Second-Round Worthy

Michael Turner | ATL RB

In our recent Expert Fantasy Football Draft, we were able to grab Turner at 3.05. That’s what you call value, because Turner easily has top 15RB upside — And that’s being conservative. Now, Turner doesn’t have a long resume in the NFL, but whenever his number has been called, the speedster has stepped up in a major way.

In Week 5 (Denver) last year, The Burner ran the football just 10 times for 147 yards and a score. His 5.5 career yards-per-carry average (on 228 carries) is extremely impressive - His ability to break off long runs is even more impressive. On just 228 carries, Turner has managed to throw down long runs of 83, 74 and 73. Those are some of the longest runs in Chargers’ franchise history. The 26 year-old running back is now a starter in the NFL, and although many believe that Atlanta will have a tough time blocking for Turner in ‘08, he has far too much upside to pass up at his current ADP (3.07-4.07). If you should be so lucky to be able to land the Falcons’ starter as your third or fourth overall player, don’t hesitate! He may just end up being a top 10 running back when all is said and done at Week 16’s end.

Smitty’s Projections: Currently I have my Turner Projections as: 310 carries for 1,364 rushing yards (4.4), 30 receptions for 300 yards and 11 total touchdowns.

Maurice Jones-Drew | JAC RB

Maurice Jones-Drew went nuts in his rookie campaign back in 2006, rushing the football 166 times for 941 yards and 13TDs. He also pulled in 46 passes for 436 yards and 2TDs. that’s an unbelievable rookie season! Well, Jones-Drew took a small step backwards in 2007, as Fred Taylor finished with 223 carries in 2007 (he also had 1,202 yards). In what is considered a “disappointing” sophomore season, Jones-Drew still managed to produce 1,175 total yards and 9 total scores. That’s actually not a bad year, but it’s all about expectations in this game.

Because of his “mediocre” 2007 fantasy numbers, my guess is that you will occasionally see Jones-Drew fall to bargain-type value in 2008 drafts. My advice? Take full advantage of the “what have you done for me lately” phenomenon if it happens to strike your league! Most everyone considers the 23 year-old an eventual stud, but for some reason, many will still doubt The Human Bowling Ball entering ‘08. In our recent Expert Fantasy Football Draft, Jones-Drew went at 2.07, which is just about right. I think that he is actually worth a grab even a few spots higher (if need be). If for some reason he falls to the bottom of the second in your upcoming draft, don’t even think about it — Invest!

Smitty’s Projections: The Jags runner is about to get his first 260+ touch season. Currently I have my Jones-Drew Projections as: 220 carries, 1,078 rushing yards (4.9), 46 receptions for 438 yards and 12 total touchdowns.

More Possible Breakouts

Rashard Mendenhall | PIT RB

Pittsburgh didn’t invest their first-round … []

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I also love MJD as a guy to have now. A lot of people are skeptical on him and his carries, but IMO this will be the last year to get him at a decent price. Starting in 2009 he will be hard to land. Some will disagree, but in 1 of my keeper leagues- I'm probably keeping MJD over L.J.

Remember way back then, when we did our early predictions. I PREDICTED MJD TO BE A TOP 5 RB. Time will tell everything

basher said:

I also love MJD as a guy to have now. A lot of people are skeptical on him and his carries, but IMO this will be the last year to get him at a decent price. Starting in 2009 he will be hard to land. Some will disagree, but in 1 of my keeper leagues- I'm probably keeping MJD over L.J.

Remember way back then, when we did our early predictions. I PREDICTED MJD TO BE A TOP 5 RB. Time will tell everything

Leinart is one of them!

basher said:

I PREDICTED MJD TO BE A TOP 5 RB. Time will tell everything

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Hate to tell ya but that won't happen. Why cause you don't sign your QB to a $60 million for 6 years. Much like you wouldn't sit DMC with his contract.  Mojo will obtain his usual 1200 and 11 tds. But nothing to blow him away from the pack.

Want a breakout?

Chris Chambers will obtain his 1000 yards and probably 8-9 TDs. I don't see Gates doing so well with that toe plus the chance of reoccurance is great. The same would go for Patrick Crayton no thanks to a mr. Terry Glenn.

And yes my love affair with Jonathan Stewart continues He's a serious red-zone threat and if the Panthers were'nt worried about his toe neither am I. He was the main reason why Carolina drafted Jeff Otah right after. Expect close to 1000 and 7-8 dingers from him.