Larry Johnson: Running Back Blurb Breakdown

Once upon a time, Larry Johnson was Fantasy relevant.

He still is, but he perhaps isn't as productive.

It's too bad, because we've seen some great production from him even in the last two, stunted years.

Maybe it was the immense number of carries in 2005 and 2006 (336 and 416, respectively).

Maybe it was the ineffectual regimes in Kansas City. Maybe it was the weight of his substantial ego.

Whatever the cause, he has been in trouble or hurt often after the last few years.

It didn't help his numbers last year that he caught just 12 balls after several seasons of 30+ catches. It looks unlikely that the Chiefs will utilize him to catch out of the backfield much this season. However, with All-World Tight End Tony Gonzalez lost to Atlanta, it's possible LJ could get a few more catches since Brad Cottam is rumored to be staying in to block a lot.

We've seen too much of a dip to think Johnson is ready to bounce back anytime soon, especially with a shaky offensive line, an unproven quarterback (albeit coming off a tremendous year) throwing to a small number of offensive weapons and probably less than desired, as the defense struggles to stop opposing drives.

Johnson still has some upside but is nowhere near the back who once occupied a lounging spot in the preseason top ten rankings.

The best you can do is draft him for depth and hope he can put in a performance for a few games like he did in week three vs Atlanta (121 yds, one TD), week four vs Denver (198 yds, two TDs) or week 16 vs Miami (108 yds, one TD).

But good luck figuring out when to start him. Thanks, but I think I'll pass, regardless of perceived value, even in the fifth or sixth rounds.