This is a tough spot to pick because I like both Maurice Jones-Drew and Ray Rice alot. Both are young, can run between the tackles, run around the tackles, and even catch alot of passes. But I have to take Jones-Drew here since I think Rice may lose a few carries to some of the other backs in the Ravens offense.
Jones-Drew shined in his first season as the feature back last year and should not disappoint this year. There are no established back-ups competing for carries with Jones-Drew and he should finish with another 300+ carry season. The Jags RB has a nose for the end zone, and although small in stature, he gets the goal line carries.
By far the best playmaker in the Jaguars offense, Jones-Drew, does an incredible job of catching the ball out of the backfield. 53 catches last year and with some emerging young WRs his totals could be right around the same given that he could have some weight taken off his shoulders.
Very comfortable with taking the bowling-ball like, UCLA product with the number 3 pick.
-Projection: 1,400 rushing yards, 14 TDs; 55 receptions, 450 receiving yards, 2 TDs
As much as I hate agreeing with you, I think these projections are spot-on. It was surprising to see that Jones-Drew actually increased his yards per carry production last year while increasing his number of carries by 100+. Normally as backs transition into the feature back role, you'll see their YPC drop. MJD showed that he is able to play at a high level with a high workload throughout an entire season. Take Maurice Jones-Drew with the third pick and feel good about a young, consistent playmaker you can build your team around.
ReplyDeleteI know you do and I'm sure it hurt to actually write those words.
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