(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Projection: 255 carries, 1050 yards, eight touchdowns, 35 receptions, 275 yards, two touchdowns
Smith had an up and down rookie year. He started out slow and was considered a bust for the first half of the year, but he bounced back with 708 yards and five touchdowns in the last eight games. He also was used as a receiver, catching 39 balls for 286 yards.
The Lions got rid of Rudi Johnson, but brought in Maurice Morris. However, Smith is still expected to be the featured back.
Expect him to go in the early rounds, most likely between rounds three and five.
17. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints)
Projection: 235 carries, 950 yards, eight touchdowns, 33 receptions, 325 yards, two touchdowns
Thomas benefited from the injury to Reggie Bush and took full advantage to show his skills. He carried the ball 99 times for 501 yards and six touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns.
Without Deuce McAllister looming, Thomas is expected to be the main ball carrier, with Bush going back to his third down duties and slot receiver.
Thomas should be drafted in the first five rounds, with some people even reaching for him in the first round.
18. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers)
Projection: 290 carries, 1175 yards, seven touchdowns, 15 receptions, 100 yards
Grant was expected to post huge numbers after coming out of nowhere in 2007.
However, after holding out of camp and dealing with hamstring issues, he started off slow, not scoring a touchdown until week seven. He finished strong with three 100-yard games in his last nine games.
He should be helped by a full preseason and training camp, but don’t reach for him until at least the third round, and don’t expect him to be there after the fifth.
19. Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders)
Projection: 220 carries, 945 yards, six touchdowns, 38 receptions, 330 yards, two touchdowns
McFadden was supposed to be the next Adrian Peterson, but he was hampered by injuries in his rookie year. He was held to just 499 yards and four touchdowns in just 13 games.
He still has Justin Fargas and Michael Bush to steal his carries, but the Raiders wouldn’t have drafted him fourth overall last year if they didn’t intend for him to be the No. 1 guy. If he stays healthy he should have a great year, but that’s a risk you take if you draft him.
Look for him between the third and sixth rounds.
20. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts)
Projection: 240 carries, 1000 yards, seven touchdowns, 35 receptions, 300 yards, two touchdowns
So a guy has one bad year and everyone is off the bandwagon?
Addai was hurt last year and was a big time bust, only rushing for 544 yards and scoring seven total touchdowns in just 12 games. Not to mention that the Colts drafted Donald Brown this year to take his carries.
However, I think Addai will bounce back and have the type of year he had when he shared time with Dominic Rhodes in his rookie year.
Look to steal Addai between rounds four and six.
P.S. Don’t forget his quarterback is Peyton Manning.
21. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills)
Projection: 230 carries, 925 yards, seven touchdowns, 25 receptions, 150 yards, one touchdown
Lynch’s value is hurt by a three-game suspension to start the year. He may appeal and get the suspension reduced, but he will still miss at least one game.
He is true to his “Beast-Mode” nickname when he is on the field, rushing for 1036 yards and eight touchdowns with 47 receptions for 300 yards and a touchdown in 15 games last year.
If he weren’t suspended, he would probably be higher on the list, but with the suspension, look for him to fall in between rounds three and five.
22. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs)
Projection: 255 carries, 1050 yards, seven touchdowns, 20 receptions, 245 yards
2 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete