ROOKIES

RUNNING BACKS

DARREN MCFADDEN - McFadden walks into a crowded running back core for the Oakland Raiders after his #4 overall selection. The Raiders were 6th ranked in rushing and McFadden should have a very productive season splitting carries with Justin Fargas. He is going as early as the second round in some mock drafts which is a little early. The anemic nature of the Raiders passing game coupled with several running back options tells me he will not have the same level of success as rookie Adrian Peterson had last year.

McFadden Highlight Reel

RASHARD MENDENHALL - The touchdown production from starter Willie Parker last season does pose a question about his long-term effectiveness. Mendenhall will get into the mix and may steal some goal line carries from Parker. Don’t get too excited about running back that creates a running back by committee situation. The veteran will likely be the better of the two.

Mendenhall Highlight Reel

JONATHAN STEWART - The toe injury is troubling but is worth a mid round pick just in case. The health of Delhomme will be the determining factor for the Carolina Panthers season. Not to mention they already have a pretty good starting running back. At best Stewart will split carries and get a handful of goal line opportunities which doesn’t warrant a very high fantasy draft pick.

Stewart Highlight Reel

MATT FORTE - Forte may not be considered the best rookie running back but may be in the best situation to be productive in fantasy terms. The Bears have no confidence in Benson and Forte should be the starter on week one. A starting running back in the NFL is always worth a fantasy spot somewhere.

Forte Highlight Reel

JALEN PARMELE - Parmele is the third on the depth chart for the woeful Miami Dolphins. Ronnie Brown is coming off a big injury and Mr. Reliable Ricky Williams is second on the chart. Parmele could find himself the starter quicker than a second year quarterback and a first year coach would like to see.

Parmele Highlight Reel

KEVIN SMITH - Smith’s situation is similar to Forte’s as he will also be the starter by week one. The Lions running game struggled last year but the new offensive coordinator plans on rekindling the running game. Smith was drafted for that purpose and could be a nice surprise in the late rounds.