Top 5 Running Backs

I wrote this article as an audition for a columnist position at a fantasy site:

Top 5 RBs:

1. LT- No-brainer here. The poster boy for consistency at the position is again a consensus top pick after being supplanted by Larry Johnson and Shaun Alexander last season in most drafts. Even in his banged up "down year" in '05, LT still scored 20 TDs. While the continued maturation of Philip Rivers and other weapons might cut into his goal line looks, LT's floor is higher than the ceiling of other top 10 backs. #1 pick is a no-stress environment this year.

2. Steven Jackson- The 2nd pick this year is possibly the most painful pick in the draft. Both SJax and Larry Johnson are worthy of consideration. I give SJax the nod here because of several factors:
1. Orlando Pace return at OLine
2. Larry Johnson's potential holdout/trade
3. St Louis's explosive offense bodes well for SJax's scoring opportunities
4. SJax is much more active in the passing game
Jackson also has less wear than Larry Johnson, and plays for a better team top to bottom. For all of these reasons, Jackson is the pick.

3. Larry Johnson- My rationale for taking SJax over LJ may have one believing that LJ is a hack. However when picking between 2 similar players at the top, one must split hairs, and that is what I have done above. Larry Johnson has been downright dominant since besting Priest Holmes, averaging 1.25 TDs/game over the past 2 seasons. When you factor in the fact that he spent half of the '05 season splitting carries with Priest Holmes, that number is astounding. Look for Herm Edwards to proceed with a heavy dose of LJ in an attempt to stabilize the play of their inexperienced QB position. As for the return of Priest Holmes, this can be broken down into best and worst case scenarios:
Best Case Scenario: Priest Holmes is just a ploy to get LJ to agree to terms and come to camp and won't see the field.
Worst Case Scenario: Priest Holmes is a 3rd down back to help rest LJ's weary legs after last year's wear and tear.

4. Frank Gore- I am not as high on Gore as most, as I believe he is one of the more likely of the top backs to take a step back. However it is hard to ignore his stellar year last year. It will certainly be hard for him to repeat his 5.4 YPC average, but San Francisco had arguably the best offseason of anyone. This will translate to a great young offense in San Fran. However this improvement is a double-edged sword. An improved passing game coupled with Gore's impotence at the goal line last year will undoubtedly lead to fewer TDs, but this loss is offset by his continued presence in an improved passing game. He is even more valuable in PPR formats.

5. Brian Westbrook- Surprise! I have Westbrook higher on my board than most for several reasons. Word is at print that McNabb is close to 100% at camp. This bodes well for the entire explosive Eagles offense, especially Westy. Westbrook's 2nd half explosion was not due to Jeff Garcia's presence as some pundits would argue. It was in fact due to OC Marty Morningwig was handed playcalling duties down the stretch, and he made Westbrook the focal point of the offense. He figures to continue that role this season, and Westbrook will again be a dual threat much like the aforementioned Frank Gore. The Eagles' use the screen pass more often and better than almost any other team, and Westbrook reaps the benefits. Tony Hunt may cut into goal line carries, so monitor this situation at camp. Still, his shifty nature and great hands will keep him on the field near the paint. Durability has always been and is still a concern for Westbrook, but he is 100% coming into camp. He showed remarkable toughness last season and actually held up well to his increased load last season. He is a monster in all formats, but does most damage in PPR leagues.