Introducing The Poor Man's Version of The Jaguars' Maurice-Jones Drew

Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the most popular players in the NFL and is arguably the face of the Jacksonville franchise.

He exploded onto the scene as a rookie in 2006 as his 15 offensive touchdowns made him a fantasy steal.

Allow me to introduce to you the fantasy steal of 2009: New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas.

Thomas is literally and figuratively a poor man's Jones-Drew.

In April, two months after cutting the franchise's all-time leading rusher Fred Taylor, the Jaguars awarded Jones-Drew with a five-year, $31 million contract.

Thomas is scheduled to make $460,000 this season and will be a restricted free agent in 2010.

The styles of both running backs are very similar.

Jones-Drew and Thomas run well between the tackles.  They each possess good speed, but neither is a blazer. 

Both running backs are assets as blockers. 

Who can forget Jones-Drew de-cleating Shawne Merriman?  If you need a reminder, click here.

Thomas is part of a group that consistently keeps Drew Brees from getting sacked.  Being a good blocker is a prerequisite for any running back in Sean Payton's pass-happy offense.

Both players are threats to run and catch the ball on offense and also contribute as kick returners.

Let's take a look at their 2008 offensive numbers:

Maurice Jones-Drew

Rushing

• 12.3 attempts/game
• 824 yards
• 4.2 yards/carry
• 12 touchdowns
• 23.9 percent of his carries resulted in a first down
• 6.1 percent of his carries resulted in a touchdown

Receiving

• 62 receptions
• 565 yards
• 9.1 yards/catch
• 2 touchdowns
• 43.5 percent of his receptions resulted in a first down
• 3.2 percent of his receptions resulted in a touchdown

Total Offense

• 259 touches
• 1,389 yards (27 percent of the team's total yards)
• 5.36 yards/touch
• 14 touchdowns (40 percent of the team's total)
  
• 74 first downs ( 24 percent of the team's total)

Pierre Thomas

Rushing

• 8.6 attempts/game
• 625 yards
• 4.8 yards/carry
• 9 touchdowns
• 33.3 percent of his carries resulted in a first down
• 7 percent of his carries resulted in a touchdown

Receiving

• 31 receptions
• 284 yards
• 9.2 yards/catch
• 3 touchdowns
• 48.3 percent of his receptions resulted in a first down
• 9.6 percent of his receptions resulted in a touchdown

Total Offense

• 160 touches
• 909 yards (13.8 percent of the team's total)
  
• 5.68 yards/touch
• 12 touchdowns (21 percent of the team's total)
  
• 58 first downs (16 percent of the team's total)

Jacksonville has far less weapons than New Orleans. Therefore, Maurice Jones-Drew means more to his team than does Pierre Thomas.

However, look for both players to see an increase in their roles for their respective offenses.

Jones-Drew will serve as the primary ball carrier now that Taylor is playing for New England.  His new back-ups have a grand total of 62 career carries.

Thomas is emerging as the Saints' primary running back.  His carries per game doubled from from 2007 to 2008.  He averaged 15.5 carries per game in his last six games.

The Saints desperately need a running back to emerge as a consistent force between the tackles. 

Pierre Thomas has done everything he can this offseason to prepare to fill that void.  He has added 10 pounds of muscle to endure the increased pounding, and has increased his squats from 495 pounds to 675 pounds to be better prepared to break tackles.

If it means anything, Drew Brees thinks that Thomas is ready to be the number one back.

Everyone knows about Maurice Jones-Drew.  In many fantasy football circles, he is sure to be drafted as one of the top 10 running backs. 

If you need a good second running back and a fantasy sleeper, Pierre Thomas would be a wise choice.