Sleeper Watch

Some players may not be worth drafting in all but the most ridiculously deep leagues, but are still worth keeping a close eye on. That’s the case with this week’s sleeper: with Minnesota’s RB situation still as clear as mud, we want to make sure you have heard of Larry Ned.

Ned was drafted in the sixth round by the Raiders last year, but never had a chance in a team very deep in running backs. He then was signed to the Chargers practice squad, but was cut when Curtis Conway and Tim Dwight went down with injuries and San Diego needed more WRs. The Vikings claimed Ned following Greg Biekert’s recommendation.

Ned is a strong, explosive running back (5-11, 217 pounds) from San Diego State university, the same school Marshall Faulk played for. He finished second to Faulk in career rushing, but broke many of Faulk’s college records.

As things stand in Minnesota, Moe Williams will start at RB in the Vikings’ season opener in place of the injured Doug Chapman, but whether Williams or Onterrio Smith will receive more carries remains to be seen. And if Smith falters, Ned, whose hard-working attitude will earn the respect of the coaching staff, could emerge as the dark horse in this RB picture. And while Ned remains too much of a longshot to add to your draft lists, he’s worth watching if you already own one of Minnesota’s other running backs.