2009 RB5 Value Analysis

49) Ahmad Bradshaw
ADP: 141.1 (12th round, 9th pick)
Value: Undervalued

What's Changed In 2009: Bradshaw is the new backup RB for the Giants.

Overview: After what Ward accomplished as the primary backup and change-of-pace RB for Brandon Jacobs last year, it's pretty shocking to see his heir apparent being drafted as only a fringe RB4. Now I'm not saying I expect Bradshaw to duplicate Ward's numbers, but he will certainly get a similar amount of touches, and he'll probably end up with a few starts behind the injury-prone Jacobs. Bradshaw is honestly a RB3 candidate this season as Jacobs running-mate behind a strong offensive line on a run-first team.

50) Correll Buckhalter
ADP: 152.3 (13th round, 8th pick)
Value: Appropriately Valued

What's Changed In 2009: Buckhalter is the new backup RB for the Broncos.

Overview: Buckhalter proved last season that he was still plenty capable of being a solid RB at the NFL level while filling in for several starts behind Brian Westbrook. His all-around game fits nicely into the new Denver system, and I expect him to carve out a lesser role behind Knowshon Moreno and fellow veteran LaMont Jordan. He's not going to see a bunch of carries unless Denver cuts ties with another veteran, plus 2nd year RB Ryan Torain has an outside chance of making the roster as well. Sounds like NE's backfield, no? Buckhalter is an OK RB4/5.

51) Sammy Morris
ADP: 100.5 (9th round, 4th pick)
Value: Appropriately Valued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: Morris filled in capably for New England last season after Maroney disappointed yet again, but he suffered an injury while slashing Denver in the first game as the primary ball carrier, and when he returned from that injury a month later, he mostly split carries with Benjarvis Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk, etc. Morris is a 32 year old veteran unlikely to provide any significant value to your team, but he's an OK guy to stash for depth to start the season.

52) Laurence Maroney
ADP: 159.3 (14th round, 3rd pick)
Value: Undervalued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: Maroney has gone from fringe 1st round pick, to 4th round pick, to endgame RB. That all being said, his talent hasn't gone anywhere, despite the annoying injuries he has suffered in his career thus far. Maroney will likely be given the chance to win the 1st/2nd down RB position for the Patriots this year, and you can be sure that with the other RBs on the roster (Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk) all in their 30s, Belichick wants nothing more than for Maroney to finally cash in on his talent. He is an excellent RB4/5 that is the perfect example what you should shoot for with your RB depth.

53) Jerious Norwood
ADP: 163.1 (14th round, 7th pick)
Value: Slightly Undervalued

What's Changed In 2009: Traded for TE Tony Gonzalez.

Overview: In accordance with me listing Michael Turner as a huge injury risk, Norwood is a perfect high upside deep RB pick as well. He's nothing more than a little used change-of-pace RB until that happens as the Falcons will stay with Turner as the primary ball carrier, but if he gets hurt, Norwood will start. He sports a very different game from Turner, and the focus of the offense would likely shift to the passing game, but he would start and present an explosive option in the backfield with 15-18 carries a game. Must-have for Turner owners, good RB4 for non-Turner owners.

54) Shonn Greene
ADP: 168.3 (14th round, 12th pick)
Value: Appropriately Valued

What's Changed In 2009: Greene is the new backup RB for the Jets.

Overview: As I mentioned with both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington above, the Jets drafted Greene with the intention of making him Jones' successor. Jones is a candidate to break down this season, so Greene definitely has some upside as the projected lead RB of the Jets committee should that happen. He's best fit as an RB5 as he has no role without an injury, but he's a solid upside pick this late.

55) Jamaal Charles
ADP: 170.7 (15th round, 2nd pick)
Value: Slightly Undervalued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: Charles wasn't given much of a chance last season, but he did impress with a 18/106 line against TB in his lone start as the primary ball carrier last year. Even when LJ went down, an ankle injury limited how much he was used. With KC moving to a shotgun based-offense under new offensive boss Todd Haley, Charles should see the field plenty as he's far better in the passing game than LJ. Expect him to pick up a couple starts this year, making him a good RB4/5 pick.

56) Justin Fargas
ADP: 175.5 (15th round, 7th pick)
Value: Appropriately Valued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: There's information flying back and forth as to exactly who will start for the Raiders this year, but even if McFadden doesn't win the job and Fargas somehow starts in week 1, don't expect it to last long. The Raiders would be a better team using the far more talented combo of McFadden and Michael Bush...which means Fargas will start 16 games and see 300 carries. Add the health risk on top of it, and you just don't have much going for you by picking Fargas. He's an OK RB5 if you think he'll start a few games, but he's the third best RB on the Raiders roster.

57) Jerome Harrison
ADP: 176.6 (15th round, 8th pick)
Value: Appropriately Valued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: With only an aging Jamal Lewis ahead of him, Harrison joins the theme of explosive RB5 options this season behind starters with injury concerns. The Browns offense doesn't project to do a whole lot this year, but Harrison could have some value if Jamal Lewis gets injured as he'll likely produce in the passing game as a change-of-pace option, but I'd rather have James Davis as he has emerged as the backup to own in Cleveland.

58) Tashard Choice
ADP: 192.4 (Not always drafted)
Value: Appropriately Valued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: Choice proved he could play at the NFL level last year while filling in for the injured Marion Barber and Felix Jones, showing his solid all-around game. Unfortunately for him and his solid skill set, he's still the 3rd most talented runner on the team. He'll need an injury to matter, but that's certainly not out of the question. He's a good RB5.

59) Michael Bush
ADP: 192.9 (Not always drafted)
Value: Undervalued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: As mentioned above with Fargas, the Raiders RB depth chart is a bit of a mess at the moment. However, despite being 3rd on the depth chart at the moment, Bush is defintely the 2nd most talented runner on the team, possessing good speed and hands for a RB his size. He has a chance to push Fargas off of the roster, and he's an excellent RB5.  He could approach RB3 numbers if he's a part of a committee with McFadden, and even RB2 numbers should McFadden get hurt.

60) Ladell Betts
ADP: 204.3 (Not always drafted)
Value: Undervalued

What's Changed In 2009: Nothing.

Overview: Betts has proven to be a solid backup RB in the NFL, and a good spot-starter when Portis has gotten injured in front of him. With Portis starting to age and an injury risk, Betts is a must-have for Portis owners, and also a solid RB5 for anyone else.

Other RBs To Keep An Eye On:

James Davis - Davis has emerged as the backup to own in Cleveland, and there's even a chance he'll overtake Jamal Lewis as the starter.  He's been one of the most impressive runners in the preseason, and he certainly offers more explosion than Lewis does.  A great RB5 stash.

Brandon Jackson - GB's offense will be explosive, and should something happen to Ryan Grant, Jackson would likely benefit. He hasn't shown much yet, but any true backup RB is worth keeping an eye on.

Greg Jones/Rashad Jennings - Whoever wins the backup battle behind first year starter MJD will be worth owning. Keep an eye on the preseason to see how this battle unfolds.