4. Julius Jones, Cowboys – Jones burst on the scene as a rookie, but his career stalled because of poor vision and poor receiving ability. He lost confidence by the end of 2007 and has average instincts. Still, Jones has put enough solid tape out there as a starter. A second team will hope he develops late like his brother. So let's have him follow in Thomas' footsteps.
Prediction: Bears, $6 million guaranteed
5. Derrick Ward, Giants - Ward is injury prone, but he flashed a complete game as a starter in 2007. For a cheap price, he could give a team a backup with power, speed, and receiving ability. The Giants want to keep him, but a good third back is a luxury. His agent should see what's out there first.
Prediction: Seahawks, $5 million guaranteed
6. Mewelde Moore, Vikings - This versatile pro has 4.9 yards-per-carry career average and is excellent in the passing and return game. He can do a little bit of everything, and seems to be a great fit for a West Coast scheme. I'm contractually obligated to mention he went to Tulane.
Prediction: Bucs, $3 million guaranteed
7. Ron Dayne, Texans - Ronnie gets no love, but he's proven that he can close out a season out by eating some carries. He's a serviceable backup.
Prediction: Texans, $2 million
8. Michael Pittman, Bucs - The Godfather of third-down backs should get another contract, but he's nearing the finish line.
Prediction: 49ers, $2 million
10. Musa Smith, Ravens - Finally freed, Musa put up 83 yards and a score in a Week 17 start. Some team could see starter potential, but a return to Baltimore is more likely.
Prediction: Ravens, $2 million
11. Chris Brown, Titans - Brown remained a free agent until June last year, averaged 4.6 yards-per-carry, but somehow didn't rehab his value. He fades as the year goes along and could have trouble finding a job.
12. Aaron Stecker, Saints - This year's Billy Volek earned himself another season in a crowded Saints backfield. A return to Tampa is another possibility.
Prediction: Saints, $1.5 million
13. T.J. Duckett, Lions - At risk of falling out the league, Duckett impressed with a nice December run. He should get a job as a short-yardage specialist somewhere.
Prediction: Panthers, $1 million
14. Jesse Chatman, Dolphins - He looked like a pro when given the chance, getting 128 carries in his first action in three years. Chatman won't get many job offers, but his old coach Cam Cameron should bring him to camp.
Prediction: Ravens, $1 million
15. Tatum Bell, Lions - If Mike Shanahan and Mike Martz couldn't make him look good, no one will.
Prediction: Texans, $2 million
The Rest (In no particular order)
Michael Bennett, Bucs - Just about out of chances
Vernand Morency, Packers (restricted) - Should get a tender offer, but he's probably fighting for a roster spot.
Maurice Hicks, 49ers - Does enough things to get a job somewhere.
LaBrandon Toefield, Jaguars - 23 carries over the last two seasons.
Samkon Gado, Dolphins - A great waiver pickup in 2005, but running out of chances.
Artose Pinner, Saints - First player in NFL history to have exactly five carries for 46 yards for two teams in same season. That's worth something!
Travis Minor, Rams- Once in the worst committee in NFL history with Leonard Henry and Lamar Gordon. Now I'm just showing off.
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Gregg Rosenthal is the Managing Editor of Rotoworld.com and has directed its football content since 2003. He co-hosts the NBC Fantasy Fix and covers the NFL for NBCSports.com and Profootballtalk.com. Gregg was named the Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year in 2007, but did not repeat in '08. He's out for vengeance now on Twitter. |
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