Starting RBs Who Aren't Being Drafted As Starters

 

There are only a few true workhorse, every down backs remaining in the league - Foster, Peterson, CJ, Rice, McCoy, Steven Jackson, MJD, Hillis, Gore. On the other side of the spectrum, there are several jumbled messes - Washington, New England, arguably New Orleans. In the middle ground, you have the "starters." They are on the field to start the game and on almost every 1st and 2nd down.  But maybe they come off the field for passing or short yardage situations. DeAngelo Williams, Matt Forte, Ryan Matthews, and Knowshon Moreno are all starters but they each have another player who is the thorn in the side of the owner - JStew, Marion Barber, Mike Tolbert, and Willis McGahee.   

As the title of this website indicates, we are all about value. And where RBs are drafted as if they are in committees, but may actually be starters, there is some serious VALUE for you.

1. Jahvid Best (Average Draft Position at Pick #45)

Best started his NFL career with a bang, with 5 TDs in his first 2 games. Then, turf toe got the best of this Cal Bear as he turned in bad numbers for the rest of the season. The Lions drafted Mikel Leshoure, leading us to believe this would be a committee. In the past few days however, it began looking more and more like a healthy Best was taking hold of the starter gig. The picture became even cleaer when yesterday, it was announced that Leshoure is out for the season. If Stafford stays healthy, this offense could really click and surprise people, giving Best a golden opportunity to excel.  

2. Ryan Grant (ADP: 51)

A month ago, many thought James Starks' stellar playoff performance had earned him the main gig in Green Bay. But let's not forget how good Grant is. He missed the entire season with an injury, but he's been a consistent, underrated, solid back ever since his breakout in Green Bay a few years back. Now, reports are increasingly indicating that the starting job is Grant's to lose. This is clearly a situation to monitor throughout the preseason, but if you're drafting now, take advantage of the ambiguity and grab Grant in the 5th or 6th round because I predict he will perform like a 2nd rounder by seasons end.  

3. Felix Jones (ADP: 58)

I've already written about my praise for Felix "The Pussycat" Jones, but it bares repeating that DeMarco Murray is still sidelined with an injury and Tashard Choice is in danger of not even making the team. Felix is a great pass-catcher, and can really breakout this year. If you can get him at his current ADP in the 5th round, that's a steal! 

4. Chris "Beanie" Wells (ADP: 78)

A week ago, this looked like a committee mess with Wells, Hightower, and rookie Ryan Williams. Hightower was then shipped off to the Crappy Redskins, and Wells is looking solid in camp so far. I'm not ready to draft Wells up with the likes of Best, Grant, or Jones, but he is looking more and more like the Arizona starting RB, and should be drafted higher than his current ADP. With Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona has nowhere to go but up. (It's almost statistically impossible not to improve when you're ranked 31st in offense!) 

5. Marshawn Lynch (ADP: 69)

I don't know how often Lynch will tear off huge TD runs like he did in his ESPY-nominated play against the Saints in the playoffs. But he is the clear starter ahead of Justin Forsett. Seattle made some big changes in the passing game, opting to go with Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice instead of Hasselbeck and Big Mike Williams. I don't know that that's an improvement, but it probably doesn't hurt the Hawks offense. Like Wells, I'm not tripping over myself to draft Lynch, but I will gladly take him in the 7th round, where he frequently slips.  

6. Joseph Addai (ADP: 75)

Addai is looking older, and obviously injury-prone, but he's still the clear starter on an incredible offense. He likely won't lead the league in rush yards (or come even close), but he is solid near the goal line and should punch in enough TDs to make you look brilliant for taking him in the 7th.