For the past two seasons, Marion Barber has been the best running back in Dallas. And for the past two seasons, Fantasy owners kept asking the same question: Why isn't he starting?
Well, ask no more. The time has come for Barber to be the featured back for the Cowboys. He'll play on every down, and he is line for a breakout year.
Julius Jones has left for Seattle as a free agent, meaning the job belongs to Barber. If he can produce in a full-time role as he did sharing carries with Jones, he could be a dominant Fantasy option.
In 2006, playing on third downs and in short-yardage situations, Barber rushed for 654 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 23 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Then last year, Barber ran for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught 44 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.
Barber finished as the No. 7 Fantasy RB in a standard scoring league last year, but he should rise in the rankings this season. Barber only had 204 carries in 2007, which ranked 21st in the NFL. If he can approach 300 carries and continue his 4.8-yards per carry average, he could be unstoppable.
The Cowboys paid Barber a huge contract extension this offseason, showing they have faith he can be an elite running back. He is expected to lose some carries to rookies Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, but this is Barber's time to shine.
If you've been waiting for Barber to be the starter and have confidence in his skills, draft Barber at the end of the first round in all Fantasy leagues. At worst, Barber should be gone by the middle of the second round.
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Marion Barber will get every chance to show that he's an every-down back in 2008.
(Getty Images)
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Barber has the talent to be among the NFL's best running backs. And now he has the opportunity to prove it.
Positives: He's no longer sharing carries on a consistent basis with Jones since he is now in Seattle. Barber will play on every down, meaning he will still get catches and carries in short-yardage situations. He's averaged 14 total touchdowns the past two seasons, which is among the best in the NFL.
Negatives: He's only started three games in his career and never had more than 204 carries in a season, so hopefully his hard running style won't lead to injuries. Jones and Choice will get carries, but it remains to be seen how many they will take away from Barber. The Cowboys still throw the ball a lot, so hopefully Barber won't lose many rushing touchdowns.
Outlook: Barber is going to be a stud this year. He will fall to the end of the first round, but he might have more upside than Clinton Portis, Frank Gore and Larry Johnson based on the offense he plays in and his past performance. If Barber is there starting at No. 7 overall in the first round, think about drafting him in that spot.
Position battle: No. 2 running back
 | Felix Jones
Pro: The Cowboys drafted Jones in the first round of the NFL Draft, and owner Jerry Jones values the player because of his ties to Arkansas. Jones worked well in tandem with Darren McFadden in college and should do well as a change-of-pace back working with Barber. He has good hands and plenty of speed.
Con: He was overshadowed in college and could be again here if Choice outplays him in training camp. He will have to prove he can run between the tackles instead of just using his speed to run outside. |
 | Tashard Choice
Pro: He was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, which means the team isn't sold on Jones as the backup running back. Choice played well at Georgia Tech and has a good mix of speed and power.
Con: His receiving skills could be questionable, and he will have to overcome Jones being handed the primary backup job. He has the most to prove in training camp. | | Prediction: Jones will fill the role of Julius Jones and share carries with Barber in a limited role. Choice will get some time, but he will be third on the depth chart. Felix Jones and Choice are worth drafting high in rookie-only leagues, with Jones a second-round option and Choice a middle-round selection. In seasonal leagues, look for Jones as the better handcuff to Barber. | |
Position battle: No. 2 wide receiver
 | Terry Glenn
Pro: Glenn says he's healthy after missing 15 games with a knee injury last year. Before getting hurt he had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and combined for 132 catches and 13 touchdowns. He is the third-most reliable receiver on the roster behind Owens and Witten.
Con: His knee might not be strong enough to make it through a full season. The Cowboys want Glenn to sign an injury waiver, and if he doesn't they might waive him prior to training camp. He will be 34 to start the season, and age and injuries might have hurt his speed. |
 | Patrick Crayton
Pro: Crayton filled in for Glenn last year and set career highs in catches (50), yards (697) and touchdowns (seven). He earned Tony Romo's trust and played well opposite Owens.
Con: Crayton disappeared at times last year with six games with two catches or less. He also scored his seven touchdowns in only five games. | | Prediction: If Glenn is healthy, he is the No. 2 option, and Crayton will move down the depth chart. But it remains to be seen if Glenn will even make the team. Keep an eye on what develops in training camp, but the winner of this battle deserves to be a late-round flier in all leagues because of Romo's ability as a quarterback. | |
