Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: 5 RBs Who Make More Sense Than Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson wants to get paid not only like the best running back in the league, but with best player money.

While most are opposed to such a thought and believe he would be more than OK becoming the highest paid running back in the league, I get his point.

Johnson is the best player on the team—that isn't even a question of the dynamic playmaker. Not only that, but he sells jerseys, puts butts in the seats, and makes people watch Titans games.

Regardless of whether he deserves to get paid or not, the fact is, the holdut is hurting his fantasy prospects.

With drafts popping up all over the place it's time to take stock in Chris Johnson—but the guy who could arguably have been the No. 1 fantasy pick in most leagues has fallen to No. 4 in my opinion (and could slip to sixth if this holdout continues).

Here's a look at five players that I would take over Chris Johnson if I was drafting today.

Arian Foster

Arian Foster wrecked shop last year as he was far and away the best running back last year.

While the fluke factor could be high with Foster, he's still young. Plus, he's in a potent offense that does not allow defenses to key in on him.

Foster is well-suited for the zone blocking scheme that Houston runs and, barring injury, should put up another monster year.

Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson has been fantasy gold since his rookie year. He's always good for double-digit touchdowns and a ton of yards.

He's a tireless worker who has improved his receiving ability, as well as his fumbling issues.

The 2010 season was a lost season for the Vikings, but look for the team to lean on All Day to turn it around.

Jamaal Charles

In theory I would rather have CJ2K before Jamaal Charles, but with the threat of the holdout, I'd settle for Chris Johnson Lite.

Charles finally gets to handle a full workload this year and I'm interested to see how he handles the situation.

Ray Rice

With Willis McGahee moving on to Denver, Rice becomes that much more intriguing.

Always a total yardage beast, Rice will get a chance to get more carries at the stripe.

Sure, the Ravens brought in Ricky Williams, but that was more an insurance policy. Rice could be devastating this year.

LeSean McCoy

Some may also put Shady's teammate Michael Vick in the mix, but I think he's too big of a risk.

McCoy though is a total yardage machine that's tough enough to get into the end zone as well.

Ronnie Brown steals a little of his thunder, but not enough to knock Shady out of mid-first round range.

Fantasy Rankings

Also check out:

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings