As we continue to roll on through the running backs, each selection becomes more and more pivotal and you attempt to install the pieces around your keystone players. Running backs 21-26 include a number of players who have the potential to bounce back after somewhat disappointing 2010 season.
Running backs 1-5 Running backs 11-15
Running backs 6-10 Running backs 16-20
#21- Marshawn Lynch: RB- Seattle Seahawks
Age: 25
Height: 5’11
Weight: 215
Bye Week: 6
Keeper Status: Good
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 737 yards 6 TD
Receiving: 22 Rec. 145 yards 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 987 yards 7 TD
Receiving: 21 Rec. 127 yards 0 TD
Lynch may be best remembered last season for his 67-yard run that literally caused seismic shifts in the ground against New Orleans in the NFC Wild Card game. However, Lynch may have finally found his resurrection site in Seattle. In his 11 starts for the Seahawks, Lynch rushed for 573 yards and 6 touchdowns while catching 21 passes for 138 yards. Lynch is a tremendously gifted back who was once in the top 5 for all fantasy backs. Lynch could be a nice asset this year but it still isn’t advisable to take him any earlier than the fourth round
#22 Ryan Mathews: RB- San Diego Chargers
Age: 23
Height: 6’0
Weight: 218
Bye Week: 6
Keeper Status: Good
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 678 yards 7 TD
Receiving: 22 Rec. 145 yards 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 938 yards 7 TD
Receiving: 29 Rec. 255 yards 1 TD
As a rookie in 2010, Mathews failed to live up to expectations (as unrealistic as they may have been). Serving as the replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson, Mathews hit a rookie wall and struggled with injuries throughout the year. With a year of experience under his belt, Mathews is set to take a giant leap forward towards being the Bolts franchise back. With the solid play of backup Mike Tolbert last year however, Mathews may not get quite the numbers fantasy owners would like. He’s definitely worth drafting as a solid #3 back though.
#23 Shonn Greene: RB-New York Jets
Age: 25
Height: 5’11
Weight: 226
Bye Week: 8
Keeper Status: Fair
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 766 yards 2 TD
Receiving: 16 Rec. 120 yards 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 1115 yards 6 TD
Receiving: 12 Rec. 87 yards 0 TD
Greene was the ultimate fantasy heel in 2010. After a strong performance in the 2009 playoffs, the Jets dumped Thomas Jones and were set to have Greene lead them to the Promised Land in 2010. However, Greene found himself playing second fiddle to LaDainian Tomlinson for the majority of the year and was unable to gain any momentum. With LT another year older and slower, Greene should take another step toward becoming the Jets back of the future. Until he can prove that he can be a prime time player, ranking him higher than #23 is reckless.
#24- DeAngelo Williams: RB- Carolina Panthers
Age: 28
Height: 5’9
Weight: 217
Bye Week: 9
Keeper Status: Good
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 361 yards 1 TD
Receiving: 11 Rec. 61 yards 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 867 yards 4 TD
Receiving: 23 Rec. 182 yards 2 TD
Williams is currently listed as a free agent and chances are he’ll be moving on to another team by the time the 2011 season begins. Williams was only able to play in 6 games in 2010 with Carolina and saw his role with the team shrink with Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson carrying the load. Williams has the ability to be a big time back in the NFL if the circumstances are right. Ranking him too high would be irresponsible at this point until it’s decided on where he lands.
#25- BenJarvus Green-Ellis: RB- New England Patriots
Age: 25
Height: 5’11
Weight: 215
Bye Week: 7
Keeper Status: Fair
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 1008 yards 13 TD
Receiving: 12 Rec. 85 yards 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 1090 yards 6 TD
Receiving: 17 Rec. 90 yards 0 TD
“The Law Firm” became the first Patriot running back to eclipse the 1000-yard mark since Corey Dillon in 2004. BJGE should see an increased role this season but will not be a factor in the receiving game with Danny Woodhead on the roster and Kevin Faulk possibly returning. The Patriots also selected two running backs in the draft with Shane Vereen (2nd round) and Stevan Ridley (3rd Round). Once again, a crowded New England backfield could stunt BJGE’s numbers.