Fantasy Football 2011: Can LeGarrette Blount Be a Top-15 Running Back?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a ton of money to spend. I'm talking Mr. Drummond money. Daddy Warbucks money. Or as Randy Moss would put it, "straight cash, homey".

That could be a good or a bad thing for LeGarrette Blount.

The Bucs were in the market to steal tackle Doug Free from the Cowboys, which means they could be looking to address their offensive line. Any improvement on their offensive front would give their offense a nice boost. While an improved line could help Blount, there are other factors to consider.

DeAngelo Williams returned to Carolina and Reggie Bush appears to be headed to Miami. There are still some running backs out there that the Bucs could bring in and steal some of his carries, nonetheless.

Assuming Tampa Bay doesn't make a big splash at running back, can Blount be a top-15 fantasy back? I have him just shy of 15 in my running back rankings, but there is certainly a case to be made.

Blount had just 201 carries last year, but still finished with 1,007 yards thanks to an impressive 5.0 yards per carry. Among running backs with 200-plus carries, only Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, Darren McFadden and Blount averaged at least 5.0 YPC.  

That's pretty select company.

Blount had just six rushing touchdowns last year, but at 6'0" and 250 pounds, he should not have to beg for goal-line carries, no matter who the Bucs have as their complimentary back.

He obviously isn't as valuable in PPR leagues, but he has the potential to put up some real nice fantasy numbers.

Will they be top-15 numbers? Time will tell. I personally think he has a shot...as long as free agency treats him well.

What's your take?


Also check out

• 2011Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings

Click here to enter the 2011 LestersLegends fantasy football team name contest! There are five prizes to be won!