| Which rookie running back should go first in Fantasy drafts? |
| Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg |
 Finding the right rookie running back seems easy, but when you consider that there's been only one rookie rusher to top 1,000 yards in each of the last six seasons, uncovering that gem isn't very simple. So when you want to find the rookie rusher who can deliver the big stats, look for full-time starters. That's why I think Marshawn Lynch is your best bet in 2007 drafts. A first-round pick out of Cal, Lynch immediately filled the vacated running back job in Buffalo. He can run effectively inside as well as hit the edges to make gains on the outside. Lynch also had the best hands of any running back in the draft and was impressive in offseason workouts and training camp. While his stats aren't as eye-popping as other rookie running backs this preseason, keep in mind that he's only had seven carries in two games; Adrian Peterson and Brandon Jackson have had way more chances to shine, and that's because their coaches want to test them and see what they're capable of doing as part of a tandem. The Bills want to save Lynch and have him as healthy as can be when the season starts. Lynch will share a little too, but not as much as the others. So ignore the preseason totals and follow the projected workload. Lynch should see more work over the course of the season than any rookie running back, and that gives him the best chance to put up the biggest numbers. |  There are three rookie running backs who have a chance to make an impact this season in Green Bay's Brandon Jackson, Buffalo's Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson with the Vikings. Tennessee's Chris Henry also could be a factor as the season goes on. While I like Lynch and Peterson a lot and would be happy to draft both of them in any Fantasy league, Jackson might have the most upside with the knee injury to Vernand Morency, who could miss the start of the season. With Morency out, Jackson has thrived and earned the starting nod. He ran for 54 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in last week's preseason game against Seattle and continues to get better. He has good size (5-foot-10, 212 pounds) and speed and plays in a better offense than Lynch and Peterson. For all of Brett Favre's talk of retirement, he's a more experienced quarterback than J.P. Losman or Tarvaris Jackson, which will help in opening up the running game. Peterson is expected to share carries with Chester Taylor, who is still going to be the starter. And Lynch may lose goal-line touches to the bigger Anthony Thomas. Morency's eventual return will hurt Jackson's value, but for now he has the edge of all the rookie running backs. In keeper leagues, Peterson is your best bet, but for this season take Jackson first because he will be the one who helps you the most. |
Do you agree with Dave or Jamey? Which rookie do you think will make a big splash? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com and we'll post the best responses. Be sure to put Attn: Rookie RBs in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.
