2005's Tiki Barber???

[Cornbread Maxwell]

Quote:
-- Vikings Eyeing RBs --
Sun Jul 10, 2005 --from FFMastermind.com

The Pioneer Press reports with RB Onterrio Smith suspended for the year, the Vikings haven't given up on acquiring another running back.

They have said since the Whizzinator incident that they plan on adding another RB for depth. From what I have read they are loong for a league minimum type - definitely not one who they seriously think will challenge for the feature back role.

Personally - if I were a MIN fan Id be clammoring for them to send a 3rd rd pick to BUF for Henry.

[creamdoorthirtyniner]

I think that Moore'll have a better chance than whomever they bring in to challenge Bennett, and even then, I don't think he has much of a chaance at the moment. Keep you eyes peeled on who they pick up, beit a large guy who may team up with Moe to steal goaline carries, or a shifty back that'll have an opportunity to spell him.

[MCG321]

I was paging through a magazine in Borders and they (forget which one) said this year's Tiki Barber will be Donald Driver.

I scoffed at first, but after reading his statistical breakdown from last year, I see their point. Walker is hogging the spotlight, letting Driver drop to later rounds than his numbers suggest. I'll hope to grab him in the late 5th or early 6th round this year.

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

I wasn't high on Bennett--ever. He is a walking injury and has been since college.

Never pick a Vikings RB. Your best bet is Moe Williams because he will get the TDs all year regardless. And when Bennett goes down again he'll have a year like '03.

[maddog60]

Never pick a Vikings RB.

Wow, we're in agreement for a change.

Between Tice and the loss of Moss (which will let defense's stack the box much more) I am just avoiding Minnesota RBs like plague rats. I like the potential of quite a few of these guys, but I don't trust Tice to make the necessary adjustments in his game plan to life after Moss.

[Ricky_Christ]

I will do everything possible to avoid picking up Bennett, but as a #3 or preferably #4 RB he does have a huge value upside. If he falls that far I'd say it's a good idea to snatch him up. However with possible injury, other RBs sniping carries, & Tice at the helm...you'd better be prepared for a season full of headaches.

[Dr. Duran Duran]

I will do everything possible to avoid picking up Bennett, but as a #3 or preferably #4 RB he does have a huge value upside. If he falls that far I'd say it's a good idea to snatch him up. However with possible injury, other RBs sniping carries, & Tice at the helm...you'd better be prepared for a season full of headaches.

Ciatrick Fason, baby!!!

[Kensat30]

The RB most likely to turn an '04 Tiki isn't Michael Bennett, it's Kevan Barlow or Deshaun Foster. Chances are slim that there will even be another surprise top5 RB like Barber in 2005 though(RB generally drafted in round 3 or later).


Bennett is going to lose playing time and goalline carries to other Minnesota RBs and to Culpepper.... Look at Bennett's pro-bowl season for evidence, he for what like 1200/1300 yards and only scored 6 TDs while Moe Williams ran in 10+ and Culpepper had quite a few rushing TDs as well.

Even a fully healthy Michael Bennett has never been one to put up monster receiving stats so you're unlikely to see him break into the top10, especially with all the competition he has for TDs on that offense. I would give him the label as quality value RB in the 5th round, but I doubt he has the top10 or top5 potential.
--

Barlow and Foster on the other hand should have a lock on the starting role for their team, and both of them will have the opportunity to be the goto guy at the goalline for their respective teams. Of course this was said of Barlow last season and we all know how that turned out. But with a 4th, 5th, or even 6th round pricetag, it doesn't get much cheaper for a potential #1 RB.... Huge late value at RB this year IMO.