Dynasty Rookies: RBs
When it comes to building your fantasy team, this is the position everyone covets. Make the right pick (Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson) and you can start ordering championship banners by the bushel. This is not considered an elite crop of backs (at least not on the high-end level), but there are plenty of viable options that could grow into top tier fantasy selections over time.
RB Ryan Mathews, ---
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The former Fresno State star may not be the top running back prospect to come out of the draft in recent years, but it is hard to remember anyone entering the NFL in a better situation. The Chargers were in major need of a running back with LT2 having been shown the door and so they made a bold trade up to acquire the second leading rusher in D-1 last season. Even with Darren Sproles staying on board, this is clearly Mathews' gig to lose and he has the all-around ability to be an every down back. Plus, Mathews gets to play in a balanced offense with a top-notch passing game so he does not have the "pressure" of having to be the savior. Remember that even while running on his ancient wheels, LT2 scored 12 touchdowns and was still a Top 25-30 fantasy RB overall last season.
RB C.J. Spiller, ---
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Until the Bills thin out their backfield, it is hard to tell what exactly Spiller's role will be this season, but he has the potential to be a serious home run threat. The Chris Johnson comparisons in terms of style and ability to break the long one are fair, but Spiller is likely too fragile to run inside or ever take on a true heavy workload. If the Bills solve their QB and o-line needs sooner rather than later, Spiller will be a weekly contributor to highlight reels. Whether he will receive enough touches to become a true Top-10 fantasy back remains unclear, but it will be exciting watching him try.
RB Ben Tate, ---
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The thoughts on Tate as NFL starter are mixed, but the fantasy opportunity presented by joining a high-powered offense like the Texans is not. The naysayers will say the 5-11, 220 pounder dances more than his size suggests he should; others say his aptitude for hitting the hole quickly will serve him well in the Texans' scheme. With Steve Slaton's 2009 season affirming that he is not a full-time back, Tate could be a 1,200+ yard back with 8-10 scores if he wins the job in training camp.
Updated, August 22 - Obviously Tate's value took a major hit with his season-ending leg injury. Because of the second-round investment the Texans made in him, Tate figures to still be in the mix for major carries next year UNLESS Arian Foster blows up this year. If there is room on your roster to carry dead wright like Tate all season, then do not shy away from taking him at some point in the later rounds.
RB Jahvid Best, ---
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He may not be the top running back coming out of the draft, but Best brings folks out of their seats like few do with his Felix Jones-like speed and allusiveness as a runner, receiver or returner. Best, who scored 27 touchdowns and rushed for over 2,400 yards the past two seasons despite five games with injuries, has the starting gig in his grasp with Kevin Smith recovering from a serious knee injury and Mo Morris being, well, Mo Morris.
Durability concerns are something else the rookie has in common with the Cowboys rusher; the former Cal Bear underwent hip, shoulder and elbow surgeries during his three years in Berkeley and a serious concussion kept him out of the final four games last year. His lack of size also stunts his goal line chances, but he is sure to do plenty with 12-15 carries in year one. Best's touches and usage will tick up over time if he can handle the punishment and as he shows that few defenders can lay a hand on him in the open field. That is after all, where Jahvid is at his best.
***Editing gaffe left Best off my originally submitted list.
RB Montario Hardesty, ---
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Jerome Harrison closed last season with a serious flurry, but the Browns still moved up in the second round to draft the powerful Hardesty. For now the two likely share the load, but Harrison will need to keep posting prodigious numbers to keep the 225-pounder with 4.49 speed from eventually taking over the gig down the line. Hardesty racked up over 1,300 yards last year for the Vols despite missing time with injuries. The injury bug is the biggest knock against him, but he runs with purpose and has the potential to be a stud in this offense.
