2011 NFL Predictions: Ryan Torain, This Year's Breakout Player

The Redskins have made several moves to add depth and quality to their running back core. 

They selected Roy Helu in the draft and acquired the talented Tim Hightower in a trade with the Cardinals. However, this has led to speculation regarding the starting role in the Reskins offense.

Currently Ryan Torain is still practicing with the first unit and is likely to remain the starter unless he is beset by injury. 

Torain has a career average of 4.5 YPC. His performance last season—when healthy—should have awarded him an opportunity to prove that he can be a featured runner in the NFL. He  piled up 742 rushing yards and 125 receiving yards in what amounted to a "musical chairs" environment at the running back position in 2010.

In many ways, Torain reminds me of  Arian Foster last season. Both were virtual "unknowns" when they came into their starting roles. Both teams drafted a mid-round talent to push for the starting job. Both runners were dealing with an incumbent starter who was failing, but had previously broken the 1,000 yard mark. Both dazzled when they were given the opportunity in the twilight of the season—after the meaningful games had passed.

The Texans decided that  Foster was going to be "their guy" midway through the last year's preseason schedule. They allowed him to work full time with the starters and the benefits were incredible. Foster went on to lead the NFL in rushing and piled up touchdowns. 

I'm not suggesting that Ryan Torain is going to take the 2011 rushing title, but I do believe that Torain will rush for more than 1,000 yards and add about 220 receiving yards and a few scores through the air in the upcoming season.

For the fantasy football fans out there, I originally had Torain scheduled for 150 carries, 600 yards and four scores in my fantasy football rankings. 

After seeing him return healthy and in great football shape, I am going to bump Torain. In fact, he is getting one of the biggest bumps so far in the young preseason.

If you don't have Ryan Torain on your fantasy football sleepers list, you should add him quickly.

For additional fantasy football advice and daily 2011 fantasy football rankings visit my blog at www.gridiron-guru.com