LT Getting Healthy, Ready To Silence Critics

Ryan Lester by Senior Analyst Written on June 30, 2009
SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield during a practice drill at minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)

One of the biggest question marks, as fantasy football players begin their rankings, is the health of LaDainian Tomlinson.  He is no longer considered the top pick, but he is still a first-round pick.

I had the opportunity to take him in a mock draft with the fifth pick, but opted to take Larry Fitzgerald instead.  If the same scenario was presented to me today, I may have to reverse my thinking and take LT.  It’s close.

Some think I’m nuts for taking a WR with the fifth pick, but Chris Johnson is in a shared backfield with LenDale White, LT, and S-Jax are coming off injuries, and there isn’t a proven track record for DeAngelo Williams and Steve Slaton. 

Fitz has 1400 yards and 10 TDs in three of his past four years.  With roughly half of first round RBs typically falling short of expectations, Fitz just seems a safer play for a top pick.  This article isn’t about Fitz, though, so let me get back to the matter at hand.

LT, by all accounts, had a down year in 2008. 

The man had 1536 total yards (1110 rushing, 426 receiving) and 12 TDs (11 rushing, one receiving).  His YPC wasn’t great at 3.8, but he was dealing with a toe injury. 

That injury has healed, though, and according to an AP report, LT says, “I'm kind of making sure my body’s in great shape, and making sure I’m as strong as possible.  I haven’t missed any time, worked out every single day. … I haven’t had a setback at all.” 

Those are encouraging words for those who own LT in keeper leagues.

Obviously, a setback can occur along the way, but the future Hall of Famer is rising on my board. 

How about you?  With what pick would you take LT?

Article originally published at LestersLegends.com.

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written on June 30, 2009 Sports

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