Rating the Rookie Running Backs of 2008

by NYCowboy on Jan 4, 2009 3:27 PM CST

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

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.

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Comments

FANTSHOT

you didnt even quote it

What the French?! Toast!

by thebigham on Jan 4, 2009 3:35 PM CST reply actions

this is the

definition of what not to do and what exactly a fanshot should be

What the French?! Toast!

by thebigham on Jan 4, 2009 3:36 PM CST reply actions

Stewart and Williams are going to be a dangerous duo for a long time

by Deke on Jan 4, 2009 4:20 PM CST reply actions

oh yes..

Those two are both extremely explosive.

"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"

by Wmillion on Jan 4, 2009 5:45 PM CST up reply actions

Chris Johnson

Why did you leave him off?

You Can Pay for School but You Cant Buy Class

by Bloomth on Jan 4, 2009 4:43 PM CST reply actions

because he just copied a link and didnt quote it and just linked it and it should be a fanshot

What the French?! Toast!

by thebigham on Jan 4, 2009 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

calm down

it’s okay.

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012

by Longhorn on Jan 4, 2009 5:31 PM CST up reply actions

its very misleading

What the French?! Toast!

by thebigham on Jan 4, 2009 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

Ahhh

The lack of quotebox or whatever you call it threw me off

You Can Pay for School but You Cant Buy Class

by Bloomth on Jan 4, 2009 5:34 PM CST up reply actions

Here's the quote on Choice.

Tashard Choice, Cowboys: 4/122
Only after Felix Jones went on IR and Marion Barber was unable to start, Choice was forced into action and showed that he is a legitimate talent by performing admirably against some of the NFL’s toughest defenses late in the season. Most of his action came in five games, putting up 472 yards rushing and 186 yards receiving. Substantial playing time will be tough to get next season.
Grade: B-

George Teague did it all.

by Aaron Novinger on Jan 5, 2009 9:46 PM CST reply actions