2010 Rookie RBs PDF Print E-mail
Written by Zach Myles   
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
1. Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers (Dynasty Rank: 1)
2009-10 Stats: 276 CAR, 1808 YDS, 19 TD, 11 REC, 122 YDS

Introducing the top running back from the 2010 draft class: Ryan Matthews! The Chargers have already said that Matthews will get most of the workload, while Darren Sproles will maintain his role as the third down back. Mathews runs with power and a fearless attitude and is the best all-around back in this year's draft class. He has good, not great speed, but makes up for it with his leg strength and consistent effort. From the start, he's nearly an every down back and his hands are good enough to be a decent check-down option in the passing game, even though he wasn't utilized that way at Fresno State. Some may question the competition he faced, but his best games were against Boise State and Wisconsin, so don't doubt him too much.

     

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sUYwqgz4QY


2. Dexter McCluster, Kansas City (Dynasty Rank: 3)
2009-10 Stats: 181 CAR, 1169 YDS, 8 TD. 44 REC, 520 YDS, 3 TD


Yahoo has the multi-talented McCluster listed as a WR/RB, but since he played running back for Ole Miss, that's where I'm including him in my rankings. He'll most likely be used all over the field: he could run well out of the backfield, line up as a slot receiver causing match-up problems, and he'll even see time as the team's primary returner. The Chiefs don't have many weapons, so he could get a lot of touches early and often, increasing his odds of putting up good numbers. His elusiveness could lead to several big plays, but that also means he will likely be inconsistent from week to week.

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb-chWh64Dc


3. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills (Dynasty Rank: 2)
2009-10 Stats: 216 CAR, 1212 YDS, 12 TD. 36 REC, 503 YDS, 4 TD


Had Spiller been drafted by another team, he would have easily been ranked #2 and probably even topped Matthews as the best running back of this draft class. The Bills already have Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch who will limit Spiller's touches, and their offensive line is still young and developing. However, most experts agree that Lynch will be traded, so this will eventually be Spiller's team. He has too much speed and athleticism to keep off the field and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, a' la Chris Johnson during his rookie season. He's deceptively strong for his size, and with a full 16-game schedule, he could get 50 receptions playing most of the snaps. There's also a chance he'll return kicks as well. All of this adds up to one of the most exciting players to come out of this draft class and a great choice for your dynasty team.

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wf0kC-w9lU


4. Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions (Dynasty Rank: 5)

2009-10 Stats: 141 CAR, 867 YDS, 12 TD. 22 REC, 213 YDS, 4 TD

Lions management thought enough of Best to trade back into the first round to get him. Last year at Cal, Best made the most of his chances, averaging more than 6 yards per carry and scoring 16 touchdowns before a concussion ended his season early. The Lions do have Kevin Smith in the backfield as well, but he's trying to return from ACL surgery which should lead to Best stealing some touches. His toughest challenge will be his supporting cast because odds are, Detroit will be trailing most of the year, leading to a pass-heavy play selection. He gets an extra boost in PPR leagues, and don't be surprised if Detroit uses some two back sets to put more weapons on the field.

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-36lH9vAb4


5. Ben Tate, Houston Texans (Dynasty Rank: 4)
2009-10 Stats: 263 CAR, 1362 YDS, 10 TD. 20 REC, 105 YDS


Like Best, it's likely Tate will split carries this year in Houston with Steve Slaton and/or Arian Foster. If the latter struggle early on, the rookie from Auburn could see the ball more as the season progresses. He's not a speed back by any stretch, but he could see goal line carries, something the Texans have struggled with the past couple of years. Fantasy football is all about consistency and Tate was consistent during his senior campaign, rushing for at least 75 yards nine times. He's also very durable, averaging 20 carries per game. Slaton has a short leash and Foster has been less than impressive. If Tate takes advantage of the opportunity, he could put up good numbers.

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfBkonPBFGY


 

6. Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings (Dynasty Rank: 7)

2009-10 Stats: 343 CAR, 1871 YDS, 27 TD. 11 REC, 157 YDS

The Heisman runner-up probably won't see many carries this year, but he should see some opportunities in the red zone. Gerhart's a bruising back and proved last year at Stanford that he knows how to find paydirt, scoring 27 times. Add in Adrian Peterson's butterfingers, and there's a chance that he'll put up some fantasy points. However, he's only ranked this high based on touchdown potential because he won't accumulate many yards, getting around 100 carries tops. For the future, if Gerhart proves himself, there's always the chance he could be the Vikings' starter in a couple of years. The shelf life for running backs keeps getting shorter, so it won't be shocking if they eventually let Peterson walk. There could be questions about durability, as Stanford force-fed him the ball last year, but he racked up plenty of stats facing 7-8 man fronts which bodes well for his production in the NFL.

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjLh_yO41jw


7. Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers (Dynasty Rank: 8)
2009-10 Stats: 235 CAR, 1395 YDS, 14 TD. 5 REC, 37 YDS


Dwyer lasted until the 188th pick in this year's draft not because he lacked skill, but because he's dealing with an undisclosed medical condition and played fullback in a "gimmicky" triple option offense. He has a good combination of power and speed and is a good pass catcher, but his biggest asset is breaking tackles, which will add lots of yards to his totals. His opportunity in the future will all depend on how Mendenhall handles being the primary back in the Steelers' offense, but he does have the talent to steal some carries here and there. In any event, he should be motivated; being passed on 187 times in April could provide the spark he needs to excel.

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq9Yme2gczU


8. Montario Hardesty, Cleveland Browns (Dynasty Rank: 10)
2009-10 Stats: 282 CAR, 1345 YDS, 13 TD. 25 REC, 302 YDS, 1 TD


If it wasn't for Jerome Harrison's mind-boggling finish to the 2009 season, Hardesty could have easily started Week 1 for the Browns. But, it is what it is and unless he really impresses during the preseason, he'll have to battle James Davis for the backup job. He'll earn playing time though because he had zero fumbles in nearly 300 touches last year, has a good burst, and is strong enough to break tackles. Hardesty could wind up being a steal if he's able to stay on the field, but he's already had three knee surgeries and was never 100% at Tennessee. Despite all of that, he finished second in school history with 560 carries. He is a good receiver and a talented runner. However, that haunted H-word (health) in sports could keep him from reaching his full potential.

Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJiHPqy8xE


9. Joe McKnight, New York Jets (Dynasty Rank: 6)
2009-10 Stats: 164 CAR, 1014 YDS, 8 TD. 22 REC, 146 YDS


The former #1 College recruit out of Louisiana is a jack of all trades. He can run, catch, and return kicks. The Jets will find ways to get him on the field, but don't expect too much with Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson dominating the carries. He could line up as a slot receiver and utilize his elusiveness and speed, but his biggest challenge will be running between the tackles. More likely than not, Tomlinson will be with the team for this year and this year only, and with the trade of Leon Washington, that would put McKnight in position to be the primary backup in 2011.


Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fliv9DNBfIg


10. Charles Scott, Philadelphia Eagles (Dynasty Rank: 11)
2009-10 Stats: 116 CAR, 542 YDS, 4 TD. 8 REC, 54 YDS, 1 TD


Scott is a bruising back that has a chance at carries on 3rd down and in the red zone. However, it's possible that he won't get many carries between the 20s because of LeSean McCoy. The Eagles have had several rookies produce early over the past couple of years, which gives the former Bayou Bengal some added hope, but the problem with Scott is that he was a one-year wonder at LSU, who showed up sometimes and didn't show up other times. He also struggles in pass protection which he'll definitely have to improve on if he hopes to see extended playing time in Philly's offense. Finally, be aware that he has a fractured clavicle to heal from which should be fine by the start of training camp, but check his status before you take a flyer on him in redraft leagues.


Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROrIY31e7yE


11. Anthony Dixon, San Francisco 49ers (Dynasty Rank: 9)
2009-10 Stats: 257 CAR, 1391 YDS, 12 TD. 18 REC, 123 YDS


Dixon has a lot of talent, but with Frank Gore and Glen Coffee in his way, odds are that he won't get the ball much this year. He's the all-time leader in rushing in Starkville and catches the ball well, but in fantasy football, it's all about opportunity; something he won't have much of this year. The good news is that Gore is injury-prone and Glen Coffee wasn't spectacular during his rookie season. However, the only reason he's 9th for dynasties is because his draft mates have durability issues. He doesn't have great speed or strength, but just enough of both to potentially be effective.


Check out his highlight video to judge him for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTuq8r7JruQ


Do you have questions about your team? Want to get some opinions on a particular player? Looking for a competitive league? Come check out our Fantasy Sports Forums for any and all of your fantasy sports needs: http://www.fantasyloungesports.com/forums

Comments
Add NewSearch
Only registered users can write comments!

Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.

 
< Prev   Next >
Play casino online with a casino bonus and increase your chances to win big.