Each year, fantasy football (td) owners have their eyes open for the new crop of rookies that could make an impact in that first season. As compared to wide receivers, who typically don’t make an impact until their 3rd season, running backs (t d f) can contribute immediately in year one, and history has proved that fact. While not as crucial in full redraft leagues (where the superstar RBs are coveted first), rookie RBs who could make that immediate impact are squarely on the radar screen of most fantasy owners in keeper leagues. Let’s take a look at the big 3 rookie running backs heading into the 2005 season, examine their fantasy potential, as well as the value of the current running backs on those teams.
Ronnie Brown – Miami Dolphins (td)After last year’s debacle with the sudden retirement of Ricky Williams, the Dolphins found out the hard way that Travis Minor and the other scrubs they had at the RB position were not the answer to rebuild their running game. So, come the 2005 draft, they did not hesitate to take the top rookie RB on the board, Ronnie Brown (td). This is a guy who could definitely make an immediate impact, and with new coach Nick Saban (td) ready to put his stamp on this team, Brown could definitely be the centerpiece of this offense. With virtually no competition for Brown, he should get the ball 20-25 times a game, taking a great deal of pressure off a sub-standard passing game. Even with the potential return of Ricky Williams (can you believe they are even letting this guy back near the Dolphins training facility?), I am confident that Brown will be the “man” in 2005. While Williams likely still has the tools to be a top-notch running back, he has shown that his heart is not there anymore. Honestly, the only reason he is coming back is that he doesn’t want to cough up the $8.6 million signing bonus that he received. So, while Williams will get carries, look for Ronnie Brown to be the featured back and be one of the top rookie performers from a fantasy (td) perspective. Expect at least 8-10 TDs and close to 1,000 yards on the ground.
Fantasy Sac Says: Good work Howard! My thoughts as a Dolphins fan is that either A) Ronnie Brown has a HUGE year because of several factors, one being that there is still no real QB in Miami (td) and the job is still up for grabs. Feely has not grabbed the spot from Gus Ferotte, who I would not be surprised, is the starter. So this will allow Brown (td) to get a TON of opportunities and if they use Ricky as a change of pace back, all of a sudden Miami is a ball control, run first ask questions later team, benefitting Brown.
On the Flip side there isB) Brown has an average year because of the above mention QB issue. Teams put 9 in the box and with no viable passing game to complement Brown he ends having a mediocre year. Add that to a 185 pound Ricky Williams (td) with no heart. Ronnie gets run down by the constant touches and never has much gas if and when they get near the end-zone.
1 comment:
I agree that Brown should have a fine year. I actually think that Miami's O should be much improved and that Ferotte is a capable starter. He's already familiar with Linehans offense and is good enough to keep Defenses honest. With the addition of Brown, I can see Chris Chambers having a respectable fantasy year. I'd grab him as a weak 2 or strong 3. He has Marty Booker on the other side and Randy McMichael to keep constant double teams away.
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