at catching the ball as
he threw in his fair share of receptions. Gore is a fantastic weapon
who still has the potential to be better(scary thought). A broken hand
suffered during the preseason will keep him out of exhibition games and
could cause him to be rusty when the year begins. Therin lies the
problem with Gore as his injury risk is much greater that Jackson's.
The flip side is that since there are fewer offensive weapons in SF,
the 'Niners may rely on Gore more than Jackson and thus get more
carries, receptions, and yards.
3. Shaun Alexander-Say what????? Isn't this the guy who buried tons of
fantasy squads last year?? The answer of course is yes. Alexander was a
complete bust last season due to the injury but a broken foot doesn't
automatically make him injury prone. Alexander is getting into the
danger zone of being 30 but he still has a big year or two in him since
he keeps himself in top shape. Let's not forget that Alexander held the
single-season TD mark until LT broke it last year. The man scores TD's
in bunches and he looks to do the same this year. Of course in
points/reception leagues Shaun won't help you. But in TD heavy leagues,
his value may exceed that or Gore and Jackson. Oh the dilemma.
4. Larry Johnson-Johnson is back for another ridiculously heavy
workload in 2007, but a training camp holdout clouds his fantasy
future. When he is on the field, the man flat out produces. His
incredible leg strength and upper body power generate big yardage and
he will continue to pile up the TD's if given the opportunity. That's
where it gets sticky as Kansas City's offensive line is a shell of its
former All Pro self. Gone are Hall Of Fame T Willie Roaf and G Will
Shields. If you don' think that will make a difference, all you have to
do is look at what Edgerrin James did in Arizona last year behind a
terrible O-line. The holdout also doesn't help matter, along with the
heavy workloads of the last two seasons. The man is talented however
and still young so ignore him at your own risk. His ability to catch
passes adds more value to equation however if your in a
points/reception league. Could be gold again.
So what do you do???? Factoring all of the above into the equation, the
nod here goes to Jackson. He is still very young(26) and his ability to
both run and catch the ball makes him much more valuable that the other
three. If he were a WR, those 90 receptions would put him at the top of
those rankings. Simply put, Jackson is a gem who will give you points
in bunches. He plays for a high-powered offense and he could even get
better. Its Jackson, followed by Gore, Jonnson, and Johnson.
Webmaster of www.yourwinningpicks.com which specializes in handicapping info on all sports, along with fantasy sports packages.
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