(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the most popular players in the NFL and is arguably the face of the Jacksonville franchise.
He exploded onto the scene as a rookie in 2006 as his 15 offensive touchdowns made him a fantasy steal.
Allow me to introduce to you the fantasy steal of 2009: New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas.
Thomas is literally and figuratively a poor man's Jones-Drew.
In April, two months after cutting the franchise's all-time leading rusher Fred Taylor, the Jaguars awarded Jones-Drew with a five-year, $31 million contract.
Thomas is scheduled to make $460,000 this season and will be a restricted free agent in 2010.
The styles of both running backs are very similar.
Jones-Drew and Thomas run well between the tackles. They each possess good speed, but neither is a blazer.
Both running backs are assets as blockers.
Who can forget Jones-Drew de-cleating Shawne Merriman? If you need a reminder, click here.
Thomas is part of a group that consistently keeps Drew Brees from getting sacked. Being a good blocker is a prerequisite for any running back in Sean Payton's pass-happy offense.
Both players are threats to run and catch the ball on offense and also contribute as kick returners.
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