Sleeper Watch

When it came to running backs, the focus in this year’s NFL draft was on Oregon State’s Steven Jackson, Michigan’s Chris Perry, and Virginia Tech’s Kevin Jones. But don’t overlook second-rounder Julius Jones when planning for the 2004 fantasy season.

The Cowboys raised quite a few eyebrows by trading out of the opening round of the draft, but they feel they’ve landed a potential difference-maker in Jones, a versatile, explosive back coming off a 1268-yard season at Notre Dame. Combining speed with a knack for evading tacklers, Jones could be just what the doctor ordered to revive Dallas’ ailing running game.

The big question is whether the rookie is up to the challenge of being an every-down back. At just 5′9″, 215 lbs, some consider Jones to be too small to be the workhorse Bill Parcells is looking for. Others grumble about his tendency to cough up the football, but it wouldn’t be the first time Jones proves skeptics wrong. All that’s standing between him and a starting job is Troy Hambrick and Aveion Cason, neither of whom looks like a long-term solution. Keep an eye on this situation as we head toward the new season. If Jones impresses in camp and winds up starting, he could put up solid numbers in the Tuna’s offense, and turn into a nice bargain for his fantasy owners as well.