The Miami Herald reports that Ricky Williams is looking like the best player on the practice filed. Thus far he has lloked better than Ronnie Brown and may carry more of a load than expected. the Dolphins are weak on both offense and defense, so his fantasy value is still late round flier at best.
Travis Henry has again tested positive for marijuana, according to espn.com. Released by the Broncos on June 2, this continues Travis’s spiral toward career oblivion. Sources close to the running back haves stated it appears it will be a one-year suspension and he will begin serving it in the near future.
Henry was informed of the positive test in May and likely explains why the back was a no-show for team functions.
Travis Henry cut by the Denver Broncos today June 2, 2008.
“We did not feel his commitment to the Broncos was enough to warrant a spot on this football team,” Coach Mike Shanahan said in a written statement. “Although Travis has the ability to be one of the top running backs in the NFL, we have to make decisions that are in the best interests of our organization and its goal of winning a Super Bowl.”
Travis Henry has talent but lacks control of himself, as evidenced by the fact he has nine children with nine different mothers and repeated violations of the leagues substance abuse policy. The vast majority of NFL players understand what it takes to play in the league. There are a select few like Henry who just don’t get it. I don’t know who would take a chance on this guy this fall but someone is bound to. I wish I could say that he could be productive back but with a history like this, it is hard to imagine he could last a season without incident.
Scott Basso
The draft has come and gone. We are now left to wonder who will make the biggest impact on our fantasy rosters. The most likely answer is none of them will amount to much more than equivalent of a mid tier player. Running backs always have the most upside and everyone feels that Darren McFadden could be the next Adrian Peterson. That could be the case because there are similarities to their roles. Peterson had Chester Taylor to split time with. McFadden will split carries with Justin Fargas, Lamont Jordan and the resigned Michael Bush. Odds are Jordan won’t be around by the time the season rolls around. That backfield is pretty crowded but the cream will eventually rise to the top. But the Raiders line is not nearly as good as the Vikes line was last year so don’t expect the same results. Jonathon Stewart will split carries with DeAngelo Williams for the Carolina Panthers. Rashard Mendenhal will split carries with Willie Parker in Pittsburgh. Ray Rice will have to fight it out with Willis McGahee for the Ravens carries so don’t expect much of a shot outside of an injury to McGahee. Felix Jones will assume the role of Julius Jones in Dallas as he will share time with Pro Bowler Marion Barber and fellow rookie Tashard Choice. Chris Johnson was drafted by the Titans in the first round. He joins the backfield of LenDale White and Chris Henry. He is very fast and can catch the ball. Chris Henry violated the leagues steroid policy last year that limited his playing time and LenDale if he can keep his weight under control is a solid game day back. It will be difficult for him to find enough time on the field barring injury to contribute in a meaningful way. Kevin Smith who rushed for 2,566 yards last year for Central Florida will go against Tatum Bell this spring in Detroit for playing time. As it looks to me now the one running back who will have the easiest path to being the clear cut number 1 guy for their team is Kevin Smith a third round draft choice. Rookie Ranks
- Kevin Smith
- Darren McFadden
- Jonathon Stewart
- Rashard Mendenhal
- Felix Jones
These ranks are for the 2008 season not Dynasty Leagues. Training camp hasn’t started yet so watch for the injury bug to hit.
