Anyone who has played fantasy football knows that drafting rookies and expecting a fantasy impact in their first year is a hit or miss proposition.  The 2008 season was no different than any other when it came to projecting which running backs would be the next big star.
Below are the top running backs drafted in 2008, with the round and overall position on where they were drafted.  We rate each player with a grade based on their fantasy impact.  The players are listed in the order of where they were picked in the NFL Draft.

Darren McFadden, Raiders: Drafted 1st round/4th overall
Whether it was a lingering toe injury or the dysfunctional Raiders offense, McFadden could never get on track and his first season was pretty much a disaster for him and anyone who drafted him expecting to get the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson, not the Bears’ Adrian Peterson.  If you’re in a keeper league, he’ll have some carryover value. If not, then this pick was a bust considering that he was drafted fairly high in most leagues.
Grade: D

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers: 1/13
He formed a dangerous duo with backfield mate DeAngelo Williams, rushing for 10 TDs and 835 yards.  He showed that he will be a legit running back with a nose for the end zone for many years to come.
Grade: A

Felix Jones, Cowboys: 1/22
Despite having Marion Barber in front of him and getting the vast majority of touches, Jones displayed electrifying speed and game breaking ability.  Unfortunately, his season was snuffed out with a hamstring and toe injuries after just six games.  His 8.9 yard per carry average and 3 TDs gave fantasy owners a glimpse at his talent.  His grade would have been higher if he had played more.
Grade: B-

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: 1/23
Taken by Pittsburgh right after Jones, Mendenhall was believed to at least be the short yardage specialist and vulture some touchdowns from Willie Parker.  He didn’t even get a chance to do that as he was placed on IR after four games and just 58 rushing yards.
Grade: Incomplete

Read the rest of the Rookie Running Back grades here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=506

Anyone who has played fantasy football knows that drafting rookies and expecting a fantasy impact in their first year is a hit or miss proposition.  The 2008 season was no different than any other when it came to projecting which running backs would be the next big star.
Below are the top running backs drafted in 2008, with the round and overall position on where they were drafted.  We rate each player with a grade based on their fantasy impact.  The players are listed in the order of where they were picked in the NFL Draft.

Darren McFadden, Raiders: Drafted 1st round/4th overall
Whether it was a lingering toe injury or the dysfunctional Raiders offense, McFadden could never get on track and his first season was pretty much a disaster for him and anyone who drafted him expecting to get the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson, not the Bears’ Adrian Peterson.  If you’re in a keeper league, he’ll have some carryover value. If not, then this pick was a bust considering that he was drafted fairly high in most leagues.
Grade: D

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers: 1/13
He formed a dangerous duo with backfield mate DeAngelo Williams, rushing for 10 TDs and 835 yards.  He showed that he will be a legit running back with a nose for the end zone for many years to come.
Grade: A

Felix Jones, Cowboys: 1/22
Despite having Marion Barber in front of him and getting the vast majority of touches, Jones displayed electrifying speed and game breaking ability.  Unfortunately, his season was snuffed out with a hamstring and toe injuries after just six games.  His 8.9 yard per carry average and 3 TDs gave fantasy owners a glimpse at his talent.  His grade would have been higher if he had played more.
Grade: B-

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: 1/23
Taken by Pittsburgh right after Jones, Mendenhall was believed to at least be the short yardage specialist and vulture some touchdowns from Willie Parker.  He didn’t even get a chance to do that as he was placed on IR after four games and just 58 rushing yards.
Grade: Incomplete

Read the rest of the Rookie Running Back grades here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=506

Anyone who has played fantasy football knows that drafting rookies and expecting a fantasy impact in their first year is a hit or miss proposition.  The 2008 season was no different than any other when it came to projecting which running backs would be the next big star.
Below are the top running backs drafted in 2008, with the round and overall position on where they were drafted.  We rate each player with a grade based on their fantasy impact.  The players are listed in the order of where they were picked in the NFL Draft.

Darren McFadden, Raiders: Drafted 1st round/4th overall
Whether it was a lingering toe injury or the dysfunctional Raiders offense, McFadden could never get on track and his first season was pretty much a disaster for him and anyone who drafted him expecting to get the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson, not the Bears’ Adrian Peterson.  If you’re in a keeper league, he’ll have some carryover value. If not, then this pick was a bust considering that he was drafted fairly high in most leagues.
Grade: D

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers: 1/13
He formed a dangerous duo with backfield mate DeAngelo Williams, rushing for 10 TDs and 835 yards.  He showed that he will be a legit running back with a nose for the end zone for many years to come.
Grade: A

Felix Jones, Cowboys: 1/22
Despite having Marion Barber in front of him and getting the vast majority of touches, Jones displayed electrifying speed and game breaking ability.  Unfortunately, his season was snuffed out with a hamstring and toe injuries after just six games.  His 8.9 yard per carry average and 3 TDs gave fantasy owners a glimpse at his talent.  His grade would have been higher if he had played more.
Grade: B-

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: 1/23
Taken by Pittsburgh right after Jones, Mendenhall was believed to at least be the short yardage specialist and vulture some touchdowns from Willie Parker.  He didn’t even get a chance to do that as he was placed on IR after four games and just 58 rushing yards.
Grade: Incomplete

Read the rest of the Rookie Running Back grades here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=506

Anyone who has played fantasy football knows that drafting rookies and expecting a fantasy impact in their first year is a hit or miss proposition.  The 2008 season was no different than any other when it came to projecting which running backs would be the next big star.
Below are the top running backs drafted in 2008, with the round and overall position on where they were drafted.  We rate each player with a grade based on their fantasy impact.  The players are listed in the order of where they were picked in the NFL Draft.

Darren McFadden, Raiders: Drafted 1st round/4th overall
Whether it was a lingering toe injury or the dysfunctional Raiders offense, McFadden could never get on track and his first season was pretty much a disaster for him and anyone who drafted him expecting to get the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson, not the Bears’ Adrian Peterson.  If you’re in a keeper league, he’ll have some carryover value. If not, then this pick was a bust considering that he was drafted fairly high in most leagues.
Grade: D

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers: 1/13
He formed a dangerous duo with backfield mate DeAngelo Williams, rushing for 10 TDs and 835 yards.  He showed that he will be a legit running back with a nose for the end zone for many years to come.
Grade: A

Felix Jones, Cowboys: 1/22
Despite having Marion Barber in front of him and getting the vast majority of touches, Jones displayed electrifying speed and game breaking ability.  Unfortunately, his season was snuffed out with a hamstring and toe injuries after just six games.  His 8.9 yard per carry average and 3 TDs gave fantasy owners a glimpse at his talent.  His grade would have been higher if he had played more.
Grade: B-

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: 1/23
Taken by Pittsburgh right after Jones, Mendenhall was believed to at least be the short yardage specialist and vulture some touchdowns from Willie Parker.  He didn’t even get a chance to do that as he was placed on IR after four games and just 58 rushing yards.
Grade: Incomplete

Read the rest of the Rookie Running Back grades here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=506

Anyone who has played fantasy football knows that drafting rookies and expecting a fantasy impact in their first year is a hit or miss proposition.  The 2008 season was no different than any other when it came to projecting which running backs would be the next big star.
Below are the top running backs drafted in 2008, with the round and overall position on where they were drafted.  We rate each player with a grade based on their fantasy impact.  The players are listed in the order of where they were picked in the NFL Draft.

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This past Sunday, the 49ers honored Steve Young with a halftime ceremony retiring his number.  I always thought that despite his numerous accomplishments, Young was never appreciated as much as he should have been.  It got us thinking here at The Fantasy Sports Forum about some excellent NFL players who never quite received the credit they probably should have.  Here is our top ten list: 

10. Phil Simms, QB, New York Giants:  Not the strongest arm or the fastest runner, but an excellent leader who got the job done and had one of the greatest Super Bowl games of any quarterback.  Could play for my team anytime.

9. Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins:  Yeah I know he was just elected to the Hall of Fame, but it took about 15 years for him to get there - even though when he retired he was the NFL leader in receptions.  Wasn't flashy, didn't call attention to himself, just caught the football and kept the chains moving.

8. Randall Cunningham, QB, Philadelphia Eagles/Minnesota Vikings:  He was always one of the most exciting players to watch, since he was a double threat to burn a defense with his incredibly strong arm or super fleet feet.  Led some excellent teams, including the 15-1 Vikings who failed to make the Super Bowl because of a missed Gary Anderson field goal try in the NFC Championship game.

7. John Taylor, WR, San Francisco 49ers:  Maybe he was able to put up all those numbers because opposing defenses were worried about Jerry Rice, but he was a highlight machine himself, regularly turning five yard slants into 60 yard touchdowns.  The perfect complement to Rice in that he didn't need the spotlight to shine on himself.

6. Drew Pearson, WR, Dallas:  One of the best receivers of the 70s and a leader of the Cowboys.  Best known for the Hail Mary completion against Minnesota in the playoffs.  Has very similar numbers to Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and should probably be there himself.

5. Warren Moon, QB, Houston Oilers: Moon was a prolific offensive machine during the Oilers Run and Shoot era.  And while he never won a Super Bowl, he was a multiple champion in the CFL, if that counts for anything.

4. Doug Flutie, QB, Buffalo Bills: Yes, Flutie was another quarterback who excelled in the CFL, but was never given a fair chance in the NFL, mostly due to being the anti-prototype size for an NFL quarterback.  But anywhere he played, he managed to win.  He should never have been passed over in Buffalo for an inferior and subpar talent like Rob Johnson.  Wade Phillips would have lasted longer in Buffalo if he had picked the right man to lead his team. 

.  

Read the rest here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=449

This past Sunday, the 49ers honored Steve Young with a halftime ceremony retiring his number.  I always thought that despite his numerous accomplishments, Young was never appreciated as much as he should have been.  It got us thinking here at The Fantasy Sports Forum about some excellent NFL players who never quite received the credit they probably should have.  Here is our top ten list: 

10. Phil Simms, QB, New York Giants:  Not the strongest arm or the fastest runner, but an excellent leader who got the job done and had one of the greatest Super Bowl games of any quarterback.  Could play for my team anytime.

9. Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins:  Yeah I know he was just elected to the Hall of Fame, but it took about 15 years for him to get there - even though when he retired he was the NFL leader in receptions.  Wasn't flashy, didn't call attention to himself, just caught the football and kept the chains moving.

8. Randall Cunningham, QB, Philadelphia Eagles/Minnesota Vikings:  He was always one of the most exciting players to watch, since he was a double threat to burn a defense with his incredibly strong arm or super fleet feet.  Led some excellent teams, including the 15-1 Vikings who failed to make the Super Bowl because of a missed Gary Anderson field goal try in the NFC Championship game.

7. John Taylor, WR, San Francisco 49ers:  Maybe he was able to put up all those numbers because opposing defenses were worried about Jerry Rice, but he was a highlight machine himself, regularly turning five yard slants into 60 yard touchdowns.  The perfect complement to Rice in that he didn't need the spotlight to shine on himself.

6. Drew Pearson, WR, Dallas:  One of the best receivers of the 70s and a leader of the Cowboys.  Best known for the Hail Mary completion against Minnesota in the playoffs.  Has very similar numbers to Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and should probably be there himself.

5. Warren Moon, QB, Houston Oilers: Moon was a prolific offensive machine during the Oilers Run and Shoot era.  And while he never won a Super Bowl, he was a multiple champion in the CFL, if that counts for anything.

4. Doug Flutie, QB, Buffalo Bills: Yes, Flutie was another quarterback who excelled in the CFL, but was never given a fair chance in the NFL, mostly due to being the anti-prototype size for an NFL quarterback.  But anywhere he played, he managed to win.  He should never have been passed over in Buffalo for an inferior and subpar talent like Rob Johnson.  Wade Phillips would have lasted longer in Buffalo if he had picked the right man to lead his team. 

. 

Read the rest here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=449

This past Sunday, the 49ers honored Steve Young with a halftime ceremony retiring his number.  I always thought that despite his numerous accomplishments, Young was never appreciated as much as he should have been.  It got us thinking here at The Fantasy Sports Forum about some excellent NFL players who never quite received the credit they probably should have.  Here is our top ten list: 

10. Phil Simms, QB, New York Giants:  Not the strongest arm or the fastest runner, but an excellent leader who got the job done and had one of the greatest Super Bowl games of any quarterback.  Could play for my team anytime.

9. Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins:  Yeah I know he was just elected to the Hall of Fame, but it took about 15 years for him to get there - even though when he retired he was the NFL leader in receptions.  Wasn't flashy, didn't call attention to himself, just caught the football and kept the chains moving.

8. Jeff Garcia, QB, San Francisco 49ers:  Had the impossible job of making 49er fans forget Joe Montana and Steve Young - good luck.  His arm is nothing special, but all he does is win.  I'm not sure anyone knows why, but he just has that something special. 

7. John Taylor, WR, San Francisco 49ers:  Maybe he was able to put up all those numbers because opposing defenses were worried about Jerry Rice, but he was a highlight machine himself, regularly turning five yard slants into 60 yard touchdowns.  The perfect complement to Rice in that he didn't need the spotlight to shine on himself.

6. Drew Pearson, WR, Dallas:  One of the best receivers of the 70s and a leader of the Cowboys.  Best known for the Hail Mary completion against Minnesota in the playoffs.  Has very similar numbers to Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and should probably be there himself.

5. Warren Moon, QB, Houston Oilers: Moon was a prolific offensive machine during the Oilers Run and Shoot era.  And while he never won a Super Bowl, he was a multiple champion in the CFL, if that counts for anything.

4. Doug Flutie, QB, Buffalo Bills: Yes, Flutie was another quarterback who excelled in the CFL, but was never given a fair chance in the NFL, mostly due to being the anti-prototype size for an NFL quarterback.  But anywhere he played, he managed to win.  He should never have been passed over in Buffalo for an inferior and subpar talent like Rob Johnson.  Wade Phillips would have lasted longer in Buffalo if he had picked the right man to lead his team. 

. 

Read the rest here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=449

This past Sunday, the 49ers honored Steve Young with a halftime ceremony retiring his number.  I always thought that despite his numerous accomplishments, Young was never appreciated as much as he should have been.  It got us thinking here at The Fantasy Sports Forum about some excellent NFL players who never quite received the credit they probably should have.  Here is our top ten list: 

10. Phil Simms, QB, New York Giants:  Not the strongest arm or the fastest runner, but an excellent leader who got the job done and had one of the greatest Super Bowl games of any quarterback.  Could play for my team anytime.

9. Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins:  Yeah I know he was just elected to the Hall of Fame, but it took about 15 years for him to get there - even though when he retired he was the NFL leader in receptions.  Wasn't flashy, didn't call attention to himself, just caught the football and kept the chains moving.

8. Jeff Garcia, QB, San Francisco 49ers:  Had the impossible job of making 49er fans forget Joe Montana and Steve Young - good luck.  His arm is nothing special, but all he does is win.  I'm not sure anyone knows why, but he just has that something special. 

7. John Taylor, WR, San Francisco 49ers:  Maybe he was able to put up all those numbers because opposing defenses were worried about Jerry Rice, but he was a highlight machine himself, regularly turning five yard slants into 60 yard touchdowns.  The perfect complement to Rice in that he didn't need the spotlight to shine on himself.

6. Drew Pearson, WR, Dallas:  One of the best receivers of the 70s and a leader of the Cowboys.  Best known for the Hail Mary completion against Minnesota in the playoffs.  Has very similar numbers to Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and should probably be there himself.

5. Warren Moon, QB, Houston Oilers: Moon was a prolific offensive machine during the Oilers Run and Shoot era.  And while he never won a Super Bowl, he was a multiple champion in the CFL, if that counts for anything.

4. Doug Flutie, QB, Buffalo Bills: Yes, Flutie was another quarterback who excelled in the CFL, but was never given a fair chance in the NFL, mostly due to being the anti-prototype size for an NFL quarterback.  But anywhere he played, he managed to win.  He should never have been passed over in Buffalo for an inferior and subpar talent like Rob Johnson.  Wade Phillips would have lasted longer in Buffalo if he had picked the right man to lead his team. 

. 

Read the rest here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=449

This past Sunday, the 49ers honored Steve Young with a halftime ceremony retiring his number.  I always thought that despite his numerous accomplishments, Young was never appreciated as much as he should have been.  It got us thinking here at The Fantasy Sports Forum about some excellent NFL players who never quite received the credit they probably should have.  Here is our top ten list: 

10. Phil Simms, QB, New York Giants:  Not the strongest arm or the fastest runner, but an excellent leader who got the job done and had one of the greatest Super Bowl games of any quarterback.  Could play for my team anytime.

9. Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins:  Yeah I know he was just elected to the Hall of Fame, but it took about 15 years for him to get there - even though when he retired he was the NFL leader in receptions.  Wasn't flashy, didn't call attention to himself, just caught the football and kept the chains moving.

8. Jeff Garcia, QB, San Francisco 49ers:  Had the impossible job of making 49er fans forget Joe Montana and Steve Young - good luck.  His arm is nothing special, but all he does is win.  I'm not sure anyone knows why, but he just has that something special. 

7. John Taylor, WR, San Francisco 49ers:  Maybe he was able to put up all those numbers because opposing defenses were worried about Jerry Rice, but he was a highlight machine himself, regularly turning five yard slants into 60 yard touchdowns.  The perfect complement to Rice in that he didn't need the spotlight to shine on himself.

6. Drew Pearson, WR, Dallas:  One of the best receivers of the 70s and a leader of the Cowboys.  Best known for the Hail Mary completion against Minnesota in the playoffs.  Has very similar numbers to Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and should probably be there himself.

Read the rest here: http://thefantasysportsforum.com/article.php?ID=449