After two NFL seasons, people have regarded Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells as a first-round bust. His conditioning has been called into question; he's been bothered by multiple nagging injuries; he hasn't run decisively on a consistent basis.
But this year, beat writers have said Wells has lost weight and looks more sculpted. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt says Wells is quickly hitting running lanes and "running angry." Wells' anger is fueled by those doubters who point to his numbers -- just 397 rushing yards on a 116 carries last season -- and say he'll never be more than what he is. Wells says that kind of stuff has put a huge chip on his shoulder.
"I don't really like to say I have to go out and prove people wrong, but I have a lot of people saying what I can't do and who I'm not, so I'm going to go out there and play football and enjoy it," Wells told The Arizona Republic on Saturday.

Fantasy Analysis:

If Wells is ever going to prove his worth, it's got to be this year. He's entering his third year in the league and with Ryan Williams out until 2012, Wells doesn't really have a true backup RB. No, I'm not counting LaRod Stephens-Howling. He is currently being drafted around pick No. 78, according to FFToolbox's ADP chart. I'm not a big Beanie fan either, but I think he's a really good value in the seventh round of a 12-team draft. I would expect him to go earlier than that.Whisenhunt was tentative to call this a make-or-break-year for Wells. But make no doubt about it -- it's make or break. I'm leaning toward the latter more than the former, but I'm willing to buy him as a flex RB.