26. Thomas Jones (NYJ)
The fact that T.J. had a total of two TDs last year has overshadowed that he managed to rack up 1,119 yards behind one of the worst lines in the league. The offseason signings of Alan Faneca and Damien Woody should ensure that he will at least have a competent offensive line.
It’s a risky pick because he’s either going to excel with his improved blockers or flop and show everyone that he just doesn’t have what it takes to be a starter. That decision is up to you.
25. Darren McFadden (OAK)
Despite being touted as the best back in the NFL draft, McFadden is not the top back in most running-back rankings. This is likely due to the fact that McFadden will be lining up behind JaMarcus Russell, who is still technically a rookie himself.
Since it takes inexperienced quarterbacks a lot longer to get acquainted with the game than their running-back counterparts, McFadden will get a plethora of carries and an official diploma from the NFL’s rookie running-back university.
24. Fred Taylor (JAX)
The past couple years have seen Fred Taylor do the exact opposite of what everyone had predicted him to do, with that opposite being him producing. Taylor has had more than 1,100 yards and at least five TDs in each of his last two seasons. While it’s hard to imagine him just suddenly dropping off, he is 32-years old and it is going to happen eventually. The question is, when?
With Maurice Jones Drew entering his third season and maturing all the while, Taylor may still be productive this year but not enough to warrant a key RB spot on your roster. He is a solid and safe late-round pick. Do with it what you will.
23. Matt Forte (CHI)
With news of the release of team castoff and Ricky Williams-esque Cedric Benson, Forte’s stock has soared. Even before he was the unanimous No. 1 back on the roster, Forte had created a buzz that was not heard during the draft due to his emergence from Conference USA.
Although the Bears themselves have proclaimed the rookie as their starter, he still finds himself on the Bears' offense, which has question marks at quarterback, wide receiver, and pretty much every single position except for running back.
So, despite him getting the majority of all the carries, don’t expect his rookie year to be Adrian Peterson-esque. Think more along the lines of a poor man's rookie Marshawn Lynch.
22. Michael Turner (ATL)
How Michael Turner will turn out can likely be put in a better perspective when you take into account his performance last year when he filled in for an injured L.T. in the playoffs.
Although 3.8-yards per carry isn’t necessarily bad, it was a bit worse than his career average that he’d racked up by shredding fatigued defenses as Tomlinson’s backup until that point. That was then.
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