There will be a run on running backs in the first round of your draft this year. How do I know? Because it's just the way it goes in 99 percent of fantasy football leagues.
My suggestion: Unless Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson or Brian Westbrook is available at your turn to pick, strongly consider breaking from the flock of sheep and taking a quarterback or wide receiver.
The rationale for securing two running backs as quickly as possible used to make sense. That was in the days when there were far fewer than 20 quality backs, and you didn't want to be one of the teams that didn't wind up with two of them.
But two things have changed recently in the NFL.
First off, after the top three backs, there are a lot of good ones, but no sure-thing stars. When that's the case, it makes no sense to take one in the first round.
And secondly, there's never been greater depth at the position. On the eve of training camp, I rate Steve Slaton, the sixth-best back in the fantasy game last season, as the No. 20 back in this year's draft.
He'll probably be taken higher than that, but that'll just result in an even more dependable back (at least in my eyes) slipping to 20th.
Bottom line: If you start off with Tom Brady, Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson, you'll have far and away the best collection of quarterback-wide receivers in your league. And even if that means you get the 19th- and 20th-best backs, those are going to be two very good players.
You can win a championship with that foundation. In fact, it just might be the smoothest path.
2009 Fantasy Football Draft List: Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings. Why he's No. 1.
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers. Why he's No. 2.
3. Brian Westbrook, Eagles. Why he's No. 3.
4. Matt Forte, Bears. Why he's No. 4.
5. Chris Johnson, Titans. Why he's No. 5.
6. Marion Barber, Cowboys.
7. Brandon Jacobs, Giants.
8. Joseph Addai, Colts.
9. Michael Turner, Falcons.
10. Frank Gore, 49ers.
Who's Nos. 11-20? Click here to find out.
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