Training camp positional battles: Running backs

August 12, 2008 @ 16:34:14

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Herija C. Green and Cory J. Bonini

With training camps around the league underway, dozens of battles are already being fought for the right to playing time when the real games begin in September. Each of these battles is unique and varies in its fantasy impact. We have highlighted some of the important competitions taking place in August with a brief analysis giving our take on the situation.

Running backs

Carolina Panthers: DeAngelo Williams vs. Jonathan Stewart

Williams flashed his big-play potential with five runs of 20-plus yards (and one for more than 40 years) last year en route to averaging 5.0 yards per carry. The former University of Memphis back has the experience edge over Stewart (toe), though the rookie likely fits Carolina's scheme better. Head coach John Fox is looking to return to a power-running approach with someone in the mold of retired halfback Stephen Davis. However, Fox has rarely used rookie backs in the past and Stewart's toe injury, which required offseason surgery, has limited him to one practice per day during camp. Thus, Williams could see a larger role early in the season. However, even with Williams in a starting role we expect Stewart to overtake him production-wise, similar to last year's situation with running backs Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) and Marion Barber III (Dallas Cowboys). Therefore, view Stewart as a high-upside No. 3 option with Williams a No. 4 fantasy back.

Projected Winner: DeAngelo Williams

Denver Broncos: Michael Pittman vs. Andre Hall

These two are battling to back up relatively untested running back Selvin Young in head coach Mike Shanahan's running back-friendly system. Hall has the size (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) and potential, but he is thought to be a bit injury-prone. Pittman has been listed as the fullback and is not receiving many touches, though he is a reliable veteran and a strong receiver out of the backfield. Rookie running back Ryan Torain (elbow) also figured to be in the mix, but he sustained a broken elbow Wednesday, Aug. 6, and could be out for up to three months. Look to grab Hall in drafts as a handcuff to Young. He could offer value as a late-round pick, especially if Young can't handle the rigors of a starting gig. However, there is so much uncertainty going on with this situation that it might be best to avoid it entirely. We cross our fingers endorsing Hall.

Projected Winner: Andre Hall

Detroit Lions: Kevin Smith vs. Tatum Bell

The Lions drafted Smith after the former University of Central Florida back put together one of the all-time best seasons by a running back (2,567 rushing yards, 30 total touchdowns) in collegiate history. He fits their zone scheme and with head coach Rod Marinelli looking to transition into a more physical, run-first offense, Smith could receive plenty of touches. There is still the matter of Bell, who also fits the scheme, but a 75/25 split of the carries in Smith's favor would not be a surprise. Assuming Smith wins the job, he has value as a high-upside No. 3 back.

Projected Winner: Kevin Smith

Pittsburgh Steelers: Willie Parker vs. Rashard Mendenhall

This doesn't appear to be so much of a battle as it will be a split of the carries. Parker (leg) was leading the league in rushing when he went down with a broken leg late last season. Mendenhall was drafted in the first round of this year's draft. Look for the split to favor Parker, though Mendenhall could see his time increase later in the season. Consider Parker as a low-end No. 2 option, while Mendenhall is a borderline No. 3 back with high upside.

Projected Winner: Willie Parker

San Diego Chargers: Darren Sproles vs. Jacob Hester vs. Marcus B. Thomas

With running back Michael Turner now the starter for the Atlanta Falcons, there's a battle to be fought to back up halfback LaDainian Tomlinson. Sproles does not appear big enough to do the inside running in this offense; however, he likely will get the first shot due to his experience. Hester, a third-round draft pick, has worked at both fullback and halfback in early activities. He looked strong around the goal line in their preseason opener, as well, scoring a pair of touchdowns. Thomas has impressive speed and size - both qualities possessed by the now-departed Turner - but, like Hester, is still a rookie. Consider Sproles the likely backup to Tomlinson in name value only, but Hester remains the best handcuff option to Tomlinson as he would likely see the majority of the carries were Tomlinson to be injured.

Projected Winner: Jacob Hester

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Warrick Dunn vs. Earnest Graham vs. Michael Bennett

Graham was the No. 1 back last season and after signing an extension, looks set to reprise that role again in 2008. However, head coach Jon Gruden has long wanted to work with Dunn, which could lead to a split in the carries. Bennett figures to receive some work performing mop-up duty. Draft Graham as a low-end No. 2 or strong No. 3 running back while Dunn has value as a fourth option. Bennett should not be drafted. Expect a true committee approach.

Projected Winner: Earnest Graham

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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