Fantasy Football: Is Ryan Grant a First-Round Pick?

Grant’s ADP at Mock Draft Central has Ryan Grant going on average with the 21st pick, a number that is staggering to me, considering Grant is coming off a 1,450-total-yard (1,253 rushing), 11-TD season.

 

In fact, it was the second consecutive 1,200-plus yard season for the fourth-year back that will turn 28 this season.

 

He’s going after guys like Rashard Mendenhall, Shonn Greene, and Ryan Matthews, who are far more unproven. He’s even going after WRs like Calvin Johnson and Miles Austin, who have bigger question marks entering the new season.

 

Grant picked it up down the stretch, averaging 92.7 total yards with five TDs in last year’s fantasy playoffs (Weeks 14-16). He didn’t turn in many monster weeks, but he didn’t have many duds either. He was a steady source of fantasy points all year long.

 

Grant has little competition for carries. Top backup Brandon Jackson always seems to get nicked up. Rookie James Starks isn’t ready to take on meaningful carries. Grant’s main threat is Aaron Rodgers stealing rushing TDs. The Packers would be wise to let Grant run in short TDs and save their franchise QB from the hits.

 

Grant isn’t going to fool anyone for Ray Rice or MJD with his pass-catching ability, but he has averaged 24.3 catches for 152.7 yards in his three seasons.

 

I am expecting 1,450 total yards (1,300 rushing) and nine TDs from Grant, which is enough to have him as my eighth-ranked RB (click to see my updated 2010 fantasy RB rankings) and ninth overall (click to see my 2010 Top 50 fantasy rankings).

 

What are your thoughts on Ryan Grant? Would you take him in the first round of your fantasy draft?

Also check out:
- 2010 Top 30 Fantasy QB Rankings
- 2010 Top 50 Fantasy RB Rankings
- 2010 Top 60 Fantasy WR Rankings
- 2010 Top 25 Fantasy TE Rankings
- 2010 Top 25 Fantasy IDP Rankings
- 2010 Top 25 Fantasy Team Defense Rankings
- 2010 Top 15 Fantasy K Rankings
- 2010 Fantasy Football Top 50 Rankings