Now, Turner finds himself on a Falcons team that is in the process of rebuilding with inexperience at many key parts of the offense. Although you wouldn’t know it by looking at his contract, Turner’s quarterback Matt Ryan is actually a rookie, who will go through the learning curves that plague all rookie signal callers.
21. Edgerrin James (ARI)
Edge has officially turned the magical yet dreadful age of 30, which is the benchmark age for when running backs will begin to decline. After a largely disappointing 2006, considering his success in Indianapolis, Edge improved slightly in 2007 in yards, average and TDs.
Although 1,224 yards and seven TDs isn’t necessarily bad, it is safe to say that it may be very close to his ceiling now that he’s turned the big three-oh. Even with promise of a more balanced attack, the Cardinals' offensive line is still unfortunately the same and it is likely Edgerrin’s stats will stay that way as well.
20. Willie Parker (PIT)
With Parker’s 11 TD decline from 2006 into 2007, breaking his leg late in the season didn’t help his fantasy stock. The arrival of rookie Rashard Mendenhall also didn’t bode well for his future TD total either.
What Parker does bring to the table is the yardage that he racks up. He is still an incredibly skilled rusher that can put up big numbers on the ground, no matter how TD-less or injury prone his season may be.
19. Brandon Jacobs (NYG)
The heir to Tiki Barber’s throne after his retirement, Jacobs proved he could handle the job when healthy. Unfortunately for Jacobs, so did Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw’s recent court troubles could get him suspended if the event in question happened post-draft.
A Bradshaw suspension could be all Jacobs needs to claim the starters spot once and for all, so it would behoove you to keep an eye on the situation.
18. Jamal Lewis (CLE)
Even though the Browns' offense and, more importantly, offensive line have largely remained the same, many are still doubting Lewis can repeat his 2007 success. Without a suitable backup or a threat to steal some of his goal-line carries, the only thing that could stop Lewis from continuing upon last year’s success is either injury or age.
Lewis is approaching 30, and the enormous amount of carries he has on his odometer has to take its toll at some point. It’s hard to imagine his decline happening so quickly and suddenly without some type of injury, though.
17. Lawrence Maroney (NE)
Being the RB on one of the best passing games of all time doesn’t leave you in a position to get tons of carries. Nor does it help having a coach that likes to spell his backfield every two downs or so.
Entering his third season, and with Kevin Faulk likely to see a decreased role, Maroney is a prime candidate to breakout this year. Unfortunately, “breaking out” for a running back on the Patriots' offense means about 1,100 yards and eight TDs.
On the bright side, that’s still better than Rudi Johnson, who you targeted last year.
6 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete