2010 Fantasy Football Preview: The NFL's Best Tiny Running Backs

Size may matter on the offensive line, but not so much in the running game. With so many talented running backs in the league standing 5’9" or smaller, we put the distorted size theory aside and illustrate just how good a small guy can be exploding out of the backfield.

It’s a new breed of runners in the NFL where the little guy finishes at the top, so let’s take a look at the top five tiny runners, along with what they can bring to your fantasy football lineup in 2010.

1. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens)

After coming out of Rutgers in 2008 and being labeled “too small” by many clubs, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome made one of his shrewdest selections to date by selecting Rice. Despite standing at just 5’8", Rice broke out in a big way in 2009, compiling 1,339 yards on the ground and another 702 through the air, which adds up to a whopping 2,041 yards from scrimmage for the speedster.

Now in 2010, Rice will be the heart and soul of a much-improved Baltimore offense and should greatly benefit from the maturation of QB Joe Flacco. Needless to say, he should be off the board in the first round in almost all fantasy drafts.

2.Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Tallying 1,391 yards on the ground and another 374 through the air, the hard-nosed runner out of UCLA impressed many with his physical grit, determination, and ability to run through defenders much larger than himself. Despite the current clout surrounding his mysterious knee injury, I’m confident that MJD will hold up just fine in 2010 and produce another outstanding season, and he should once again be an elite fantasy back.

3. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers)

Injuries, not size, have been the biggest hurdle for Gore to clear throughout his NFL career. Gore has played all 16 games just once in a season (’06-’07) and his production has slid as a result. As the unquestioned lead runner in the Bay last season, Gore’s 5’9" frame held up just fine. Running for 1,120 yards and gaining another 406 through the air and 13 TDs, Gore’s production is impossible to ignore.

Gore’s the clear-cut man for the 49ers and Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye, Jr. certainly loves to utilize his talents. With just rookie Anthony Dixon and fragile veteran Brian Westbrook behind him, Gore’s going to have every chance to produce all year as long as he stays on the field. 

4. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)

An absolute burner out of Memphis, the knock on Williams has (obviously) always been his size. While it’s true Williams has never been the star of his own show, he proved to the world in ’08-’09 that he’s undoubtedly got the talent of an NFL RB. Rushing for 1,515 yards and 18 TDs, Williams showed why the Panthers were willing to gamble on him in the draft.

Despite Jonathan Stewart eating into his production, Williams is a proven talent at the professional level and the Carolina coaching staff will make sure he sees the field plenty. It’s not like J-Stewart is a harbinger of perfect health, himself. 

5. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants)

Running on two bad wheels in 2009, Bradshaw proved to many that he’s no slouch. Playing second fiddle to nobody, the 5’9" , 7th round pick out of Marshall is clearly establishing himself as New York’s number one option in the backfield. Bradshaw has never been more than a change of pace back thus far in his career, but he’ll be given every opportunity to establish new career highs this season. 

Finally healthy in 2010, Mr. Bradshaw could very well find himself with his first 1,000-yard season on the ground. He’s going to be a large part of the Giants offensive attack and should play a pivotal role so long as his health holds up.