Are you ready for the 2008 fantasy football season? KFFL is and we are here to help you dominate your fantasy football draft on the way to bringing home a fantasy league football championship this season.

Knowing the latest surrounding each fantasy football pick is essential in having a strong fantasy football draft. The following is KFFL's breakdown of draft-worthy running back options.

Be sure to check back often, as KFFL's free fantasy football coverage is updated weekly until the start of the 2008 fantasy league football season. For your fantasy football rankings and fantasy football cheat sheets, look no further. You can access those through KFFL's free fantasy football draft guide!

Editor's note: All average draft position figures are based on 12-team leagues.

Tier 1

1) LaDainian Tomlinson | San Diego Chargers | 5-foot-10, 221 Pounds | 8th Year

PROS: Despite a totally new coaching staff assembled by new head coach Norv Turner, Tomlinson was able to meet or exceed the 15-touchdown mark for the sixth consecutive season. He ran for more than 1,400 rushing yards for the fifth time in his career and extended his personal streak of catching at least 50 passes in a season to seven years. He was also able to play in every game of the season again, marking the third straight year and sixth time out of seven in which he started all 16 games. Tomlinson was utilized a league-high 403 times (41 percent) last year, and he received more red zone utilizations (67) than any other player in the league. His versatility is second to none, and you can bet that he won't be losing time to any of the backup rushers on the team. With durability, great receiving skills and tremendous rushing ability, it's hard not to like him.

CONS: There aren't many to discuss here. He is coming off a second-degree knee sprain of his medial collateral ligament that required at least six weeks to heal, and also disrupted the hamstring fibers behind the knee, but he participated in the team's minicamp in May and said his knee was fully recovered. Tomlinson was off to a slow start last year, taking him until Week 4 to break 100 yards of total offense in a game. Tomlinson has a ton of mileage and turns 29 before the season starts, an age in which running backs usually begin to show signs of slowing down. The Chargers offensive line is going through some turmoil, with center Nick Hardwick (foot) not expected to be ready for Week 1 and questions of performance at both tackle positions.

FANTASY TIP: Tomlinson is hard to pass up with the top pick in fantasy drafts. Owners have a solid idea of what to expect since he has been very consistent throughout his career. Not to mention his ability to stay on the field during the entire season, his receiving skills keep him on the field for three downs. He's able to help out fantasy teams in numerous ways and is a safe pick at No. 1 overall.

2) Adrian Peterson | Minnesota Vikings | 6-foot-1, 217 Pounds | 2nd Year

PROS: The rookie out of Palestine, Texas, debuted in a big way, rushing for 103 yards in Week 1 and scoring on a 60-yard touchdown reception. It was just a small sample of what was to come, as he went on to record 1,341 rushing yards despite starting just nine games and earning only 238 carries on the year. He managed 13 total touchdowns in his first season and caught 19 passes on the year. He should be the starter in 2008 and should earn more carries, making him one of the top fantasy running backs for the upcoming year. The team also added wide receiver Bernard Berrian to their passing attack, which should help prevent opposing defenses from keying in on the Vikings running game as much. A violent runner, Peterson is a threat to go the distance any time he touches the ball.

CONS: Durability was considered an issue for him entering the draft, and he missed two weeks of the season because of a knee injury. He also had a few games where he was completely shut down, particularly the final three games of the season. He was held to a total of 40 carries for 141 rushing yards during Weeks 15-17. The passing game is suspect, at best, in Minneapolis, so will the addition of Berrian be that much of a boost? The offensive line is aging, and standout left tackle Bryant McKinnie has found himself in trouble after a series of legal woes; he will miss the first four games. Peterson still has to share carries with running back Chester Taylor to a degree, as well.

FANTASY TIP: Peterson is coming off a tremendous year in which he played like an elite running back despite limited carries. At 23 years old, he will be a very popular pick in keeper leagues if he is still available. Owners in single-year leagues will have to grab him with one of the top three picks if they want him, and you can bet that he will go No. 1 overall in some leagues. While he is an elite talent, it's hard to select him over San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, especially when you consider Peterson's injury history. Plus, keep in mind that Peterson's receiving skills aren't as good as some of the other first-round running backs, making him less attractive in point-per-reception leagues. Peterson's upside and potential are tough to ignore, but we advise to make him the second player chosen in your draft instead of the first.

Tier 2

3) Brian Westbrook | Philadelphia Eagles | 5-foot-10, 203 Pounds | 7th Year

PROS: It was another career-year for Westbrook, setting career highs for himself in rushing attempts (278), rushing yards (1,333), receptions (90), receiving yards (771) and total touchdowns scored (12). Westbrook is one of the top receiving running backs in the NFL, catching at least 61 passes and recording at least 616 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. He was also consistent last year, gaining at least 92 yards from scrimmage in every game. His role as a receiver in the team's offense also means he won't come off the field when the team is down early. No one on the depth chart is a serious challenge to his playing time, and Westbrook doesn't have a lot of mileage despite his age (28).

CONS: Durability remains an issue, albeit a small one. While Westbrook has never missed more than four games in a season, he has never played a full 16-game schedule, either. With last year likely being his statistical peak, it could be nothing but downhill production from here. Few running backs get better with age, and while Westbrook isn't old, he turns 29 before the season begins. That age, of course, is usually the beginning of the end for a star running back's production remaining at the elite level. 

FANTASY TIP: Westbrook is one of the top five running backs in fantasy football and should be picked within the first five picks or so. In point-per-reception leagues, Westbrook gains an advantage over many other options here because of his role in the team's offense and how consistent he is as a receiver. He is worth picking in the top five in this format, but owners need to remember that he will likely miss a game or two at some point in the year.

Tier 3

4) Steven Jackson | St. Louis Rams | 6-foot-2, 231 Pounds | 5th Year

PROS: Jackson earned 1,002 rushing yards last year, breaking the 1,000-yard mark for the third consecutive season. He also averaged 4.2 yards per carry, the fourth time he has broken the 4.0-yard per carry mark in his career. Jackson has great size and is a very good receiver out of the backfield, making him a dangerous weapon that doesn't come off the field too often. The team's offensive line is finally healthy, which should open up more holes for Jackson again. The Rams also hired Al Saunders to be their offensive coordinator, and Saunders believes Jackson hasn't hit his full potential yet. For the record, Saunders has been in charge of several fantasy studs in the backfield, such as the Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs' Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes.

CONS: Jackson's numbers were down a lot in 2007. A partially torn groin forced him to miss four games during the season, and numerous injuries to the offensive line put several reserves in the starting lineup. His receiving numbers were also down, as quarterback Marc Bulger missed four games and struggled in his own right. Jackson's receiving stats will likely be cut into by second-year back Brian Leonard, and there is concern as to whether veteran left tackle Orlando Pace (shoulder) is still capable of playing at a high level.

FANTASY TIP: Since he has ended his holdout, Jackson should return to being one of the top running backs in fantasy football. He isn't worthy of consideration at No. 1 overall, but he is still worth grabbing any time after the second overall pick. He is a gifted receiver out of the backfield, giving him a boost in point-per-reception leagues. However, that boost still isn't enough to push him ahead of the consistency of San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson or the potential of Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson on draft day.

Tier 4

5) Clinton Portis | Washington Redskins | 5-foot-11, 223 Pounds | 7th Year

PROS: Portis rebounded nicely from an injury-filled 2006 season, running for 1,262 yards and playing in all 16 games for the second time in three years. He scored 11 touchdowns, as well, also the second time he has broken double digits in touchdowns in the past three seasons. New head coach Jim Zorn is expecting Portis to catch around 50 passes in 2008. He caught 47 passes last year, which was a career high for him. Zorn is also planning to use Portis and running back Ladell Betts in the same backfield at times, which will help keep the former Miami Hurricane fresh as the season wears on. Portis finished the 2007 season on a strong point, rushing for 306 yards and four scores in his final three games of the regular season.

CONS: Portis failed to maintain an average of 4.0 yards per carry or better last season, the second time in his four-year career with the Redskins that has occurred. Even though he is only 26 years old, he does have a lot of mileage on his legs. Chances are he still has a few good seasons left in him, but there has to be some concern that he may start slowing down soon. Portis has to deal with a change in offensive philosophy (less run, more pass), a new offensive coordinator, head coach and an offensive line that has notoriously fallen apart due to injury in recent years. A quarterback learning on the fly in Jason Campbell doesn't always keep defenses honest, and Portis has been streaky in recent seasons.

FANTASY TIP: Portis is a midrange No. 1 running back in fantasy drafts this year. He's middle-of-the-road in terms of receiving, so he's not a great pick in point-per-reception leagues, either. He's still worth picking in the first round but should go in the middle of the round at the earliest. View Portis as a nice consolation prize if you miss out on any of the bona fide studs at the position, and he has enough remaining upside to post strong No. 1 numbers.

6) Joseph Addai | Indianapolis Colts | 5-foot-11, 214 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: The 2007 season was a very good year for Addai as he nearly repeated his numbers from his rookie season. He found the end zone much more often, scoring seven more touchdowns in 2007 than he did in 2006. Playing for a tremendous offense helps, as Addai is the featured back behind a respectable offensive line and has quarterback Peyton Manning (knee) to keep defenses honest at all times. This offensive system produced a perennial (when healthy) fantasy stud in running back Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals), and the 25-year-old Addai shouldn't have too much trouble replicating James' success.

CONS: Addai, for the most part, was fairly consistent, but he had a few games where he couldn't get going on the ground. Half of his 12 rushing touchdowns came in three games. The team also made a few additions in the backfield that could impact Addai. Running back Dominic Rhodes was re-signed after spending a year with the Oakland Raiders, and he gives the Colts a veteran already familiar with the offense. With Rhodes being more of a power back, Addai could potentially lose out on some scoring opportunities in goal line situations. Addai, who was never the feature back in an offense until last season, comes with slight durability concerns. Some believe he is not suited to be a full-time back at the pro level and needs someone like Rhodes paired with him for optimal success. The Colts lost veteran right guard Jake Scott (Tennessee Titans) and could struggle early while trying to replace him.

FANTASY TIP: Addai will still be the team's main running threat in 2008, but Rhodes could cut into Addai's touchdown totals this season. Addai is easily worth picking in the first round of fantasy drafts, but should not go until the middle of the round. He doesn't play a huge part in the receiving game when you compare him to someone like the Philadelphia Eagles' Brian Westbrook, but Addai is a more than competent receiver out of the backfield. The offense and his upside make him worthy of grabbing as a No. 1 fantasy running back as high as No. 4 overall but better suited at the No. 6 pick.

7) Larry Johnson | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-foot-1, 230 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: Johnson was on his way to setting personal bests in receiving, but a cracked bone in his foot caused him to miss the final eight games of the season. The team is going to limit him this offseason, so he should have adequate time to heal from the injury. The team drafted offensive guard Branden Albert in the first round, so Johnson will likely have a better line paving the way for him and additional help carrying the ball. The addition of running back Jamaal Charles in the third round should let Johnson get an additional break once in awhile and hopefully keep him healthier in 2008. From 2005 to 2006, Johnson averaged an impressive 1,770 rushing yards and 18.5 rushing touchdowns per season. He is a capable receiver and a punishing runner in a conservative, ball-control offense.

CONS: Johnson struggled over the first half of the year, gaining just 559 rushing yards on 158 attempts. The 3.5 yards-per-carry average was a career low for him, and he managed just four total touchdowns in his half season of work. The team will also have a nearly completely reworked offensive line in 2008; there is the potential that the line could struggle as they work to gain chemistry and experience together. Johnson's NFL-record 416 carries in 2006 set him up for disaster in 2007, but can he ever again be the pre-2007 runner that teams feared? The team has no clear-cut answer at quarterback, which only amplifies defenses playing dishonestly against head coach Herman Edwards' already conservative offense. Coming off a serious injury, Johnson may not perform to the level that a first-round pick warrants.

FANTASY TIP: Johnson is worth picking in the first round of fantasy drafts in 2008, but he shouldn't go as high as he did in years past. Johnson's days of being a dominant back are probably behind him, but there is little reason why he can't be worthy of a late first-round fantasy pick. He rushed for better than 100 yards in three of his four games before the foot injury, starting to look more like the Johnson of prior years. He doesn't offer much extra for point-per-reception leagues, despite being a competent receiver, and you will need to back him up with a strong corps of rushers to help soften the blow should he succumb to injury once again. In addition to his punishing running style and excessive touches in recent seasons, Johnson turns 29 years old in November, which suggests he could be ready to slow down.

8) Marion Barber III | Dallas Cowboys | 6-foot, 221 Pounds | 4th Year

PROS: Barber saw an increased role in the offense last season and capitalized on it, rushing for a career-high 975 yards and maintaining his 4.8 yards-per-carry average. Barber should be the starting running back this season and receive more work than last year. Barber also caught 44 passes out of the backfield in 2007, another career best for him. Dallas' offense is potent across the board, preventing a defense from focusing too much on any one talent. The offensive line is surely better than average, and the addition of first-round halfback Felix Jones to the backfield can only help Barber stay fresh as the year progresses.

CONS: While Barber earned the majority of carries with the team last year, how he would do with a starter's workload remains to be same. He has barely cracked 200 carries in a season, let alone getting the ball 300 times like some other running backs. Jones will cut into Barber's time in 2008, but probably not anymore than former Cowboys back Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) did last year. This is both a positive and a negative. You want your first-round running back to approach 300 carries, but you don't want to see him worn down by the time fantasy playoffs roll around.

FANTASY TIP: Barber is worth grabbing in the first round of fantasy drafts, but owners expecting tremendous numbers have to realize that he might not reach them. Julius Jones was allowed to leave for Seattle, but the team drafted two more backs to potentially steal carries for Barber. He also isn't a major asset in point-per-reception leagues, so he doesn't have much of a boost there, either. Barber's upside is tough to ignore, so drafting him after the top five backs are picked is when you have to consider him. It would be wise to spend a flier pick on backup running back Tashard Choice, too, who would likely assume the role of the between-the-tackles back if Barber were injured.

9) Frank Gore | San Francisco 49ers | 5-foot-9, 223 Pounds | 4th Year

PROS: Gore continues to refute previous durability concerns, playing in 15 games last season and 31 over the past two years. He is also beneficial in the passing game, catching 53 passes for 436 yards last season. He was able to run for 1,102 yards last season, gaining an average of 4.2 yards per carry. Gore is excited about the team's new offense for the upcoming year. The 49ers hired Mike Martz to be the offensive coordinator, and Gore thinks he'll be used in the passing game more. Martz has said he is planning to build the team's offense around Gore. Just one year removed from a season of 2,180 total yards and nine scores, Gore figures to be healthy and ready to defy the odds once again in 2008. 

CONS: Gore wasn't too consistent last year, scoring just six total touchdowns the entire season and not rushing for 100 yards in a game until Week 12. He failed to break 60 yards rushing on six occasions, and he didn't really get involved in the passing game until Week 11. An ankle injury limited him during practices for parts of last season, but he only missed one game because of the injury. Gore is a fumbling machine, coughing up the ball 10 times in the past two years and losing 80 percent of them. Martz, while he has the ability to make a running back a stud for fantasy teams, has also been responsible for ruining fantasy worth with his stubborn penchant to favor the pass.

FANTASY TIP: Gore is worth grabbing as a weak No. 1 fantasy running back in drafts next year. He is capable of performing like a top-tier back, and the addition of Martz should help. Martz's love of passing and his plan to build the offense around Gore should also give Gore a boost in point-per-reception leagues. Even with all the new additions, though, Gore should still only go in the late portion of the first round in leagues that do not reward for receptions and in the middle of the round for those that do. He is a bit of a risk with his injury history, despite being relatively healthy for the past two years.

Tier 5

10) Marshawn Lynch | Buffalo Bills | 5-foot-11, 215 Pounds | 2nd Year

PROS: Lynch was a solid contributor to fantasy teams last season, rushing for 1,115 yards with seven touchdowns in 13 games. He was consistent, as well, gaining at least 61 yards in every game he played in. He also came on strong later in the year, rushing for at least 100 yards in three of his last six games. The team is planning to involve him more in third-down packages in 2008, giving him more opportunities for yards. The team also drafted wide receiver James Hardy with their second pick, which could draw some attention away from the Bills' running game as the season wears on and Hardy picks up the system better.

CONS: An ankle injury forced Lynch to sit out three games in the season, but he was able to recover to post up solid numbers after he returned. Lynch also didn't play a big part in the receiving game, catching just 18 passes the entire season. He's not a burner, either, and he gained less than 4.0 yards per carry in nine games last year. Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters remains a holdout, too. Ultimately, Lynch doesn't have a lengthy track record to go on.

FANTASY TIP: Lynch is only worth picking as a weak No. 1 or strong No. 2 fantasy back. He comes with tremendous upside, especially if the team has any respectable quarterback play. An improved offensive line, a commitment to the run and several games in inclement weather could lead to Lynch inching closer to becoming a household name for fantasy owners. Lynch didn't do much in the receiving game last year, lowering his value in points-per-reception leagues, but the team says that should change in '08. His average draft placement is just two picks into the second round of a 12-team league.

11) Ryan Grant | Green Bay Packers | 6-foot-1, 224 Pounds | 2nd Year

PROS: Grant didn't earn considerable playing time until Week 8 of the season when he broke out against the Denver Broncos for 104 yards on 22 carries. He earned seven starts over the team's last 10 games, racking up 929 yards on 182 carries and eight touchdowns. Grant has good size (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) to carry the ball inside and is fast enough to bounce plays to the edge if necessary. Grant has an incentive-laden contract, which gives him added motivation to run like a man possessed. The Packers offensive line is one of the most underrated in the league, featuring quality bookend tackles in Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher.

CONS: Grant is far from a sure thing entering 2008. He didn't log any carries in 2006, and it remains to be seen how he'll do over the course of a full season. Grant has no proven track record and very well could be a one-year wonder. The pressure will be on Grant to not only live up to expectations but help carry an offense on his back, because neither quarterbacks, Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers, is capable of doing it on their own.

FANTASY TIP: Grant should be viewed as a No. 2 fantasy running back for 2008. His numbers in limited time were very good last season, but there are too many unknowns to warrant a first-round selection. Grant has upside and could be a stud in the making, but you simply can't bank on that. His 30 receptions in limited time last year suggest that he could have added value in a point-per-reception format, because Green Bay utilizes their backs with a lot of dump-off and screen passes. Grabbing a true No. 1 running back in the first and trying to get Grant in the second round is a safer way to go - this way a fantasy team is guaranteed to have one true, top-tier back.

Tier 6

12) Maurice Jones-Drew | Jacksonville Jaguars | 5-foot-7, 208 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: Jones-Drew rushed for 768 yards on only 167 attempts and still managed to find the end zone nine times. He also caught 40 passes for 407 yards last year; he remains a solid option in the team's passing attack. Jones-Drew seems to find the end zone fairly often; he scored 15 touchdowns from scrimmage in his rookie season (2006), in addition to his 1,377 total yards and 46 receptions. The Jags remain a team with a run-first offense with a powerful offensive line. Jones-Drew has dispelled fears that he wouldn't hold up to the rigors of the NFL. Tailback Fred Taylor is 32 and could begin to yield carries to his younger mate.

CONS: Jones-Drew had more than 15 carries in a game just once last year thanks to Taylor's renaissance season (223 carries, 1,202 yards, five touchdowns). The elder statesman remains the starter and a large factor in Jones-Drew's limited workload. Taylor, typically considered injury-prone, has been healthy for two straight years and in five of the past six seasons. Jones-Drew's rushing average declined from 5.7 in 2006 to 4.6 last year despite virtually the same name of carries. The University of California-Los Angeles product saw an increase in red zone utilizations (from 38 to 61) and utilizations inside the 5 (from 11 to 16), yet he scored less. The drop in efficiency suggests that defenses are aware of him as a threat as Jacksonville approaches the goal line.

FANTASY TIP: Jones-Drew is a low-end No. 2 fantasy running back. His solid receiving skills give him a small bump in point-per-reception leagues, perhaps enough to make him a solid No. 2 back. If the injury bug were to strike Taylor, Jones-Drew could potentially become a No. 1 back in fantasy leagues. He has little downside, but his fortunes and upside are largely tied to another player. On average, he is drafted in the early third round.

13) Reggie Bush | New Orleans Saints | 6-foot, 203 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: It's a given Bush has good hands; he hauled in 73 passes last year and caught no fewer than three passes in a given week. He has shown the type of talent he can bring to the field, such as in Week 6 of 2007, when he ran for 97 yards on just 19 carries and caught six passes for 44 yards. He improved his rushing yards-per-game average from 2006 by 13. After running back Deuce McAllister (knee) went down in Week 3, Bush averaged 62.6 rushing yards per game. Bush is looking to improve; he spent more time at the team's practice facility this offseason. He plays behind a solid run-blocking line and is the team's most gifted threat. McAllister is coming off his second severe knee injury, which means the Saints may need to rely on Bush more this year.

CONS: Overall it was still a disappointing sophomore year for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He only averaged 3.7 yards per carry last year and finished with just 581 yards rushing. His touchdowns (six total) were down from the previous year (eight total), and his receiving yards (417 last year, 742 in 2006) took a big hit as well. Durability is a concern; Bush missed the final four games of 2007 due to a torn knee ligament. Despite his improvement, he hasn't demonstrated that he's a consistent threat in the running game: He only scored twice on the ground after Week 3. Punt-return duty could mean more chances to get hurt.

FANTASY TIP: In point-per-reception leagues, Bush should be viewed as a solid No. 2 fantasy running back. In leagues that don't give bonuses for receiving, he has less value and would be a No. 3 back, ideally; in that format, he could be overvalued. However, in PPR formats, he comes at an acceptable price if it's the second round. Bush is drafted in the middle of the third round, on average, in non-PPR leagues. In the point-awarding format, he is a drafted a little higher (early third round), on average, but some owners will draft him as high as the late first round. Ideally, he is picked in the middle of the second round in this format. KFFL has not witnessed Bush fall out of the second round in any expert drafts with PPR scoring.

14) Jamal Lewis | Cleveland Browns | 5-foot-11, 245 Pounds | 9th Year

PROS: Lewis revived his career with the Browns, rushing for 1,304 yards in his first year with the franchise. The rushing yards and 4.4 yards-per-carry average were his highest since 2003, when he ran for 2,066 yards with the Baltimore Ravens. He also contributed in the team's passing offense, hauling in 30 passes for 248 receiving yards, his highest total since 2002. His two receiving touchdowns were a career high, and his 11 total touchdowns were his highest since 2003. He will likely receive the bulk of the workload in 2008 and has showed up to offseason workouts in excellent physical condition.

CONS: Lewis still isn't a big threat in the receiving game. He will be 29 years old before the season starts and has a healthy list of past injuries. Lewis had some inconsistency problems to start the year, failing to rush for 70 yards in seven of his first eight games. However, he rushed for at least 92 yards in six of his last seven games. If quarterback Derek Anderson isn't legit, will the team have as much success on the ground?

FANTASY TIP: Lewis is worth grabbing as a weak No. 2 fantasy running back in single-year leagues. The team's offensive line is solid, and the addition of wide receiver Donte' Stallworth should keep the field open for Lewis to at least repeat his 2007 performance. He is drafted, on average, toward the end of the second round, which may be a little too steep of a price for a back with so many past issues.

15) LenDale White | Tennessee Titans | 6-foot-1, 235 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: White carried 303 times last season - his first year as a starter - and responded by rushing for 1,110 yards and seven touchdowns. White recently revealed he played the entire season with a torn meniscus, which demonstrates his toughness. He played in the 245-pound range last season, but he would like to show up to training camp at around 230-235 pounds. That should help him stay fresh throughout 2008. The hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger all but ensures a focus on the running game and ideally better red zone production.

CONS: The team drafted running back Chris Johnson with their first pick in the draft. White should still receive the bulk of carries in 2008, but Johnson figures to see plenty of touches. White isn't much of a receiver, which is something Johnson should excel at. White has struggled with his weight throughout his brief career, and his 3.7 yards-per-carry average last season demonstrates his inability to break big plays.

FANTASY TIP: White is serviceable as a weaker No. 2 option, but he would be ideally suited as a quality No. 3 fantasy running back. He's the type of player that gets a lot of carries and doesn't have too many killer weeks over the course of a season. White takes a bit of a hit in point-per-reception leagues, but he could be a solid value in Round 5, which is where he's currently being selected on average.

16) Edgerrin James | Arizona Cardinals | 6-foot, 220 Pounds | 10th Year

PROS: After a fairly disappointing first year with the Cardinals in 2006, James rebounded a little to rush for 1,222 yards on 324 carries. He again played in all 16 games, the third time in four seasons he has done so. With the exception of a nine-carry, 15-yard performance Week 9, James was fairly consistent. He rushed for 60 yards or less just five times last year and broke 100 rushing yards in a game three times. His 3.8 yards-per-carry average was also an improvement over his 2006 season. The Cardinals' potent passing game keeps defenses from crowding the line of scrimmage. The offensive line is making strides, too.

CONS: James will turn 30 (the age when backs generally slow down) on Aug. 1, and he has a lot of mileage on his legs. His rushing average last year, despite improvement, was still below par. He caught just 24 passes, tying a personal low he set in 2001, when he was limited to just six games. Arizona's line is getting better, but it still has a ways to go. A potential quarterback carousel and the loss of No. 3 wideout Bryant Johnson could make for same instability on offense. Running back Tim Hightower, the talk of camp, is among a group of backs who could steal a few carries.

FANTASY TIP: James should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 fantasy back or, ideally, a high-end No. 3. Edge is drafted, on average, in the early fourth round. His durability is nice, but there are backs out there who have more upside; there is also some risk of significant decline. His 2,849 career carries may take their toll sooner or later.

17) Willis McGahee | Baltimore Ravens | 6-foot, 232 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: McGahee had a solid first year with the Ravens, reaching new heights in the receiving game and setting a career high with a 4.1 yards-per-carry average. McGahee finished with 1,207 yards on 294 carries and scored seven times on the ground. He caught 43 passes, a new career high for him, for 231 receiving yards, also a career high. His receiving touchdown last season was also the first of his career. He will be the feature of a run-first offense in an offense with little in the way of a quarterback, virtually assuring he will be a workhorse this year. He was the No. 7 on the NFL utilization list last year.

CONS: McGahee (knee) needs surgery on his left knee, the same one injured in college, but he isn't expected to miss much time. McGahee has never logged that monstrous season that many have expected from him; he has never rushed for more than 1,247 yards in a season. After scoring 13 touchdowns in 2004, he has just 19 in the three years since. Last year was the first time he played a true factor in the receiving game. The team drafted running back Ray Rice in the second round of this year's draft to act as a change-of-pace back that take some time away from him. With a weakness at the quarterback position apparent, defenses are more likely to key in on McGahee and stack the box. Baltimore lost veteran left tackle Jonathan Ogden to retirement this offseason, a move that could hamper the running game.

FANTASY TIP: McGahee is a solid No. 2 running back in fantasy leagues. Don't be too worried about his knee, but it is worthy keeping in mind. His consistency makes him valuable, since fantasy owners should know what to expect out of the former Hurricane. Without a second gear, McGahee's big-play ability is almost non-existent. In other words, don't expect a home run hitter out of him. He is a tad overvalued by fantasy owners when you consider his 14th overall average draft placement. Look for him in the late second round instead.