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Mr. Fantasy's 2009 Football Draft Ratings: Running Backs 1-2
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Most fantasy experts are down on LaDainian Tomlinson this season. So am I.
I'm just not as down as most people.
Certainly, deciding which running back to pick after Adrian Peterson is gone is tough. You could go in about 10 different directions.
When that's the case, you're almost always better off letting someone else make that decision, while you go for a top quarterback or wide receiver. The cream at those positions is easier to identify and it's plenty rich.
Tomlinson is the Marion Barber of this year's fantasy draft - the most likely star back to slip. That doesn't mean he won't post the second-best numbers. Just that you'll be lucky if he falls onto your lap late in Round 1.
LT might not be as good as he was a couple of years ago, but that just brings him back to the pack. It doesn't necessarily drop him below a bunch of guys.
The Chargers have the potential to lead the league in scoring, and Tomlinson is their touchdown-scoring back. He's as likely as anyone to lead the league in TDs even without doing much between the 20s.
But he's plenty good there, too. He catches the ball as well as anyone, and he benefits from the fact his quarterback is very good and the Chargers have three starting receivers (including tight end Antonio Gates) who keep defenses from thinking run.
LT has gone from a bit overrated to vastly underrated basically overnight, and it's not warranted. I wouldn't take him with a top-four pick, but anywhere after that, you should get your money's worth.
2009 Fantasy Football Draft List: Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings. Why he's No. 1.
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers.
Who's No. 3? Click here to find out.
