Simply put, I love Ray Rice. I love his production. I love his name. I love the endless amount of nicknames that you can associate with him (my personal favorite: Long-Gain Rice).
Last year, the savvy fantasy owner was able to draft this gem in the middle-late rounds. The hesitation wasn't due to an ineffectiveness of the Ravens running-game. Rather, it was the clustered backfield that Rice is a part of. With veterans like Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain in the backfield, no one was sure how the carry distribution would play out.
Fresh off a 2,000+ total yard, 254 carry, 78 reception season, Rice's role is clear. The goal in the offense is simple: "Get the ball in Rice's hands any way possible."
He'll still cede goal-line carries to McGahee and McClain, but Rice possesses the athletic ability to score from outside the redzone. The addition of Anquan Boldin should help keep defenders from stacking up in the box this year as well.
Rice is a fine player in standard formats and a manimal in PPR leagues. At 23 years old, he becomes even more attractive in keeper/dynasty leagues.
Take Ray Rice at 4 and appreciate the fact that you were able to snag a top-tier running back.
- Projections: 1,200 Rushing Yds, 6 Rushing TDs, 70 Receptions, 600 Receiving Yds, 3 Receiving TDs
I love Rice as well. He has put up great numbers when used properly and it should only get better.
ReplyDeleteHad to take Jones-Drew at 3 but Rice is no consolation prize. Like you said top-tier back, and projections look to be right in line.
And yes it hurst, but I agree with the whole article.
It's hard to disagree with perfection.
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